Last updated: October 2026 Β· 3 min read
SAP PP plans and controls manufacturing. Its core process is Plan-to-Produce: from demand forecast to finished goods in stock. Here are the questions interviewers ask most for S/4HANA PP roles.
Plan-to-Produce process
- Demand management: planned independent requirements (MD61) or sales orders.
- MRP (MD01N MRP Live) creates planned orders or purchase requisitions.
- Conversion of planned orders to production orders (CO40/CO41) or process orders.
- Release and material staging.
- Goods issue of components (261).
- Confirmation of operations (CO11N).
- Goods receipt of finished goods (101).
- Settlement of order variances to CO (KO88).
Master data
| Object | Purpose | Transaction |
|---|---|---|
| Material master | MRP views, lot size, procurement type | MM01 |
| Bill of materials (BOM) | Components and quantities | CS01 |
| Work centre | Where operations happen, capacity, costing | CR01 |
| Routing / master recipe | Sequence of operations | CA01 / C201 |
| Production version | Links BOM and routing for a validity period | C223 |
Top interview questions and answers
1. Discrete vs process vs repetitive manufacturing?
Discrete uses production orders for distinct products (machines, vehicles); process manufacturing uses process orders and master recipes for batch-based products (chemicals, food, pharma); repetitive manufacturing uses run schedules and period-based backflushing for high-volume, stable products.
2. What is MRP Live?
In S/4HANA, MRP Live (MD01N) runs planning directly on the HANA database, making it much faster than classic MRP.
3. What are MRP types?
PD (MRP), VB (reorder point), ND (no planning), and forecast-based types control how a material is planned.
4. What is a lot-sizing procedure?
It determines order quantities: EX (lot-for-lot), FX (fixed), WB (weekly), HB (replenish to maximum) and others.
5. What is backflushing?
Automatic goods issue of components at the time of confirmation instead of manual issue.
6. What is a production version and why is it mandatory in S/4HANA?
It links a BOM alternative with a routing for a period and lot size range; S/4HANA requires it for BOM explosion in MRP.
7. What is pMRP?
Predictive MRP in S/4HANA simulates future demand and capacity to identify bottlenecks before running operational MRP.
8. How is PP integrated with CO?
Product costing (CK11N), order costs, variances and settlement post to CO; activity types from work centres drive costs.
9. What is the difference between planned and production order?
A planned order is an MRP proposal that can change; a production order is a firm, executable order with costs and status.
10. What is DDMRP?
Demand-Driven MRP uses strategic buffers to decouple supply chains; SAP supports it in S/4HANA.
Test yourself: scored PP quiz
Interview tips
- Explain one manufacturing scenario end to end with transaction codes.
- Know the impact of PP on MM (stock), QM (inspection), CO (costing) and SD (make-to-order).
- Mention S/4HANA features: MRP Live, pMRP, production versions and Fiori MRP apps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the role of an SAP PP consultant?
Mapping manufacturing processes, configuring planning and execution, setting up master data and supporting users and integrations.
What is make-to-order in SAP?
A strategy (e.g. strategy group 20) where production is triggered by a specific sales order.
What is MD04?
The stock/requirements list showing current supply and demand for a material.
Keep exploring
- SAP MM interview questions
- SAP PM interview questions
- SAP FICO interview questions
- More SAP Interview Prep articles on Tiwaripedia
Facts are based on widely accepted official, scientific and historical sources at the time of writing. Spotted something that needs updating? Let us know.
