If you're using P6 and P7 (and P5), you can save the settings as a Material Collection file by either saving the single material or every material for the figure. This way, you don't even need a MAT pose. Though if you want to use the file in P4 (or Pro Pack) or if you want to use the file outside of the Materials Library, then you'll want to turn it into a MAT pose.

VanishingPoint... Advanced 3D Modeling Solutions