Do We Modify 9AMATNR or Create Z9AMATNR? What is the Best Practice?

[former_member192123]

Years ago, when started up our SAP BW system, we were taught to activate delivered content (like 0MATERIAL) and then MODIFY IT -- there was no reason to copy it to our own "Z" object in order to modify. Now we are beginning an SAP APO DP project. Does the same rule hold true? Do we modify 9AMATNR, or do we copy it to Z9AMATNR and then modify Z9AMATNR? What is the best practice, and why? THANK YOU!

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi Laurie,

If we want to use navigational attributes or display attributes for a product ( normally in business, there are always these requirements e.g. product hierarchy), then we need to have new infoobject created for the product characteristics.

However, if the product structure is very simple in a company, we can use 9AMATNR characteristic.

I hope this helps.

Please confirm.

Regards

Datta

[former_member192123]

Thank you for your responses.

[former_member192123]

Thank you for your responses.

[Former Member]

Hi Laurie,

I have to agree with the rest of the responses - create a "Z" object. We did something similar with 9ALOCNO - we created a Z9ALOCNO characteristic so that we could create new attributes.

If you create a Z9AMATNR, you can assign the product (and location) characteristics in the Master Planning Object Structure so that the system knows that your Product characteristic is Z9AMATNR and not 9AMATNR. This may save you a headache later when you transfer the forecasts to SNP.

1. use transaction /SAPAPO/MSDP_ADMIN

2. open up the MPOS in question

3. menu path Edit -> Assign Product / Location

4. enter the product and location characteristics

5. save and exit

Dan

[Former Member]

Modifying a standard SAP Infoobject is a no no always. You never know the extent to which it is used. I am sure if you would be allowed to edit a standard Infoobject in the first place. Any case it is always advisable to copy it to ZMATNR or even create new from scratch to suit your business requirements.

Thanks

Mani

[former_member353947]

Hi Laurie,

The best practice is to copy 9AMTNR, easy guess.

Well, in any DP implementation, you will invariably end up using navigational attriutes, compunding, etc. In such cases, modifying 9AMATNR is not a good idea. Plus, this is the characteristics which is used in SNP MPOS as well. Modifying this characteritics may give you problems in SNP too.

Thanks,

Prashant Ghule