What is item category in SAP (MM-PUR - Purchasing)?

SAP Term: item category

• Component: MM-PUR

• Component Name: Purchasing

• Description: An identifier indicating the characteristics of an item. The item category determines whether the following are mandatory or admissible for an item: Material number Additional account assignment Inventory management in the SAP system Goods receipt Invoice receipt

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• Key Concepts: 
  Item category is a classification of an item in the SAP system. It is used to determine the account assignment, item category determination, and pricing in the purchasing process. In the MM-PUR Purchasing component, item categories are used to determine the account assignment of goods and services that are purchased. 
  
  How to use it: 
  In order to use item categories in the MM-PUR Purchasing component, you must first define the item categories in the system. This can be done by going to the Customizing menu and selecting “Define Item Categories”. Once you have defined the item categories, you can assign them to items in the purchasing process. This can be done by going to the Purchasing menu and selecting “Assign Item Categories”. 
  
  Tips & Tricks: 
  When assigning item categories, it is important to make sure that they are assigned correctly. This will ensure that the correct account assignment is used for each item. Additionally, it is important to keep track of which item categories have been assigned to which items, as this will help you when making changes or adjustments in the future. 
  
  Related Information: 
  For more information on item categories in SAP MM-PUR Purchasing, please refer to SAP Help documentation or contact your local SAP support team.