A Customer-Material Info Record in SAP is a master data record that stores customer-specific information about a particular sales material. It is used to simplify and speed up data entry during sales order processing by automatically populating customer-specific details such as material descriptions, delivery tolerances, and other preferences.
Key Characteristics of Customer-Material Info Record
- Customer-Specific Data:
Stores material information tailored to the specific requirements of a customer, such as their material number or preferred material description. - Data Automation:
Reduces manual input by automatically populating customer-specific data into sales orders, ensuring consistency and accuracy. - Enhances Customization:
Allows businesses to cater to customer-specific needs, such as unique material descriptions or delivery instructions. - Integration with Sales Orders:
Automatically pulls relevant data into sales documents, streamlining the order entry process.
Purpose of Customer-Material Info Record
The Customer-Material Info Record serves the following purposes:
- Simplify Sales Order Processing:
Speeds up data entry by automatically populating customer-specific material information. - Ensure Data Accuracy:
Minimizes errors by predefining customer-specific material data. - Improve Customer Satisfaction:
Tailors sales processes to meet individual customer requirements. - Support Pricing and Conditions:
Works alongside pricing and other master data to provide a seamless sales process.
Structure of Customer-Material Info Record
The record contains the following key details:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Customer Number | Identifies the customer associated with the record. |
| Material Number | SAP material number that is linked to the customer-specific material. |
| Customer Material Number | The material number used by the customer. |
| Material Description | Customer-specific description of the material. |
| Delivery Tolerances | Tolerances for over-delivery or under-delivery. |
| Shipping Information | Customer-specific shipping instructions or preferences. |
Example of a Customer-Material Info Record
Scenario:
A customer (Customer 1001) orders Material X but refers to it as Product Y in their internal system.
- SAP Material Number: X100
- Customer Material Number: Y001
- Material Description: Product Y (as used by the customer)
- Delivery Tolerance: ±5%
When creating a sales order for Customer 1001, the system automatically pulls this data into the order, ensuring that the customer-specific description and material number are reflected.
Configuration and Maintenance of Customer-Material Info Record
1. Create a Customer-Material Info Record
- Transaction Code:
VD51(Create Customer-Material Info Record) - Path:
SAP Easy Access → Logistics → Sales and Distribution → Master Data → Business Partners → Customer Material Info → Create
Steps:
- Enter the Customer Number and Sales Area (Sales Org, Distribution Channel, Division).
- Specify the Material Number and Customer Material Number.
- Add customer-specific details, such as material description or delivery tolerances.
- Save the record.
2. Change a Customer-Material Info Record
- Transaction Code:
VD52 - Modify existing records to update material descriptions, tolerances, or other details.
3. Displaying CMIR
- Transaction Code:
VD53 - View the details of an existing record for reference.
Benefits of Customer-Material Info Record
- Data Automation:
Automatically populates customer-specific material information during sales order processing, reducing manual effort. - Improved Efficiency:
Speeds up the order creation process by eliminating repetitive data entry. - Customization for Customers:
Accommodates customer-specific requirements, such as unique material descriptions or numbering conventions. - Data Accuracy:
Ensures consistent and error-free data entry by predefining critical customer-specific information. - Seamless Integration:
Works with sales documents like orders, deliveries, and invoices to ensure customer-specific data flows throughout the process.
Integration with Sales Orders
During sales order creation (Transaction Code: VA01), the system automatically retrieves data from the Customer-Material Info Record, such as:
- Customer Material Number: Displayed on sales documents and shared with the customer.
- Material Description: Reflects the customer’s preferred description.
- Delivery Tolerances: Used to validate delivery quantities during order processing.
Example of Customer-Material Info Record in Action
Scenario:
A customer orders Material A123 but uses their own internal reference (Material Z999).
- Customer-Material Info Record:
- Customer: 500001
- SAP Material Number: A123
- Customer Material Number: Z999
- Description: Widget Type Z
- Sales Order Entry:
- Sales Rep enters the customer’s material number (Z999) during order creation.
- The system automatically converts Z999 to SAP Material A123 and populates the customer-specific description (Widget Type Z).
- Order Processing:
- Delivery and invoice documents reflect the customer material number and description for clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Customer-Material Info Record in SAP?
A Customer-Material Info Record is a master data record that stores customer-specific information about a material, such as their material number, description, and delivery preferences.
2. How is a Customer-Material Info Record created?
It is created using Transaction Code: VD51, where customer-specific details are entered for a particular material.
3. Can multiple customers have records for the same material?
Yes, different customers can have their own Customer-Material Info Records for the same material, each with unique details.
4. What happens if no Customer-Material Info Record exists?
If no record exists, the system defaults to the standard material master data for processing.
5. Can Customer-Material Info Records include delivery tolerances?
Yes, delivery tolerances can be defined in the record to manage over-delivery or under-delivery limits.
6. How does the Customer-Material Info Record integrate with sales orders?
When creating a sales order, the system retrieves data from the info record, such as the customer’s material number and description, and automatically populates the relevant fields.
Conclusion
The Customer-Material Info Record in SAP is a powerful tool for managing customer-specific material details, streamlining sales order processing, and improving data accuracy. By accommodating unique customer requirements, such as material descriptions and numbering conventions, it enhances customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Proper configuration and use of this master data record ensure seamless integration into the sales and distribution processes.