SAP ERP (ECC 6.0) can be used to map the business processes of various industries. The most frequently used modules or components include FI (Financial Accounting), CO (Controlling), MM (Materials Management) and SD (Sales and Distribution). However, companies decide for themselves which of the existing components they want to use. For example, it is also possible to leave function modules such as PS (Project System) unused. Let's now take a closer look at the most common components and their most important features.
FI (Financial Accounting)
The FI component is responsible for entering all financial transactions in the company. This also includes accounts receivable and accounts payable accounting. Both receivables and payables as well as cash and bank transactions are managed here.
CO (Cost Accounting, Controlling)
Cost Center Accounting, Profit Center Accounting and Financial Planning take place in CO. Controlling is also supported by internal orders. Manufacturing companies also use product cost accounting, which compares actual costs with simulated costs.
SD (Sales, Sales and Distribution)
The Sales component is responsible for controlling all sales processes. This includes direct sales to national and international customers as well as sales via distribution networks. Other important functional areas of SD are billing, returns management and credit allocation.
MM (Materials Management)
The MM component covers the areas of procurement and inventory management. In Inventory Management, the module is responsible for goods receipts, goods issues and stock transfers of material. Inventory counts and reconciliations are also carried out in MM.
PP (production planning and control, production planning and control)
PP supports companies in coordinating requirements and production capacities. This results in optimised planning for production, sales and distribution. Production planning and control from SAP can be used both in individual production and in process and series production.
QM (Quality Management)
The QM component of SAP ERP extends far into the processes of production, sales, procurement and maintenance. It allows the management of external and internal business processes, analyses of quality problems and continuous quality improvement.
PM (Plant Maintenance)
The aim of PM is to ensure that plants, machines and premises are ready for operation. For this purpose, the component monitors the relevant objects and warns in the event of malfunctions. Plant Maintenance covers processes such as maintenance, repair and inspection.
CS (Customer Service)
Maintenance services for customer plants are managed in the customer service module of SAP ERP. In addition, services rendered will be invoiced via CS.
PS (Project System)
PS supports the management of large, complex projects. This can be, for example, the construction of new production facilities. For this purpose, the component bundles all project-related procurements or productions. This ensures the correct allocation of costs to a project. In addition, this allows the project budget to be monitored.
HCM (Human Resources, Human Capital Management)
In HCM, personnel master data is managed, payroll accounting is created and working times are managed. In addition, functions are available for personnel development, business trip management and occupational safety.