Functions of Production Version

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Functions of Production Version
Can somebody enlighten me on the functions of production version and some tips on its configuration?
Production Versions are used to describe the production process to be used for planned / production order.
You can use the production versions based on:
1. Lot size qty
2. Bom explosion dates
3. Based on MRP Group
Why is it required?
Suppose you have 2/3 production lines and 2/3 alternative BOMs to produce one FG.
How system will come to know which BOM and Routing to be used. This is done thru Prod.Version.
In production version we maintain the combination of BOM and routing.
Also it can be designed with lot size or validity period.
Go to MM02--->MRP4 / Work scheduling view ----> Prod.Version.
Enter the validity period and lot size.
After entering the reqd. routing no. and BOM alternative , carry a check.
After getting the Green signals ,Continue.
Thus you have saved the prod. version.
Mass processing TCode- C223.
Does this mean that I have to activate all the BOM’s if in case I have 3 alternative BOM’s? if yes, then, will it these 3 BOM’s be exploded in MRP? I’m just worried ‘coz I might bloat our inventory if there are three active BOM’s.
No.First of all need not worry about the BOM explosion.
As I told you earlier which BOM and which Routing is decided by Prod.Version.
So in MRP the active prod.version only will be considered. Thus active BOM and active Routing will be used for MRP.
The question comes:  How to deactivate the alternative BOMs and Routing?
Two Ways:
1. You lock all other non-relevant Prod.Versions in MM02 of the FG/SFG material.(Every alternative BOM and routing forms a Prod.Version) Thus even if there are 2/3 prod.versions System will go and check for Unlocked prod. version and use it.
2. If you don't want to do this business of "Lock & Unlock" just place the required version at the first place in list of prod.versions in MRP4 view of the material.
Once system finds the first prod.version it will not spend energy in searching other alternatives.
Also please.don't forget to maintain the selection value of  "2" in MRP 4 view for BOM selection.
This will enable you to start the use of prod. version functionality in SAP-PP.(very good tool for practical purposes, costing and MRP).