Configuring SOW Classifications

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to create a Classification and associate it with an SOW Type, SOW Template, and Supplier in SAP Fieldglass.

Classification

In order to better manage suppliers and SOW types, you can organize and group them into appropriate types, called Classifications.

Classifications are used to organize SOW templates and the suppliers that provide services. They allow organizations to align suppliers to specific SOW templates, so that when an SOW is created for, say, an IT project, SAP Fieldglass only lists suppliers who provide IT services.

The Classification admin object list page displaying the Classifications in the tenant alongside the Create Statement of Work Setup page displaying the Classification field menu. The options within the menu correlate to the classifications on the list page.

Choosing a classification is the first step in creating a statement of work. This selection determines the template that will be used as the basis of the SOW, as well as the suppliers that are available. Only the suppliers and SOW templates that are associated to the selected classification are available when creating the statement of work.

You can create classifications and assign them to suppliers and SOW types. This allows you to limit the suppliers available for selection on statements of work based on classification.

For example, if a supplier specializes in IT, an IT classification can be created for that supplier. Additional Classifications can be added or modified as they are identified.

Watch the video to learn more about the relationship of classifications to SOW templates.

Associations of classifications to templates must be made after the template is created. Nonetheless, we present the creation of the classification first to stress its importance, not to imply that it must be created first.

Navigating the Classification Admin Object

Configuration section of the Admin Menu, the Classification link is highlighted.
1To view a list of classifications associated to the tenant, select Classification from the Configuration section of the admin menu.

Classification List Page

Classification List page displaying a list of the Classifications available in the tenant. For each Classification in the list, columns indicate the Code, Name, and SOW Type. The codes are selectable links. The SOW Type column and the IT link in the Code column are highlighted..

SOW Templates must be assigned to at least one classification. The classification list view will show all the "groups" created within WorkingNet.

2SOW Type indicates the umbrella template the SOW will be following. Each SOW Template follows a specific SOW Type, which defaults field values and/or visibility.
3To review the details of a classification, select the link of the classification in the Code column.

Classification Details Page

Classification Details Page displaying the information for the selected Classification: Code, Name, Description, and SOW Type. The Suppliers and SOW Template tiles in the associations tree indicate the number of each that the Classification is associated to.

A Classification requires few characteristics, namely the name and code of the classification. Since it is a data object that is used primarily to establish associations, the associations tree displays the important information: the associations of suppliers and SOW Templates.

Configure a Classification

WorkingNet Networking, Inc., a global manufacturer of data networking equipment, is building several new distribution centers in several countries, while simultaneously implementing new logistics software and processes.

Their first new distribution center is being built in a suburb of Atlanta, so WorkingNet will use the new Atlanta hub as their base of operations. They're going to engage CarryAll Consulting, a logistics design and implementation firm, to both help streamline their logistics processes as well as implement the new software.

In order to engage CarryAll, WorkingNet will use SAP Fieldglass to create the statement of work. However, they've never engaged a services provider for this type of work before, so WorkingNet will need to build a new SOW Template to accommodate this project.

As the SAP Fieldglass admin for WorkingNet, creating the SOW Template is your responsibility. You've decided that before creating the template, you'll first create the appropriate classification to associate the template to.

ExerciseStart Exercise

Summary

Classifications determine available SOW templates and suppliers. They shape the SOW creation workflow, and while SOW templates don't require a classification to be created, they must be associated with one to be available during SOW creation.

Key Points:

  • Importance in SOW Configuration: Classifications ensure the right templates and suppliers are used for specific types of SOWs.
  • Classifications are Mandatory: Must be selected when creating an SOW to determine available templates and suppliers.
  • Association with Suppliers and Templates: Classifications need to be associated with suppliers and templates to be functional in SOW creation.
  • Creation Before Template Association: While classifications don't have to be created before templates, they must be associated with templates afterward.

Learning

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