In the past, you only worked with a change master. With a change master, you are able to perform several object changes just after the definition of the change master.
The Change Record, which is only available inside SAP Fiori launchpad, gives you the opportunity to set up a process-oriented change scenario.
Inside customizing you are able to setup different record types and the status network that depends on them.
Note
Please keep in mind the following: the Change Record does not do the object changes. It is always a change master that does the object changes. The Change Record is a folder that collects the objects, uses a process route and works with a status network; but the object changes are done by a change master.
Change Record
When you execute the Manage Change Records app, you are able to search for existing Change Records or create new ones.
When creating a new Change Record, you are asked to select the right record type. The record type was defined inside customizing and contains the objects you would like to change and the relevant status network.
Inside the header, you first define the description and the reason of change.
Then you are able to set up different date information, such as Completion Date or Engineering /Manufacturing Effective Date. Inside customizing, you can define the Completion Date as the one that is used inside the Change Number at a later stage. Defining a Manufacturing Date results in the direct creation of a change number.
The Change Responsible is a change manager, which has to be defined as a business partner. An employee definition is not enough.
Several different object types can be added.
A classification and adding comments is also possible.
Status Scenario
When you start the change process, the change record works with the status network you defined inside customizing.
Depending on one particular status, the change number will be automatically created.
You can use this number for performing changes. After finishing the change process, the change number will be closed.
Process Route
Inside the Change Record, you are able to work with a Process Route. The Process Route could be based on a Workflow scenario, setup manually, or defined with BRFplus tools inside customizing.
When you decide to work with a Workflow based scenario, you have to do the following:
Define Teams and Responsibilities: Set up relevant groups, define the users or roles, and the necessary change record type.
Setup Workflow Template: Define Workflow steps and connect them to the right Change Record status and Recipients.
Setup a new Change Record, and connect to the right workflow.
When you decide to set up a Process Route inside the Change Record, do the following:
Define the step name.
Define the step type: Approve, Perform Task, Review, or Rework Request.
Assign the right Record Status.
Define the Recipients: Role or user and their job.
Define step conditions and exception handling.
When you then start the workflow, the items are available inside the user's inbox. There the user can approve, reject, or forward the item to other users.
Change Record Objects
Change Record Attachments
Working with a Change Record, you can use the same attachment service as for Product Master.
The following scenarios are possible:
Upload files: A document type can be predefined. The Workstation Application and secure storage area is found automatically as predefined inside customizing.
Add a Link: A URL can be defined.
Assign Doc: An existing Document Info Record can be attached.
Check in/out / Reset: Standard scenarios for files of Document Info Records.
Engineering Cockpit
The Engineering Cockpit immediately provides you with all the changes that are currently being used in your company at a glance. For example, you can filter using the responsible person for the upcoming changes or the used change type.
The individual areas in the Engineering Cockpit can be moved freely or the size can be freely changed.
Furthermore, you can jump directly to the change numbers or the change record using the quick links.
Search
With the SAP S/4HANA search, different search criteria exist. You can simply search for a change number, or for an engineering or change record.
Please keep in mind that when working with an engineering or change record, at the end, you use a change number to do the changes.
Executing the S/4 HANA based search inside the SAP Fiori launchpad, different object searches are possible.
You are able to search for apps or perform an object independent search.
If you search for Change Numbers or Change Records, you can enter every search parameter that is listed inside the figure SAP S/4HANA Search.
Inside the search result, you are able to filter the object result list or execute an SAP Fiori app.