Classifying and Finding Objects

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to classify and find objects.

Classification and Finding Objects

Classification and Assignment Functions

Classification involves assigning objects to classes and using the characteristics of those classes to describe the objects. The diagram below illustrates this process.

A diagram explaining classification as the combination of assignment and value assignment. A bolt labeled SK-01 is assigned to a material class with attributes like length, weight, and thread type. These attributes are then assigned specific values: length (100mm), weight (4.5g), and thread type (metric)..

Once objects are classified, you can use classification to search for them. The settings defined in characteristics maintenance, such as Entry required and default values, determine how a characteristic behaves during classification.

Watch the following video to learn about classification and assignment functions.

You can perform classifications using either the standard SAP GUI for HTML or the UI5 applications in the SAP Fiori launchpad. The following screens illustrate the UI5 interface:

  • Classification inside Product Master. This screen shows the classification within the Product Master app, which serves as the new User Interface for the Material Master, using SAP's UI5 web programming interface.
  • Classification Inside a Document: This screen displays document classification using the UI5 interface.

Remember, the appearance of the classification interface may differ depending on the solution you use. You can classify objects using the following applications:

  • SAP GUI
  • SAP GUI for HTML
  • UI5

The following two screens show the UI5 interface.

A screenshot of a classification form for a material class (001) with class code CL111. The form includes various dropdown options and fields such as Type of Drive, Engine Performance, Driving Seat, Seat Back, Tail Light, Front Window, Driving Mirror, Road Equipment, Schelter Width, and Schelter Length.

The figure shows the classification of product master. Product master is the new User Interface for material master. It uses the UI5 web programming interface of SAP.

Figure shows a classification screen inside Document app

In this figure, a document classification (UI5) is displayed.

Remember: Depending on the solution you use, classification looks different.

You can perform a classification with the following applications:

  1. SAP GUI
  2. SAPGUI for HTML
  3. UI5

Finding Objects

After creating characteristics and classes, assigning characteristics to classes, and classifying the SAP master data (such as documents or product masters), the next step is performing an object search to test your classification.The figure below shows the process.

The following video explains the process for finding objects.

Finding Objects: Selection Criteria

The characteristics of a class allow you to enter your selection criteria for finding objects.

A table categorizes different types of values with examples: Constant (e.g., 2.75, OTTO, 123-KD-27), Constants (e.g., 2.75, 3.6, 4, Malone, Miller), Intervals (e.g., 10-27.3), Spec. Intervals (e.g., <20, >14), and Combination (e.g., <10, 17, 19-23, >30).

You can enter one or more constants or an interval when using a characteristic to find objects. If you enter several values for one characteristic, they are logically linked with OR. When entering values for different characteristics, they are logically linked with AND.

You can display possible entries for values when entering your selection criteria, seeing the allowed values defined in the characteristic. The system will find objects classified with values that match the constants you entered or fall within the specified interval.

Settings for Search Results

When searching for objects, start by entering a class and class type. Then, specify values for the characteristics on the search screen. Finally, execute the search to see the results.

The search results are displayed in the standard layout. Here are several ways to customize this layout:

  1. Transaction CL30N: Create a user-specific and class-specific layout within the search results.
  2. User Settings: Create a user-specific layout.
  3. Transaction CL02: Create a class-specific layout.
  4. Non-Specific Layouts: You can create class-specific layouts for all classes using a report.

The next video demonstrates the customization methods for the first two layout options, while the following figure illustrates methods 3 and 4.

The folliwng figure shows the possible options to adjust the layout inside classes and using a report.

The figure shows the possible options to adjust the layout inside classes and using a report

Finding Objects: Comparison Type

Before executing a search, you can choose how to perform it, such as including or excluding specific values or searching for a string of characters. The image below shows different comparison types.

Watch the following video to learn about inclusive, exclusive, and string searches.

Comparison types determine how your search criteria are interpreted.

  • Default setting: If no comparison type is entered for a characteristic, the program defaults to the Inclusive setting.
  • Search scope: You can define a search for all users or for a specific user.
  • Using wildcards: An asterisk (*) in the search string automatically enables a string search with a wildcard.

How to Classify and Find Objects

Task 1: Classify Materials Using Transactions

You'll classify materials according to the classes you created in the previous task, using different transactions according to the following specifications: The material master records exist, but the classification view is missing.

Watch the following video to learn how to classify materials.

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