Variant Configurator and ALE

Has anyone had any experience with using ALE to transport all aspects of the Variant Configurator set-up to another SAP instance? We had planned to go this route, but have had people tell us that they wrote custom programs to download data from one instance and then use BDC's to load them in the new system. Is there a problem with using ALE for VC set-up data or anything we should be aware off?
Regards.

Hi Cynthia,
I have done this in the past. Definitely ALE is the way to go over BDC's etc.
The only thing you have to watch is the sequence that you send the data in. For example you must send dependency function module definitions before you can send any dependencies that call those functions. Otherwise you get an Idoc failure.
Where you get circular references (for example you have a characteristic which has a dependcy attached to it, and the dependency actually refers to the characteristic by name) then the best thing is to set the status of the dependency to deactivated, ALE it to the target system (syntax check will pass because its deactivated), ALE the characteristic, set the status back on the dependency, and then ALE it again.
Apart from occasional circular references, however, it works really well.
Another thing to watch is that when you set up your ALE distribution model, that you consider the possibility of concurrent development and ALEing between systems. For ease of administration, we set up our DEV system as the source for both QA and for PROD (rather than having DEV as source for QA and QA as source for prod) but this means that you shouldn't do any development on objects currently in QA as the latest changes will be ALE'd from DEV to PROD.
I think the general sequence of ALEing that worked the best was:
1. Characteristics
2. Function module definitions
3. Dependencies
4. Configuration profiles
I feel I have forgotten something there, but I guess you get the idea.
Last thing, you can't ALE the configuration profile user interface. So if you have designed your own layout for the characteristics (with tabs, and userexit buttons etc.) you have to recreate these manually in each environment. Not much fun when you have 10+ clients in your landscape. I kept meaning to write a program to handle it but, time got away from me.
Finally, you have to ask yourself why SAP didn't treat all this stuff as configuration though, and allow you to migrate using change requests. Wouldn't that be nice!!!
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
Brad

Similar Messages

Configure-to-Order (CTO) Production with Variant Configuration and Assembly

We are trying to create a Configure-to-Order (CTO) Production with Variant Configuration and Assembly Processing.
I have set up the required master data for variant configuration which is working fine in a sales order. I have used startegy group 82 in the MRP view of the material master for Finished goods/header material. A production order with BOM explosion is getting generated automatically during the creation of the sales order.I have stock of components available. Uploaded using 561 movement type (unrestricted stock).The requirement class that is being determined is 201.
ISSUE:
Availability check of the components in the production order that is getting automatically generated during sales order creation is failing. The components are not getting confirmed inspite of initialising the stock of the components in the plant we are using.
I am looking for pointers on the important settings related to the availability check in Configure to Order scenario that have to checked to resolve this issue.
TIA

Hi,
Availability check controls for Production order will be done in OPJK for plant , order type combination. Based on the settings either for creation or release system will carry Availability check of components. you can set the controls such that release can be possible even if parts are missing.
If you have settings to restrict the release if components are missing and there is stock in unrestricted, then you need to transfer the stock to the sales order using MB1B and 413 movement type so that system can recognize the availability and allow the release of order.
Based on your requiremnts you can map the settings in OPJK
Hope this will help
Regards,
Brahmaji D

Difference between Variant Configuration and iPPE

Dear All,
Can anybody tell me the difference between the Variant Configuration and iPPE(Integrated Process and Product Engineering).
Thanks,
Rajesh.

Hai Rajesh
The SAP standard system have the following user profiles:
S_ASTACT (Process Structure)
Part of the S_PPEALL profile; calls up a process structure as an application tree in the detail area of the iPPE Workbench Professional.
S_ASTCMP (Product Structure)
Part of the S_PPEALL profile; calls up a product structure as an application tree in the detail area of the iPPE Workbench Professional.
while creating the user profile - settings for relationship , model definition . environment , reports.
u can try using the Process and Product profile in IDES as I am exploring on iPPE.
is this iPPE scenario going to use in SAP PS or in cProjects.
ENJOY SAP PS.
Regards
PP

Variant Configuration and Dependencies?

Hi,
How is variant configuration is used and dependencies? Can someone give the step by step details with an example? What are the sample questions that can be asked about variant configuration in the interview?
Thank you

Hi Altin,
The process of Variant Configuration and its dependency uses defers from scenario to scenario,
Please click on the Link
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_erp60_sp/helpdata/en/92/58d455417011d189ec0000e81ddfac/frameset.htm
or refer to SAP PLM 145 or LO990.
To check an end user documentation of how to create Knowledge base objects of Variant Configuration
please refer to link
service.sap.com/var_conf or https://websmp202.sap-ag.de/var_conf
This link should explain different strategies and scenarios where Variant Configuration is used.
If you have access to SAP IDES systems:
USE models T-VPP00 for Sales BOM and T-VPC00 for regular.
Need more help please let me know
Thanks
Ajay

Variant Configuration and pricing in a Sales Order

Hi,
I have been successful in updating variant configuration for a sales order using the function modules 'BAPI_SALESORDER_CREATEFROMDAT2' to create the sales order and 'BAPI_SALESORDER_CHANGE' to add the variant configuration characteristics on a configurable material.
The issue I am having is that if I don't add the configuration values for pricing the pricing will not automatically update.
I have tried using function module 'CE_C_PROCESSING' to update the pricing after calling BAPI_SALESORDER_CHANGE without success.
Is there anyway to get the pricing to automatically update without adding the variant configuration values related to pricing?
Any help would be appreciated.
Derick

Hi Derick,
We are trying to create a sales order with a configurable item using 'BAPI_SALESORDER_CREATEFROMDAT2' and the issue that we are facing is we are getting the sales order but the configuration values are not getting populated.
Could you please guide us on how to pass the configuration data to the BAPI to create a sales order with configuration values?
Any help would be highly appreciated.
Thanks...
Abeehs

Variant configuration and SNP

Hi,
how snp will behave if we are set variant configuration(vc) in spro>apo>basis setting>define configuration schema? is it possible to have SNP planning unlike CDP? Is there any particular parameters we need to change after maintaining VC?
Please let me know. Any pointer will be appreciated...i tried to find same in help.sap but could not get any satisfactory answer.
Thanks!

Hi,
The SNP doesn't have any effect over the configuration schema - CDP or VC. The CDP and CBF releases from DP are handled only in PPDS. Here is an extract from Note 1284461.
CBF with SNP and PP/DS
SCENARIO DETERMINATION: CBF covers the planning of a configurable product, the characteristics describe the various attribute of the product as it could be color and size.
SYSTEM BEHAVIOR: CBF planning result will be stored in the time series LC in DP. For every characteristic of the material a to the total related figure will be stored. Example: The material is door and it comes in 3 colors and 3 width. In Total you have planned 90 doors, with equal attribute distribution = 10 blue size 1,6m*1,6m 10 greensize 1,6m*1,6m 10 blue size 1,8m*1,8m etc. 10 blue size 2,0m*2,0m 10 red size 1,6m*1,6m In total 90. etc... The planning result can now be released to PP/DS and here you have the choice of two variations, the allocation or the consumption via consumption group. Both methods will create FC orders in the product planning table.
LIMITATION: There is no possibility to release any planning data from DP to SNP with the intention to use in SNP heuristic (Location; Multilevel; Network); SNP Optimizer.
CBF planning results can only be used in CTM and PP/DS scenario
Regards,
Manimaran M.

Sales Order text for Variant Configuration

Hello
I have researched my issue and also have asked other peers for guidance. I feel that I am really close to getting my issue to work but I am not sure what I am missing, so I am hoping that someone can give me some advice as to what to check please. See below for the description.
My issue is in reference to SD Variant Configuration and is outlined below.
Overview
Main Unit is a radio test set
Test set can have an upgraded software
Example
Model 6015 u2013 standard test set
Model 6015T u2013 Upgraded software test set
Model 6015V u2013 Upgraded Software + test Set
Requirement
Use same Material Number using Variant Configuration for the upgrades
Price is to default to the Upgraded price
NOTE:
Our materials are already established and are set up as material type Finished Goods; ERLA item category; sales order item category is a copy of TAC. I am using a Configurable Material type KMAT, item category 0002 and linking to the FG material item category ERLA in the material master.
I have created the Material Variant (KMAT) in MM01
Created the characteristic in CT04
Created Classification in MM02 for material FG
Created Super BOM for Configurable Material in CS01 and added the upgrades as Alt Bom 2 for upgrade and 3 for Upgrade+. Also added the Alt BOM text
Created Profile of configurable material in CU41
For the Material I added the configurable material to MRP 3 screen in MM02
Created the BOM link in CS40
I simulate the material in CU50. I enter my material; select the icon for configuration, I can see the characteristic Value Assignment nad see my characteristics Description. I go to the value and use the drop down I then see the pop up of all the different values.
I have created Characteristic Reference VCSD_UPDATE_ARKTX with table VCSD_UPDATE and field ARKTX - no values
I have created a characteristic Test_Choice with the 2 values one is Test Upgrade 1 and the other is Test Upgrade 2. Both of these have the description as well.
For Material Text:
I have set up a reference characteristic using 30 character format (named VCSD_UPDATE_ARKTX),
with table name VCSD_UPDATE and field name ARKTX.
Then in the Configuration Profile(CU42) for configurable material, added a procedure(named PR_PRODUCT_DESCRIPTION) to the dependencies which contains code that sets the description
$self.VCSD_UPDATE_ARKTX = ''Test Upgrade 1u201D
If $self.TEST_CHOICE = Test_Upgrade_1,
$self.VCSD_UPDATE_ARKTX = ''Test Upgrade 2u201D
If $self.TEST_CHOICE = Test_Upgrade_2,
When Entering the sales order for Material Number XXXXXX, I receive a pop up that I can select which Alternate BOM (from CS02) I would like. I select my line item and then select the configuration icon at the bottom of the sales order. I see again my characterestics values (the same as CU50) but am unable to select the radio button. Not sure if this part is standard. Still no change in the sales order line item. I have validated that I am using a copy of the standard TAC item category. How does the text change to the correct value? Am I missing a seeting somewhere. Please provide any guidance with this as I have been trying to get this to work for over a month.
Thank you for your time. It is greatly appreciated.

I have figured out that this will work if I go to the standard material (it is not KMAT but it is a FERT material type) and set the flag in the Material Master Basic Data 2 tab that this is a configurable material and not use KMAT material type for a super BOM. The text changes for this scenario so it give me hope.
This is not ideal, as I want to use the Super BOM because there are different variations (non stock items) that I need to pull through on the picking list in order to tell the end user which option needs to be loaded in the standard material. At least I know the text can change on the sales order; but I am still struggling with the use of the super BOM and changing the sales text when there is use of a super bom as you tie that to the MRP 3 screen of the FERT material type. I can set everything up, but the text will not change if I set up the material master this way. Guidance is appreciated.
Example
Material 72433 (FERT)
on sales order I enter 72433, my alternate BOM comes up with different Options. Alternate BOM 1 is standard configuration; My Alternate BOM 2 has Option 3 and 4 while alternate BOM 3 has option 5 and 6. Alternate BOM 2 is a 6015T and Alternate BOM 3 is a 6015V.
I want my sales order to pull through the text of 6015T or 6015V, whichever is chosen. I want my picklist to print out the option that was selected.

Issue in Variant Configuration

Hi all,
I am working on Variant Configuration and i have a Configurable Material with Super BOM Structure.
Separate Configuration Profiles are maintained for both Main Material and BOM Component.
Configuration Process is Sales Order (SET), BOM Explosion is at Multilevel and Application is SD01.
When i create a Sales Order, only BOM's of Main Material are getting Exploded, where as BOM of Components
are not been Exploded. When i am trying to create a Sales Order directly for Configurable Component,
then BOM gets Exploded.But this does not happen when i try for Main Material.
Can any one help me in this regard?
I want to know the reason for this and any further Customization settings, to make Components of Main Material
as well as BOM Material get Exploded in Sales Order.
Thanks in Advance.
Regards,
Ravi

Hi ,
The issue could be due to the following.
When to enter the Main material in the sales order. The Main Material Item Category will be "TAC" for which "Structure of scope" in IMG would have maintained hence it will explode BOM components. Now eventhougth BOM components have " Configuration profile" The item category is "TAE" which will not " Scope of Structure".
Now goto IMG item category configuration and maintain " Bill of Material/ cobnfiguration" settings for TAE. it will explode multi level BOM.
But when u enter the configurable BOM separately in sales order it will explode, because now BOM componet Item cat will be TAC
Hope this will help u
regards
Arun Prasad
Edited by: arun prasad on Jul 30, 2009 6:27 AM

Class & Characteristics in variant configuration

Hi PP guru's
Pl explain me in detail all the configuration path , spro , tcode for the above said .
thanx in advance
Regards,
Vimalbalaji

Dear Vimalbalaji,
<a href="http://www.sap-img.com/sap-sd/steps-for-sd-variant-configuration.htm">Steps for SD Variant Configuration</a> :
The procedure is as follows:
Create a Material - KMAT type with Item category (002)
Create Charateristics in CT04 - Zbike, where in values mention the Color of the bile like Red, Blue etc
Create another characteristics in CT04 - ZPrice, where directly go the additional data tab and maintain the table SDCOM and field VKOND (ABAP Dictionary it will ask for)
Assign these two characteristics to a Class in CL01 - ZBikeclass ( Type 300) in characteristics tab page.
Then go to CU41 Configuration profile select the material and enter the description click on the class assignment ie assign Zbikclass.
Now go back to CT04 - enter Zbike -go to values- select Red- go to extras - Other Dependencies - Select Procedure enter in front 10 write - $self.ZPrice='Red' and save
Now go back go to extras - Other Dependencies - assignments and assign relationship ( by default it will come just save)
Now select Blue- go to extras - Other Dependencies - Editor - Select Procedure enter in front of 10 write - $self.ZPrice='Blue' and save
Now go back go to extras - Other Dependencies - assignments and assign relationship ( by default it will come just save)
Now go to VK11 - Enter VA00 (Condition)(For Std RVA001 Pricing Procedure) - enter variant Red and Blue give the rates accordingly and create the sales order.
<a href="http://help.sap.com/saphelp_ides/helpdata/en/0a/857463c87611d1a7760000e8a5f6c8/content.htm">SAP Help Link for Variant Configuration for an Order BOM</a>.
<a href="http://www.sap-basis-abap.com/sd/steps-for-variant-configuration-and-pricing.htm">Steps for Variant Configuration and Pricing</a>
$ROOT is the highest-level configurable material in a configuration.
$PARENT refers to the object immediately above $SELF in a multi-level configuration.
The variable $PARENT has no meaning for the header material, because the header material has no superior materials.
In dependencies that are allocated to BOM items, $PARENT refers to the configurable material for which the BOM was created, whereas $SELF refers to the material of the BOM item.
$SELF is the material to which the dependency is allocated.
Regards,
Naveen.

Super BOM in Variant configuration

Hi SAP gurus,
Can anyone tell me the difference between Variant configuration and Super BOM, if possible with an example.
And also please forward any information on configuring the Super BOM.
Thanks & regards,
Praveen Kumar,
[email protected]

Hi,
For super BOM u need to do do the following configurartion settings.
1. For Min item pricing go to VOV7 and select TAQ , go to structure scope and keep B(Explode Multi BOM)
2. then go to v0v4 do the settings
         OR ERLA TAQ
         OR NORM TAQ TAE
         OR NORM TAE   TAE
3. Maintain the records in CS01.
Regards,
Sree

Variant Configuration $Root $Parent $Self

Hi Gurus
Please help in providing information on Variant Configuration $Root $Parent $Self, and if possible with some test cases..to make it as a base for exploring.
Thanks in advance.
Points will be rewarded.
Regards
Suddu

Dear Suddu,
$ROOT is the highest-level configurable material in a configuration.
$PARENT refers to the object immediately above $SELF in a multi-level configuration.
The variable $PARENT has no meaning for the header material, because the header material has no superior materials.
In dependencies that are allocated to BOM items, $PARENT refers to the configurable material for which the BOM was created, whereas $SELF refers to the material of the BOM item.
$SELF is the material to which the dependency is allocated.
<a href="http://help.sap.com/saphelp_ides/helpdata/en/0a/857463c87611d1a7760000e8a5f6c8/content.htm">SAP Help Link for Variant Configuration for an Order BOM</a>.
<a href="http://www.sap-basis-abap.com/sd/steps-for-variant-configuration-and-pricing.htm">Steps for Variant Configuration and Pricing</a>
<a href="http://www.sap-img.com/sap-sd/steps-for-sd-variant-configuration.htm">Steps for SD Variant Configuration</a> :
The procedure is as follows:
Create a Material - KMAT type with Item category (002)
Create Charateristics in CT04 - Zbike, where in values mention the Color of the bile like Red, Blue etc
Create another characteristics in CT04 - ZPrice, where directly go the additional data tab and maintain the table SDCOM and field VKOND (ABAP Dictionary it will ask for)
Assign these two characteristics to a Class in CL01 - ZBikeclass ( Type 300) in characteristics tab page.
Then go to CU41 Configuration profile select the material and enter the description click on the class assignment ie assign Zbikclass.
Now go back to CT04 - enter Zbike -go to values- select Red- go to extras - Other Dependencies - Select Procedure enter in front 10 write - $self.ZPrice='Red' and save
Now go back go to extras - Other Dependencies - assignments and assign relationship ( by default it will come just save)
Now select Blue- go to extras - Other Dependencies - Editor - Select Procedure enter in front of 10 write - $self.ZPrice='Blue' and save
Now go back go to extras - Other Dependencies - assignments and assign relationship ( by default it will come just save)
Now go to VK11 - Enter VA00 (Condition)(For Std RVA001 Pricing Procedure) - enter variant Red and Blue give the rates accordingly and create the sales order.
Regards,
Naveen.

Re: Variant tables usuage for variant configuration.

Dear All.
I have variant configuration and I need variant tables for the dependencies. Can any body guide me how to use the variant tables.

Hi.
I have used them mostly as a repository of technical data unknown to sales department (guys who create and configure sales order).
In a Packaging Industry they used variants for folding cartons and all technical data was maintained by a Techical Area in variant tables. Data was retrieved from configuration using procedures.
Variant table data is maintained in transaction CU60. This is not a very friendly interface and can't deal with multi-user updation. This is why one year after go-live this company started to use a Z-tables and LINKED them to variant tables (CU62). Using this you can work with same procedures but with much more easier data maintenance. I recommend to take this in account.
regards, SL

COPA - Variant Configuration

Hi everybody
I am facing one problem, that is i have configure Variant configuration and i created sales order, delivery and billing.After creation of billing system is generating 'A/cing Document', 'Controlling Document', 'Profit center Document'. But it is not generating 'COPA Document'.
Can anybody help me please.
Thanks and Regards
Vardhan

check the controlling area detail settings. it should have the profitablity analysis active to allow posting.
if it is already done, check what type of copa is active. for account based copa.. the condition types should be assigned to copa value fields. check in sales order line item.. account assignment tab.. do you see any profitability segment defaulting..
if you have the costing based copa.. unless the billing is done the system does not post to copa. To make system post to copa during delivery.. you need to do RA and settlement.

Variant Configuration Planning Strategy

Hello All,
We are using Variant configuration and we want to maintain independent requirements for the dependent materials. The main material will be make to order and we want the dependent requirements from the main material to reduce the independent requirements maintained for the dependent materials. Please let what planning stratagies should i use for the main material and dependent materials. Due points will be awarded.

I don't know if R/3 supports full fledged planning based on characteristics but I do know characteristics based planning can be done in APO. The following documents talks a little bit about planing characteristics in the end in R/3, you may want to take a look at it.
http://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/scn/go/portal/prtroot/docs/library/uuid/903bb9b8-f15b-2910-8381-ab05bdcac2c1?QuickLink=index&overridelayout=true

Variant Configurator Integration

Environment : EP 6.0 SP2
I am looking for some information about Variant Configurator and how it can be integrated in EP 6.0 .
I appreciate your help !!

Hi Bhabesh,
Do you have any new infomation wrt Variant Configurator Integration in EP. would be nice to hear from you.
Regards
Meesum

Variant Configurator and ALE

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