Trigger The Procurement of External Services

What does the planner use to trigger the procurement of external services from a maintenance order?

A. Special control key
B. Special activity type
C. Special order type
D. Special maintenance activity type

Correct Answer:

A. Special control key

Explanation:

In SAP S/4HANA, the planner triggers the procurement of external services within a maintenance order by assigning a special control key to an operation. This key—typically PM03—is configured to signal the system that an operation is to be carried out externally, not internally.

Once assigned, the system automatically generates a purchase requisition for the external service. This initiates the procurement workflow without requiring manual intervention, ensuring efficiency and system-driven integration between Plant Maintenance (PM) and Materials Management (MM).

Why Not the Other Options?

B. Special activity type:

Designed for cost allocation of internal labor or machine time. It doesn't influence procurement actions or connect to external service requisitions.

C. Special order type:

Refers to the classification of maintenance orders (e.g., corrective, preventive), useful for categorization but not linked to procurement functionality.

D. Special maintenance activity type:

Used to describe the nature of the maintenance work (inspection, calibration, etc.). It does not initiate or affect procurement processes.

Conclusion:

In summary, the special control key is the only correct and system-recognized method that a planner uses to trigger the procurement of external services in a maintenance order within SAP S/4HANA. Misusing or misunderstanding this setting can lead to incomplete order processing and procurement delays.

Read also :-
KPI in SAP PM Measurement

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