In an industrial environment characterised by demand variability and increasing pressure on resources, production planning has become a critical capability. SAP MP&S addresses this complexity by providing advanced planning functionality directly within SAP S/4HANA, combining optimisation power with usability for planners and operations teams.
Unlike standalone solutions operating in isolation, SAP MP&S is fully integrated into the SAP S/4HANA digital core. Master and transactional data are synchronised in real time, reducing duplication and minimising planning inconsistencies.
The MP&S optimiser takes real production constraints into account — machines, labour, and critical resources. This prevents overload situations, improves schedule reliability, and reduces delays and associated costs.
More detailed planning enables shorter delivery lead times and smoother planning cycles. The solution also supports short-term disruption management (equipment breakdowns, component shortages, workforce absences) while respecting operational constraints.
Through SAP Fiori-based applications, production managers benefit from graphical views such as Gantt charts and capacity monitoring dashboards. This increased transparency allows faster schedule adjustments and more secure execution.
SAP MP&S generates optimised procurement and production proposals using advanced heuristics, including capacity load considerations. The solution helps reduce stockouts, balance workloads, and limit operational costs.
The solution is suitable for both mid-sized organisations and large enterprises. It is available in cloud or on-premise deployments, offering flexibility aligned with each organisation’s IT strategy.
SAP MP&S integrates SAP’s Joule AI assistant, helping users better understand optimisation decisions while maintaining full visibility across the production network.
Manufacturing: multi-level scheduling and improved machine utilisation, reducing downtime
Aerospace & defence: enhanced traceability and regulatory compliance
FMCG: management of short cycles and seasonal peaks, improved responsiveness
Pharmaceutical & chemicals: management of regulatory constraints and critical resources
High-tech & electronics: coordination of multi-stage production and synchronisation of global flows
Deployment and accessibility
SAP MP&S is activated directly within SAP S/4HANA via advanced planning functionality. It relies on standard configuration (SPRO/SIMG), native integration with MRP Live, and SAP Fiori applications for the user interface.
Estimated ROI
While ROI varies depending on company size and complexity, case studies typically show:
At HRC Consulting, we consider SAP MP&S a strategic lever for organisations seeking to transform production planning and strengthen industrial agility. Our experts support manufacturers in deploying and adopting the solution to ensure measurable, sustainable performance improvements aligned with operational realities.