Batch Management - Batch Classfication Configuration

In batch management, can one batch per multiple shipments be used if the batch classfication is active? What are the merits and demerits?

SAP allows a configuration setting for 3 different batch levels. This will effective your possibilities. Option Number 2 is the default configuration for SAP out of the box :

1.) Plant - can allow for the Batch Management Flag on a material sold out of 2 different plants to be set independently. Batch numbers can be used for multiple materials, and batch specifications and analytical results can be different for each batch (multiple batch Master records).

2.)Material - Batch Management flag is set the same for the material across all plants that use it. Batch numbers can be used for multiple materials, however, batch specification and analytical results are the same for the batch (one Batch Master Record).

3.) Client - Batch Management flag is set the same for material across all plants that use it. Batch number can only be used for one material across the client. (one Batch Master Record).

If the Batch level flag is set at the Client level, it allows for a batch number to be used with only one material throughout the entire SAP client. This is troublesome with products which are produced in bulk and then packaged into smaller size containers for sale. Due to the limitation of having only one batch number per material, when the product is packaged, new batch numbers have to be assigned to the finished packages, even though the same bulk material is being used inside the package. Because of this work-a rounds have been created and business processes adjusted to accommodate this restriction.

There is a process in SAP that will allow for the conversion of the Batch Level in SAP from Client level to Material level. Please investigate SAP notes 41715, 891902, 893053, 900359 among others, and it appears that there is a conversion program in SAP that will do this in configuration.