What is leading characteristic in SAP QM - Quality Management?

SAP Term: leading characteristic

• Component: QM

• Component Name: Quality Management

• Description: A required criteria in an operation that is dynamically modified and for which a quality level is maintained. One or more dependent characteristics can be assigned to a leading characteristic. Leading and dependent characteristics are defined to ensure that the inspection stages for the characteristics in an operation do not come into conflict with one another.

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• Key Concepts: 
  A leading characteristic is a quality characteristic in SAP Quality Management (QM) that is used to determine the inspection lot size. It is used to group materials with similar characteristics together for inspection purposes. The leading characteristic is usually the most important quality characteristic of the material being inspected. 
  
  How to use it: 
  In SAP QM, the leading characteristic is set up in the material master record. It can be used to determine the inspection lot size and also to group materials with similar characteristics together for inspection purposes. The leading characteristic can be changed at any time, depending on the requirements of the material being inspected. 
  
  Tips & Tricks: 
  When setting up a leading characteristic in SAP QM, it is important to consider the most important quality characteristics of the material being inspected. This will ensure that the inspection lot size is determined accurately and that materials with similar characteristics are grouped together for inspection purposes. 
  
  Related Information: 
  For more information on leading characteristics in SAP QM, please refer to the SAP Help documentation.