SAP ConsultingManufacturing
SAP QM - Quality Management
SAP QM (Quality Management) builds quality control into logistics events like goods receipt, production and delivery. If a material has the relevant inspection type active, the system opens an inspection lot; for stock-relevant lots the goods wait in quality inspection stock until a usage decision.
Part of these processes
Process
From planning to corrective action in SAP QM
The quality plan and inspection setup open the lot; the usage decision, defect records and notifications lead to the root cause.
- 01Quality planningQP01 · F3788 · QS21
Plans, MICs, sampling
- 02Inspection setupQA08 · inspection type
Which event opens a lot
- 03Inspect and decideF2343 · F1685A · F2345
Stock waits for the decision
- 04Defect recordingF2929 · F2649
Light record, no header
- 05Quality notificationQM01 · Q1 · Q2 · Q3
Complaint, cause, task
- 06Problem solvingF4197 · F3381
Root cause, corrective task
Cycle
The inspection lot cycle
The usage decision closes the lot. With a dynamic modification rule, the quality level sets the sample for the next lot.
Inspection lot
- 01Lot is createdReceipt 01, production 03/04
- 02Sample calculatedFrom the sampling procedure
- 03Results recordedCharacteristic, defect codes
- 04Usage decisionAccept or reject, UD code
- 05Stock postingFree, blocked, scrap, return
- 06Quality levelReduced or tightened checks
The cycle starts over
Scope
What we take on in a quality setup
Origin and inspection type map
Which type opens where: procurement (01), production (03, 04, 13), delivery (10-12) and calibration (14).
Quality planning master data
A library of master inspection characteristics (MICs), inspection plans, sampling and dynamic modification rules.
Usage decisions and stock
Decision codes, selected sets, stock postings and automatic decision jobs for lots without defects.
Supplier quality and certificates
Quality info records (QIR) to release or block suppliers; tracking of certificate receipts (F3233).
Defects, notifications and 8D
Q1, Q2 and Q3 notifications, the S/4HANA defect object, quality tasks and 8D problem solving (F4197).
Quality analytics
Fiori analytics in place of QMIS: Inspection Lot (F3239), Characteristic (F3383), Nonconformance (F3584).
Current state
What awaits SAP QM on the way to S/4HANA
- On-premise rights to QMIS, the LIS-based quality information system, ended in late May 2026; RISE and Private Edition keep it to end-2033 (SAP Note 2269324). Fiori analytics replace it.
- A light defect object without a header, plus quality tasks, now sits next to the notification. 8D runs through Resolve Internal Problems (F4197).
- Some old transactions are gone: QE51N replaces QE51 and QS42 replaces QS45. Worklists for handheld terminals (QEH1) no longer exist.
- New authorization objects with activities (Q_INSPLOT, Q_INSPRSLT) arrived with 1709, so QM roles are redesigned around them during conversion.
Localization
Calibration, regulated sectors, returns
Accredited calibration records
In Türkiye, TÜRKAK accredits calibration laboratories under TS EN ISO/IEC 17025. In SAP the device is test equipment and its calibration runs on a maintenance plan.
GMP inspections in pharma
Pharma plants are subject to GMP inspections by TİTCK, the Turkish medicines agency. SAP QM can pass inspection results and the UD code to batch classification.
Supplier returns and e-Dispatch
QM creates no e-documents. A return to the supplier from a usage decision is a goods movement; once its movement type is mapped to e-Dispatch, the note comes from it.
E-Dispatch Note
From the field
What we see most often in SAP QM projects
- Inspection lots appear where nobody expects. The inspection type is missing on some materials or switched on too widely on others. Map origins to types, activate them in bulk and under control with QA08, and prove the result with test scenarios.
- One characteristic lives under many names. When every plan creates its own characteristics, the library sprawls and results cannot be compared. A master inspection characteristic library, reference operation sets and CWBQM bring it back together.
- Nonconformances stay in email. Complaints tracked in Excel lose their root cause history. Handle simple cases with a defect and quality tasks, larger ones with Q1, Q2 or Q3 notifications and 8D in F4197, and keep the catalog lean.
- Supplier certificates are chased after delivery. The requirement comes from the certificate type and procurement control key in the material's QM view. Received certificates are tracked in one list with Manage Certificate Receipts (F3233).
FAQ
SAP QM: frequently asked questions
What is SAP QM?
The S/4HANA component for quality planning, inspection, usage decisions, nonconformances and quality certificates. It ties inspections to logistics events such as goods receipt, production and delivery, and for stock-relevant lots it keeps material out of unrestricted stock until a quality decision is made.
When is an inspection lot created in production?
Not at confirmation. The in-process lot (origin 03) is created when the production or process order is released. The final inspection lot (origin 04) comes at goods receipt from production, or at order release if early inspection is set up. Repetitive manufacturing uses origin 13. Origins are fixed by SAP and cannot be added.
How does the usage decision affect stock?
For stock-relevant lots, the quantity is posted to unrestricted or blocked stock, to scrap, to sample consumption or to a new material, depending on the decision code; a return to the supplier is also possible. Postings are automatic or manual. Lots created manually or without a stock link get no stock posting.
What is the difference between a notification and a defect?
A quality notification is a full document carrying the complaint, causes, tasks and activities: Q1 customer, Q2 supplier, Q3 internal problem. The S/4HANA defect is a light record without a header; it is handled with quality tasks and can be moved into a notification or an 8D process when needed.
Can SAP send quality certificates to customers?
Yes, with some setup. A certificate profile is created, released and assigned to the material. Certificates are usually produced for a delivery item, and can also be created for an inspection lot or a batch. With output determination in place, the certificate goes out with the shipment. Tracking certificates that come in from suppliers is a separate process.
How does calibration of measuring devices work in SAP QM?
The device is kept in SAP PM as test equipment and linked to a maintenance plan. When it falls due, a calibration order is created, and releasing the order opens an inspection lot with origin 14. Results are recorded in QM, and the usage decision triggers follow-up actions that update the equipment status.
Sources12 sourcesSAP Help Portal, SAP Learning, SAP Support +2
SAP Help Portal
- Inspection Lot Origin help.sap.com (opens in a new tab)
- Inspections During Production help.sap.com (opens in a new tab)
- Stock Postings help.sap.com (opens in a new tab)
- Automatic Usage Decisions help.sap.com (opens in a new tab)
- Creation of a Calibration Order help.sap.com (opens in a new tab)
- Certificate Creation help.sap.com (opens in a new tab)
- Customizing: Outgoing Delivery Notes help.sap.com (opens in a new tab)
- Simplification List for SAP S/4HANA 2022 - Initial Shipment, Feature Pack Stack 1 & 2 help.sap.com (opens in a new tab)
SAP Learning
SAP Support
TÜRKAK
TİTCK
Sources checked as of October 2026. SAP Notes require an SAP for Me account.
SAP Consulting
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