PP Variant Configuration GuideThe following Help Topics are available:hltr~;lucJ~

For Help on Help, Press F1

Version

SAP-00001824

VersionPrepared for R/3 Release 2.2.July 94

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Copyrights@1994 SAP AG. All rights reserved.Neither this documentation nor any part of it may be copied or reproduced in any form or by anymeans or translated into another language, without the prior consent of SAP AG.SAP AG makes no warranties or representations with respect to the content hereof and specificallydisclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. SAP AGassumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. The informationcontained in this document is subject to change without notice. SAP AG reserves the right tomake any such changes without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. SAPAG makes no commitment to keep the information contained herein up to date.

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IntroductionThis section contains the following topics:

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Tasks of ConfigurationProducts with a large number of variants have always been considered a problem. However,despite the problems of producing individualized variants of a product, variant production offers ahappy medium between repetitive manufacturing and make-to-order production.

Variant Production

Engine Extras 1600

Anti-lock brakes 1800

~"Trip computer

2000

~1

Heated seats 2500 ......

TransmissionWheels

4-gear 4-gear automatic Steel wheels 5-gear Light alloy wheels 5-gear automatic - standard... Paintwork Light alloy wheels

- wide tires Black

Red " " " Blue

The above figure shows an example of a product with a large number of variants. It shows someof the factors which influence which component parts are put into such a product. The morefactors there are to influence how a product is put together, the harder it is to plan possible variantsof the product.

Reasons for Complexity

There are various reasons for problems with variants: When you produce products using variants, the combination of individual features of the product

can lead to vast numbers of variants. In the case of mid-range to top of the range cars, forexample, you scarcely ever produce two cars which are alike in all respects.When you produce products using variants, there are often dependencies between theindividual features of the product. Not all combinations of features which are theoreticallypossible are always allowed. There are two reasons for this. Some combinations may not bepossible for technical reasons. In a car, for example, you cannot combine any type of enginewith any set of gears. On the other hand, certain combinations will not be allowed formarketing reasons. For example, certain colors of paintwork and upholstery can only beordered in the more expensive models of cars.

As you would expect, complex products require complex configuration tasks in sales and

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distribution and production. However, a company selling or producing products with variantsneeds to be able to perform these configuration tasks quickly and accurately. Since productdevelopment and life cycles are becoming shorter all the time, this is no easy task.

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Processing of Quotations and OrdersSales Promotions

The procedure for processing quotations for complex products tends to conform to this generalpattern: Entering the customers requirements and preferences Producing a quotation configuration Checking the quotation configuration for consistency and completeness Editing the configuration in consultation with the customerThe aim is to achieve a balance between customer requirements, technical possibilities and theprice. This cyclical process is controlled by communication between sales and distribution and thecustomer.

Configurable ObjectsWhen you process a quotation for a complex product, usually you do not only have to configure theproduct itself. The following objects may be configurable: Product environment Product Price Quotation texts

Factors in Quotation Processing

As is the case for all business processes, quotation processing involves a conflict of interestsbetween the factors of time, costs and quality.

Time

The timespan between the first contact with the customer and the handing over of the quotation isnow considered an increasingly important factor in competition. Fast reaction times are often acompetitive advantage for a company. Nowadays, the time taken over technical clearing oftenleads to the situation whereby the lead time of a sales order is influenced to a considerable extentby the technical clearing process as well as by production.

Costs

Sales and distribution costs depend to a great extent on the number of customer inquiries. This isparticularly true for products with variants, as it tends to be more expensive to produce a quotationfor variant products than for products of repetitive manufacturing. This is because of the extraexpense involved in clearing the product.

Quality

Incorrect sales orders can mean substantial losses for a company. As a rule, the longer it takes torecognize an error, the more expensive it is to put it right. In manufacturing companies, thegrowing tendency towards "just in time" production means that you can scarcely ever correctconfiguration errors without delaying the delivery.

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A contemporary solution to this problem is to use a computerized information system. You canuse it to fulfil a number of different functions.

Product Catalog

Catalogs can be used to give the customer an idea of the products and prices offered by acompany. However, if your products contain a lot of variants, conventional printed productcatalogs are not easy to use. Furthermore, the catalog may only contain a subsection of theproduct spectrum on offer.

Electronic Catalog

One way of easing the workload on office-based sales personnel caused by secondary inquiries, isto distribute an electronic product catalog to important customers for pricing and configuration,instead of a paper version. If you do this, you need to consider the following points: Hardware

To ensure that this medium has the widest possible distribution, the catalog software has to bedesigned to run on standard PCs or workstations.

PresentationAs each catalog may form the first impression that a customer has of your company, particularattention must be paid to the presentation of the catalog.

User-friendlinessAs the user of the catalog will not be trained in using the catalog software, an electronic cataloghas to be largely self-explanatory and easy to use.Explanation facilityAs the user of the catalog software will not usually be an expert on the product being presented,you need to explain suggested solutions and causes of errors for the configured product.

Sales Manual

A typical distribution channel for complex products is to use field sales personnel. The productknowledge required is usually available to the salesperson in the form of a sales manual.However, the same restrictions apply to sales manuals as to catalogs. For this reason, the vendorusually sets up a central clearing office to ensure that quotations are consistent and complete.

Electronic Sales Manual

You can considerably reduce processing times by getting field sales personnel to deal with all yourquotations. This is made possible by using an electronic sales manual, which allows thesalesperson to access the correct products, prices and quotation texts. The requirements for thiskind of system are the same as for an electronic catalog. In addition, a configuration system forfield sales personnel needs to run on a portable PC (laptop or notebook).Product Clearing

When you are dealing with complex products, customer inquiries have to be checked before theyare processed. This check is to establish whether the order can be accepted in the formsubmitted. In the case of mechanical engineering products, the clearing office refers to theknowledge of the engineers. This knowledge is often available as a technical description, but maybe stored in an unsystematic way. If the clearing office finds inconsistencies, they refer back to thecustomer until they either come to an agreement between customer requirements and technical

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possibilities or decide not to accept the order.

Electronic Product Clearing

A configurator can be used in a sales office to take over the functions of both technical clearing andpricing. In this way, the technical possibility of a product can be checked when the order is firstentered. The result of the configuration process is either sent to the customer as a quotation orsent to the PP system as a sales order. The following requirements are necessary for electronicproduct clearing: Explanation facility

The sales department must be able to give the customer a qualified explanation for anyinconsistencies in the configured product or for any missing items.

Integration in the central sales and distribution systemFull integration means that you only have to enter orders once, thereby reducing the possibilityof errors.

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Work SchedulingWork scheduling involves producing working documents for production (bills of material androutings) from incoming sales orders. If you process identical sales orders manually, you do notnecessarily get identical bills of material and routings from identical orders. For productionplanning and quality assurance purposes, it is desirable that such documents should bestandardized as far as possible. For these reasons, a computerized information system is clearlythe best solution for meeting the requirements of time, costs and quality.Unlike the configuration processes carried out in the sales department, configuration in workscheduling should ideally aim to produce bills of material and routings automatically from salesorders.

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Overview of Variant ConfigurationWhen you are dealing with a product which has lots of variants, it is difficult to describe andmaintain data on the product. You need to describe clearly the complex relationships between thecomponents, whilst avoiding data redundancy. All variants of the product have to be representedby an integrated bill of material and routing structure.Complex products typically involve a large number of possible combinations of product features.Taking a car as an example, the product has a number of features, such as color, type ofupholstery, or engine power, which describe the actual product which is to be manufactured anddelivered.In the following figure, you see how a variant configuration is implemented in the SAP R/3 System.A configurable object (in this case a car) is ordered using a sales order. This kind of product isknown as a standard product in the SAP System. In the sales order, the features of the productare described and defined. The description of the variant in the sales order is then used as a basisfor collating the appropriate PP master data - bill of material and routing - to make the specificvariant required.

Configuration taskParts in stock

Instructionsfor L

assemblingthe product

!l Log of or determining/which operationsandP RTs are required

Car

\List of parts Irequired h

Ji/L g i~ ~ idh;e~ in i nqq ~rerequired |

Color: redI Engine: 1.81Transmission automaticE xt ras : ....

This section contains the following topic:D.esc.r.ibJrlg..&.8.tandard.P.[.odu.c.t

SAPterm8Materials

I Characferistic: Values:Standard product xObject

dependencies I

greenred1.82.0AB

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Describing a Standard ProductWhen you enter a sales order, you describe a standard product using its features.

Describing the Features of an ObjectWhen you describe a standard product, such as a car, features such as color, engine power andtransmission can influence how the finished product is made up. These features and their possiblevalues have to be defined in the SAP System, so that they can be used in variant configuration.These features are defined as characteristics, and the possible values are defined ascharacteristic values. To enable features to be selected for configuration, these characteristicsare stored in a class. This class is then linked to the standard product.

Object Master DataThe manufacture of a standard product, such as a car, requires a large number of componentparts. Not all of these parts will be required for every variant of the standard product. When youenter a sales order, the characteristic values you enter determine which individual parts from thecomplete list of parts for the standard product are required for the variant you want to produce.This list of parts required for production is stored as a bill of material in the SAP R/3 System.To produce a variant of a standard product, you also need instructions for assembling ormanufacturing the selected parts. First you need a list of all the operations which could be used toproduce an end product from the standard product. These operations are stored in the SAP R/3System as a routing. Once the sales order has been entered and the characteristics of thestandard product have been defined, you know which parts and therefore which operations in therouting are required to produce the finished product.

Object DependenciesUsually, when you configure a standard product, not all the features or characteristic values of theproduct can be combined with each other. For example, you cannot combine all colors of car withall colors of upholstery. This also applies to parts in a bill of material and operations in a routing.These dependencies within an object or between objects must also be defined in the SAP R/3System, to allow you to configure objects consistently. For example, you can select the correctitems in a BOM and the correct operations in a routing. These dependencies are stored in theSAP R/3 System as object dependencies.

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Maintaining Standard ProductsThe first step in maintaining a product with variable attributes is to create your configurable objectas a standard product in the SAP S/3 System. This section describes how to maintain a standardproduct and what points you need to note when you create a standard product.This section contains the following topics:

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Maintaining DataBefore you can configure variants, you have to maintain specific data in the material master.data to be maintained is as follows: Basic data Sales and distribution data Materials planning data

The

Basic Information

A standard product is a product which is to be configured. A standard product is not in itself astockable material, because it includes all possible attributes of a product.This is reflected in the material type. In release 2.2, if you want to create a configurable material,you use a material type which is modelled on material type KMAT (configurable material). Onlymaterials of this material type can be configured.

Creating a Standard Product

To

1.

.

create a standard product, proceed as follows:Starting from the material master menu, choose Create special -~ Configurable mat..You see a screen on which you enter the material number and the industry. In this case, youdo not enter a material type - the system automatically sets material type KMAT, because youare using the Create special function.In the following dialog boxes, you maintain the views and organizational levels for which youwant to create the material.When you create your configurable material, you must maintain the following data:

Sales Data

.

On the Sales 2 screen, you have to enter the Item category group. The item category groupcontrols which item categories can be assigned in the sales order.Group 0002 is defined as the default for configuration and appears automatically in this field ifyou create your standard product using the Create special -~ Configurable mat. function.

Materials Planning Data

.

On the MRP 1 (materials planning) screen, you have to maintain the following three fields:MRP groupThe MRP group groups materials together from the MRP point of view to allocate specificcontrol parameters to them. The system default for this material type is 025.MRP typeThe MRP type is a key that determines whether and how the material is planned. To allowmaterials planning to function properly, any type except ND (no planning) is allowed.Lot size keyThe lot size key is a key which determines which lot-sizing procedure the system uses within thematerials planning function to calculate the quantity of the material to be produced.

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The only entry which makes sense in variant configuration is EX (exact lot size).5. On the MRP 2 (materials planning) screen, you can maintain the following additional data:

Availability checkCheck group for availability check. The value 01 (individual requirements) is set automaticallybecause of the material type.Individ./collectiveThis indicator determines whether individual customer requirements planning is allowed fordependent requirements. The indicator for individual requirements (set due to the materialtype) means that the system displays dependent requirement quantities individually.

6. Maintain other data for your material. Other fields are not specifically relevant to standardproducts, but you still have to make an entry in certain fields. For example, the sales pricerequired in the sales order must be maintained.For more information on maintaining material master data, see the guide:MM - BD: Managing Material Master Data.

Maintaining a Sales Price for the Standard Product

Once you have maintained the master record for the standard product, you have to maintain asales price for the standard product. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. In the sales and distribution menu, choose Conditions --> Prices-~ Material price -~ Create.

2. Enter the number of your standard product in the Material field and the sales price in theAmount field.

3. Save your data.The sales price for your standard product is now maintained.

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Object Master DataIn variant configuration, as described in .Oy..ery..j.ew of V..arj.ant Confjlquration. ,object master data isused to describe the structure and manufacture of a configurable object which can be ordered in asales order. This object master data can be divided into two main parts: the description of the structure of the configurable material the description of the production process for the configurable materialThe structure of a configurable material is described in the SAP R/3 System using a bill of material.The production process for a configurable material is described using a routing.This section contains the following topics:

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BOMs as Object Master DataA standard product cannot be produced as a finished product. A standard product is a productwhich can be produced as a number of variants. For example, a standard product for a car doesnot represent a product in itself. Once you have determined what kind of car is to be ordered orproduced, and decided which parts are required to produce this particular car, you can derive afinished product (variant) from the standard product.The same is true for the bill of material (BOM) for a standard product. The BOM is a list of thecomponents which are required to make all the variants of a standard product. This list contains adescription of each component, together with the quantity required and the unit of measure for eachcomponent. This BOM can be used to describe all possible variants of a standard product.Rather than creating a separate BOM for each variant of a product, you store the components forall variants in one bill of material.This BOM contains some parts which are required in all variants of the standard product. TheBOM also contains other parts which have to be selected according to which variant you require -parts which can be used in an individual variant. For example, in a car you always need arear-view mirror, two side mirrors and a hooter. However, parts such as a particular model ofradio, a leather steering wheel, or a particular set of wheels are parts which are interchangeableand can be selected according to the customers requirements.

Creating a BOM

A BOM for a standard product is the same as any other material BOM, and is created in the sameway.To create a BOM for your standard product, proceed as follows:1. Starting from the menu for bills of material, choose Bills of material -~ Material BOM -~ Create.2. Enter the number of your standard product in the Material field, then enter the plant and BOM

usage.You see the "New Material Items" collective entry screen.

3. Enter your components.

Classes as BOM Items

As of release 2.2, you can enter a class as a BOM item instead of a material. When you assigncharacteristic values, no single material is selected automatically for this BOM item. Instead, theclassification function Find objects in class is called. Using this function, you can select objectswhich are linked to the class you entered and copy them to your BOM. You use your ownselection criteria to find an object in a class. This means that you do not have to enter every singlematerial you might want to use as BOM items when you maintain the BOM. You only have toenter the class to which suitable objects are linked as a class item.If you enter a class as a class item in a bill of material, it can save you a lot of BOM maintenancework when you want to include new BOM items. For example, you wanted windscreen wiperblades from a specific company until now, but decide for some reason (perhaps because ofproblems with deliveries) that you now want to purchase windscreen wiper blades from a differentvendor. Normally, you would have to enter new BOM items, but you can save time by replacingyour wiper blades item with a class item. You then link all the different wiper blades you could useto the class you enter as an item.

Creating a Class for a Class Item

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To create a class which can be used as a class item, proceed as follows:1. Choose a class type which allows you to use materials classified with this class to be used in

configurable objects (bills of material and routings). In release 2.2, the standard class typedefined for this purpose is 200.

2. Classes of this class type contain an Additional data block, in which you can maintain additionaldata for the class. The data on this screen is mainly concerned with the use of the class inconfigurable objects. For example, you can determine: whether the class can be used as a class item in BOMs at all which item category the component determined via class selection is to have which base unit of measure the selected component is to have in the resulting item category whether you have to select a component linked to this class whether you can select more than one object linked to this class.

NoteClass items are not used in materials planning in release 2.2. However, you can use class itemsin 2.2 for modelling purposes for use in release 3.0. Materials linked to the class have to beplanned manually.

Automatic Selection of BOM Items using Classification

You can use two different classes in a configuration. First there is the class which contains theconfiguration characteristics - the characteristics which are used to describe the variant. Second,there may be other classes for classifying objects in the usual way. These classes can be used torepresent alternative BOM items. Under certain circumstances, class selection within a BOMexplosion will produce an unambiguous result, without your having to maintain object dependenciesfor the BOM items.To allow you to do this, the class used for configuration must have at least one of thecharacteristics with assigned values which are maintained in the class used to classify BOM items.If it does, it is possible to have the correct BOM item selected automatically when you assignvalues to the characteristic during the configuration process. However, this is only possible if eachof the materials has only been assigned one characteristic value.

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Routings as Object Master DataWhen you describe a configurable material, as well as describing the structure of the material -which parts are used in production - you need instructions on how to produce the standard product.These instructions describe which operations are required to produce the variants of a product.A configurable routing is a list of the operations which are required to produce all the variants of astandard product. This routing can be used to describe any variant of a product. Instead ofhaving to create an individual routing for each variant of a product, you store the operations for allthe variants in one routing.This routing consists of some operations, sequences of operations and production resources/toolswhich are used in all variants of the standard product and others which are selected according tothe variant, and therefore can be used in a variant. An operation for polishing the finished carwhen it leaves the production line is always required when you produce a car. However,operations for installing and testing an air conditioning system are only required if anair-conditioning system is selected as an extra.

Creating a Routing

A routing for a standard product is the same as any other routing and is created in the same way.To create a routing for your standard product, proceed as follows:1. Starting from the routings menu, choose Routings --> Routing --> Create.2. Enter the number of your standard product in the Material field, and enter the plant.

You see the routing header general view.3. Maintain the necessary header data.4. Choose menu option Goto --~ Operation overview.5. Enter your operations.NoteThe example above describes the maintenance of individual operations. You can also defineselectable sequences of operations, sub-operations and production resources/tools. For moreinformation on this subject, see the guide to "PP - Routings".Once you have created a BOM and a routing for your configurable material, you can describe yourproduct from the point of view of configuration by storing the features of the configurable material inthe SAP R/3 System. For information on how to do this, see Eeatures of a ProduQt

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Features of a ProductThis section describes the features of a standard product and how these features are representedin the SAP R/3 System. It describes how to maintain the following data in the SAP R/3 System: Features of a (standard) product Values for these featuresIt also tells you how to maintain a link between these features with their values and a standardproduct, to allow you to configure the standard product.It contains the following topics:Ge.rm.r.aI.JIr~ f o.rmatiQ r~

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General InformationWhen you receive a sales order for a standard product, the sales order has to describe the productexactly as it has been ordered. As described in !r!t.rodu.(;tjo!]. this description is based on thefeatures of the product.In the case of a car, for example, the product has a large number of features which need to bedescribed.

Variant Production

Engine Extras 1600

Anti-lock brakes 1800

~"Trip computer

2000

~1

Heated seats 2500 ......

TransmissionWheels

4-gear 4-gear automatic Steel wheels 5-gear Light alloy wheels 5-gear automatic - standard... Paintwork Light alloy wheels

- wide tires Black

Red " " " Blue

The above figure shows a car as an example of a standard product. You see some of the moreimportant features of the car, which are entered in the sales order, and which contain essentialinformation on how the product is put together. This information is then used in production andwork scheduling.

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KFeatures of a Standard ProductThe features of a standard product and the values assigned to them form a basis for the descriptionof a variant of a standard product. Once the production department has information on the exactfeatures of the product to be manufactured and the values assigned to these features, it is possibleto arrange provision of the necessary parts and plan for the necessary operations for producing theproduct.

Characteristics

The features of a product are stored in the SAP R/3 System as characteristics. You have tocreate a separate characteristic for each feature of a standard product which is relevant toconfiguration of the product.When you create characteristics, you can enter data which describes the features in more detail.When you create a characteristic, you have to enter formatting and descriptive information. Youcan also enter information which is relevant to configuration. For example, you can specifiy valueswhich can be assigned to a characteristic and other information which controls how thecharacteristic appears in configuration.

Characteristic Values

Usually, each characteristic used in variant configuration will only have a certain number of possiblevalues. These possible values are stored in the SAP R/3 System as allowed values for acharacteristic. You can define one or more of these values as a standard value, according towhether multiple value assignment is allowed for the characteristic concerned. The standard valueappears as a default when you configure your object, and becomes part of the variant unless youenter a different value.

Characteristic Attributes

Once you have defined a feature as a characteristic and its values as characteristic values, you canmaintain additional data which describes the use of the characteristic in configuration in moredetail. For example, you can maintain attributes which influence how the characteristic appears inconfiguration.You can determine, for example: whether you have to assign a value to a characteristic.

If you do not enter a value for a characteristic, the BOM components which are linked to thecharacteristic may not be selected. This means that, if you explode the BOM in materialsplanning, these parts may not be included.In our example of a car, the characteristic Extras could be a characteristic for which you do nothave to make an entry. You can produce a car without any of the parts described in thecharacteristic Extras.However, you have to make an entry for the characteristic Paintwork, as you cannot supply acar without paintwork.

whether you can assign only one value to a characteristic or several values.In our example of a car, the characteristic Extras is a characteristic for which you could enterseveral values, as shown in the following figure. This figure shows characteristics of a car withsome of their allowed values. You might want to produce a car with anti-lock brakes, a tripcomputer, and heated seats, which means that you need to be allowed to assign more than onevalue (multiple values) to the characteristic Extras.

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However, you only want to assign one value to the characteristic Model, so only one value isallowed.

whether you can enter an interval as a characteristic value.For a numeric characteristic, you can define intervals as allowed values, if required.

whether negative values are allowed.For some characteristics, such as a temperature, you can define negative values as allowed.

whether you see the allowed values for a characteristic directly on the screen duringconfiguration, or whether you have to request the possible entries first.

Characteristic Value Assignment IChn mo~ fi~Hiod emod p~o n Valua~

Modal

Pai ntwo rk

Intarior

1 6001 800200025003000yesno

Anti-lock brakesAir-conditioning systemCaralarrnCassette holderElectricwindowsHeadlarnpwasherHeated seatsHeated side mirrorsO utsid e tern pera~ ure dis playSunroofTowbarTripcomputer4-gear auto ma~ic tran s rni s s ion5-gear auto ma~ic tran s rni s s ionblackblueredg raydarkgreenyellowwhiteblack rn etallicblackred

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Creating a Characteristic

To create a characteristic to describe a feature of a product, proceed as follows:

1.2.

Starting from the classification menu, choose Characteristic -~ Create.Enter a name for your characteristic in the Characteristic field and press Enter. You see thebasis data screen.

3. Enter format data for your characteristic. The data you have to enter depends on whether thecharacteristic has numeric or alphanumeric format.Maintain the other relevant data on this screen, in particular the status. Only characteristicswhich have the status "released" can be used in variant configuration.

4. If required, maintain allowed values for your characteristic. To do this, choose menu optionGoto --> Allowed values.

5. Maintain your user interface data. This data determines how the characteristic is displayed invariant configuration. To do this, choose menu option Goto --~ Interface control.

6. Enter other characteristic data as required.7. Save your characteristic data.8. Create characteristics as described above for all the product features you want to use in variant

configuration.For more information on maintaining characteristics, see the MM - Characteristics Guide.

Classes

Before a characteristic can be used in variant configuration, you have to allocate it to a class. Aclass in this context is a record which contains information on the characteristics to which you wantto assign values during configuration. The class forms the link between the characteristics and thestandard product.

Creating a Class for Configuration

One class contains all the characteristics which are required to describe a configurable object.The characteristics are defined in the characteristics functions and copied to the class as they are.However, you have the option of overwriting characteristic values and characteristic attributes inclass maintenance functions. This means that you can use the same characteristic in differentclasses, but you can change individual characteristic attributes or the allowed values for each class.For more information on this subject, see the guide to the MM - Classification System.For variant configuration, you create a class for your confiurable object. This class is then used inthe configuration interface, so that you can enter values for the characteristics (features of theproduct). The class for your configurable object (material) must have a class type which allows theclass to be used in variant configuration. In release 2.2, the standard class type 300 is defined forconfigurable materials.When you create your class, on the characteristic value assignment screen you have to enter allthe characteristics you need to describe the standard product. You have to release the classbefore you can use it in configuration.For information on how to create classes, see the guide to the MM - Classification System.

Linking a Standard Product to a Class

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Before you can configure a standard product, you have to let the system know that thecharacteristics in the class are to be used to describe the standard product. To do this, you needto create a link between the configurable standard product and the class you want to use inconfiguration.To create a link between the configurable material and the class whose characteristics you want touse in configuration, choose function Logistics -~ Central functions --> Var. configuration--> Configurable objects --> Create.

This link between the standard product and the class also forms the link between the relevant BOMand/or routing and the characteristics entered in the class. It is the basis for defining objectdependencies between the BOM components, operations, sub-operations, sequences ofoperations and production resources/tools on the one hand and the characteristics andcharacteristic values for the class on the other hand (see the following figure).

Material

Standard product

Car

Additional data for configurable objectsStandard product Class type/class

Car 300 / Car

Material

Class type/class

900 / Car

Assigned characteristic values. .~lbEngine (1600, 1800, 2000 ...). .~Transrnission (4-gear, 4-gear automalic...). .~aintwork (black, red...). .~heels (steel wheels, light alloy wheels - standard...)

Extras (Anti-lock brakes, heated seats ...)

Enter the standard product in the Material field and press Enter. You see a screen on which youcan enter one or more classes which can then be used in configuration. You can link each class toan organizational area. This means that, when you configure a standard product, a class isselected automatically according to which application the configuration function was called from.If you choose the Class detail function, you see another screen, on which you can enterconfiguration parameters. On this screen, you can:

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determine whether a start logo is displayed when you first call a configuration function. Thisstart logo is stored as a document in the class. The indicator for defining whether thisdocument is displayed is on this configuration parameters screen.enter a status for the configuration parameters. You can only configure the standard product ifthe configuration parameters have the status "released". No other parameters can be changedfrom the standard in release 2.2.

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Object DependenciesThis section describes the role of object dependencies in variant configuration.object dependencies are and where you can maintain them.It contains the following topics:

It explains what

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What are Object Dependencies?This topic tells you what object dependencies are and what they are used for.Object dependencies describe the dependencies between different objects in a configuration. Invariant configuration, object dependencies determine, for example: which BOM items are to be used how details in BOM items, such as the component quantity, are to be calculatedCurrently, these object dependencies are described using characteristics and characteristic values.

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Dependency TypesIn the SAP R/3 System, there are three different types of object dependencies: Preconditions Selection conditions ActionsThe different tasks of these dependency types within a configuration are described below.

Preconditions

A precondition determines whether an object can be used in a configuration at all. If theprecondition is fulfilled, the object can be included in a configuration. You can decide for yourselfwhether to include the object in the configuration or not.Selection Conditions

A selection condition determines whether an object must be included in a configuration. If aselection condition is fulfilled, the object has to be included in the configuration. You cannotchoose whether to include the object, as you can for a precondition.Actions

An action can be used to change values assigned to characteristics within a configuration. Anaction is carried out whenever the object to which it refers is included in a configuration.NoteSince it is possible to link a characteristic to a field in an object, such as the component quantity fora BOM item, you can also use an action to indirectly change data in fields in an object.

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Use of Object DependenciesNot all types of object dependency can be used with all configurable objects.shows which dependency types can be used for which configurable objects.Use of dependency typesObject Precondition Selection condition

The following table

Action

CharacteristicCharacteristic X XValue X X

X

Bill of materialsBOM item X X

RoutingOperation XSub-operation XSequence of operations XProduction resource/tool X

Configurable object X

NoteIn release 2.2A, you can also define actions for objects in a routing. However, when you explode arouting, these actions do not affect the field entries in the routing.The three dependency types can have different effects on characteristics, BOMs and routings.The following paragraphs describe how each dependency type affects each of these objects.Characteristics

You can use both preconditions and selection conditions for characteristics.

Preconditions for Characteristics

You can define a precondition for a characteristic to determine when a characteristic is to appearon the value assignment screen. A precondition means that a characteristic is only displayed onthe value assignment screen if a certain condition is fulfilled. For example, the characteristic isonly displayed if a certain value is assigned to another characteristic.Using the car as an example, a characteristic for power steering could be displayed only if anothercharacteristic (such as the model) has a certain value.By defining preconditions for characteristics and characteristic values, you can ensure that onlyvalid combinations of values are available in configuration and therefore only valid combinationscan be selected. This means that your configurations are consistent.

Selection Conditions for Characteristics

If you define a selection condition for a characteristic, you have to assign a value to the

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characteristic during configuration if the selection condition is fulfilled.You can use a selection condition in conjunction with a precondition. For example, if thecharacteristic Power steering (1600 engine) appears when you are configuring a car (due to aselection condition, in this example) you want to ensure that a value is assigned to thischaracteristic. You can do this by defining a selection condition for the characteristic.By defining selection conditions for characteristics, you can ensure that the configuration iscomplete.

Actions for Characteristics

Actions are used to automatically assign a value to one characteristic when you assign a value toanother characteristic. You can define an action for a characteristic if:

you want a specific value to be assigned automatically to another characteristic if a value (anyvalue) is assigned to the characteristic for which you define an actionyou want a specific value to be assigned automatically to another characteristic if a specificvalue (or one of several specific values) is assigned to the characteristic for which you define anaction

As soon as you assign a value (or one of one or more specific values) to a characteristic for whichan action is defined, the action is automatically carried out.Using the car as an example, power steering is supplied with almost all models of car. This meansthat it is useful to define an action for the characteristic Power steering which assigns theappropriate value to the characteristic.

Characteristic Values

You can define preconditions and actions for characteristic values, but not selection conditions.

Preconditions for Characteristic Values

In our example of the car, some extras (such as a certain model of radio, speed regulator, and soon) are only available from a specific model upwards. In addition, some types of upholstery canonly be supplied with certain colors of paintwork.By defining preconditions for characteristic values, you can define these dependencies betweencharacteristic values.

Actions for Characteristic Values

You can define actions for individual characteristic values. If you enter a value for which an actionis defined, the action is automatically carried out.In a car, for example, you need a more powerful car battery if you have an air-conditioning system.To ensure that the correct battery is selected, you can define an action, to be carried out if thecharacteristic value Air-conditioning system is assigned to the characteristic Extras, which selects amore powerful battery by assigning the appropriate characteristic value.

Other ObjectsYou can define either actions or selection conditions for other objects.Selection Conditions for Other ObjectsSelection conditions for objects other than characteristics and characteristic values are used toselect the items in a bill of material and the operations in a routing which are required to produce a

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specific variant of a standard product.By using selection conditions for other objects (BOM items, operations, sub-operations, sequencesof operations and PRTs in a routing) you determine that the object for which you define a selectioncondition is included in the explosion of the superior object (BOM or routing). In this way, you candetermine which tires, which steering wheel, or which engine is selected in the BOM for the car, aswell as which operations are selected to produce the product.

Actions for Other ObjectsYou can define actions by linking a class to a standard product. This option allows you, forexample, to set default values for characteristics.This option is particularly useful if you want to create actions for a specific standard product. Thesystem checks these actions alter each entry, and executes each action for which no condition isdefined or for which the condition defined is fulfilled.ImportantYou can define actions on different levels. You can define an action for one characteristic value onthe characteristic value level, for several characteristic values on the characteristic level, or on thestandard product level. You therefore need to decide which level you want to create your actionson. If you put an action on the characteristic or characteristic value level, but do not want thisaction to be valid for all standard products, you need to incorporate a query in the action whichchecks the standard product. However, as this is a work-intensive solution, which makes it difficultto get an overview of the situation, we recommend that you maintain such actions on the standardproduct level. This means that you maintain the action when you link the standard product to theclass.

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Syntax of Object DependenciesThis topic tells you which key words can be used in object dependencies syntax.Syntax is different for the two following types of dependencies: Conditions (preconditions and selection conditions) ActionsExamples are used to introduce the salient points. For a detailed, formal syntax description, see

ConditionsPreconditions and selection conditions have the same syntax. This syntax is described in thistopic.The system recognizes three distinct objects when processing a configuration task: the current configurable object ($ROOT), which you use as the starting point for the

configuration the object which is currently being exploded in a configuration/BOM explosion ($PARENT) the object which is currently being selected for the configuration ($SELF)The syntax of conditions allows you to refer to characteristics of these objects and use thesecharacteristics in expressions of comparison. Expressions of comparison can contain simplevalues and formulae, and can be combined with logical operators such as AND, OR, and NOT toform complex logical expressions.The examples of conditions below show how this works:1. COLOR = red2. COLOR = red and LENGTH > 100

.

The syntax $ROOT.VOLUME < 0.5 * TOTAL_VOLUME$ROOT.VOLUME means that the value assigned to the characteristic VOLUME for object$ROOT is to be checked, to see whether it is less than half of the value assigned to thecharacteristic TOTAL_VOLUME. If you do not enter a reference to a specific object in thisform, the system takes $ROOT as the default reference object.

A condition generally consists of one or more expressions of comparison, linked together with ANDor OR operators.Characteristics and characteristic values are a major part of conditions.NoteIn object dependencies, please note that you must refer to characteristics and characteristic valuesusing the language-independent form (key form).The program does not distinguish between upper and lower case letters for key words, such asAND, OR, and $ROOT).Character strings used in conditions must be enclosed in inverted commas (), for example: COLOR= red.

Comparison Operators

You can express comparisons for characteristics with numeric format using the followingcomparison operators:

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Convention 1 Convention 2 Convention3 Meaning< LT less than GT greater than>= => GE greater than or

equal toFor all other characteristic formats, there are only comparisons as to whether values are equal (=,EQ) or not equal (, > figure 1 - figure 2

>= figure 1> figure 1

less than figure 1less than or equal to figure 1from figure 1 to figure 2, whereby figure 1 is included in the interval,but figure 2 is notfrom figure 1 to figure 2, whereby figure 1 and figure 2 are included

inthe intervalfrom figure 1 to figure 2, whereby neither figure 1 nor figure 2 isincluded in the intervalfrom figure 1 to figure 2, whereby figure 2 is included in the interval,but figure 1 is notgreater than or equal to figure 1greater than figure 1

You can include such intervals in comparison expressions using the IN operator.Example:LENGTH IN (300- 500)This condition is true if the characteristic LENGTH has a value which is any number between 300and 500. The figures 300 and 500 are part of the interval.Example:LENGTH IN (300 - 500, >600 -

LENGTH IN (300 - 500,566,600 -

* SIN (SQRT(RADIUS))LENGTHNote1. Please note that trigonometric functions

(cos, sin, tan) are to be entered in radian measurements.2. When you enter decimal figures, please note that only

a period (.) is allowed as a decimal point.Settings in the user master are ignored.

Special Expressions

In addition to comparison expressions, there is a range of special expressions, which can also becombined to form complex expressions by using logical operators: The characteristic has a value assigned to it (SPECIFIED). The characteristic value is included in the range or values entered (IN). The object has the entered material number (TYPE_OF)The following examples illustrate these conditions:1. SPECIFIED SPECIAL_COLOR (or SPECIAL_COLOR SPECIFIED)

If you defined such a condition as a selection condition for an operation in a routing, forexample, the operation would be included in the exploded routing if the characteristicSPECIAL_COLOR had a value assigned to it (for object $ROOT) at the time of the explosion.In this case, it does not matter what the value is.

2. POWER IN (250-350)If you defined such a condition as a selection condition for a BOM component, for example, thecomponent would be included in the exploded BOM if the characteristic POWER had anassigned value within the interval 250 to 350.

3. COLOR IN (red, yellow, green)If you defined such a condition as a precondition for a characteristics, for example, thischaracteristic would be included in the configuration if the characteristic COLOR had one of thevalues red, yellow, or green, or did not have a value assigned to it.

NoteIN can also be used in negative conditions, for example NOT COLOR IN (red, yellow, green). Inthis case, the condition is fulfilled if the value assigned to the characteristic is neither red, yellow,nor green. However, you can only use conditions with NOT for characteristics where multiplevalues are not allowed.4. TYPE_OF ($ROOT, U91)

If you defined such a condition as a selection condition for a BOM component, for example, thecomponent would be included in the BOM explosion if the object $ROOT (the standard productwhich is produced on the highest level) had material number U91.You can use this condition wherever the object dependency is dependent on its environment: forexample, dependent on the use of a component in a specific BOM.A selection condition such as

TYPE_OF ($ROOT, MATERIAL1)ANDCOLOR = red

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means that the selection condition is only used if the standard product is called MATERIAL1.The selection condition is ignored for all other standard products.

ActionsActions describe activities which are to be carried out immediately after an object is selected orimmediately after a value has been assigned to a characteristic. The purpose of these actions isto assign values to characteristics of the object currently being processed ($SELF) duringconfiguration. You can define additional conditions for these actions.The following examples illustrate these actions:1. $SELF.COLOR = red

This action assigns the value red to the characteristic COLOR for the object currently beingprocessed.

2. $SELF.TOLERANCE = FILL_TOLERANCE / 2, $SELF.LAND = $ROOT.LANDThis action assigns a value two different characteristics. Please note that you need to enter theobject reference $SELF to the left of the reference. If you define more than one valueassignment in one action, you separate the assignments with a comma.

3. $SELF.TESTDURATION = MACHINE LENGTH / 3 IF FILL TOLERANCE 200

Examples 3. and 4. show how you can formulate a conditioned reference using the key word IF.You can use an action to set certain field values in the object concerned. The standard product forexample 4. could represent a table. Usually, four legs are produced for each table. However, if alonger length of table is ordered, (over 200 cm), two extra legs are required to support the tableIf the characteristic for which you want to set a value allows multiple values, you can set more thanone value for the characteristic. (see Example 5).5. ($SELF.EXTRAS = anti-lock brakes,

($SELF.EXTRAS = electric windows,($SELF.EXTRAS = air conditioning system,($SELF.EXTRAS = driver airbag,($SELF.EXTRAS = passenger airbag,) IF $ROOT.MODEL = action model summer 1994In this example, several values are set for the characteristic EXTRAS if the condition is fulfilled.

~-.Q..b.#ct E).e...e#.d.e_n!e.s contains a complete description of syntax for conditions.NoteIn actions, you can only set values for the object which is currently being processed ($SELF). Forthis reason, an action must always start with "$SELF.".If you make the action dependent on a condition, you can refer to other characteristics in thestructure.With $PARENT., you refer to characteristics of the assembly which directlycontains the object you are processing.With $ROOT, you refer to characteristics which belong to the standard product.

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Maintaining Object DependenciesYou can maintain object dependencies for configurable objects either when you maintain theindividual object, or independently of any object, using the dependency maintenance functions.Global Object DependenciesIf you want to use object dependencies for several objects, it is useful to maintain the objectdependencies separately, without linking them to an object. You can then link these global objectdependencies to the appropriate objects at a later date.Maintaining Global Object DependenciesYou can maintain object dependencies independently of any object using the functionLogistics -~ Central functions --~ Var. configuration -~Dependency--> Create. This function provides the following options for creating a dependency: create dependency without a reference create dependency using a reference

Creating a Dependency without a Reference

To create an object dependency without a reference, proceed as follows:1. Call the Dependency -~ Create function.2. On the initial screen, enter a name for your dependency. Confirm your entry.3. You see the basis data screen, on which you:

enter a description of the dependency assign a status to the dependency

This allows you to define the status for use of the dependency.4. You can also make entries in the following fields:

Dependency groupThe entry in this field is used to construct a matchcode. This field allows you to groupsimilar dependencies together, to help you find them again later.

Maintenance auth.The maintenance authorization allows you to define which objects (such as BOMs,operations) the dependency can be used in.

5. You also need to select the type of dependency (see .D....e...endenc ...T ..es )6. You can define your dependency in the Dependencies editor function.

If you require, you can get the system to check your dependency for syntactical correctness,using the Dependency -~ Check function.

7. You can maintain language-dependent descriptions for your dependency using the Lang-dep.descript. function.

8. Save your entries.

Creating a Dependency with a Reference

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To create a dependency using a reference to copy from, call the same function as for creating adependency without a reference.On the initial screen, you see the Copy from: dataset. Here, you enter the name of an existingdependency from which you want to copy data. If required, you can select a suitable dependencyusing a matchcode.The data in the reference dependency is copied to the dependency you are creating. You canthen edit or overwrite the data.

Linking Global Dependencies to ObjectsAs mentioned above, you can use global dependencies for all objects. Once you have create adependency, you have to link it to the object you want to use it for.

Linking Global Dependencies to Characteristics

To link a dependency to a characteristic, proceed as follows:1. In the functions for creating or changing characteristics (for example, Characteristic --> Change

in the classification menu), enter the name of the characteristic you want to link to adependency. Press Enter.

2. Choose the Details --> Object dependency -->Linkfunction.

3. If no dependencies have yet been linked to the characteristic, enter the name of thedependency.If dependencies have already been linked to the characteristic, choose Edit -> New entries andenter the name of the dependency in the Dependency field.

4. Save your data.

Linking Global Dependencies to Characteristic Values

To link a precondition to a characteristic value, proceed as follows:

1. In the functions for creating or changing characteristics (for example, Characteristic --> Changein the classification menu), enter the name of the characteristic whose value you want to link tothe dependency. Press Enter.

2. Choose the Goto -> Allowed values function.3. Select the value you want to link to the dependency.

4. Choose the Details -> Object dependency -->Linkfunction.

5. If no dependencies have yet been linked to the characteristic value, enter the name of thedependency.If dependencies have already been linked to the characteristic, choose Edit -> New entries andenter the name of the dependency in the Dependency field.

6. Save your data.

Linking Global Dependencies to BOM Items

To link object dependencies to a BOM item, proceed as follows:

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1. In the function for creating or changing a BOM, enter the number of the standard product whoseBOM items you want to link to a dependency. Enter the plant and usage.

Choose the Goto ~ Item overview ~ Material function. You see the BOM items.2. Select one item which you want to link to a dependency.4. Choose the Details ~ Object dependency ~Link

function.5. If no dependencies have yet been linked to the BOM item, enter the name of the dependency.

If dependencies have already been linked to the BOM item, choose Edit -~ New entries andenter the name of the dependency in the Dependency field.

6. Save your data.

Linking Global Dependencies to Operations in Routings

To link object dependencies to an operation in a routing, proceed as follows:1. In the function for creating or changing a routing, enter the number of the routing whose

operations, sub-operations, sequences of operations or production resources/tools you want tolink to a dependency.Choose the Goto -~ Operation overview function. You see the operations in the routing.

NoteFrom here, you can access other overview screens on which you can see object dependencies forsequences of operations or production resources/tools. You can then select an object from theseoverview screens, and link the object to the dependency on the detail screen, as for operations.2. Select one operation which you want to link to the dependency.3. Choose one of the detail screens using the Operation menu option.4. Choose the Details ~ Object dependencies -~Link

function.5. If no dependencies have yet been linked to the operation, enter the name of the dependency.

If dependencies have already been linked to the operation, choose Edit ~ New entries andenter the name of the dependency in the Dependency field.

6. Save your data.

Maintaining Local Object DependenciesAs an alternative to maintaining object dependencies globally, you have the option of maintainingobject dependencies locally for individual objects. These dependencies can then only be used forthe object concerned.If you are sure that the dependency will not be used elsewhere, you should use local objectdependencies.You can maintain local object dependencies for the following objects: characteristics characteristic values BOM items operations in a routing

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sub-operations in a routing sequences of operations in a routing production resources/tools in a routingLocal object dependencies are always maintained in the maintenance function for the objectconcerned. You maintain local dependencies using the same function and screens as when youlink global dependencies to objects.You can maintain local dependencies by calling the Details --> Object dependencies --> Editorfromany of the screens listed below.You can also create local object dependencies using the function Details --~ Dependency --~ Link.To do this, you then have to call the function Edit --~ New dependency --> Local on the link screen.Object Object maintenance screenCharacteristicCharacteristic valueBOM itemOperation/sub-operationSequence of operationsProduction resource/tool

Any screenAllowed values screenItem overview screenOperation detail screen

Sequence detail screenPRT detail screen

If no object dependencies have yet been defined for the object, you first see a dialog box in whichyou specify whether you want to enter a precondition, a selection condition, or an action.NoteYou cannot use all these dependency types for all types of object. For example, you cannot usepreconditions for BOM items.If a local dependency already exists for the object, you see the dependencies editor. If severaldependencies exist, you see the link screen, on which you see the dependencies which havealready been linked to the object. To link a new dependency to the object, choose the Edit--~ New dependency--> Local function. You then see the dialog box in which you specify whichdependency type you want to create. Then you see the dependencies editor, in which you candefine your dependency.

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Examples of Object DependenciesThis topic contains some examples of object dependencies. There is a brief explanation of theproblem, followed by a description of the dependency required for solving it, and the syntax youneed to define the dependency.

Object Dependencies for CharacteristicsLet us assume that you are configuring a car, and only want the characteristic Power steering tobe displayed if the characteristic Model has either the value 1600 or no value. In all other models,power steering is included automatically and therefore does not need to be selected.To do this, you maintain object dependencies for the characteristic Power steering.In a characteristic maintenance function, call the function Details ->Object dependencies --~ Editor. Select the dependency type precondition.Enter the following in the dependencies editor as your condition.MODEL eq 1600NotePlease note that a dependency like this can only affect configuration if the class used inconfiguration contains all the characteristics referred to. In this case, the class has to contain bothcharacteristics: Model and Power steering. In addition, 1600 must be an allowed value for thecharacteristic Model.You also maintain a second dependency for the characteristic Power steering, which determinesthat you must assign a value to the the characteristic if the condition is fulfilled.To do this, maintain the characteristic Power steering.In the characteristic maintenance function, call the function Details -->Objectdependencies -> Editor.Select the dependency type selection condition.Enter the following in the dependencies editorMODELL eq 1600The combination of these two conditions means that the characteristic Power steering onlyappears in a configuration if the value 1600 or no value is assigned to the characteristic Model, asdefined in the precondition. The selection condition you maintained means that you must assign avalue to the characteristic Power steering if the value 1600 is assigned to the characteristicModel.

Object Dependencies for Characteristic ValuesIn a car, you only want to allow certain combinations of upholstery and paintwork. The value lightbrown is only allowed for upholstery if the car is ordered with Paintwork in either light brown,green or gray. You can define this using characteristics.To do this, maintain the value light brown for the characteristic Upholstery. This is where youdefine colors for the car interior.In the characteristics maintenance function, call the function Details ->Objectdependencies -> Editor.Select the dependency type precondition.

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Enter the following in the dependencies editor as your condition.Paintwork eq light brownor greenor grayAlternatively, you could express the dependency as follows:Paintwork in (light brown, green, gray)This means that the value light brown only appears as an allowed value for the characteristicUpholstery in configuration if the characteristic Paintwork has the value light brown or green orgray.If another value (such as blue) is assigned to the characteristic Paintwork in configuration, thevalue light brown does not appear in the list of allowed values for the characteristic Upholstery.

Object Dependencies for BOM ItemsA sports steering wheel is only supplied with certain models. In the characteristics maintenancefunction, you have determined that the value 001 (sports steering wheel) only appears as anallowed value for the characteristic Extras for certain models of car.Now you want the BOM item Sports steering wheel to be included in the BOM explosion if thevalue 001 is assigned to the characteristic Extras for one of these models.To do this, proceed as follows:In a BOM maintenance function, select the component Sports steering wheel. Choose thefunction Details --~ Object dependency --~ Editor and select the dependency type selectioncondition.Enter the following in the dependencies editor as your condition.Extras eq 001NoteIn the dependencies editor, always use the language-independent characteristic value. In thisexample, this is 001 and not sports steering wheel.This dependency means that the BOM item Sports steering wheel is only selected and includedfor the BOM explosion if the value 001 is assigned to the characteristic Extras. If a different valueor no value is assigned to the characteristic, the sports steering wheel is not selected and is notincluded in the BOM.

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Configured Materials/Stockable TypesThis section describes what configured materials are and the advantages they can provide for yourcompany. It tells you which data you have to maintain for a configured material and what youneed to consider when you create a configured material.This section contains the following topics:

.8.~.e [aI.Eun.c.tLo.ns

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What is a Stockable Type?A stockable type is a material which is derived from a specific configuration of a standard product,and which is kept in stock. A stockable type is therefore a configured material.The material master of the configured material is linked to a standard product, and values areassigned to the characteristics in a class which is linked to the standard product (see the followingfigure). This specific variant of the standard product can then be produced and kept in stock ifrequired.

Material

Stockable type

Car-SM1

Configuration

Class type/class

300/Car

Assigned characteristic values

~. Engine: 2.0m~ Transmission: 5-gear

~- Paintwork: black~. Wheels: steel~. Extras: Anti-lock brakes, airbag

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What are Stockable Types Used for?If certain configurations of a standard product are used frequently, it is useful to create a stockablematerial for these configurations and to produce them in advance if required. This means that, ifyou receive a sales order for one of these configurations, you can supply them from stock.

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Maintaining Master DataBefore you can work with configured materials/stockable types, you need to create a materialmaster which refers to the standard product. To do this, enter the number of your standardproduct in the Standard product field on the MRP 2 screen of your material master. You then seeanother screen, on which you enter the actual specification of the configured material.

Materials Planning

The MRP group field on the MRP I screen is important in materials planning for a configuredmaterial. If you want to plan a configured material or make to stock, and want to use this data inthe sales order for availability checks and calculation of delivery times, enter 0065 (planning forstockable types) in this field. If you do not want to plan the material, you can use other MRPgroups, such as 0026 (make to order for configured materials).

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Bills of MaterialBefore you can break down material requirements for a configured material, once you havemaintained the necessary data in the material master, you need to link a bill of material to theconfigured material.You can either create a separate bill of material for the configured material (using the copy functionif required) or, as will more often be the case, link the material to the BOM for the standard product.If you link the material to the BOM for the standard product, the BOM is exploded in materialsplanning according to the assigned characteristic values. The system interprets the BOM by usingthe selection conditions defined and assigning values to fields in the BOM item according to therelevant actions.

Linking a Configured Material to a Material BOM

To link your configured material to the BOM for the standard product, proceed as follows:1. Starting from the bills of material menu, choose Bills of material -~ Material BOM --~ Alloc.

config, mat. -~ Create.2. Enter the number of your configurable material in the Material field.

On the next screen, you see that the configured material is entered as the first link. Select thelink and call the All allocs for BOM function. You see all the materials which are linked to thisBOM.

3. Save your link.

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RoutingsTo produce a configured material, once you have maintained the necessary data in the materialmaster, you need to link a routing to the configured material.You can either create a separate routing for the configured material (using the copy function ifrequired) or, as will more often be the case, link the material to the routing for the standard productin the routing maintenance function.If you link the material to the routing for the standard product, the routing is exploded in theproduction order according to the assigned characteristic values. The system interprets therouting using the selection conditions defined in the operations, sub-operations, sequences ofoperations and production resources/tools in the routing.

Linking a Configured Material to a Routing

To link your configured material to the routing for the standard product, proceed as follows:1. Starting from the routings menu, choose function Routings -~ Routing -~ Change.2. Enter the number of your standard product.3. Choose menu option Goto -~ Header overview.4 Choose the functions Routing --~ Material allocation --~ New lines and enter the number of the

configured material you want to link to the routing.5. Save your link.

Sales Orders

Once you have created a material master and a BOM for your configured material, you can createsales orders for the material. The sales order is used to automatically generate a customerrequirement for materials planning.

Materials Planning

In the next planning run, the BOM linked to the configured material is exploded for the sales order.If this BOM is the BOM for the standard product, the BOM is exploded according to the objectdependencies defined in the BOM. The system generates a planned order to cover the customerrequirements.This planned order is used later to produce a production order, which consists of the configured billof material and the configured routing.Once the configured material has been produced, the goods receipt can be posted, and the salesorder can be supplied.

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Special FunctionsIf you create a sales order item for a configured material, and the MRP group 0065 (planning forstockable types) is entered in the material master, you can use an additional function.This enables you to change the configuration stored in the material master for an individual order.To do this, enter the number of the configured material as the article in the sales order. Then youcan use function Item -~ Structure -~ Configuration to change the configuration, then save yourchanges. This change is then passed on as a changed requirement for materials planning.NoteThe availability check and clearing of requirements always refer to the characteristic valuesassigned for the stockable type. They do not take into account any changes made for anindividual order.This allows you to plan certain variants which occur frequently and to determine the delivery date inthe sales order. However, you can still use all variant configuration functions by changing theconfiguration.

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SimulationOnce you have configured your standard product, you can go on to process a sales order.However, first you will want to check the configuration, to see whether the objects have beenmaintained correctly and whether you have created the correct object dependencies. This is whatthe simulation function is for. Two simulation functions are supported:....; ...............: ...........................................: ........... : ...............: ..........................: .....................; .......

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Simulation of BOM ExplosionYou have three options for checking the BOM explosion for a standard product; Simulation for the standard product to be configured Simulation for a configured material Simulation for a sales order itemThe difference between these options is that the assigned characteristic values are already knownfor a configured material and a sales order item. In the simulation, you only see how the BOM willbe exploded in materials planning.If you run a simulation for a standard product, you can try out a number of different combinations ofcharacteristic values one after the other, and see what effect they have on the BOM explosion.

Simulation for a Standard Product

To run a simulation for a standard product, proceed as follows:1. Starting from the configuration menu, call function Environment --> Conf simulation.

The first time you call the simulation function in the current session, you see a screen on whichyou select which configuration result you want to analyze.

2. Choose Dynamic BOM. Select Continue. You see the next screen.3. If you have not entered a plant in the current session, you see an additional dialog box. Enter a

plant for your standard product. Select Continue.4. On the next screen you see, enter the standard product for which you want to run a simulation.5. Select Characteristics.

You see the characteristics screen, on which you enter characteristic values for the standardproduct. Once you have assigned all the values required, choose the Next screen function.The bill of material for the standard product is then exploded according to the values youentered, and the selected objects are displayed.You can display the BOM on which the simulation is based by selecting the Master data button.By comparing the master data and the result of your simulation, you can check which objectswere selected and which were not.

If you select the Explode function, you can explode BOM items which are assemblies, or see whichmaterials are covered by a class item. You can see a summarized list using the functionCompress.On the initial screen, you can use the View --> Scope function to determine that objectdependencies for selected objects are included for display, if object dependencies were defined.NoteIf you want to run a simulation for a routing, or if you have run a simulation for a routing and nowwant to run a simulation for the BOM explosion, use the function Configuration --> Change config,before you can start the simulation.

Simulation for a Configured Material/Sales Order Item

The difference between a stockable type and a normal standard product is that a stockable typehas already been configured using the material master. The configuration is already known for a

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sales order item, as well. Characteristic values are already assigned in both cases.Once you have linked the stockable type to the BOM for the standard product (see ~_g.u.re..d...~...T..y.p.es ), you can simulate a BOM explosion for a stockable type using thesame function as for standard products.To run a BOM explosion for a stockable type or a sales order item, proceed as follows:

1. Starting from the configuration menu, call function Environment --> Conf simulation.If you have not yet called a simulation in the current session, you see a screen on which youselect which configuration result you want to see.

2. Choose Dynamic BOM. To see the next screen, select Continue.3. If you have not entered a plant in the current session, you see an additional dialog box. Enter a

plant for your standard product. Select Continue.4. On the next screen, define which standard product you want to run a simulation for. Enter the

standard product and select Configured objects.5. Select Material or Order, according to whether you want a simulation for a material or a sales

order item.6. Enter the number of the configured material or the order item number in the relevant field, and

choose Back. The entered data is copied.7. Choose ResuR.

The BOM for the configured material or material in the sales order item is exploded according toyour entries, and the selected objects are displayed.To see the BOM on which the simulation is based, select the Master data button. Bycomparing the master data and the displayed result, you can check which objects were selectedand which were not.

SAP-00001876

Simulation of Routing ExplosionYou have three options for exploding the routing for a standard product; Simulation for the standard product to be configured Simulation for a configured material Simulation for a sales order itemIn a simulation for a standard product, you can try out a number of different combinations ofcharacteristic values one after the other, and see what effect they have on the routing explosion.

Simulation for a Standard Product

To

1.

see the routing explosion for a standard product, proceed as follows:Starting from the configuration menu, call function Environment --> Confsimulafion.If you have not yet called the simulation function in the current session, you see a screen onwhich you select the configuration result you want to see.

2. Choose Dynamic routing. Select Continue to see the next screen.3. If you have not yet entered a plant in the current session, you see an additional dialog box.

Enter a plant for your standard product. Select Continue.4. Select Characteristics.

You see the characteristics screen, on which you assign characteristic values for the standardproduct. Once you have assigned values to all the characteristics required, choose the Nextscreen function.The routing for the standard product is exploded according to your entries, and the selectedobjects are displayed.Select the Master data button to see the routing on which the simulation is based. Bycomparing the master data and the displayed result, you can check which objects were selectedand which were not.

Simulation for a Configured Material/Sales Order Item

To see the routing explosiong for a configured material or a sales order item, proceed as follows:1. Starting from the configuration menu, call the function Environment--> Conf simulation.

If you have not yet called the simulation function in the current session, you see a screen onwhich you select the configuration result you want to see.

2. Choose Dynamic routing. Select Continue to see the next screen.3. If you have not yet entered a plant in the current session, you see an additional dialog box.

Enter a plant for your standard product. Select Continue.4. On the next screen, enter the standard product for which you want to run a simulation. Choose

Configured objects.5. Select Material or Order, according to whether you want to simulate a routing explosion for a

configured material or a sales order item.6. Enter the number of the configured material or the order item number in the relevant field, and

choose Back. The entered data is copied.7. Choose Result.

SAP-00001877

The routing for the configurable material or the sales order item material is exploded accordingto your entries and the selected objects are displayed.Select the Master data button to see the routing on which the simulation is based. Bycomparing the master data and the displayed result, you can check which objects were selectedand which were not.

SAP-00001878

Example of a ConfigurationThis section is an overview of the activities you need to carry out in order to work with productswhich have a large number of variants. This section is divided into two topics:

SAP-00001879

Preparatory WorkA standard product is a product with many variants which is represented by a bill of material (BOM).As well as the components which must be contained in all product variants, this bill of materialcontains components which can be optional. You describe the individual product variants byassigning values to characteristics. You define the mutual dependency of the optional componentsusing object dependencies stored in the system.In sales processing you can configure standard products using a special editor. When youconfigure a standard product, you define a concrete product variant from the numerous possiblevariants by assigning values to the identifying characteristics of the product. You can determine thestandard products which need to be configured using the search function in the classificationsystem.In sales documents, you can configure variants of a standard product in a configuration editor.When you enter a configurable standard product, the configuration editor is called automatically.

Before You Start

Before you can configure a standard product, the following prerequirements must be met: Create the standard product Create a class for configuration with characteristics Link the class to the standard product Create the BOM for the standard product Create the routing for the standard product

SAP-00001880

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Creating the Standard Product

You must create the standard product with a material type which allows configuration. In thestandard version of the SAP R/3 System, the material type KlVlAT has been defined for thispurpose. When you create the product, the item category group 0002 (configurable material) isautomatically proposed on the Sales 2 screen. This item category group is used to determine theappropriate item category (for example, TAC in sales orders) for carrying out configuration in salesdocuments. For more information on creating a standard product, see .M__a__intaj_nj_nq__S__[a__nd_a_r_d_____Prod__ucts

SAP-00001881

Creating a Class with Characteristics

Characteristics are features used to describe and distinguish objects, including standard products.Characteristics and their values describe the features of concrete attributes of a standard product.In the case of a car, the following characteristics and their values are required to describe theproduct, among others.Characteristics and Characteristic ValuesCharacteristic Values

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Classes

To be able to configure a standard product, you need to create a class which contains all thecharacteristics required to describe the standard product. The class must have a class type whichallows variant configuration. In the standard version of the SAP R/3 System, this is the class type300. For more information on creating classes, see the guide to the MM - Classification System.

Linking the Standard Product to the Class

You must link the standard product to the class whose characteristics describe the standardproduct. You can link several classes to a standard product and then select one of them when youconfigure the standard product.In the configuration of standard products, it is usually the case that not all characteristics and not allcharacteristic values within a class can be combined with each other. The reasons for this can beboth technical (for example, certain engines can only be combined with a certain transmission) orcommercial (for example, leather upholstery can only be ordered for more expensive models).These reciprocal relationships are stored in the system as object dependencies.You can define any dependencies between chracteristics and characteristic values in characteristicmaintenance, class maintenance, and allocation to class functions. For more information onlinking a class to a standard product, see .Features of a I~rod.uct"

Creating a Bill of Material for the Standard Product

To produce variants of a standard product, you require a large selection of parts. A list of thesepart is stored in the form of a bill of material. This BOM contains components which must be usedin all variants of the product, together with selectable components. You describe the actualindividual variants by assigning values to the relevant characteristics.You must create a bill of material for the standard product. You enter the relevant standard productas the header material for the bill of material.For individual BOM components, you can either maintain object dependencies locally in the BOMor globally. If you define object dependencies globally, you then have to link them to theappropriate BOM component. For more information on bills of material, see the PP- Bills ofMaterial Guide.

Creating a Routing for the Standard Product

SAP-00001882

You must also create a routing for the standard product. A routing is a list of instructions forassembling the parts listed in the bill of material. Rather than creating a separate routing for eachvariant, you can define all possible manufacturing processes in one routing.Only when you assign values to the characteristics of a standard product in the sales order do youdetermine which parts and which opera