Question

why the material master is considered a complex type of data in an ERP system compared to other master data? with example of data in a material master.

Answer 1

There are several processes in the ERP system such as material planning, project system, procurement, fulfillment, production, asset management, and lifecycle data management, which make use of Material master data. The Material master data flows continuously across all the systems, on the contrary, other master data are specific to particular process. This characteristic of material master data of being associated with several processes makes it the most complex type of data in an ERP system.

Data included in the material master are as follows:

Sales data: It is important to fulfillment process and includes quotations, purchase agreement, contract details, etc.

Material number: it includes the unique number assigned to each material

Plant/warehouse management: it provides details such as warehouse name and location, materials stored and maintained, etc.

Financial accounting data: it provides financial details related to inventory such as inventory used.

Material MRP Profile: it includes MRP data which can be useful frequently.