Using Classification

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to understand the benefits of object classification

Classes and Characteristics

Classification

This image shows a person sitting in front of their computer with a thinking bubble stating Where on earth?.

The use of classification in the SAP ERP system supports users when searching for SAP ERP objects. There is less emphasis on entering an exact object number, and more on entering object attributes and values.

Example: New Component Inside Material BOM

You require a material master as a new component for the BOM. Because materials are classified in your company, you first search for the relevant classes in which materials are classified. When the class is found, you are able to display the characteristics. As values are assigned to the characteristics, you select them and execute the search. You receive a list of materials that contain the characteristic values that you entered as selection criteria. Finally, a material is copied to the BOM.

Exploring Classification Functions

Watch the following video to get a better understanding of the different terms regarding classification functions.

Class Hierarchy

You have now created your classes for the different products of your forklift. But these products are stored hierarchically in the SAP system.

Now, consider whether you can also transfer the product hierarchy to the world of classification.

Up to now, you have created the classes side-by-side. You now decide whether you want to define the superordinate classes.

The image presents a hierarchical classification system for forklifts, organized in a tree-like structure. At the top level, the distinction is made between the forklift itself and its internal key. The forklift is then broken down into its drive assembly, engine, and brake unit components, with further subdivisions for each. The internal key is associated with specific cooling systems and tonnage capacities. The bottom of the hierarchy shows the classes, materials, and characteristics that define the various forklift types and components. This structured approach allows for a systematic categorization and understanding of the different elements that make up a forklift system.

You can define hierarchical structures for classes in the SAP system. Characteristics can be inherited within a hierarchy. The idea is that certain characteristics are required for multiple classes under one hierarchy node in a hierarchy. You assign these characteristics to this node (class) only, in class maintenance. The characteristics are then inherited by all classes that are below this class node in the hierarchy.

Work with Characteristics and Classes

Introduction: Work with Characteristics and Classes

Up to now, most data were created with an external number assignment and a good description. But under different circumstances it could happen that the engineering or manufacturing department decide on an internal number assignment.

The question now is: how to find the master data in an easy way?

Product configuration modeler Kathy answers.

Task 1: Create Characteristics

Product configuration modeler Kathy realizes that the Windows shelter material is created with an internal number assignment and a bad description, which do not describe the attributes of the Windows shelter. Therefore, she decides to use the classification.

First, she defines three necessary characteristics, which describe the product attributes.

Task 2: Create Classes

As the characteristics are not directly assigned to the material, Kathy creates a necessary class and adds the characteristics defined before.

In a follow-up task, this class is connected to the material using the Product Master app.

Task 3: Assign a Class to a Product and Perform a Classification

Product configuration modeler Kathy now has two tasks: one is the classification of the existing Windows shelter, and one is the creation and classification of a new alternative Windows shelter.

Task 4: Object Search

In a last task, Kathy tests the classification functionality. She chooses the right app, enters the new class together with the class type for materials, and does a characteristic valuation. Then, she executes the search, and classified materials are found.

At the end, she checks what kind of further navigation possibilities exist.

Now, you have an impression of "Working with Characteristics and Classes".

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