How to Create an Inspection Method in SAP QM (QS31)
how to create inspection method in sap qm
Also searched as
- sap qs31 inspection method
- assign inspection method master inspection characteristic
- sap qm inspection method task list
Short answer
An inspection method describes how a characteristic is to be inspected, for example with a micrometer or a visual check, and holds the instructions. Create it with QS31 for a plant, set the status and version, write the text, and assign it to a master inspection characteristic (QS21) or directly in an inspection plan characteristic.
Applies to: SAP ECC 6.0 and SAP S/4HANA on-premise with QM
Create and assign an inspection method
- 1Run QS31 (Create Inspection Method). Enter the plant and a method name, and press Enter.
- 2Fill in the short text and, if needed, a search field to help users find it.
- 3Set the status (for example created, released) and the version. Only released versions can be used in inspection plans.
- 4Add the long text with the inspection instructions: tools, conditions, sampling and sequence.
- 5Save. Use QS32 to change and QS33 to display.
- 6Assign it in the master inspection characteristic (QS21) in the Inspection method field, so every plan using the MIC inherits it.
- 7Or assign it directly to a characteristic in the inspection plan (QP01) when a one-off is needed.
Inspection method versus characteristic
The master inspection characteristic defines what is inspected (diameter, color, hardness), including the tolerances and result type. The inspection method defines how. Separating the two lets you reuse a single measurement procedure across many characteristics, and change it in one place.
For quantitative characteristics such as dimensions, the method often names the gauge or measuring equipment. For qualitative ones, it describes the visual criteria or the sample board used.
Methods are plant-specific, though you can copy them between plants. This matters in multi-plant companies using different gauges.
Versions, status and change control
Methods have versions and statuses. A new version lets you change the instruction without changing past inspections. Old lots keep the version that was valid when they were created.
A released status is required for use. If the plan will not accept the method, check the status and the validity date. Methods can also be linked to change numbers if you use engineering change management.
Because the method text is shown to inspectors on the shop floor, review it as a controlled document. In regulated industries, the version history is part of your evidence.
QS31 Create inspection method
QS32 Change inspection method
QS33 Display inspection method
QS21 Maintain master inspection characteristic
QP01 Create inspection plan
Using methods in inspection plans
In an inspection plan, each operation has inspection characteristics. When a characteristic is copied from a MIC, the method comes with it. You can override it at plan level when the need is local.
At results recording (QE51N), the inspector sees the method text with the characteristic. If the text is missing, check the method assignment on the MIC and in the plan, and the version validity.
Keep method names consistent. A naming scheme by technique and plant makes searches and reporting simpler, and prevents duplicates such as 'MICROMETER' and 'MICROMETRE'.
Try it here, free
SAP QM Inspection Plan Planning Worksheet
A planning table for inspection operations, characteristics, limits, sample and effort, ready to review before QP01 entry.
Common pitfalls
- !Leaving the method in 'created' status so it cannot be used in a plan.
- !Writing the instructions into the MIC short text instead of a controlled method.
- !Creating duplicate methods with slightly different names.
- !Changing a method text without a new version, losing history.
- !Assigning a method from the wrong plant.
How an ERP-grounded AI assistant handles this
Inspection methods drift: duplicates, outdated gauges, plans that point at old versions. A grounded assistant can list where each method is used, which plans still reference a superseded version, and which characteristics have none. Netray runs this read-only analysis against your SAP data on your own servers, which suits quality records that must stay inside the plant network.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tcode to create an inspection method in SAP QM?
QS31 creates it, QS32 changes it and QS33 displays it. The method is then assigned in QS21 for master inspection characteristics or in the inspection plan.
Is an inspection method mandatory for a characteristic?
No. It is optional in the master data, but without one the inspector has no linked instruction on how to measure the characteristic, so most quality systems require it.
How do I change an inspection method without affecting old lots?
Create a new version and release it. Existing inspection lots keep the version they were created with, so history stays accurate.
Why can I not select my method in the inspection plan?
Check the plant, status and validity. Only released methods valid on the plan's key date appear. Also check whether the method belongs to the same plant as the plan.
Related
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AI for ERPAI for SAP Quality Management: Notifications, 8D, and CAPA Without the Manual Drafting
AI grounded on SAP QM data that triages notifications, drafts 8D and CAPA reports, and summarizes inspection trends, deployed on-prem for full traceability.
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Keep exploring
Free tools
- SAP QM Inspection Plan Planning WorksheetA planning table for inspection operations, characteristics, limits, sample and effort, ready to review before QP01 entry.
- SAP QM Inspection Types ReferenceLook up the standard SAP QM inspection types, what business event triggers each one and what you must set up in the material master and inspection plan.
- SAP QM Inspection Plan Design TemplateA design document you fill in before building an inspection plan in QP01: scope, operations, characteristics, sampling and sign-off.
ERP fixes and how-tos
- How to create an inspection plan in SAP QM (QP01)Create an inspection plan in SAP QM with QP01: header, operations, master inspection characteristics, sampling procedure and material assignment, plus a plan report.
- How to Create a MIC (Master Inspection Characteristic) in SAP QMCreate a master inspection characteristic in SAP QM with QS21: quantitative vs qualitative setup, catalogs and profiles, and the MIC tables QPMK and QPMT.
- How to Create a Status Profile in SAP QM (BS02)Create a user status profile in SAP QM with BS02 and assign it to quality notifications, tasks and inspection lots, with status numbers and business transaction control.