Traceability requirement for production but Plant1 is not batch controlled

Question

We have run MM, SD, FI for just over 12 months with only 1 Plant which does not have or need batch control.
We are starting to scope out what we have to do to introduce PP in our food packing facility. This will require batch traceability at material level.
I have been told that it is possible to create a 2nd Plant and configure it for batch control. BUT we will have to make arm's length transaction between the Plants. i.e. MM purchasing transactions in Plant1 then Plant1 issues materials, without batches, to Plant2 which receipts, with batches, and then uses batches in production.
Does anyone have experience of this 2 Plant setup where Plant 1 is NOT batch controlled, but Plant 2 IS batch controlled?
Is it a viable solution?
Kind regards
Jeremy

Answer 1

Hi Jeremy
You can activate batch management on the materials that will be relevant to batch. This can achieved in phased manner.
Batch Management can be controlled at material level. As you are going to start PP as new process, You need do the following
-  Shortlist the materials that will be batch relevant in future
- Check stock levels, open purchase orders, PRs etc
- For materials for which stock is already zero, activate batch management on them
- For other when try to activate the batch, check error log and take action according to clear the stock so that batch management can be activated.
I do not agree to have other plant as handing master data before implementation is one time effort, but if you have two plants.. this will remains for life. Think about the efforts and see what you want to do.
Here is little tip
In MM02 you receive a message that you shall look into the log if the batch management indicator cannot be saved.
In that moment, hit enter and a new button will appear, there you can exactly read which document is hindering you.
Usually it is stock in previous period that is forgotten to make zero.
Check in MM03 at accounting view what your previous period stock is.
As you have already cleared current period stock,
you have to add again as much stock in the current period as you have to remove from previous period.
then issue the stock with a previous period date. (you may have to allow previous period posting in MMRV first, and FI period has to allow it as well -> OB52)