SAP AFS(Apparel and Footwear Solution) Certification FAQ:

1. What is SAP AFS?

SAP AFS (Apparel and Footwear Solution) is an industry-specific solution built on SAP ERP, designed to meet the unique needs of the apparel and footwear industry. It enhances core SAP ERP modules to handle size/color dimensions, seasonality, high-volume order processing, and global supply chain requirements.

2. Is there an official SAP AFS Certification?

SAP AFS certifications used to be available through SAP Education for professionals working in retail and fashion verticals. However, with the evolution toward SAP S/4HANA and SAP Fashion Management, standalone AFS certifications may no longer be offered or updated.

Alternative Certifications:

• SAP S/4HANA for Fashion and Vertical Business

• SAP SD, MM, and PP (modules heavily used in AFS)

• SAP FMS (Fashion Management Solution)

3. Who should take SAP AFS certification?

Professionals who can benefit include:

• SAP Consultants in the fashion or retail sector

• AFS end-users (planners, buyers, logistics, production)

• Project managers working on fashion ERP rollouts

• IT professionals transitioning into SAP Fashion industry solutions

4. Are there prerequisites for SAP AFS Certification?

While there are no strict prerequisites, the following are recommended:

• Experience with SAP ERP (especially SD, MM, PP)

• Basic understanding of apparel/footwear retail processes

• Familiarity with master data management (materials, BOMs, etc.)

5. What topics are covered in SAP AFS?

While not exhaustive, typical areas include:

• AFS-specific master data (grids, SKUs, characteristics)

• Demand and supply management

• AFS-specific MRP

• Allocation Run

• Seasonality and lifecycle management

• VAS (Value-Added Services)

• AFS-specific reporting

6. How can I prepare for SAP AFS Certification?

• SAP Learning Hub (if still available)

• SAP Partner Academy

• Hands-on practice in an AFS sandbox environment

• AFS configuration guides & training manuals

• Third-party training providers offering AFS content

• Community forums & blogs (e.g., SCN, SAP Community)

7. Where can I register for the certification?

SAP certifications are usually conducted via:

• SAP Training Portal (training.sap.com)

• Pearson VUE (if supported by SAP for AFS or related certifications)

8. What is the cost of certification?

SAP certification costs typically range from $500 to $750 USD, but pricing may vary by location and certification track.

9. What if AFS is being phased out?

SAP AFS is being gradually replaced by SAP S/4HANA Fashion and Vertical Business. If you're just starting out, it's recommended to pursue certifications in the newer S/4HANA-based Fashion Solutions instead.

10. Can I still get AFS-related project experience?

Yes, many large enterprises still use SAP AFS. Gaining project experience in AFS remains valuable, especially during transitions to newer SAP fashion solutions.

SAP AFS(Apparel and Footwear Solution) Certification:

SAP AFS Certification – Key Points:

1. Official Certification Availability

SAP no longer offers a specific certification for AFS. Instead, you can pursue certifications under SAP S/4HANA Fashion and Vertical Business, which has absorbed much of AFS functionality.

2. Alternative Certifications to Consider

If you're aiming to work in fashion/lifestyle industries with SAP, consider these certifications:

• C_TS452 – SAP S/4HANA Sourcing and Procurement

• C_TS460 – SAP S/4HANA Sales

• C_FSH_67 – SAP Fashion Management Solution 6.7 (for SAP FMS)

• S/4HANA Fashion and Vertical Business (by SAP Learning Hub)

These offer relevant knowledge and are recognized by employers now using S/4HANA.

3. Where to Learn AFS (If Still Needed)

Though SAP AFS is legacy, it’s still in use in some companies. You can gain expertise via:

• SAP Learning Hub (for archived/legacy content)

• Third-party training providers (e.g., Michael Management, Udemy, openSAP)

• Project experience / mentorship in companies still using SAP AFS

4. Topics Usually Covered in SAP AFS Training

Even if certification is no longer offered, training may include:

• Season management

• SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) matrix

• Size and color variants

• Allocation and replenishment

• Contract and order management specific to fashion

5. Transition Path: AFS to S/4HANA Fashion

If you're experienced in AFS, transitioning to SAP S/4HANA Fashion is logical and professionally beneficial. Consider the following:

• Join SAP S/4HANA Fashion enablement programs.

• Use the SAP Learning Hub, Professional Edition.

• Gain hands-on experience with migration tools and compatibility packs.

The fee for SAP AFS(Apparel and Footwear Solution) training can vary depending on several factors such as the location, duration of the course, training format, and level of expertise. SAP offers various training options for AFS, including instructor-led courses, e-learning courses, and virtual live classrooms.

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SAP AFS(Apparel and Footwear Solution) Curriculum:

Module 1: SAP AFS Introduction

• Overview of the SAP AFS solution
• Introduction to the AFS Master Data
• Sales and Distribution
• Materials Management
• Production Planning
• Finance and Controlling in AFS
• Quality Management
• Retailing with SAP AFS
• AFS integration with other SAP modules

Module 2: SAP Enterprise Resource Planning

• ERP Fundamentals
• ASAP Methodology
• System Landscape
• SAP R/3 Architecture, Versions
• SAP Vs. other ERP Packages: Advantages

Module 3: Fundamentals of AFS-MM & Master Data

• Basic AFS master data
• AFS material types
• AFS-specific procurement process
• AFS-specific inventory management
• AFS-specific stock transfer scenarios
• Batch management and classification
• Vendor Master and Purchasing Info Record (PIR) 
• Material Master and Source List 
• Integration between AFS and MM
• Advanced AFS inventory management and physical inventory
• Valuation and account determination
• Sales Grid Maintenance

Module 4: SAP AFS Categories and Grids

• Overview of Coverage Strategy
• Category Hierarchy
• Value assignment
• Configuring Grids
• Defining sizes and colors
• Size and color mapping
• Category Specific Settings.
• Structural view of Category management
• Master Grids & Creating Technique
• Sales Grids & Creating Technique
• Conceptual of Grids in AFS
• Pricing Based on Grid Level
• Characteristics maintenance and mapping

Module 5: Process Sales Documents

• Map Business Process in AFS
• Sales Order Management
• AFS Material Master for Sales
• Sales document types
• Sales document configuration
• Sales pricing and condition technique
• Availability check and requirements
• Sales document item categories
• Text determination procedure
• Partner determination procedure
• Output determination
• Rebate Processing in AFS
• Credit Management in AFS
• Intercompany Sales Process in AFS
• Billing in AFS
• Copy Control for Sales Documents
• Returns and Complaints processing
• AFS-specific sales processes and functions
• Sales Document Structure & Configuration Guide
• Contracts and Scheduling Agreements 
• AFS Salient Settings for Customizing Sales Document Structure

Module 6: AFS Pricing

• Condition technique 
• Pricing procedure 
• Pricing configuration 
• Price determination 
• Discounts and surcharges 
• Promotions and markdowns 
• Rebates and settlement 
• Condition exclusions 
• Tax Determination 

Module 7: SAP AFS Sales & Billing

• Overview of Rush Order & Cash Sales
• Billing Document Structure
• AFS Sales Order Processing
• AFS Delivery Processing
• AFS Billing Processing
• Integration with Financial Accounting (FI)
• Integration with Material Management (MM)
• Output Determination and Printing
• Sales Document Types and Item Categories
• Billing Document Types and Item Categories
• Special Sales Processes (consignment, third-party, and inter-company sales)
• Credit Management
• Revenue Recognition
• Pricing in AFS Sales & Billing
• Tax Determination
• Customer Master Data and Partner Functions
• Sales Information System (SIS)
• Reporting and Analytics

Module 8: BOM, Tables & Transaction Codes

• AFS Tables and Fields
• SAP AFS BOM, Tables, and Transaction Codes
• AFS BOM creation, configuration, and management
• AFS BOM alternatives, dependencies, and versions
• AFS Transaction Codes for BOM, Material Master, and Sales Documents

Module 9: AFS SD, MM & FICO Integration

• AFS MM and SD integration
• AFS MM and FICO integration
• AFS SD and FICO integration
• Data flow between SD, MM, and FICO modules
• Cross-module configuration for integration
• Integration with other SAP modules like Production Planning (PP), Quality Management (QM), and Warehouse Management (WM)
• Integration testing and troubleshooting techniques

Module 10: AFS Master Data

• Customer Master – AFS Fields
• Material Master AFS Views
• AFS - Conditions Master
• Maintain Sales Grids
• Material Master Data 
• Vendor Master Data 
• Article Master Data 
• Site Master Data 
• Season Master Data
• Assortment and Listing 
• Fashion Information Records (FIR)
• Workflow and Approvals in AFS Master Data.

Module 11: AFS - Categories & Grids

• AFS – Grids Concept
• Condition Technique for Grids
• Grid Level Pricing
• AFS – Category Structure
• Coverage Strategy
• Condition Technique for Categories
• Category Hierarchies
• Category Hierarchies with Customer-Specific Views
• Category Codes
• Structural view of Category in AFS
• Pricing Based on Grid Level

Module 12: Allocation Run (ARun)

• ARun Requirement Sorting
• ARun Allocation Rule
• AFS ARun Release Rule
• AFS ARun Type
• Reallocation - Early Allocation
• Allocation tables and their maintenance
• Explanation of methods and rules of allocation
• Creation and maintenance of allocation strategies
• Overview of the allocation monitor
• Allocation simulation and execution
• Analysis of allocation results

Module 13: AFS Fundamental Settings

• Company Code Settings
• Plant Settings
• Storage Location Settings
• Purchase Organization Settings
• Purchasing Group Settings
• Sales Organization Settings
• Distribution Channel Settings
• Division Settings
• Tax Settings
• Incoterms
• Condition Technique
• Document Types
• Account Group Settings
• Partner Function Settings
• Output Determination
• Text Determination
• Material Types
• Material Master Record
• Customer Master Record
• Vendor Master Record
• Sales Document Types
• Delivery Document Types
• Billing Document Types.

Module 14: Considerations & project methodology

1) SAP AFS Considerations:

• Overview of industry-specific features and functionality of AFS
• AFS solution architecture and deployment options
• AFS integration with other SAP modules and third-party systems
• Understanding of unique business processes in AFS

2) Project Methodology Overview:

• Introduction to SAP implementation methodology
• Project planning, scoping, and budgeting
• Overview of project phases, including preparation, business blueprinting, realization, final preparation, and go-live and support
• Roles and responsibilities of project team members
• Project management tools and techniques
• Change management and risk mitigation strategies

Note:  The specific curriculum for SAP AFS training may vary depending on the needs of the trainees/Corporate Client and the objectives of the training program.

SAP AFS(Apparel and Footwear Solution) Projects:

1. Greenfield Implementation

Description:
End-to-end SAP AFS implementation for a fashion company starting from scratch.

Key Activities:

• Business blueprint and requirement gathering

• Configuration of AFS-specific modules (Grid, Season, SD/MM/PP)

• Integration with third-party systems (e.g., PLM, POS)

• User training and UAT

Example:
Implementing SAP AFS for a new fashion brand expanding globally, covering seasonal planning, size/color matrix inventory, and wholesale distribution.

2. AFS Rollout Project

Description:
Deploying an existing AFS template to new business units, countries, or product lines.

Key Activities:

• Localization (taxes, languages, currency)

• Adjustments to AFS grid templates

• Configuration of new plants/customers/vendors

• Data migration and cutover planning

Example:
Rolling out SAP AFS for the Asian operations of a US-based sportswear brand.

3. Upgrade Project

Description:
Upgrading from older AFS versions (e.g., AFS 6.5) to a newer version or transitioning to FMS.

Key Activities:

• Technical upgrade and regression testing

• Grid data validation

• Adjustment of custom enhancements and Z-programs

• Retesting integration points and interfaces

Example:
Upgrading from SAP AFS 6.4 to 6.6 to support improved ATP logic and enhanced grid reporting.

4. SAP AFS to S/4HANA Fashion Migration

Description:
Migrating from SAP AFS to SAP S/4HANA for Fashion and Vertical Business (FMS), since AFS is not supported in S/4HANA.

Key Activities:

• System conversion or new implementation

• Mapping AFS grid concepts to FMS segments

• Data cleansing and transformation

• Integration testing with SAP CAR, Retail, and FIORI apps

Example:
A luxury apparel retailer transitioning from SAP AFS to S/4HANA FMS to gain real-time analytics and improved omnichannel support.

5. AFS Customization/Enhancement Projects

Description:
Creating custom solutions or enhancements on top of AFS functionalities.

Key Activities:

• Developing custom BAPIs or BAdIs

• Modifying grid display, allocation logic, or ATP rules

• Enhancing reports for size/color-specific KPI tracking

Example:
Developing a custom allocation algorithm that prioritizes top-selling sizes and colors during stock shortages.

6. Integration Projects

Description:
Integrating AFS with third-party tools like Warehouse Management (WM), Point of Sale (POS), PLM, or e-commerce platforms.

Key Activities:

• Middleware setup (e.g., PI/PO, MuleSoft)

• IDOC/API configuration

• Master data alignment across systems

• Testing and monitoring

Example:
Integrating AFS with Salesforce Commerce Cloud to enable real-time inventory visibility by size and color.

7. Support and Maintenance Projects

Description:
Ongoing support for an SAP AFS landscape including issue resolution, performance tuning, and enhancements.

Key Activities:

• Incident and change management

• Batch job monitoring (MRP, ATP, Allocation runs)

• Master data maintenance

• Patch updates

Example:
Providing Level 2 and 3 support for a global sportswear brand’s AFS system.

Typical Phases in an AFS Project

1. Project Preparation

   • Project charter, resource planning, kickoff

2. Business Blueprint

   • Workshops, AS-IS/TO-BE processes, documentation

3. Realization

   • Configuration, custom development, unit testing

4. Final Preparation

   • Data migration, cutover, UAT, end-user training

5. Go-Live and Support

   • Hypercare, stabilization, and knowledge transfer

SAP AFS(Apparel and Footwear Solution) Interview Questions and Answers:

General SAP AFS Questions

1. What is SAP AFS?
   SAP AFS is an industry-specific solution developed by SAP for the apparel and footwear industry. It extends standard SAP ERP functionality to address size/color/grid, seasonality, and supply chain complexities specific to fashion businesses.

2. What are the key differences between SAP AFS and SAP ECC?
   AFS includes additional data fields and transactions tailored for fashion, such as handling of sizes and colors (matrix/grid), season management, and AFS-specific MRP.

3. What is a Grid in SAP AFS?
   A Grid refers to a two-dimensional matrix used to manage products with size and color characteristics efficiently. It simplifies inventory, sales, and planning for variant-rich products.

4. What are AFS-specific organizational elements?
   AFS includes additional segments like AFS Category, AFS Order Segment, and AFS Grid Value for enhanced business control.

5. How is season management handled in SAP AFS?
   Seasonal management allows assigning seasons to materials, enabling better planning, procurement, and lifecycle tracking.

Sales and Distribution in AFS

1. How does SAP AFS handle Sales Orders?
   Sales orders in AFS support matrix/grid entry, allowing bulk entry by size and color. This improves accuracy and speed.

2. What is ATP in AFS SD?
   Available to Promise (ATP) in AFS considers size/color availability and can be processed at the grid level.

3. How are customer-specific grids used?
   They allow tailoring the grid (size/color matrix) according to customer-specific needs or market demands.

4. Can AFS support allocation by customer priority?
   Yes, using allocation run logic, AFS can prioritize customers or regions based on business rules.

5. What are key AFS-specific SD transactions?
   VA01 (modified for AFS), /AFS/PO_MAINT, /AFS/GRIDDISP are commonly used.

Materials Management in AFS

1. What are Grid Values in MM?
   Grid Values are variants of a product, managed by size and color combinations, enabling matrix-based inventory.

2. How is procurement handled for grid materials?
   AFS allows batch procurement based on grids. Purchase orders can be created using grid entry screens.

3. What are AFS-specific fields in Material Master?
   Fields like AFS Category, Season, Collection, Theme, and Fashion Grid are included in the material master.

4. Explain the use of themes and collections.
   These help categorize and manage product lifecycles more efficiently across seasons and campaigns.

5. What is AFS requirement grouping?
   It aggregates requirements by grid level to optimize procurement and production planning.

Production Planning in AFS

1. How does AFS handle MRP differently?
   AFS-specific MRP allows planning at grid level and supports grid-based procurement proposals.

2. Can you explain pegged requirements in AFS?
   AFS pegged requirements trace demand and supply at the grid level, ensuring accurate planning by size and color.

3. What is the role of AFS PIRs (Planned Independent Requirements)?
   They allow planning based on forecasted demand for specific grid values, improving forecast accuracy.

4. How are production orders managed in AFS?
   Orders are created and tracked using grid values, enabling fine control over size/color-specific production.

5. What tools are used for planning in AFS?
   SAP AFS uses the AFS-specific MRP run, /AFS/MD01 and the Planning Table (/AFS/PLT).

Technical and Integration

1. How is data migration handled in AFS?
   Standard tools like LSMW, BAPIs, and IDOCs can be used, with adjustments for AFS-specific fields.

2. What are key AFS user exits or BAdIs?
   Examples include AFS_SALES_ORDER, AFS_MATERIAL_UPDATE, and AFS_SD_PRICING.

3. How does AFS integrate with SAP Retail?
   AFS can exchange data with SAP Retail for store-level distribution and replenishment using IDOCs.

4. What are AFS-specific tables?
   Some key tables include /AFS/MCMT, /AFS/POHD, /AFS/GMCUST, /AFS/SIZE, /AFS/COLOR.

5. Is SAP AFS compatible with SAP S/4HANA?
   No, SAP AFS is not directly compatible with S/4HANA. It has been replaced by SAP Fashion Management Solution (FMS).

Scenario-Based/Behavioral

1. How would you handle a scenario where a popular size runs out mid-season?
   Use allocation run to reprioritize, adjust planning proposals, and possibly trigger replenishment production.

2. How do you deal with size substitution in AFS?
   Implement substitution rules and ATP checks to offer alternative sizes if the requested one is unavailable.

3. How would you improve order entry speed in a seasonal campaign?
   Use grid order entry and predefined grids/templates for each customer to reduce manual entry time.

4. What KPIs would you track in an AFS-driven company?
   Sell-through rate by size, stock-out percentage by grid, season closure timelines, and allocation fill rate.

5. Have you worked on an AFS upgrade project? What challenges did you face?
   Common issues include data mapping from legacy grids, customizations breaking post-upgrade, and testing all variants.