Material Master (SAP)
The Material Master is the central data record in SAP that defines every material, component, or product in the system. It contains multiple views (basic data, purchasing, production, MRP, costing, quality) that different SAP modules read and write. Every BOM line and every procurement order references a material master record.
Why it matters
The Material Master is the organizational spine of SAP PLM. Understanding how it works explains both SAP's integration strength (everything connects through the material master) and its rigidity (introducing a new material requires coordinating across multiple organizational units).
Related concepts
External References
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Cite this definition
Finocchiaro, Michael. “Material Master (SAP).” DemystifyingPLM PLM Glossary, 2026, https://www.demystifyingplm.com/glossary/material-master-sap