# How to Create a MIC (Master Inspection Characteristic) in SAP QM > Source: https://netray.co/erp-help/how-to-create-mic-in-sap-qm > Publisher: Netray (netray.co), AI and integration engineering for ERP and manufacturing systems. > Section: ERP Help ## Short answer A MIC is a reusable inspection characteristic in SAP QM, created in QS21 with a plant, a name and a version, then defined as quantitative (measured values with limits) or qualitative (codes from a catalog). Inspection plans (QP01) pick MICs so tolerances are maintained once. MIC data is in table QPMK, with text in QPMT. ## Kind how-to ## System sap ## Erp SAP ERP / S/4HANA ## Module QM / Master Inspection Characteristics ## Query how to create mic in sap qm ## Alternate Queries - what is mic in sap qm - mic's table in sap qm - how to create catalog profile in sap qm ## Applies To SAP ECC 6.0 and S/4HANA QM; QS21, QS22 and QS23 for create, change and display ## Steps ### Create a MIC with QS21 **Items:** - Run QS21 (Create Master Inspection Characteristic). Enter the plant, the MIC name (up to 8 characters) and press Enter. - On the General data screen, give a short text and set the status of the new version, for example in preparation, then released when ready. - On the Control indicators, choose quantitative or qualitative behaviour by the indicators: Quantitative characteristic for measured values, or Required characteristic and Attributive for qualitative. - For quantitative MICs, enter the unit of measure, number of decimal places, target value and tolerance limits. - For qualitative MICs, assign the catalog (code group or selected set) for the allowed codes. Catalog type 1 is for characteristic attributes. - Set the sampling procedure and inspection method in their tabs if standard for all plans. - Save, release the version, then use the MIC in the inspection plan (QP01) by selecting it in the characteristics overview. ## Sections ### What a MIC is and why use one **Body:** A master inspection characteristic is a template for something to inspect: a dimension, a hardness, appearance. Plans reference it rather than retyping tolerance values, so changing the MIC in one place updates all plans that use it, subject to versioning rules. MICs are plant-specific unless you use a shared plant setup. Each MIC has versions, with only one active version at a time, and a status such as in preparation, released, or blocked. Plans can reference a MIC in a reference characteristic way, copy it, or use it as a model. ### Quantitative versus qualitative **Body:** Quantitative characteristics record measured numbers, so you give a unit, decimals, target and limits. They support statistical analysis and charts. Qualitative characteristics record a code from a catalog, such as good or damaged, and are evaluated by an accept or reject rule. Choose per characteristic. A hole diameter is quantitative. A visual check is qualitative. Quantitative MICs can also use classes and a defect catalog to explain failures. ### Catalogs, code groups and profiles **Body:** Catalogs hold codes. Each catalog type serves a purpose: type 1 for characteristic attributes, type 3 for usage decisions, and others for defects and causes. Codes are grouped into code groups (QS41) and optionally into selected sets (QS51), which a MIC uses to restrict the codes shown. Catalog profiles, set up in customizing, bundle catalog types and defaults so users working in a plan or notification see the right catalogs. The underlying tables include QPCD for codes and QPGR for code groups. MIC master data is QPMK, with texts in QPMT. ## Pitfalls - Forgetting to release the new MIC version, so plans cannot use it. - Changing a MIC that is widely used without checking the impact on open plans. - Using a qualitative MIC where numeric data is needed for SPC. - Missing the catalog assignment, so the results screen shows no codes. - Creating MICs per plan instead of reusing common ones. ## Ai Angle A private AI layer can query QPMK and your inspection plans to answer which plans use a given characteristic or which MICs are still unreleased, and propose naming clean-up. It reads and reports, while MIC creation and changes remain in QS21 under your change control. ## Faq ### What is a MIC in SAP QM? **Answer:** A master inspection characteristic is a reusable definition of a quality feature to inspect, such as a dimension or visual check. It stores unit, tolerances, catalogs and methods once, and inspection plans reference it. ### What transaction creates a MIC? **Answer:** QS21 creates, QS22 changes and QS23 displays a master inspection characteristic. You create it per plant, give it a name, set the control indicators and release the version before using it in a plan. ### What is the MIC table in SAP? **Answer:** QPMK holds the master inspection characteristic data and QPMT holds its text. Catalog codes are in QPCD and code groups in QPGR, which the MIC references for qualitative results. ### How do I create a catalog profile? **Answer:** Catalog profiles are set in QM customizing, where you group catalog types and defaults, then assign them where the profile is used. Codes and code groups themselves are maintained with QS41 and selected sets with QS51. ## Search terms how to create mic in sap qm, what is mic in sap qm, master inspection characteristic, qs21 sap, qpmk table, mic table sap qm, catalog profile sap qm, sap qm characteristic quantitative qualitative --- Talk to an engineer: https://netray.co/contact?intent=erp_ai | Machine catalog: https://netray.co/agent/catalog.json