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How can I use KMAT material type?

Former Member
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I am not a programmer or configuration expert in SAP.  I am a general manager in a mfg company that uses SAP.  I want to know more about material type KMAT.   I know from basic investigation that it is used when you want to have a product that is configurable.  However, I want to know if I can use it at a component level where I am making a component, say, a series of basic stamped metal parts that go into a final assembly, configurable, so I can change their color without creating a new part number for every single variant of color (p/n 3111111 for a red housing, then 3111112 for black, and so on...).  Right now...my inhouse SAP "specialists" always tell me I can't have a configurable material in the B.O.M. of a parent item.  Surely an ERP system as powerful as SAP should not be so limited.  I'll take all the advise I can get on this....THANKS!

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Former Member
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David,

You can have a configurable material (KMAT) within a configurable material.  However, if you are tying to avoid creating material variants you will only be able to get this to work if you setup the components as KMATs using direct production into the finished product (special procurement 52). 

Since the components would be configurable they would need to be manufactured directly for the parent material as they won't be sitting on the shelf since they're not material variants (set configuration).  Let me know if you have further questions.

Thanks

Former Member
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Can I have a configurable component level part number, setup as KMAT, inside the B.O.M. of parent item that isn't configurable?  For example...we make spring reels in many different configurations.  Different number of conductors, so different cable, different slip ring, different springs (because some cables are heavier and will require more torque to retrieve cable).  I have unique part numbers for those items because they have different costs.  BUT, when the customer wants it to be GLOSS BLACK instead of SAFETY YELLOW...the cost doesn't change, so, I want to just spec out powdercoated housings, covers, flanges for the spring reel, and just change the color per job based on what color the customer wants the top level item?

Former Member
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You cannot have a configurable component inside of a BOM for a parent material that isn't configurable.  The act of having a configurable component within a product by proxy would need to make the parent material also configurable. 

I guess my question would be is there an issue with making the top level material configurable?  It sounds like a pretty straightforward VC setup from a product configuration standpoint.

navdeep786
Explorer
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Hi David!

Could you please explain the last line of your answer 'Since the components would be configurable they would need to be manufactured directly for the parent material as they won't be sitting on the shelf since they're not material variants (set configuration)' ?