What is the purpose of material spec. QS61 master data in QM Module?

They allow the transfer of the batch class characteristic spec values to transfer from the assigned class
and populate into the inspection plan. Without this, you must maintain the spec in the inspection plan.
With this, you only need to maintain them in the class. Because many materials can be assigned to class,
a lot of maintenance can be saved.

You also need this to transfer results from the inspection lot back to the class unless the indicator of
"Batch results transfer without material spec" in plant config is selected on.

In simple terms:

It is an option to that of Inspection plan. Inspection plan is defined & created at plant level for the
material.  But Material specs are created for a material can be used for all the plants. This means it is
created at client level.  You can only use MIC in the materials specs.  You cannot use DMR & Inspection
points in material specs.
So it simply meant, once used material specs. for a material can be used at any plant.

Material specification are global specifications that apply to the material regardless of the plant.
Therefore, no plant specific requirements can be set for that product received at different plants.
I have always found the plant specific material plans to be much more flexible where plant differences
need to be accommodated.