Introduction to Gross Requirements Planning

Gross Requirements Planning (GRP) in SAP refers to the total quantity of materials required to meet production and demand before considering available inventory. It forms the foundation of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) by calculating the raw material, component, or finished product demand without adjusting for stock on hand or scheduled receipts.

Gross requirements planning ensures accurate demand forecasting, optimized procurement, and efficient production planning.


Key Concepts & Business Impact

Core Components

  • Gross Requirements: Total material demand based on planned orders, sales orders, and dependent requirements.
  • Net Requirements Calculation: Adjusts gross requirements by considering stock, receipts, and safety stock.
  • Material Requirements Planning (MRP): SAP process that converts gross requirements into planned procurement or production orders.

Business Value

  • Prevents Material Shortages: Ensures production plans account for all required materials.
  • Optimizes Procurement: Helps align purchasing with demand forecasts.
  • Improves Supply Chain Efficiency: Supports just-in-time (JIT) and lean manufacturing strategies.

Gross Requirements Planning Calculation in SAP

Formula: Net Requirements=Gross Requirements−Available Stock− Scheduled Receipts

Example Calculation

ComponentQuantity (Units)
Gross Requirements500
Available Stock100
Scheduled Receipts200
Net Requirements200

Configuration & Customization in SAP

Define MRP Parameters

  • Transaction Code: OPPQ
  • Path:
    SPRO → Production → MRP → Define MRP Types
  • Ensure MRP type PD (Material Requirement Planning) is active for materials.
Gross Requirements Planning in SAP

Maintain Material Master for MRP

  • Transaction Code: MM02 (Change Material)
  • Navigate to MRP 1 & MRP 2 Views:
    • Lot-sizing procedure: Determines procurement batch size.
    • Reorder point planning: Defines minimum stock levels.
Gross Requirements Planning in SAP 2

Run MRP to Calculate Gross Requirements

  • Transaction Code: MD01 (MRP Run for All Materials)
  • Transaction Code: MD02 (MRP Run for Single Material)

Integration with SAP Processes

Production Planning (PP)

  • Gross requirements are generated from planned production orders.
  • Supports Material Staging & Bill of Materials (BOM) Explosion.

Procurement (MM)

  • Converts MRP-generated purchase requisitions into purchase orders.
  • Aligns vendor deliveries with material demand forecasts.

Warehouse & Inventory Management (WM/IM)

  • Helps optimize warehouse stock levels and prevent excess inventory.
  • Supports real-time stock tracking for manufacturing operations.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

MRP Not Generating Gross Requirements

  • Solution: Check MRP type settings in MM02 (Material Master).

Incorrect Net Requirements Calculation

  • Solution: Verify available stock levels in MB52 (Stock Overview).

Planned Orders Not Converting to Procurement Orders

  • Solution: Ensure proper lot-sizing and procurement type settings in MD04.

Best Practices

  • Use Forecast-Based Planning: Implement MRP Type VV for long-term demand planning.
  • Automate MRP Runs: Schedule background jobs using MD01 to ensure continuous planning.
  • Optimize Lot-Sizing: Select efficient lot-sizing strategies to minimize procurement costs.

Key Transaction Codes & Tables

PurposeTransaction CodeKey Tables
Define MRP TypesOPPQT438X (MRP Types)
Maintain Material Master (MRP)MM02MARC (Plant-Specific Material Data)
Execute MRP RunMD01 / MD02MDKP (MRP Run Control)
Stock OverviewMB52MARD (Storage Location Data)
View Planned OrdersMD04PLAF (Planned Orders)

Conclusion

Gross Requirements Planning in SAP ensures accurate demand calculation, prevents material shortages, and optimizes production efficiency. By properly configuring MRP parameters, material masters, and procurement processes, businesses can achieve cost-effective supply chain management and seamless production execution.

Pro Tip: Use SAP S/4HANA MRP Live for real-time demand planning and dynamic inventory adjustments.