SAP - Variant Configuration - Modeling
Building a configuration knowledge base
Creating and maintaining models for configurable products is a complex objective.
Essential to the success is the exact structuring and planning of the modeling
(converting the inner product dependencies to the object dependencies of SAP VC.)
We define success in this context as achieving configurable products in SAP,
which enables a quick and reliable product configuration. The performance of
a configuration solution is highly dependent on the inner design of the models.
Success is also achieved when simple updates or expansion of the system remains possible
after months of productively using the variant configurator in sales and distribution processes.
Often multiple product specialists are entrusted with this responsibility.
Thus, the availability of complete and well-structured documentation is all the more important.
The modeling tools currently available in SAP VC are suitable to a limited extent for a concise and structured model.
Our experience from numerous configuration projects indicates that an intensive model overview within
the SAP system is difficult to deduce. The possibility of comprehensive documentation is lacking.
With this background, the SAP Add-On MB-Tools were developed by ORISA.
They allow product knowledge to be maintained in a concentrated format.
In order to get a concentrated display format, we have selected a structured MS Word document.
This can be edited by specialists responsible for the logical consistency of the model,
and at the same time used as documentation. The integration of SAP VC occurs via upload.
Using transactions, the entire structure of object dependencies created in the word
document is transferred to the SAP system.
Model testing subsequently takes place within SAP. After testing, any necessary corrections
are made in the Word document, and then ported to SAP with the MB tools.
This ensures the model remains synchronized with both the Word document and SAP.
After testing is completed, the model is approved for utilization in SAP.
ORISA MB tools are an efficient aid in building and maintaining even large and complex product modules.
The ability to navigate quickly within the word document facilitates the maintenance considerably.
Features of ORISA MB Tools:
Maintenance of SAP models in Word documents
- Predefined chapters for...
• Formulating verbal rules
• Material definitions
• Class and feature definitions
• Formulating object dependencies
• Inventory list definitions
• Variant tables
- Predefined table structures for ...
• Features and value definitions
• Object-dependent programming and object classification.
• Variant tables
Consolidation and test functions in Word documents
- Verification of the application and uniqueness of features (cstic cross referencing)
- Verification of object dependencies syntax (against SAP R/3)
- Verification of the application and uniqueness of global object dependency rules
- Acquisition of the assigned object dependencies and verification (dependency cross referencing).
- Formal testing of the document for portability to SAP R/3.
- Protocol functions for the validation and processing cycles.
Upload zu SAP
- Report of inconsistencies between the maintenance document state and SAP R/3 state.
- Transfer of
• Classes, features and values
• Global and local object dependencies
• Assignment of dependencies to objects
• Variant tables
- Protocol functions for the validation and conversion cycles
