Mastering SAP PP Interview Questions for Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, and landing a job there as an SAP PP consultant can be a highly rewarding career move. To stand out in the competitive hiring process, it’s essential to thoroughly prepare for the interview by familiarizing yourself with the most commonly asked SAP PP (Production Planning) questions.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore a wide range of SAP PP interview questions that are frequently asked at Infosys, along with clear and concise explanations to help you ace your interview.

Understanding SAP PP Fundamentals

Before delving into the specifics, let’s establish a solid foundation by understanding the core concepts of SAP PP.

1. Explain what is SAP PP?
   SAP PP (Production Planning) is a module within the SAP ERP system that encompasses all activities related to production planning, including Material Requirements Planning (MRP), Bills of Materials (BOMs), Routing, Capacity Planning, and more. It is divided into two main segments: Material Planning and Execution Planning.

2. Mention what are the production processes in SAP?
   SAP supports three types of production processes:

   • Discrete Manufacturing
   • Repetitive Manufacturing
   • Process Industries Production

3. List out the activities carried out in Production Planning?
   The activities involved in Production Planning include:

   • Processing material master data
   • Creating Bills of Materials (BOMs)
   • Displaying work centers and routing
   • Maintaining planning calendars
   • Maintaining production lots
   • Maintaining quota files
   • Defining ranges of coverage profiles and safety time profiles
   • Defining MRP views

4. Explain what is Routing in SAP PP?
   Routing in SAP PP refers to a list of activities required to produce a material. It is used for cost estimation, as the system triggers the relevant routing and activity rates defined in the routing to calculate the processing cost during product costing.

5. What are the steps of the Production Execution Process?
   The steps involved in the Production Execution Process are:

   • Converting planned orders to production orders
   • Releasing the production orders
   • Goods issue for production orders
   • Confirmation of production orders
   • Goods receipt against production orders

In-Depth SAP PP Knowledge

As we delve deeper into SAP PP, it’s essential to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the module’s functionalities and processes.

1. What are the reports generated in the product cost controlling information system?
   The product cost controlling information system generates reports for the following areas:

   • Product cost planning
   • Cost object controlling with subcomponents
   • Product cost by period, order, and sales order
   • Costs for intangible goods and services
   • Actual costing/Material Ledger

2. Explain what is a “work center” in SAP PP and what is the use of data in work centers?
   A “work center” in SAP PP is a business object used in task list operations, routings, maintenance task lists, inspection plans, and work orders. The data in work centers is used for:

   • Scheduling (formulas and operating time for duration calculations)
   • Costing (formulas for cost calculations)
   • Capacity Planning (available capacity and formulas for capacity requirements)
   • Simplifying operation maintenance (various default values)

3. What is the use of MRP PP evaluations?
   The MRP PP evaluations role contains a function for evaluating the MRP (Material Requirements Planning) results. This function can be used to find information about material availability and identify any material shortage situations.

4. Mention what is the purpose of using Capacity Planning?
   Capacity Planning supports planning in all phases:

   • Long-term rough cut planning
   • Medium-term planning
   • Short-term planning
     It can be integrated with various SAP applications like SAP SD, PP, PP-SOP, PP-LTP, PP-SFC, and more.

5. Explain how you can create a production order without routing and BOM?
   To create a production order without routing and BOM, you can change the configuration in OPL8 (order type dependent parameters) to make routing optional. When attempting to create an order using transaction code C001, it may prompt for a sales order.

Advanced SAP PP Concepts and Scenarios

As you progress in your SAP PP knowledge, be prepared to tackle more complex concepts and real-world scenarios that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.

1. Explain what happens to a planned order after it has been converted into a production order?
   When a planned order is converted into a production order, the planned order is offset by the production order. The planned order reference can be seen in the production order.

2. Mention the difference between a stock transport order and a stock transfer order?

   • Stock Transfer Order: Refers to the transfer of stock for usage within the same company.
   • Stock Transport Order: Refers to the change of stock ownership or title to the buyer.

3. Explain what is PRT (Production Resource Tools) in SAP PP?
   PRT (Production Resource Tools) in SAP PP are movable operating objects used to perform repeated activities in plant or production maintenance. Examples of PRT components include engineering drawings, jigs, fixtures, and measurement instruments.

4. Explain how to create PRT master records?
   To create PRT master records, follow these steps:

   1. Go to Logistics/Accounting -> Project System -> Basic Data -> Master Data -> Production Resources and Tools -> Create
   2. Enter a number for the PRT and choose “Continue”
   3. Maintain the basic data
   4. Navigate to “Goto -> Defaults” and enter the default values
   5. Save the PRT

5. Mention the transaction codes for changing and displaying production orders?

   • Transaction code to change a production order: C002
   • Transaction code to display a production order: C003

Demonstrating Advanced Knowledge and Problem-Solving Skills

As you progress further in the interview process, be prepared to showcase your in-depth knowledge of SAP PP and your ability to tackle complex scenarios.

1. Explain what is PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) in SAP PP and its use?
   PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) in SAP PP is a collection of solutions that digitally create, maintain, and make product information available throughout the company and the entire product lifecycle. Its functions include:

   • Providing an open portal to access all applications and information needed for collaboration with internal and external business partners
   • Linking with other internet applications like program management, change and configuration management, and engineering collaboration

2. In SAP PP, what are the costing parameters?
   In SAP PP, the costing parameters are:

   • Work Center: Activity types, formulas, and cost center
   • Routing: Time and activity types

3. In the cost controlling information system, mention the fields listed in the list screen of the report?
   The fields listed in the list screen of the report include:

   • Key Figures: Costing/MM, %Costing/MM, Revaluation, VarCstRuns, %VarCstRuns
   • Basic Data: Valuation, Cost Component Group 1/2, CostCompGr(fix)1/2

4. Explain the use of SAP Material View and list other parameters where SAP Material View is applicable?
   The SAP Material View holds various information related to a material, such as:

   • Material production-related information
   • Material planning-related information
   • Material sales-related information
   • Material purchase-related information
   • Material storage and warehousing-related information
   • Material costing and accounting-related information
   • Material batch specification information

5. Mention the types of Master Views for Production and Planning?
   The types of Master Views for Production and Planning are:

   • SAP MRP1 View
   • SAP MRP2 View
   • SAP MRP3 View
   • SAP MRP4 View
   • SAP Work Scheduling View

By thoroughly preparing for these SAP PP interview questions, you’ll not only demonstrate your technical expertise but also showcase your ability to think critically and provide well-rounded solutions. Remember, the interview process at Infosys is designed to assess your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and overall fit for the role.

Good luck with your SAP PP interview at Infosys! With dedication and thorough preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to impress the interviewers and take a significant step towards a rewarding career in the world of SAP.