Overview
A Master Inspection Characteristic (MIC) is a central master data object in SAP QM that defines what needs to be inspected (e.g., Length, Weight, Visual Check, pH Value, etc.). It is later used in Inspection Plans and controls how results are recorded.
Prerequisites
- Authorization for QM master data
- Plant is defined and relevant for Quality Management
- Basic understanding of Quantitative vs Qualitative characteristics
- Units of Measure are available in the system
Step-by-Step Process
1
Enter Transaction Code
Go to transaction QS21 (Create Master Inspection Characteristic) and press Enter.
2
Initial Screen
- Plant: Enter the plant (or leave blank for central MIC)
- Master Inspection Characteristic: Enter a unique name/code (e.g., LENGTH, WEIGHT, VISUAL, PH_VALUE)
- Valid From: Enter the validity start date
- Press Enter
3
Select Characteristic Type
Choose one of the following:
- Quantitative – For measurable values (Length, Weight, Temperature, etc.)
- Qualitative – For attribute-based inspection (OK/Not OK, Color, Visual Appearance, etc.)
4
Maintain Quantitative Characteristic Data (if selected)
- Short Text / Description: Enter clear description
- Unit of Measure: Enter UoM (e.g., MM, KG, °C)
- Decimal Places: Define how many decimal places are allowed
- Target Value: Ideal/nominal value (optional)
- Lower Specification Limit (LSL) and Upper Specification Limit (USL)
- Lower / Upper Plausibility Limit (optional)
- Select control indicators (e.g., Required characteristic, Record measured values, etc.)
5
Maintain Qualitative Characteristic Data (if selected)
- Short Text / Description
- Assign a Catalog / Selected Set (for codes such as OK, Not OK, Scratch, Dent, etc.)
- Define whether it is a required characteristic
- Set defect class if required
6
Control Indicators (Important)
- Characteristic Required – Must be inspected
- Record Measured Values – For quantitative characteristics
- Upper / Lower Limit – Specification limits active
- Sampling Procedure – Can be assigned later in Inspection Plan
- Defect Recording – Allows recording of defects
- Print – Characteristic appears on inspection report
7
Save the Master Inspection Characteristic
Click the Save button. The MIC is now created and can be used in Inspection Plans (QP01).
Quick Process Flow
QS21 → Plant + MIC Name → Quantitative / Qualitative → Maintain Limits / Catalog → Control Indicators → Save
Quantitative vs Qualitative – Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Quantitative | Qualitative |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Measurable (numbers) | Attribute / Code based |
| Examples | Length, Weight, Diameter, pH | Visual, Color, OK/Not OK, Surface Finish |
| Key Fields | Target, LSL, USL, Unit of Measure | Selected Set / Catalog |
| Results Recording | Enter actual measured value | Select code from catalog |
Related Transaction Codes
| T-Code | Description |
|---|---|
| QS21 | Create Master Inspection Characteristic |
| QS22 | Change Master Inspection Characteristic |
| QS23 | Display Master Inspection Characteristic |
| QS24 | Display MIC (with history) |
| QS28 | Display MIC List |
| QP01 | Create Inspection Plan (assign MIC here) |
| QDV1 | Create Sampling Procedure |
| QE51N | Results Recording |
Note: After creating the Master Inspection Characteristic, you must assign it to an Inspection Plan (QP01) under the characteristic overview of the relevant operation. Only then will it appear during Results Recording for Inspection Lots.
Helpful Tips
- Use a clear and consistent naming convention (e.g., LENGTH_MM, WEIGHT_KG, VISUAL_OK).
- For quantitative characteristics, always maintain realistic specification limits (LSL/USL).
- Mark critical characteristics as Required so that the inspection cannot be completed without recording results.
- You can create plant-specific or cross-plant (central) MICs.
- Once created, the same MIC can be reused across multiple Inspection Plans and materials.
- Test by assigning the MIC to an Inspection Plan and creating an Inspection Lot.