HELP.LOLISLO Logistics Information
SystemRelease 4.6B™

LO Logistics Information System

SAP AG

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Contents
LO Logistics Information System......................................................................9
Components of the Logistics Information System (LIS) ......................................................... 10
Structure of the Documentation............................................................................................... 12
Basic Structure and Concepts: Overview ............................................................................... 16
Function of the Information Systems ...................................................................................... 17
Working With the Information System Menus ........................................................................ 19
lnformation Structures .............................................................................................................. 22
Variant Configuration: Information Structures....................................................................... 26
Updating: Overview ................................................................................................................... 27
Standard Analyses .................................................................................................................... 28
Characteristics and Key Figures of the Standard Analyses: Overview............................... 29
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Overview ..................................................................... 30
The Logistics Information System as a Component of the Open Information Warehouse31
Flexible Analyses....................................................................................................................... 34
Planning...................................................................................................................................... 36
ALE.............................................................................................................................................. 37
Archiving .................................................................................................................................... 38
Standard Analyses ...................................................................................................................... 39
Basics ......................................................................................................................................... 41
Performing Standard Analyses ................................................................................................ 44
Exception.................................................................................................................................... 48
Saving a Standard Analysis...................................................................................................... 49
Standard Analyses of the Information Systems..................................................................... 50
Selection Versions....................................................................................................................... 51
Creating/Changing a Selection Version .................................................................................. 52
Scheduling a Selection Version ............................................................................................... 55
Overview of the Selection Versions......................................................................................... 56
Deleting Selection Versions ..................................................................................................... 58
Converting Selection Versions Created Before Release 3.0D .............................................. 59
Displaying and Retrieving a Selection Version ...................................................................... 60
Perform Data Selection as a Background Job........................................................................ 61
Drilldown Function ...................................................................................................................... 62
Characteristic Drilldown ........................................................................................................... 63
Examples: Characteristic Drilldown.......................................................................................... 65
Drilling Down According to a Characteristic ............................................................................. 67
Hierarchy Drilldown................................................................................................................... 68
Examples: Hierarchy Drilldown ................................................................................................ 72
Drilling Down According to a Hierarchy.................................................................................... 73
Executing a Standard Drilldown .............................................................................................. 74
Displaying a Standard Drilldown ............................................................................................. 75
Returning to the Initial List ....................................................................................................... 76
Switching Drilldowns ................................................................................................................ 77

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Switching Characteristic Values .............................................................................................. 78
Choosing Key Figures for the Results Lists........................................................................... 79
Switching to Another Information Structure........................................................................... 80
Examples: Calculating the Period to Analyze......................................................................... 83
Sorting Lists ............................................................................................................................... 84
Creating Ranking Lists.............................................................................................................. 85
Examples: Ranking Lists .......................................................................................................... 86
Graphics ..................................................................................................................................... 87
Time Series Graphics ................................................................................................................ 88
Portfolio Graphics ..................................................................................................................... 89
Cumulative Frequency Curve..................................................................................................... 90
Examples: Cumulative Frequency Curve................................................................................ 91
Creating a Cumulative Frequency Curve ................................................................................ 93
Correlation Curve ........................................................................................................................ 94
Examples: Correlation Curve ................................................................................................... 95
Creating a Correlation Curve.................................................................................................... 96
ABC Analysis ............................................................................................................................... 97
Examples: ABC Analysis .......................................................................................................... 98
Strategies for Performing an ABC Analysis ........................................................................... 99
Example: Total Key Figure in % Strategy.............................................................................. 100
Example: Number of Characteristic Values in % Strategy .................................................. 101
Example: Key Figure (Absolute) Strategy............................................................................. 102
Example: Number of Characteristic Values Strategy .......................................................... 103
Creating an ABC Analysis ...................................................................................................... 104
Displaying the Results ............................................................................................................ 105
Displaying Lists ....................................................................................................................... 106
Graphics ................................................................................................................................... 108
Classification ............................................................................................................................. 109
Examples: Classification ........................................................................................................ 110
Executing a Classification ...................................................................................................... 111
Displaying the Results ............................................................................................................ 112
Displaying Lists ....................................................................................................................... 113
Graphics ................................................................................................................................... 114
Dual Classification..................................................................................................................... 115
Examples: Dual Classification ............................................................................................... 116
Executing Dual Classification ................................................................................................ 117
Displaying the Results ............................................................................................................ 118
Displaying the List................................................................................................................... 119
Graphics ................................................................................................................................... 121
Planned/Actual Comparison..................................................................................................... 122
Examples: Planned/Actual Comparison................................................................................ 123
Creating a Planned/Actual Comparison ................................................................................ 124
Previous Year Comparison....................................................................................................... 125
Creating a Previous Year Comparison .................................................................................. 126
Comparing Two Key Figures .................................................................................................... 127

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Examples: Key Figure Comparison ....................................................................................... 128
Executing a Key Figure Comparison..................................................................................... 129
Interactive Settings.................................................................................................................... 130
Setting the Currency ............................................................................................................... 131
Setting the Value Display........................................................................................................ 132
Setting the Characteristic Display ......................................................................................... 133
Setting the Column Width....................................................................................................... 134
Setting the Page Header ......................................................................................................... 135
Defining a Standard Drilldown ............................................................................................... 136
Defining Key Figures............................................................................................................... 137
Defining Parameters................................................................................................................ 138
Additional Information .............................................................................................................. 139
Displaying All Key Figures ..................................................................................................... 140
Example: Displaying All Key Figures .................................................................................... 141
Displaying a Selection Log ..................................................................................................... 142
Displaying a Drilldown Log .................................................................................................... 143
Displaying a Standard Drilldown ........................................................................................... 144
Displaying Exceptions ............................................................................................................ 145
Searching By Letter or Number Combinations .................................................................... 146
Printing a List ........................................................................................................................... 147
Downloading Lists to a PC File .............................................................................................. 148
Transferring Data to XXL ........................................................................................................ 149
Sending Lists ........................................................................................................................... 151
User-Specific Settings............................................................................................................... 153
Executing User-Specific Settings .......................................................................................... 154
Flexible Analyses: Overview .................................................................................................... 155
Flexible Analyses: Basics....................................................................................................... 156
Example: Report Layout ......................................................................................................... 157
Evaluations............................................................................................................................... 161
Creating an Evaluation............................................................................................................ 163
Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures ............................................................................ 165
Defining Display Types........................................................................................................... 167
Example: Display Type 1................................................................................................... 169
Example: Display Type 2................................................................................................... 170
Defining Formulas .................................................................................................................. 171
Displaying Technical Information on an Evaluation ............................................................... 173
Library..................................................................................................................................... 174
Report ..................................................................................................................................... 175
Report group........................................................................................................................... 176
Designing a Layout................................................................................................................. 177
Displaying Layout Control....................................................................................................... 179
Saving an Evaluation Without Generating.............................................................................. 180
Generating an Evaluation ....................................................................................................... 181
Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen .............................................................. 182
Mass Generating Evaluations ................................................................................................ 183
Executing an Evaluation ......................................................................................................... 184
Executing an Evaluation With a Selection.............................................................................. 185

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Sets......................................................................................................................................... 188
Executing an Evaluation Without a Selection......................................................................... 189
Editing a Report ....................................................................................................................... 191
Changing an Evaluation.......................................................................................................... 196
Editing Characteristics and Key Figures ................................................................................ 197
Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen .............................................................. 198
Displaying an Evaluation ........................................................................................................ 199
Deleting an Evaluation ............................................................................................................ 200
Evaluation Structures.............................................................................................................. 201
Combining Information from Several Structures ................................................................. 203
Creating Evaluation Structures with Reference to an Evaluation Structure ..................... 206
Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures ............................................................................ 208
Creating Evaluation Structures with Reference to a Data Dictionary Table...................... 210
Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures ............................................................................ 211
Technical Information About the Evaluation Structure ........................................................... 213
Changing an Evaluation Structure......................................................................................... 214
Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures ............................................................................ 215
Generating an Evaluation Structure ....................................................................................... 216
Transporting Evaluations and Evaluation Structures ......................................................... 217
Displaying an Evaluation Structure ....................................................................................... 218
Deleting an Evaluation Structure ........................................................................................... 219
General Hierarchies................................................................................................................... 220
Creating Hierarchies................................................................................................................ 221
Functions for Processing the Hierarchy ............................................................................... 222
Changing Hierarchies.............................................................................................................. 224
Displaying Hierarchies ............................................................................................................ 225
Color Settings .......................................................................................................................... 226
Document Evaluations: Overview............................................................................................ 227
ABC Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 228
Performing an ABC Analysis .................................................................................................. 229
ABC Analysis: Displaying the Results .................................................................................... 231
Range of Coverage .................................................................................................................. 233
Updating ................................................................................................................................. 234
Performing an Analysis on Range of Coverage ..................................................................... 235
Analysis on Range of Coverage: Displaying the Results ....................................................... 237
Functions for Processing the List ........................................................................................... 238
Inventory Turnover .................................................................................................................. 240
Performing an Analysis on Inventory Turnover ...................................................................... 241
Analysis on Inventory Turnover: Displaying the Results ........................................................ 243
Slow-Moving Items .................................................................................................................. 244
Performing an Analysis on Slow-Moving Items...................................................................... 245
Analysis on Slow-Moving Items: Displaying the Results........................................................ 247
Stock Value............................................................................................................................... 248
Performing an Analysis on Stock Value ................................................................................. 249
Analysis on Stock Value: Displaying the Results ................................................................... 251
Dead Stock ............................................................................................................................... 252
Performing an Analysis on Dead Stock.................................................................................. 253
Analysis on Dead Stock: Displaying the Results.................................................................... 255

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Usage Value ............................................................................................................................. 256
Performing an Analysis on Usage Value................................................................................ 257
Analysis on Usage Value: Displaying the Results.................................................................. 259
Requirements Value ................................................................................................................ 260
Performing an Analysis on Requirements Value.................................................................... 261
Analysis on Requirements Value: Displaying the Results...................................................... 263

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Components of the Logistics Information System (LIS)

Components of the Logistics Information System (LIS)
The Logistics Information System (LIS) is made up of the following information systems:•

Sales Information System•

Purchasing Information System•

Inventory Controlling•

Shop Floor Information System•

Plant Maintenance Information System•

Quality Management Information System•

Retail Information System (RIS)The information systems that belong to LIS have a modular structure, yet have a variety oftechniques which allow you to evaluate data. This type of structure also allows the individual
information systems to retain their special features.
The Logistics Information System allows you not only to evaluate actual data, but also to createplanning data. The information systems provide an easy-to-use planning functionality that is also
supported by a forecasting function. As of Release 3.0, the planning functionality of theinformation systems and the component Sales and Operation Planning (SOP) were combinedand enhanced to make one central planning and forecasting tool. For this reason, you will notfind the planning documentation in this document, but rather in the document PP - Sales andOperation Planning.
You can use the Logistics Data Warehouse in Customizing to design the Logistics Information
System to meet your own requirements. This tool allows you to customize the setup of the databasis for your information system, to define the rules for updating the data and to generate thestandard analyses for evaluating the data. The documentation for this tool can be found in the
Implementation Guide for the Logistics Information System under “Data basis” and “Updating”.
The Early Warning System is integrated in all of the information systems and is based on the
key figures of the information system. The Early Warning System supports the decision-making
process by allowing you to target and monitor weak areas in logistics. It searches for exceptionalsituations and helps in the early detection and correction of undesirable situations.
The Logistics Information Library is a further component of the Logistics Information System.
The Logistics Information Library makes it possible to access key figures in LIS by using simple
search strategies. In addition, the Logistics Information Library allows you to catalog the key
figures.
The following illustration shows you an overview of the individual components of the Logistics
Information System.

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Components of the Logistics Information System (LIS)

Logistics Information System
Sales
Information System

Purchasing
Information System

Inventory Controlling

Shop Floor
Information System

Quality Management
Information System

Plant Maintenance
Information System

Planning/Forecasting
Early Warning System
Logistics Information Library

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Structure of the Documentation

Structure of the Documentation
This section contains information about how to use the following components of the Logistics
Information System (see also Components of the Logistics Information System (LIS) [Page 10]):•

Information systems (Purchasing Information System, Sales Information System, Inventory
Controlling, Shop Floor Information System, Plant Maintenance Information System, Quality
Management Information System, Retail Information System)
The information systems have a uniform, logical structure as well as uniform user
guidance. They use a number of central techniques for evaluating data. For this reason,
they are described in one document. Special features of the information systems willthen be noted in separate sections.
–

Sales Information System
Refer to:
Basic Structure and Concepts [Ext.]
Updating: Sales Information System [Ext.]
Standard Analyses [Ext.]
Flexible Analyses [Ext.]
General Hierarchies [Page 220]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Sales Information System [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Sales Information System [Ext.]–

Purchasing Information System
Refer to:
Basic Structure and Concepts [Ext.]
Updating: Purchasing Information System [Ext.]
Standard Analyses [Ext.]
Flexible Analyses [Ext.]
General Hierarchies [Page 220]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Purchasing Information System [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Purchasing Information System [Ext.]–

Inventory Controlling
Refer to:
Basic Structure and Concepts [Ext.]
Standard Analyses [Ext.]
Flexible Analyses [Ext.]
General Hierarchies [Page 220]12

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Structure of the Documentation

Inventory Controlling: Document Evaluations [Ext.]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Inventory Controlling [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Inventory Controlling [Ext.]–

Shop Floor Information System
Refer to:
Basic Structure and Concepts [Ext.]
Updating: Shop Floor Information System [Ext.]
Standard Analyses [Ext.]
General Hierarchies [Page 220]
Flexible Analyses [Ext.]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Shop Floor Information System [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Shop Floor Information System [Ext.]–

Plant Maintenance Information System
Refer to:
Basic Structure and Concepts [Ext.]
Updating: Plant Maintenance Information System [Ext.]
Standard Analyses [Ext.]
Flexible Analyses [Ext.]
General Hierarchies [Page 220]
Plant Maintenance Information System: Additional Evaluations [Ext.]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Plant Maintenance Information System [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Plant Maintenance Information System [Ext.]–

Quality Management Information System
Refer to:
Basic Structure and Concepts [Ext.]
Updating: Quality Management Information System [Ext.]
Standard Analyses [Ext.]
Flexible Analyses [Ext.]
General Hierarchies [Page 220]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Quality Management Information System [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Quality Management Information System [Ext.]

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Structure of the Documentation–

Retail Information System
Refer to:Retail Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]
Updating: Retail Information System [Ext.]
Standard Analyses: Retail Information System [Ext.]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Retail Information System [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Retail Information System [Ext.]•

Early Warning System
The Early Warning System is integrated in all the information system menus and has its
own menu option. You can find examples from all of the areas of logistics in the
documentation. These examples can, however, easily be applied to other application
areas of logistics.
Refer to:
Early Warning System [Ext.]•

Logistics Information Library
The Logistics Information Library, like the Early Warning System, is also integrated in allof the information system menus and has its own menu option.
Refer to:Introduction
Searching and Retrieving Key Figures [Ext.]
Info Sets [Ext.]
Integrating Key Figures into LIL [Ext.]

Since the planning functionality of the information systems and the component Sales
and Operation Planning (SOP) are combined into one central planning andforecasting tool, you will find the documentation on planning in the document PP Sales and Operation Planning and not in this document.
The documentation for the component Logistics Data Warehouse can be found in
the Implementation Guide for the Logistics Information System under “Data basis”
and “Updating”.

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Structure of the Documentation

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Basic Structure and Concepts: Overview

Basic Structure and Concepts: Overview
This section covers the basic structure and the conceptual background of the Logistics
Information System.
The Logistics Information System as a Component of the Open Information Warehouse [Page31]
Function of the Information Systems [Page 17]
lnformation Structures [Page 22]
Purchasing Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]
Sales Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]
Inventory Controlling: Information Structures [Ext.]
Shop Floor Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]
Plant Maintenance Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]
Quality Management Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]
Retail Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]
Standard Analyses [Page 28]
Flexible Analyses [Page 34]
Planning [Page 36]
ALE [Page 37]
Working With the Information System Menus [Page 19]

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Function of the Information Systems

Function of the Information Systems
An information system uses informative key figures to aid the rapid detection of existing problem
areas and analyze their origin. Business transactions that are often performed thousands oftimes in one day form the basis for these key figures. An information system therefore has toaccess aggregated data in order to gain a quick overview.
The information systems in logistics are flexible tools for collecting, aggregating and analyzing
data from the operative applications (Purchasing, Sales, Production, Inventory Controlling, Plant
Maintenance, Quality Management/Inspection Processing). They thus enable you to continuallycontrol target criteria and to react in time to exceptional situations.
The function of the information systems is to allow you to view the information from youroperative applications from any perspective you wish. You are free to define the level of detail inwhich the information is displayed.
In the Logistics Information System, data can be analyzed either as a standard analysis or as aflexible analysis.
Standard analyses are based on statistical data in the Logistics Information System, which iscontained in "information structures". Important key figures are directly updated from theoperative application to the information structures.
Flexible analyses allow you to evaluate any SAP data structures and can be used for
ad-hoc analyses.
The comparison of planned and actual data plays a vital part in the decision-making process. For
this reason, the information systems give you the option of entering planning data, in addition to
retrieving and aggregating actual data.
The integrated Early Warning System enables you to recognize exceptional situations at an
early stage (for example, a positive trend in delivery times). Undesirable situations can bedetected and rectified in time.
The Early Warning System also facilitates the selection of potential weak points (for example,
you can select all of the materials with an order value higher than $5,000).
The information systems in logistics can be used on a variety of levels in the decision-making
process as a management, control, and planning instrument.

Planning

Control

Logistics
Information System(LIS)

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Function of the Information Systems

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Working With the Information System Menus

Working With the Information System Menus
PP- Absatz- und Produktionsgrobplanung (SOP)
Calling Up the Information System Menus
You can reach the information system menus in a variety of ways:•

Access via Logistics Controlling
From the R/3 system menu, select:

Logistics →Logistics Controlling →Inventory Controllingor

Sales Info System

orPurchasing Info SystemorShop Floor Info Systemor

PM Info Systemor

QM Info System•

Access Via the Respective Operative Application
Purchasing Information System:
From the R/3 system menu, select: Logistics → Materials management → Purchasing →Outline agreement → Reporting → Purch. Info System
Sales Information System:
From the R/3 system menu, select: Logistics → Sales → Sales Info System
Inventory Controlling
From the R/3 system menu, select: Logistics → Materials management → Inventory
management → Environment → Inv. Controlling
Shop Floor Information System
From the R/3 system menu, select: Logistics → Production → Production control →Control → Information systems → Shop Floor Info System
Plant Maintenance Information System
From the R/3 system menu, select: Logistics → Plant maintenance → Information
systemQuality Management Information System
From the R/3 system menu, select: Logistics → Quality management → Information
system

The menu for the information systems is divided up as follows:

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Working With the Information System Menus

Standard Analyses
You select the option Standard analyses to perform and display standard analyses and to store
user-specific settings. You can also display standard analyses for user-defined information
structures here.
For further information on the functionality of the standard analyses, refer to Standard Analyses[Ext.].

Flexible Analyses
You select the option Flexible analyses to create and process evaluation information structures,and to perform and define evaluations.
You can find more information about the functionality of the flexible analyses in Flexible Analyses[Ext.].

Planning
You can maintain planning data under this menu entry.
As of Release 3.0, the planning functionality of the information systems and the component Sales
and Operations Planning (SOP) have been combined and expanded into a central planning andforecasting tool.

You can find detailed information about the planning functionality in the WinHelp
document Sales and Operations Planning (PP-SOP).

Early Warning System
The Early Warning System supports the decision-making process by allowing you to target andmonitor specific weak points in logistics. It is possible to search for exceptional situations, thus
putting you in a position to detect and rectify potential problems in good time.
You can find more information in the section Early Warning System [Ext.].

Information Library
The Logistics Information Library is helps you to create, classify, and find key figures in the areaof Logistics.
Information on using the library can be found in Logistics Information Library [Ext.].

Environment
You can use Environment to branch into important transactions from the respective applicationthat have already been documented in the remaining documents for the application.
Under the menu path Current settings, you will find some very important Customizing
transactions that are carried out regularly, as opposed to those that are performed in theimplementation phase or only very rarely. You can find the documentation for these transactionsin the Implementation Guide for the Logistics Information System.
All the information systems in LIS contain an easy-to-use tool that allows you to create generalhierarchies. You can use this tool to create and change hierarchies for the LIS evaluations
quickly and easily, and to tailor them to suit your individual organizational criteria. You can find20

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Working With the Information System Menus

the transactions for the hierarchy tool under the menu option General hierarchy. Information on
using the general hierarchies can be found in General Hierarchies [Page 220]

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lnformation Structures

lnformation Structures
The information structures are files of special statistics data which constitute an importantelement of the information systems. They form data basis for the standard analyses. Even
planning is based on the information structures.
The most important information is updated to the information structures from the huge volume ofdata in the operative application.

Purchasing: purchase order, goods receipt, invoice receipt
Sales: order, quotation
Inventory Controlling: goods movement
Shop Floor: release/confirmation of a production order
Plant Maintenance: creation of a notification, creation of a functional location
Quality Management Information System: making a usage decision
An information structure defines an group containing information which is used for theaggregation and subsequent evaluation of data from the operative application.
The standard system provides information structures for every information system which include
valid key figures for all of the analyses in the application area.
Customizing allows you to create your own information structures, i.e. you can add your own
enhancements to the information systems.

Constructing an Information Structure
An information structure combines three kinds of information:•

Characteristics•

Key figures•

Period unit (time reference)

The following illustration shows you the structure of an information structure from the area ofSales and Distribution:
Time Unit
Key figures

Characteristics

398
157

005

Week
Purchasing
group

22

Vendor

März
Mo

Di

11
Mi Do Fr

Sa So

InvoicedamountNet order
value

Number of Number of ...
ordersdeliveries

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Characteristics
Characteristics are items of information that are suitable for aggregation (such as plant, material).
Every characteristic has characteristic values. For example, the characteristic "material" might
have the following characteristic values:•

Material: ball-bearing (represented as a text)•

Material 324567 (represented as a key)

Key Figures
Key figures are values with particular relevance to business.

Purchasing Information System: invoiced amount, net order value, number ofdeliveries
Sales Information System: sales volume, incoming orders, returns, sales order
value
Inventory Controlling: valuated stock receipts, average consumption, total
consumption value, number of material movements
Shop Floor Information System: order quantity, lead time, queue time, execution
time
Plant Maintenance Information System: number of notifications, number ofbreakdowns, mean time to repair
Quality Management Information System: total lots, mean quality score, lead time
Key figures contain data that is read from the information structures, whereas characteristics act
as the key to this process.
Every key figures has its own values.

The material 265-987 (characteristic value) has an acquisition value of $20,000 (keyfigure value).

Period Units
A period unit is assigned to every information structure.
The values of the key figures in an information structure are cumulated at regular intervals foreach characteristic in the information structure.
The period unit determines the frequency with which this takes place. You can choose between
day, week, month, and posting period.

Standard Information Structures
The information structures available for each information system in the standard system containkey figures that are linked together thematically for all of the relevant analyses in the respective

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lnformation Structures
application area. You can also use formulas to access key figures which are calculated when you
carry out an analysis.
The following sections describe the standard information structures of the individual information
systems:
Purchasing Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]
Sales Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]
Inventory Controlling: Information Structures [Ext.]
Shop Floor Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]
Plant Maintenance Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]
Quality Management Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]
Retail Information System: Information Structures [Ext.]

Self-Defined Information Structures
Self-defined information structures enable you to add your own enhancements to the information
systems. You can combine information structures to suit your own needs as well as define yourown rules for updating. You can make use of the entire functional range in LIS to create your own
information structures. You can use the standard analyses and the flexible analyses to evaluate
the user-defined information structures and you can also create planning data for them.
The functions for the user-defined information structures are found in Customizing under the
Logistics Information System. The complete functionality can be found under the menu option
Data Basis.
You can find further information in the Implementation Guide.
To call up the Implementation Guide, proceed as follows:
1. From the R/3 system menu, select Tools → Business Engineering → Customizing →Implem. projects → Display SAP Refer. IMG.
A complete list of all of the available Implementation Guides will appear.
2. Place the cursor on Logistics General and select Edit → Explode/hide.
A list of all of the documents that are assigned to Logistics General will appear.
3. Place the cursor on Logistics Information System and select Edit → Explode/hide.
A list of all of the documents that are assigned to the Logistics Information System willappear.
You will find the Implementation Guide you require under Logistics Data Warehouse →Data Basis.

Updating Statistical Data
The updating of statistical data can take place as a U1-update (update with delayed start) or a U2
update (statistical update).
For every standard information structure, you can define the type of updating and the frequency
with which the statistical data should be cumulated (on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, or at

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SAP AGLO Logistics Information Systemlnformation Structures

posting period intervals). You do this using the Logistics Information System Configuration menu
(see also Updating [Page 234]).
You can improve the monitoring of the update process with the help of a user-specific list known
as the update log. This shows details of the last event to be affected by statistics updating (seealso Updating Check [Ext.]).

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Variant Configuration: Information Structures

Variant Configuration: Information Structures
Five information structures are available in the standard system, whereby two information
structures for analysis (S128, S138) are based on three basis information structures (S126,
S127, S137).
As of Release 4.5A, the variant configuration function enables you to configure both individual
characteristics, as well as characteristics combinations. Variant analysis was rearranged in thisway, and now occurs as a standard function in the information structure S138. This enables you
to perform characteristics planning for combinations of characteristics in information structure
S138.
•

In order to evaluate analysis information structure S138, the data must be updated asfollows:
a. The data is written to the basis information structure S137 from the basis information
structure S126 using method V003 in Copy Management.
b. Use Copy Management without a method to write the data from basis information
structure S137 to analysis information structure S138.

The system performs a standard analysis in the variant analysis function of the Sales
and Distribution System analysis menu or with report RMCV1300 on the information
structure S138.
You can still evaluate the analysis information structure S128.
•

Update the data for S128 as follows:a. The data is written to basis information structure S127 from basis information structure
S126 using method V001 in Copy Management.
b. Use Copy Management without a method to write the data from basis information
structure S127 to analysis information structure S128.

The system performs the analysis on the information structure S128 using report
RMCV0700 instead of the variant analysis function from the Sales and Distribution
System analysis menu.
For further information on this topic, refer to:
Prerequisites for Using S138 [Ext.]
Creating Basis Information Structures S126, S127 and S137 [Ext.]
Creation of Analysis Information Structures S128 and S138 [Ext.]

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Updating: Overview

Updating: Overview
Data analysis in the information systems is based on the statistical data that is updated from theoperative application to the information structures.
This section deals with the basics for updating data in the individual information systems.

You can find detailed information about updating (Logistics Data Warehouse,
updating check, updating control) and about data collection (Copy Management,etc.) in the Implementation Guide for the Logistics Information System.
Archiving [Page 38]
Updating: Purchasing Information System [Ext.]
Updating: Sales Information System [Ext.]
Updating: Inventory Controlling [Ext.]
Updating: Shop Floor Information System [Ext.]
Updating: Plant Maintenance Information System [Ext.]
Updating: Quality Management Information System [Ext.]
Updating: Retail Information System [Ext.]

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Standard Analyses

Standard Analyses
Standard analyses offer a wide range of possibilities for analyzing data. The standard analysis
provides you with a whole spectrum of functions which enable you to target specific data for
detailed analyses.
The information structures provide the data basis for the standard analyses.
You can find out which standard analyses are available in the individual information systems inStandard Analyses of the Information Systems [Page 50].
In each standard analysis you can specify the range of the data to be analyzed by using various
selection options. You can either predefine the key figures that you want to analyze or choose
them interactively during the analysis itself.

Evaluation Functions
A drill-down function allows you to vary the level of detail in which the information is displayed.
You can specify the sequence in which the levels of information are displayed or you can follow
the predefined analysis path, known as a standard drill-down sequence.
At each level, you can carry out a wide range of additional functions, including cumulative
frequency curves, ABC analysis, correlation, classification, dual classification, andranking lists. All results can be displayed in the form of graphics.
In the Shop Floor Information System, you can also use a Gantt diagram and an input-output
diagram.

Selection Versions
The data selected for a standard analysis can be saved in the form of a selection version, andcan be called up again at a later stage. You can thus carry out data selection in the backgroundat any time. Selection versions also enable you to predefine the way in which you view the data.
You can find a description of the numerous possibilities offered by selection versions in Selection
Versions [Page 51]

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SAP AGLO Logistics Information System
Characteristics and Key Figures of the Standard Analyses: Overview

Characteristics and Key Figures of the Standard
Analyses: Overview
The following lists and tables supplies you with a detailed listing of the characteristics and key
figures for all of the standard analyses of each of the individual information systems.
Characteristics and Key Figures: Purchasing Information System [Ext.]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Sales Information System [Ext.]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Inventory Controlling [Ext.]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Shop Floor Information System [Ext.]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Plant Maintenance Information System [Ext.]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Quality Management Information System [Ext.]
Characteristics and Key Figures: Retail Information System [Ext.]

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How the Key Figures are Calculated: Overview

How the Key Figures are Calculated: Overview
Each information system will have a section on how to calculate the key figures. The key figures
have been divided into groups.

Information on the key figures is also available via the F1 Help key, directly in thesystem. You can call up the F1 Help in the standard analyses in all of the key figuresin the initial or drill-down lists. The F1 Help for key figures can also be called up in
the dialog boxes “All key figures” or “Select key figures” for every key figure.

How the Key Figures are Calculated: Purchasing Information System [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Sales Information System [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Inventory Controlling [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Shop Floor Information System [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Plant Maintenance Information System [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Quality Management Information System [Ext.]
How the Key Figures are Calculated: Retail Information System [Ext.]

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SAP AGLO Logistics Information System

The Logistics Information System as a Component of the Open Information Warehouse

The Logistics Information System as a Component of
the Open Information Warehouselnformationsstrukturen
The SAP Open Information Warehouse
On an application level, the LIS is a component of the SAP Open Information Warehouse.
Also belonging to this application level are the Finance Information System (FIS) and the Human
Resources Information System (HRIS). The Executive Information System (EIS) is also included
on a cross-application level.
EIS
Results
Employee
Total order value
Invoiced sales

BusinessIntelligence

Executive Information
S t
OrdersStocksLIS

CIS Invoiced

FIS Employees

sales

PIS

1488 _ _ _ 1984

Calculation

R1
.
.
.
P4

___ ___ ______ ___ ______ ___ ______ ___ ______ ___ ___Time

SAP Open
Information
Warehouse

Information systems

R/3

System 1
(R/3)

R/3

external
applications

System 2
(Mix)

R/2

System 3(R/2)

external
data

operative
systems

The aim of the Open Information Warehouse is to integrate the data of various information
systems. All important information within a company is transparent and easily accessible fordecision-makers. The user can select various views and aggregation levels for the data. In theOpen Information Warehouse, important information is stored in separate databases parallel tothe operative systems (Purchasing, Inventory Controlling, Shop Floor, Sales, etc.). Data from theoperative systems is thus converted into informative key figures that aid the decision-making
process. In this way, the business processes of the operative systems (for example, goods
receipt, purchase order, order, billing document, notification) form the data basis for the OpenInformation Warehouse.
The Information Warehouse supports the analysis of data and provides easy-to-use andinformative reporting techniques, which extend to the graphically supported presentation of data.

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SAP AGThe Logistics Information System as a Component of the Open Information Warehouse

You can find more information on the Open Information Warehouse in the document
CA Open Information Warehouse.

The LIS as a Component of the Open Information Warehouse
The following section describes the Logistics Information System and its concept as part of theOpen Information Warehouse in more detail.

OLAP
OnlineAnalytic
Processing

Analyzing Tools

Data
Warehouse
AggregatedI fti
Materials
Management

external
data
Sales

Finance

Production
Planning

OLTP
OnlineTransaction
Processing

In accordance with the Open Information Warehouse concept described above, the information
systems in LIS are continually supplied with data from the operative applications (Sales,
Purchasing, Production, Plant Maintenance, etc.). This level is also described as OLTP (Online
Transaction Processing).
Above the OLTP level is the Logistics Data Warehouse. When a business transaction is carriedout in the operative application, important information is updated to the LIS statistical data basis.
This first creates a quantitative reduction in the volume of data due to the periodic updatingprocess and, secondly this causes the information to be reduced qualitatively down to thestatistically-relevant parts.
The Data Warehouse is supplied with the operative data from the OLTP level. This data flows
into the information structures and forms the data basis of LIS. Both LIS and the standard SAP
System provide lnformation Structures [Page 22], and make it possible for you to compile
information structures yourself and define the rules for updating them. User-defined information
structures thus enable you to add individual enhancements to the LIS information systems.

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The Logistics Information System as a Component of the Open Information Warehouse
Easy-to-use analysis and reporting tools for evaluating data are available at OLAP level (Online
Analytic Processing).
These reporting tools include:•

Standard Analyses [Page 28] with a variety of options for editing lists and graphicallypresenting the results•

Flexible Analyses [Page 34] with the option of defining your own list layouts and formulas•

Flexible Planning [Page 36] with individual planning tables that can be illustrated, various
planning methods, distribution functions, forecasting support and interactive graphics•

The Early Warning System [Ext.], which facilitates the search for weak points andexceptional situations•

the Logistics Information Library, which enables you to easily access key figures in LIS
by using simple search strategies and helps you to catalog key figures (for more
information on the Logistics Information Library, see Logistics Information Library [Ext.].

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Flexible Analyses

Flexible Analyses
Flexible analyses allow you to can tailor the way in which key figures are combined andaggregated. This means that it is possible to both provide administrators with detailed informationand management with aggregated information.
Flexible analyses enable easy access to the Report Writer, a user-friendly tool with which you
can create reports for various analyses. The Report Writer is integrated in other SAP
applications, such as Extended General Ledger and Cost Center Accounting.
Evaluation structures form the interface to the Report Writer. Evaluation structures consist of
characteristics and key figures and are easy to construct.
An evaluation structure with the same name exists for each information structure in the standard
system.
Even the self-defined information structures created in Customizing can be evaluated via theflexible analyses.

Evaluations
You can create an evaluation on the basis of the evaluation structure.
To define an evaluation, all you need to do is select the characteristics and key figures you
require (pick-up technique).
The following illustration demonstrates this using an example from the Purchasing Information
System.
398

Key
Figures

Characteristics"Pick up"technique

VendorMaterial
Month

157

Net order value
Number of order items

April 1993

March 1993
Net order
value

Number oforder items

Net order
value

Number oforder items

Total

$

200,00066$ 240,000

75

Smith, Inc.

$

90,00024$ 100,000

26

40,00050,00016
8$$40,00060,00016
10$ 110,000

42$ 140,000

49

60,00050,0002
40$$

75,00065,000445

Printer 6512
Computer H217
Jones, Inc.
Laser printer
Personalcomputer

005

$
$
$

$

One of the especially useful features here is that you have the option of tailoring the layout ofyour report to suit your particular requirements. You can also define extra key figures for the34

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Flexible Analyses

reports, which are derived from existing key figures by means of calculation formulas. You canthereby multiply the key figures or divide one key figure by another.
You can also present the data in the list graphically.

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Planning

Planning
As well as allowing you to analyze actual data, the information systems in Logistics allow you tocreate planning data. This planning data can be used later on in the standard analyses inplanned/actual comparisons.
The planning function in the information systems is based on the standard information structures.
That is, it is possible to plan the information structures that are available in the standard system,
as well as self-defined info structures.

For more information on the planning functionality, see Sales and Operations
Planning (SOP) [Ext.] and Planning System [Ext.].
In addition to the planning of open to buy, you can also use the Merchandise and Assortment
Planning application component in Logistics. This component supports planning and reporting foryour business activities in the area of merchandise and assortment as an overall process. This
enables you to perform both value and quantity-based planning. Planning may be performed at
any hierarchy level, for example, purchasing organization, store group, or merchandise category.
For example, you define your strategic objectives at a higher level, and define them in moredetail at the level of assortment grades, price bands, or even articles. In this way, you cancompare the planning versions created and use these to come up with a final planning version.
Planning is used to define important key figures, such as sales, gross margin and stock, as wellas the width and depth of the assortment for a future period, for example, a season. Comparing
planned, actual, and historical data allows the optimum planning of future businessdevelopments.
Depending on your requirements, you can define the planning process flow and the structure of
the planning hierarchy, and select the key figures that are to be planned.

The Merchandise and Assortment Planning component was first developed for
Release 4.6A, and is intended to replace the OTB. However, the existing planning
function (Release status: 4.5B) will remain in SAP Retail for the time being. Further
development of the existing planning function is not planned.
For more information on merchandise and assortment planning, see Merchandise
and Assortment Planning [Ext.].

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SAP AGLO Logistics Information System
ALE

ALE
It is possible to use ALE (Application Link Enabling) in the following information systems:•

Purchasing Information System•

Sales Information System•

Inventory Controlling

Even the planning functionality supports the ALE concept (for further information refer to the
Implementation Guide and to the WinHelp document Sales and Operations Planning).
ALE enables the exchange of data between one central and several local distributed
applications, which run on different computers that are networked to one another.
ALE allows you to store data in distributed systems. This means that you can divide up the datain accordance with the organization structure of your company. This makes a variety of
distribution scenarios possible. For example, the information system can run on a central R/3
system and the operative application on decentralized R/3 systems, whose data flow into thecentral information system. Also possible are decentralized information systems, whose data flow
into a central information system.
In this way ALE enables you to represent the organizational structures of your business and also
allows you to use different Release levels on the central and local systems.
A reference model shows how the applications (for example, Purchasing Information System andPurchasing/Inventory Management) exchange data with one another. In the customer distribution
model, you can predefine the distribution you require.

The following example illustrates the processes in the area of Purchasing:If a purchase order is saved, the customer distribution model is automaticallyscanned for possible message receivers for the event ‘purchase order’. If message
receivers exist, an interface, which is known as the ‘IDoc interface’, is called up in
Purchasing. An IDoc (structured message) is created. The IDoc is passed on to the
distribution. The distribution causes message to be sent to the systems designatedby the customer distribution model.

You can find more information about ALE and maintaining the customer distribution
model in the WinHelp documents, or the ALE Implementation Guide and the
Implementation Guide for the Logistics Information System (Menu path: Logistics
Data Warehouse → Data Basis → Tools → Distribution of Statistical Data.

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Archiving

Archiving
In the Logistics Information System, archiving consists of archiving statistical data and archiving
selection versions from the standard analyses.

You can find information about archiving under CA - Cross Application → Application
Data Archiving → LO - Logistics General → Logistics Information System (LO-LIS).

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SAP AGLO Logistics Information System
Standard Analyses

Standard Analyses
BasicsBasics [Page 41]
Standard Analyses of the Information Systems [Page 50]

Working with the Standard Analyses
Performing Standard Analyses [Page 44]
Selection Versions [Page 51]
Drilldown Function [Page 62]
Choosing Key Figures for the Results Lists [Page 79]

Analysis Functions

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Standard Analyses
Switching to Another Information Structure [Page 80]
Sorting Lists [Page 84]
Creating Ranking Lists [Page 85]
Graphics [Page 87]
Time Series Graphics [Page 88]
Portfolio Graphics [Page 89]
Cumulative Frequency Curve [Page 90]
Correlation Curve [Page 94]
ABC Analysis [Page 97]
Classification [Page 109]
Dual Classification [Page 115]
Planned/Actual Comparison [Page 122]
Previous Year Comparison [Page 125]
Comparing Two Key Figures [Page 127]
Shop Floor Information System: Gantt Diagram [Ext.]
Shop Floor Information System: Input/Output Diagram [Ext.]
Inventory Controlling: Detailed Information [Ext.]

General Functions
Interactive Settings [Page 130]
Additional Information [Page 139]
Searching By Letter or Number Combinations [Page 146]
Printing a List [Page 147]
Downloading Lists to a PC File [Page 148]
Transferring Data to XXL [Page 149]
Sending Lists [Page 151]
User-Specific Settings [Ext.]

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SAP AGLO Logistics Information System
BasicsBasicsThe data basis for the standard analyses is provided by special statistics files, known as theinformation structures.
The most important data is updated from the operative application to the information structures.
This is illustrated in the following diagram.

Documents

UpdatePlanning data

Standard
information structures

Standard analyses

An information structure defines information that will be used for data aggregation andsubsequent evaluation of data from the operative application.
You can find information about which standard analyses are available in the individual
information systems in Standard Analyses of the Information Systems [Page 50].

Types of Lists: Initial Lists and Drilldown Lists
You can view the following types of lists in a standard analysis:•

Initial list

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Basics
The initial list provides an overview of the characteristic values for the key figures, inaccordance with the selection criteria you make beforehand.
•

Drilldown list
A drilldown list shows a particular characteristic value, for instance, in detail. There areseveral drilldown options, depending upon the analysis selected.
Initial list
Drilling
down

Additional
Information

Functions
ABC analaysis
Classification

Master data

Drill-down list

Documents
Drilling
down

Dual classification
Planed/actual comparisonsTotal curves
Correlation

Drill-down list.
.
.

Drilldown Function
The drilldown function allows you view the data that is shown in the list in more detail, and thus
vary the level of detail. A drilldown can be based on two criteria:•with regard to a characteristic (for example, material, material group, vendor, period)(refer to Characteristic Drilldown [Page 63])
Examples: Characteristic Drilldown [Page 65]•

with regard to an existing hierarchy (refer to Hierarchy Drilldown [Page 68])

The functionality of the hierarchy drilldown is not yet available in Inventory
Controlling and the Plant Maintenance Information System. Further information canbe found in the Release Infos.
The following hierarchies are available in the individual information systems:

42–

Purchasing Information System: vendor class, material class, product group–

Sales Information System: customer class, material class, customer hierarchy,
product group–

Shop Floor Information System: work center hierarchy, material class, product group

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SAP AGLO Logistics Information System
Basics–

Quality Management Information System: vendor class, customer class, customer
hierarchy, material class

Examples: Hierarchy Drilldown [Page 72]
Both types of drilldown can be used in combination with one another.

Additional Functions for Editing Lists
A variety of additional functions are available for all list levels that are created by a drilldown:•••

Cumulative frequency curve

Correlation•

ABC analysis•

Dual classification•

Classification•

Ranking list•

Sorting a list

Planned/actual comparison (not in the Shop Floor Information System)•

Previous year comparison•

Comparison of two key figures•

Currency conversion•

Data transfer to XXL•

Saving data in a PC file

You can illustrate all of these results graphically.
In the standard analyses ‘event’ and ‘production order’ in the Shop Floor Information System, you
can call up a Gantt diagram and an input/output diagram.
You can also access master data and document information from the respective operative
application.

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Performing Standard Analyses

Performing Standard Analyses
This topic explains how you can create a standard analysis and how you can define the scope ofthe data shown in the results lists.

The same user interface is provided for all standard analyses of the information
systems.
The data that is selected for a standard analysis can be saved in the form of a selection version
and can be displayed again later. You can also perform the selection of data as a background job
at any time. You can also use a selection version to predefine the view of the data. You can readabout the wide range of options offered by the selection versions in Selection Versions [Page 51]
If you are in a standard analysis and would like to save the data as a selection version, you cando this from the standard analysis. You can find information on this subject in Saving a Standard
Analysis [Page 49]
You can also perform the selection of data for a standard analysis from the selection screen as a
background job. If you want to speed up the process of selecting large quantities of data, it isadvisable to read to the data from a selection version that has already been generated in the
background. You can find information on this subject in Perform Data Selection as a BackgroundJob [Page 61]
To execute a standard analysis, proceed as follows:
1. From the information systems menu, select the respective analysis that you require.
The selection screen appears for the analysis you require.

If you wish to perform a standard analysis for self-defined information structures (seealso lnformation Structures [Page 22]), proceed as follows:
From the information systems menu, select Standard analyses → Self-def. analysis→ New Selection. A dialog box appears with the list of the self-defined information
structures. Position the cursor on the information structure you require and press
Enter.
The selection screen appears.
2. You can influence the scope of the data to be analyzed by specifying selection criteria.
The following selection criteria and parameters are available:–

Characteristics
The characteristics which are offered as selection criteria from the information
structure are those on which the selected analysis is based.

–

Further Selection Criteria
The LIS allows you to also use key figures as selection and drilldown parameters. If
a standard analysis is based on an information structure that also uses key figures
as selection and drilldown parameters, then you will see additional selection criteria
for a selection via key figures on the selection screen of the standard analysis.
This functionality can be used for the following types of key figures: date, numc
(numerical character), character or time.

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Performing Standard Analyses

If you use key figures as selection and drilldown criteria, you then have the option ofobtaining additional information about the characteristics of the information structure
while in the standard analyses. For example, you can use this option to evaluate
data that reflects the latest status relating to a to a key figure (last movement of amaterial, last person to change an order, etc.).
–

Selection criterion functional location hierarchy (only in Plant Maintenance
Information System, standard analyses “Planning group” and “Customer
notifications”)
In the Plant Maintenance Information System you have the option of specifying thename of a specific functional location hierarchy in the planning group analysis in theselection screen of the standard analysis. The data is then only read the specified
hierarchy.
If you want to carry out the selection for a functional location hierarchy, proceed asfollows:–i)

Specify the name of the hierarchy in the field Functional location and select
Structure functional location.
The hierarchy tree appears of the selected hierarchy.

ii)

You can now execute the standard analysis for a hierarchy node of yourchoice. Select the hierarchy node you require and select the function Continue.
The initial list of the standard analysis appears. The data for the selectedfunctional location hierarchy is displayed.

Period to analyze
The period to analyze (day, week, month, posting period) depends on the period unitthat has been specified for the updating of the information structure in the analysis.

–

Analysis currency (only for standard analyses with currency key figures)If you specify an analysis currency, the values of all key figures are converted to thespecified currency and then uniformly displayed in that currency.

If you specify an analysis currency, this results in an increase in the runtime. For thisreason, you should only specify an analysis currency when you are sure that theresults could be displayed in differing currencies and you need the display to be instandardized currency. The system uses the exchange rate specified in the user
settings or in Customizing for the current rate of exchange on the system date.
You can, however, also make interactive settings for the conversion to a
standardized analysis currency after you have made your selections (refer toInteractive Settings [Page 130]).
-

Exception
You can use the Early Warning System [Ext.] to specify a defined Exception [Page48]. The exceptional situation defined in this exception is then highlighted in thestandard analyses. The prerequisite is that both the standard analysis and exception

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Performing Standard Analyses
are based on the same information structure and that the exception was activated forthe standard analyses.
Highlighting allows you to navigate with ease in the standard analysis. If exceptions
appear on the material level, for example, this will also be displayed on a higher
aggregation level (for example, on the plant level). You can use the Drilldown
Function [Page 62] on the respective highlighted lines to reach the exceptionalsituations.
You can read about how to carry out an exception analysis in Exception Analysis[Ext.].

When you specify an exception, the settings for the standard drilldown are copiedfrom the exception. The sequence of the standard drilldown and the characteristics
according to which a drilldown can be executed, correspond to the characteristics
and their sequence from the exception. The key figures which were specified in therequirements of the exception are displayed. Please note that the number of periods
for the period to analyze do not originate from the exception.
-

Ad-hoc evaluation

This checkbox can only be found in the Purchasing Information System, for the
analyses for long-term planning and in Inventory Controlling in the standard analyses
for stock/requirement and the standard analysis for parameters controlling.
In the analyses for long-term planning, updating does not take place continually. If
you only need one data selection for certain analysis criteria of a standard analysis,
select the field Ad-hoc evaluation. The data is then read directly from the plannedorders, i.e., in the standard analysis Current stock/requirement, data is read from
MRP. See also:
Updating for Standard Analyses: Requirement/Stock and Parameters Controlling[Ext.] andUpdating Standard Analyses for Long-Term Planning: Purchasing Information
System [Ext.].
In the standard analyses in the Purchasing Information System for long-termplanning, it is possible to calculate the order value in four different ways. You canfind detailed information about how to do this in Standard Analyses: Purchasing
Information System [Ext.].
-

Planning scenario

This parameter is only available in the Purchasing Information System, fortheanalyses for long-term planning and in Inventory Controlling in the stock/requirement
standard analyses.
In the Planning scenario field, specify the planning scenario key that is to form thebasis of the analysis.

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Performing Standard Analyses

You can find detailed information about long-term planning in the documentation
about Long-term planning.
-

VersionYou can expand the selection screen by adding the Version field. In this way you
can display the versions with planning data for the selected analysis. You candetermine whether the field Version is displayed or not in the user-specific settings
for the user and for a specific standard analysis. You can make settings in
Customizing to specify whether the display of the field Version is to be userindependent for a specific standard analysis.
If the field Version is to be displayed in all standard analyses and if it is to be userdependent, proceed as follows: From the R/3 system menu, select System → User
profile → User parameters. In the PID field specify the MCR parameter and place
an X in the Parameter value field or the name of the version that should be displayedon the screen. Save your entries.

3. To start the analysis press the EXECUTE key.
The Initial list appears.
In the first column of the initial list, you will find all those characteristic values that
correspond to the selection criteria that you specified. The following columns contain thevalues of the key figures for the selected characteristic values.
All key figures are displayed in their respective units.
The standard setting for the key figures can be determined for each standard analysis in
the Customizing for the Logistics Information System or you can make user-specificsettings for each analysis in the menu of the respective information system under themenu option Settings.

If you did not specify an analysis currency in the selection screen, it is possible thatdifferent currencies will be used in the analysis (for example, if the order value foreach purchasing organization is updated in different local currencies in thePurchasing Information System or if values for each sales organization are updated
in different statistics currencies in the Sales Information System).
If values with different currencies are cumulated, "***" is displayed as the unit. In
such a case, it is advisable to set a uniform analysis currency (refer to Setting theCurrency [Page 131]) If quantities with different units are cumulated then "***" isagain used as the unit.

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Exception

Exception
You can use an exception to define an exceptional situation in the Early Warning System. To
define an exception, you need to specify characteristics or characteristic values (for example
vendor, material) and requirements. Requirements can be created as a threshold value (forexample, materials/vendors with an order value greater than $5000), as a trend (for example, apositive trend for order value), or as a planned/actual comparison.

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Saving a Standard Analysis

Saving a Standard Analysis
You can save the data selected in a standard analysis under a version name so that it can beused in subsequent analyses, that is, you save the data pattern when you save.
To save a standard analysis proceed as follows:
1. Start from a basic or drilldown list of the analysis for which you want to save a selection
version. Now select:(for example, Vendor, Material) analysis → Save as.
A dialog box appears.
2. In the Version field, enter the name of the version under which you want to save thestandard analysis data.
3. In the Version text field, enter a short explanatory description for the selection version.
4. To save the selection version, select the Save function.
The selected data is then saved under the specified version name.

Displaying a Selection Version
If you want to display a selection version, the you have the following two options:•

You can display the selection version from the overview of the selection versions.
Please refer to Overview of the Selection Versions [Page 56].

•

You can call up the selection version from the selection screen of the standard analysis,
for which the selection version was created.
Please refer to Displaying and Retrieving a Selection Version [Page 60].

It is possible to use the full range of functions (drilldown function, ranking lists, ABC
analysis, dual classification, etc.), even when you are displaying the selection
version.

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Standard Analyses of the Information Systems

Standard Analyses of the Information Systems
The following sections show you which standard analyses are available in the individual
information systems:
Standard Analyses: Purchasing Information System [Ext.]
Standard Analyses: Sales Information System [Ext.]
Standard Analyses: Inventory Controlling [Ext.]
Standard Analyses: Shop Floor Information System [Ext.]
Standard Analyses: Plant Maintenance Information System [Ext.]
Standard Analyses: Quality Management Information System [Ext.]
Standard Analyses: Retail Information System [Ext.]

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Selection Versions

Selection Versions
The selection versions in LIS enable you to save the data of a standard analysis or to predefine
your view of the data.
The selection versions in LIS offer you the following options:•

You can already predefine the standard drilldown for the standard analysis in theselection version, as well as the key figures that are to be displayed. This means that you
can predefine your view of the standard analysis. You can therefore specify different
views of an information structure.

•

You can define various levels of aggregation for a selection version, i.e. initial lists of thestandard analyses (characteristic levels). You can choose from these aggregation levels
for each selection version in an overview. This gives you the opportunity to predefine theway in which you start the standard analysis and to calculate the aggregation of the data
beforehand.

•

You can assign a selection version to a specific user. You can also use a distribution list
to assign a selection version to two or more users.

•

The selection versions are displayed for each information structure with the aggregation
lists in the form of a transparent tree-structure. You can display this overview in two
different ways for each information system:•–

General(selection versions for all information structures of the respective information system)–

User-specific(all selection versions that are assigned to the user)

You can use the selection versions to minimize the times required for making a selection.
You can perform the selection of data for a selection version in the background. The area
to analyze can also be assigned in the form of a variant. The dataset that has been‘frozen’ in this way can then be analyzed with a high level of performance and a low
system load. This procedure is particularly recommended when large amounts of data
are involved in the selection.

If you are in a standard analysis and wish to save the data as a selection version,
you can also do this from the standard analysis itself. For more information, pleaserefer to Saving a Standard Analysis [Page 49].
Creating/Changing a Selection Version [Page 52]
Scheduling a Selection Version [Page 55]
Overview of the Selection Versions [Page 56]
Deleting Selection Versions [Page 58]

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Creating/Changing a Selection Version

Creating/Changing a Selection Version
If you want to create a selection version, then proceed as follows:
1. Start from the menu of the respective information system and select:
Standard analyses → Selection version → Create.
The initial screen appears.
2. Enter the name of the selection version and an explanatory description in the field
Selection version.
3. Enter the name of the information structure for which the selection version is to becreated in the field Info structure.
4. You can use a selection version that already exists as a template. To do this, refer to thename of the selection version that you would like to use as a template in the field
Selection version.
5. Press Enter.
The definition screen appears.
6. You can assign parameters to the selection version.
Currency and Exchange Rate Type:You can specify an analysis currency and an exchange rate. This entries are used in theaggregation lists and serve as default values for the selection screen.
Period to Analyze:
Specify the number of periods for which data is to be selected in the field No. of periods.
Place a cross in the field Current period, if you want the current period to be included.
Dynamic Calculation:
If you place a cross in this box, then the system dynamically determines the period toanalyze from the current date. This is always recommended if you wish to read the data
for the last three months at certain intervals, for instance. If background processing is
triggered, in this example the system will always read data for the last three months(based on the current date). For this reason, no period to analyze can be specified when
you create a variant for background processing and the selection fields for the period toanalyze are no longer displayed during variant maintenance.
Do not place a cross in the field if you wish to read data for a static period, such as the
1st quarter of 1996.
Distribution List:
You can allocate the selection version to several people who belong to a general
distribution list. The selection version is then displayed to these people in the userspecific overview.
User
You can allocate the selection version to exactly one user.

If you do not make an entry in either the Distribution list or in the User field, then theselection version will be made available to all users.

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Creating/Changing a Selection Version

Variant:
You can specify the area to analyze of a selection version in the form of a variant. If avariant is created for a selection version, the name of the variant is displayed in this field.
7. Specify the characteristics.
If you select Edit → Choose characteristics, a selection list containing the characteristicsof the selected information structure appears.
The sequence in which you select the characteristics determines standard drilldown.

In the case of selection versions for which data selection is scheduled to run inbackground processing mode and has been completed, the data for thecharacteristics selected here is stored in aggregated form. For this reason insubsequent display screens, you can only drilldown on the characteristics specified
here.
8. You can generate different initial lists for the data display in the standard analysis. You
can generate an initial list for all characteristics you have selected. The data is cumulated
at the selected characteristic level. The system then offers the initial lists for you tochoose from for the selection version in the overview. If one data selection is scheduled
to run in the background for the selection version and has been completed, you candisplay the standard analysis with the initial list.
Place a G in the field if you would like to generate an initial list on the level of theselected characteristic.
9. Specify the key figures. If you select Edit → Choose key figures, a selection list
containing the key figures of the selected information structure appears. You can make aselection to determine the key figure view for the standard analysis.
10. Save your entries.

Create Variant
You can specify the area to analyze of a selection version in the form of a variant.
Proceed as follows:
1. Start from the definition screen and select: Edit → Create Variant.
A confirmation prompt appears. If you answer ‘yes’, you branch to the selection screen of thestandard analysis.
2. Enter the selection criteria you require. The system help functions will help you to do this.

The specifications you made in the definition of the selection version for the currency
and the period to analyze are transferred as default values to the selection screen.
3. Press Continue.
An overview screen appears, in which you can enter parameters for the variant.
4. In the field Explanation, enter a text that briefly explains the variant.
5. Save your entries.

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Creating/Changing a Selection Version
Scheduling a Selection Version [Page 55]
Overview of the Selection Versions [Page 56]
Deleting Selection Versions [Page 58]

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Scheduling a Selection Version

Scheduling a Selection Version
When you schedule a selection version, you determine the cycle, in which data is to be selected,
i.e. You schedule the background job. You can choose selection to take place monthly, weekly,
or daily.
1. Start from the information system menu and select: Standard analyses → Selection
version → Schedule.
2. In the Selection version field, specify the name of the selection version that you wish toschedule and press Enter.
A dialog box appears, in which you can specify the cycle of selection.
3. Press the push-button Date/time. The input fields for the start date are displayed.

You can read about the additional options for defining a start date in the WinHelp
Document BC-System Administration.

Job Overview
You can display a job overview for a selection version. The job overview shows the backgroundjobs for a selection version and their status (planned, released, ready, active, completed or
terminated)
You can change the status of the job from the overview list.
Overview of the Selection Versions [Page 56]

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Overview of the Selection Versions

Overview of the Selection Versions
The selection versions are displayed for each information structure with the aggregation lists inan easy-to-view tree structure. You can display this overview in two different ways for each info
structure:•

GeneralThe selection versions for all information structures of the respective information
system are displayed•

User-specific
All selection versions that are assigned to the user are displayed for each info
structure.

Calling up an Overview
To obtain an overview, start from the information system menu and select: Standard analyses →Selection version → General overview or User overview.
The following functions are available in the overview:

Display Selected Data
You can use this function to display the data that has been read and stored for a selection
version. You receive a display of the standard analysis with the saved data. You can also
perform this function on aggregation lists (initial lists) for a selection version.
The function can only be used for selection versions, to which you have assigned a selection
date. This selection date can be the date of background processing or the date on which theselection version was saved from the standard analysis. The standard drilldown and the key
figure selection are transferred from the selection version. In the case of selection versions whichhave been saved from a standard analysis, the standard settings from Customizing and the userspecific settings for the standard analysis are transferred.

ExecuteThe ‘Execute’ function allows data to be read and displayed ad hoc in accordance with the viewthat you have defined in the selection version. When you perform this function, you receive theselection screen. The settings that you made in the definition of the selection version (currency
and period to analyze) are transferred as default values. The standard drilldown and the key
figure selection are transferred from the selection version.

Execute with Variant
You can only use this function for selection versions for which you have created a variant. The
data is read displayed ad in accordance with the view that you have defined in the selection
version and in accordance with the selection criteria of the variant. No selection screen isdisplayed; you directly receive the list of the data.
Creating/Changing a Selection Version [Page 52]
Scheduling a Selection Version [Page 55]
Deleting Selection Versions [Page 58]

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Overview of the Selection Versions

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Deleting Selection Versions

Deleting Selection Versions
If you wish to delete a selection version, proceed as follows:
1. Start from the information system menu and select: Standard analyses → Selection
version → Change. The initial screen appears.
2. In the Selection version field, enter the name of the selection version that you want todelete.
3. Select Selection version → Delete.

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Converting Selection Versions Created Before Release 3.0D

Converting Selection Versions Created Before Release
3.0D
You can use the report RMCSSELV to convert selection versions from before Release 3.0D. The
report reads the selection versions that were created before 3.0D and converts them so that theoriginal name remains and the selection versions are included in the overview. If an identicalname already exists, then a new name is created for the selection version.
This name consists of the first three letters of the old name and a two-digit number. All converted
and unconverted selection versions are listed in a log once the system has run the report.

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Displaying and Retrieving a Selection Version

Displaying and Retrieving a Selection Version
If you wish to display a selection version, proceed as follows:
1. From the information system menu, select the required standard analysis for which you
want to display a selection version.
The standard analysis selection screen appears.
2. Select -Analysis → Get selection version
A selection screen with the list of selection versions for the
standard analysis appears.
3. Place the cursor on the selection version you require in the list and choose the Selectversion function (or double-click with the mouse).
The basic list of the selected analysis appears with the selection version data that you
chose.

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Perform Data Selection as a Background Job

Perform Data Selection as a Background Job
You can perform the data selection for the standard analysis as a background job. This is always
recommended when a large amount of data is imported.
The standard analysis data that is selected in this way is stored as a selection version and canbe subsequently displayed. After the function has been triggered the background processing
begins immediately.

You can also use the R/3 job planning function for background processing. Here you
have the additional option of scheduling background jobs to take place at regularintervals.
If you wish to perform a data selection as a background job, proceed as follows:
1. From the information system menu, select Standard analyses → the required analysis(for example, Material, Plant, Manufacturer) → New selection.
The selection screen for the chosen analysis appears.
2. Specify the selection criteria you require and select Analysis → Execute as backgroundjob.
The background processing begins immediately and the selected data is stored as aselection version. The name of the selection version consists of the characters BG,
directly followed by a 3-digit number. This prevents selection versions that already exist
from being overwritten. The time and date when the background processing began are
included in the description.
3. You have two options for displaying the background processing data. They are as
follows:– You can display the selection version from the overview of the selection versions.
Please refer to Overview of the Selection Versions [Page 56].
– You can call up the selection version from the selection screen of the standard
analysis for which the selection version was created.
Please refer to Displaying and Retrieving a Selection Version [Page 60].

If you want to check the status of the background job, proceed as follows:
1. From the R/3 system menu select System → Services → Jobs → Job
overview. The selection screen appears.
2. Specify the required selection criteria and select EXECUTE. A list appears of
the background jobs that you have started and the corresponding status (forexample, planned, released, completed).

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Drilldown Function

Drilldown Function
Aufriß wechseln [Page 77]
You can use the drilldown function to vary the level of detail in which the information is displayed,
i.e. you can view the data displayed in a list according to specific criteria.
There are two types of drilldown, the characteristic drilldown and the hierarchy drilldown.
•

Characteristic Drilldown [Page 63]
A characteristic value is shown in detail with regard to a characteristic (for example,
material, material group, vendor, period).
Examples: Characteristic Drilldown [Page 65]•

Hierarchy Drilldown [Page 68]
A characteristic value is shown in detail with regard to an existing hierarchy (vendor
class, material class, product group).
Examples: Hierarchy Drilldown [Page 72]

You can use both drilldown types in combination.
The function Switch drilldown enables you to change the way in which you view the data
displayed in the list.
You can find more information in Switching Drilldowns [Page 77].

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Characteristic Drilldown

Characteristic Drilldown
When you drilldown according to characteristic, a characteristic value is shown in detail withregard to a characteristic (for example, material, customer, vendor, period).
Examples: Characteristic Drilldown [Page 65]
The following diagram illustrates the characteristic drilldown using the Shop Floor Information
System as an example.

Basic list
Work Center Analysis
WorkcenterOrder quantity

Drilling
down by Milling-01 100
material

Leadtime
9 daysDrill-down list
Material

Drilling
down by Spindle
period Spider
gear

Order quantity
60 pcs40 pcsLeadtime
10 days
8 daysDrill-down list
Work center: Milling-01
Material: Spindle
Month
Order quantity
02.199303.1993

25 pcs35 pcsLeadtime
9 days10 days.
.
.

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Characteristic Drilldown
The diagram shows a drilldown on the work center Milling 01 in the work center analysis
according to the characteristic material. The drilldown list shows all materials for the work center
Milling 01. In the second characteristic drilldown, the material ‘Spindle’ is drilled down according
to period. The drilldown list shows the distribution of the key figures ‘Order quantity’ and ‘Lead
time’ for the material ‘Spindle’ over the periods.

Which characteristics can be used in a drill down?
You can drilldown according to a variety of criteria in every analysis. These criteria correspond tothe characteristics of the information structure on which the respective analysis is based.

What sequence can be used in a drilldown?
You can determine the sequence in the drilldown on the characteristics is performed or you canfollow a predefined analysis path, called the standard drilldown.
You can determine the sequence in which the standard drilldown according to characteristic is
performed for each standard analysis. You can specify the sequence in either Customizing for
the Logistics Information System for the respective information system and the respective
standard analysis, or you can make user-specific settings under the menu option Standard
analyses → the standard analysis you require (for example,. Customer, Plant, Material group,
Material) → Settings (see also User-Specific Settings [Ext.]).
Executing a Standard Drilldown [Page 74]
Displaying a Standard Drilldown [Page 75]
Drilling Down According to a Characteristic [Page 67]
Returning to the Initial List [Page 76]
Switching Drilldowns [Page 77]
Switching Characteristic Values [Page 78]

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Examples: Characteristic Drilldown

Examples: Characteristic Drilldown
Purchasing Information System:
You have carried out a purchasing group analysis. The initial list shows the list of selectedpurchasing groups and the key figures you requested for purchasing group. By drilling down on
the characteristic “Vendor”, all vendors for a purchasing group will be displayed.
A further drilldown according to periods shows the distribution of the order value for a particularpurchasing group and a particular vendor over the individual months.
Sales Information System:
You have carried out a customer analysis. The initial list shows the list of selected customers andthe key figures “Incoming orders” and “Invoiced sales”. By drilling down on the characteristic“Material”, all of the materials for a customer will be displayed. A further drilldown according toperiods will show the distribution of the incoming orders and invoiced sales for a specific material
and a specific customer over the individual periods.
Inventory Controlling:
You have carried out a plant analysis. The initial list shows the list of the selected plants and the
key figures “Quantity of goods received of valuated stock” and “Quantity of goods issued ofvaluated stock”. By drilling down on the characteristic storage location, all of the storage locations
for a plant will be displayed. If you then drill down on the characteristic “material”, the system
displays the values of the quantities of goods received and issued for a particular storage
location and for a particular plant.
Shop Floor Information System:
You have carried out a work center analysis. The initial list shows the list of selected plants andthe key figures “order quantity” and “lead time” for the plants. If you perform a drilldown according
to the characteristic “work center”, the system displays all of the work centers for a plant. If you
then drill down according to the characteristic “period”, you can view the distribution of order
quantity and the lead times for a specific work center over the individual periods.
Plant Maintenance Information System:
You have performed a manufacturer analysis. The initial list shows the list of selected
manufacturers and the key figures “number of breakdowns” and “Mean Time to Repair” for theplants. If you drill down according to the characteristic “object class”, all object classes for amanufacturer will be displayed. A further drilldown according to the characteristic “material”, will
display the key figures for all materials in the object class you selected.
Quality Management Information System:
You have carried out a vendor analysis. The initial list shows the list of selected vendors and the
key figures “average quality key figure” and “number of lots”. If you perform a drilldown according
to the characteristic “material”, the system displays all of the materials for a vendor. If you thendrill down according to the characteristic “period”, you can view the distribution of both key
figures for a particular vendor over the periods.

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Examples: Characteristic Drilldown

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Drilling Down According to a Characteristic

Drilling Down According to a Characteristic
If you want to execute a drilldown according to characteristic in any sequence, proceed asfollows:
1. Position the cursor on the characteristic value for which you wish to obtain more detailed
information.
2. Under the menu sequence View → Drilldown by, select the characteristic according towhich you want to perform the drilldown (for example, material, material group, period,etc.).
A drilldown list appears.
Switching Characteristic Values [Page 78]

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Hierarchy Drilldown

Hierarchy Drilldown
If you drill down by hierarchy, a particular characteristic value is shown in detail with regard to an
existing hierarchy (vendor class, material class, product group)
Examples: Hierarchy Drilldown [Page 72]

Please note that when you drill down on a hierarchy, you cannot carry out theprevious/current year and planned/actual comparisons.
The following diagram is an example of the hierarchy drilldown for a customer hierarchy in theSales Information System.

Customer Hierarchies
Smith
Central

Smith
South

C1

MillerCentral

Smith
North

C2

C3

Miller
South

C4

01

MillerNorth

MillerNortheast

C5

02

MillerNorthwest

03

C6

04

C7

The drilldown in the standard analysis now follows this hierarchy. This is further illustrated in thefollowing diagram. A drilldown is performed on the sales organization 0001 according to thecustomer hierarchy. In this first drilldown, you reach the first level in the customer hierarchy. If
you then drill down further on this hierarchy node according to the customer hierarchy, you thenreach the next level in the hierarchy tree. You can proceed in the same way until the lowest levelof the hierarchy has been reached, i.e. until the customer level is reached, in this example.

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Hierarchy Drilldown

Hierarchy Drill Down
Sales Organisation
0001
0002

Incoming
Orders200,000
200,000

Invoiced
Sales
150,000
70,000Cust. Hier.

Incoming
Orders
70,000130,000

Invoiced
Sales
50,000100,000

01

Incoming
Orders
30,00040,000Invoiced
Sales
20,00030,000

02

Smith
South

Incoming
Orders
25,00015,000Invoiced
Sales
20,00010,00003

C1

Drilldown
to Customer
Hierarchies

Smith Central
Miller Central

Hierarchy
Level

Smith
CentralMillerCentral

Doubleclick
Cust. Hier.
Smith South
Smith North

Smith
North

Doubleclick
Customer
C3
C2

C2

C3

e.g Drilldown to Material

Which hierarchies can be used in a drilldown?
You can drill down according to hierarchies that exist for the characteristics in the information
structures. SAP has provided drilldowns according to certain hierarchies in the standard system.
You can also drill down according to self-defined hierarchies that you can integrate using acustomer exit. You can find information about this customer exit in the Implementation Guide forthe Logistics Information System (chapter “Functional Enhancements”).
The following hierarchies are available for the individual information systems in the standard R/3
System:•Purchasing Information System: Vendor class, Material class, Product group, Producthierarchy•

Sales Information System: Customer class, Material class, Customer hierarchy,
Product group, Product hierarchy using the characteristic field, Product hierarchy•

Inventory Controlling: Product group, Material class, Product hierarchy•

Shop Floor Information System: Work center hierarchy (only possible for thecharacteristic work center), Material class, Product group, Product hierarchy•

Quality Management Information System: Vendor class, Customer class, Customer
hierarchy, Material class, Product hierarchy•

Plant Maintenance Information System: Functional location hierarchy, Classification offunctional locations, Classification of equipment, Product hierarchy

Please note that you can use the product hierarchy in two different ways:
1. Product hierarchy
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Hierarchy Drilldown
hierarchy will be determined, provided that the information structure used in
the analysis contains the characteristic material.
When you perform a drilldown on product hierarchy, the system uses the
product hierarchy that is valid for the material during the period to analyze.
2. Product hierarchy using the characteristic field
In this case, the hierarchy drilldown is performed on the characteristic“product hierarchy” in the information structure, provided that the information
structure used in the analysis contains the characteristic product hierarchy.
When you perform a drilldown on product hierarchy using the characteristic
field, the system will drill down on the product hierarchy which was valid in
the document for the material at the time of updating.
For each analysis path it is only possible to drill down according to one hierarchy. You can only
perform a hierarchy drilldown if you have not already performed a drilldown according to thecharacteristic on which the hierarchy is based. For example, if you have already carried out acharacteristic drilldown according to material, you cannot drilldown on the existing hierarchy formaterial (material class, product group).

Hierarchy Drilldown According to Periods
You can carry out a hierarchy drilldown according to periods in all of the LIS standard analyses.
The drilldown criteria available to you (for example, a drilldown according to month, quarter,
week, etc.) depend on the period unit used in the updating of the information structure on which
the analysis is based.
Drilling down according to periods enables you to obtain the key figure values for various
cumulated time periods. So if an information structure is updated on a monthly basis, you canobtain data cumulated at year level or for the quarter. You can then drill down on a quarter
according to months.
The following table shows which hierarchies can be used for a drilldown depending upon the
period unit of the information structure.

70

Period unit of the info structure

Hierarchies

Further drilldown levels

Periods

Year→ Periods

Month

Quarter→ MonthYear→ Quarter → Month

Week

Year

→ Week

Day

Week

→ Day

Month

→ Day

Quarter→ Month → DayYear→ Quarter → Month → Day

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Hierarchy Drilldown

If the information structure used in the analysis has the period unit “month”, then you candrilldown according to quarter and year. You can then in turn drill down on year according toquarter, which in turn can be drilled down on according to month.

Combining a hierarchy and characteristic drilldown
You can combine both types of drilldowns with one another. The following diagram illustrates thisusing an example from the Sales Information System. This diagram is based on the same
customer hierarchy used in the above diagram.
You perform a drilldown on sales organization 0001 according to customer hierarchy. You reachthe hierarchy node ‘Sales group 01’. Now you want to know which materials are involved in thesales group 01. You carry out a drilldown according to the characteristic ‘material’ for the sales
group 01.

Combination of a Hierarchy and a Characteristic Drill
D
Sales Organisation
0001
0002

Incoming
Orders200,000
200,000

Invoiced
Sales
150,000
70,000Cust. Hier.

Incoming
Orders
70,000130,000

Invoiced
Sales
50,000100,000

Drilldown
to Customer
Hierarchies

Smith Central
Miller Central

01

Smith
CentralMillerCentralDrilldown
to Materials

Material
Pump A
Pump B

Incoming
Orders
30,00040,000Invoiced
Sales
20,00030,000Drilling Down According to a Hierarchy [Page 73]
Returning to the Initial List [Page 76]
Switching Drilldowns [Page 77]

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Examples: Hierarchy Drilldown

Examples: Hierarchy Drilldown
Purchasing Information System:
You perform a drilldown on the vendor Miller according to material classes. The drilldown listshows the hierarchy nodes of the material class hierarchy for the materials relating to this vendor.
If you then drill down according to the material class hierarchy, you will reach the next level downin the hierarchy for the hierarchy node you require. You can continue this process until you reachthe lowest level of the material class hierarchy.
Sales Information System:
You perform a drilldown on the distribution channel South according to the customer hierarchy.
The drilldown list shows the hierarchy nodes of the customer hierarchy for customers assigned tothe distribution channel South. If you then drill down according to the customer hierarchy, you willreach the next level down in the hierarchy for the hierarchy node you require. You can continue
this process until you reach the lowest level of the customer hierarchy.
Inventory Controlling:
You have carried out a plant analysis. You have now a list of the plants which satisfy theselection criteria you specified. You want to carry out inventory evaluations with regard to the
product group “Children’s bicycles” in the plant North. You drill down on the plant North according
to product groups. The drilldown list shows the hierarchy nodes of all the product groups in theplant North. By drilling down further on the product group “children’s bicycles” according to
product groups, you reach the next level down in the hierarchy. You can continue this processuntil you reach the lowest level of the product group hierarchy.
Shop Floor Information System:
You have performed a work center analysis and obtain a list of the plants. You can now drill
down on a plant according to the work center hierarchy. The drilldown list shows the hierarchy
nodes of the work center hierarchy for those work centers assigned to the plant. If you then drill
down according to the work center hierarchy, you reach the next level down in the hierarchy. You
can continue this process until you reach the lowest level of the work center hierarchy has beenreached.
Quality Management Information System:
You carry out a drilldown on the vendor Miller Inc. according to material class. The drilldown listshows the hierarchy nodes of the material class hierarchy for those materials with which thevendor is involved. If you then drill down according to the material class hierarchy, you reach thenext level down in the hierarchy. You can continue this process until you reach the lowest level ofthe material class hierarchy.

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Drilling Down According to a Hierarchy

Drilling Down According to a Hierarchy
You can drilldown according to those hierarchies available in the standard R/3 System, as well as
self-defined hierarchies that you can integrate using a Customer-Exit.
If you want to execute a drilldown according to hierarchy, proceed as follows:
1. Position the cursor on the characteristic value for which you want to execute a hierarchy
drilldown.
2. If you want to drilldown according to a hierarchy, select from the initial or drilldown list
View → Hierarchy drilldown.
A dialog box appears. Select the hierarchy according to which you want to drill down andselect the function Continue.
A drilldown list appears with the hierarchy nodes of the hierarchy you chose. If you drill
down again according to the hierarchy (or double-click on the characteristic value), you
can reach the subsequent hierarchy levels. At the end of the hierarchy drilldown you cancontinue with the standard drilldown by double-clicking.
If you drill down according to the customer hierarchy (Sales Information System, Quality
Management Information System), a dialog box appears in which you can enter the key
for the hierarchy you require, as well as the date on which the hierarchy was valid.

You can only perform a drilldown according to one hierarchy per analysis path. A
hierarchy drilldown can only be carried out if you have not already performed adrilldown according to the characteristic on which the hierarchy is based. For
example, if you have already executed a characteristic drilldown according tomaterial, you cannot then drill down on the existing hierarchies for material (material
class, product group).

Displaying a Hierarchy
View → Display hierarchy allows you to gain an overview of the structure of all hierarchies in thedisplayed list.

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Executing a Standard Drilldown

Executing a Standard Drilldown
To perform a standard drilldown, position the cursor on the characteristic value you require andselect the function View → Standard drilldown (or double-click with the mouse on thecharacteristic value).
A drilldown list appears.
You can repeat this function, and thus obtain more and more detailed information, until you reachthe end of the predefined analysis path.
Displaying a Standard Drilldown [Page 75]
Switching Characteristic Values [Page 78]

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Displaying a Standard Drilldown

Displaying a Standard Drilldown
You can use the function Display standard drilldown to display a graphic of the characteristics ofthe standard drilldown and their sequence, which have been set for the selected analysis. You
can also print this structural graphic.
If you want to display the characteristics and the sequence of the standard drilldown, select:
Extras → Display standard drilldown.
A dialog box with the structural graphics of the standard drilldown appears.

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Returning to the Initial List

Returning to the Initial List
To return to the basic list from a drilldown list, select Goto → Initial list.

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Switching Drilldowns

Switching Drilldowns
By using the function “switch drilldown” you can change the view of the data shown in the list.
This can be used in two different ways, as illustrated in the examples below:

Example 1: Switching from the drilldown to the initial list
You have carried out a vendor analysis in the Purchasing Information System. The
initial list shows a list of the vendors that meet the selection criteria you specified.
You wish, however, to evaluate a list of the materials for the same selection criteria.
You can use the function Switch drilldown and thus easily change the view of thedata and generate a list of the materials. The list currently displayed on screen isthen replaced by a list of materials, i.e. the old initial list of vendors is replaced by a
new initial list of materials.
You can therefore use this function to switch to an initial list that is based on a different
characteristic.

Example 2: Switching from the drilldown to the drilldown list
You have carried out a vendor analysis in the Purchasing Information System. The
initial list shows a list of the vendors that meet the selection criteria you specified.
You now dill down on the vendor “Import and Export” according to the characteristic“material” (characteristic drilldown). The drilldown list shows all those materials
bought by the vendor “Import and Export”. You now want to find out how the key
figure “purchase order value” is distributed over the individual periods, not only for a
specific material, but taking into account all materials used by the vendor “Import andExport” that are displayed in the drilldown list. You can perform the function Switch
drilldown on the characteristic “period” and thus generate a list that shows the
distribution over the periods at this aggregation level. A simple characteristic
drilldown by period would, in contrast, only show the distribution over the periods for
one particular material.
You can therefore use this function to change the aggregation level of the list displayed.

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Switching Characteristic Values

Switching Characteristic Values
The Switch characteristic value function enables you to navigate more quickly and easily in the
drilldown lists and simplifies the analysis of dependencies between characteristic values.
You can find the Switch characteristic value function in the page header of every list. It is in theform of a hotspot (magnifying glass icon) and you can activate it by clicking on it with the mouse.
The hotspot appears in the page header behind every characteristic according to which you havealready performed a drilldown.

Once you have performed a hierarchy drilldown, the hotspot is no longer displayed.
The following two examples from the Purchasing Information System are intended to illustrate theoptions provided by this function.

Example 1: Switching the characteristic value
You have performed a vendor analysis. The initial list displays the vendors you haveselected.
You drill down on “Martin Corp.” according to material. The drilldown list now shows
all materials concerned with “Martin Corp.”. You also wish to know which materials
are involved with the vendor “Miller Corp.”. The Switch characteristic value function
enables you to view a list of all remaining vendors and then select the vendor (Miller
Corp.) that you wish to view, without having to return to the initial list. The
drilldown list then displays all materials concerned with the vendor “Miller Corp.”.

Example 2: Analysis of dependencies between characteristic values
You have performed a vendor analysis. The initial list displays the vendors you haveselected.
You wish to know which materials are used by the vendor “Miller Corp.” and drill
down on “Miller Corp.” according to the characteristic material. You now wish toknow the monthly distribution of the purchase order value for material “10 mm screw”
and drill down on the material “10 mm screw” according to the characteristic “period”.
You also wish to know which vendor received the purchase order for the material “10mm screw”. By clicking once on the magnifying glass behind the characteristic in thepage header, you can then view a list of the vendors who received purchase orders
for the material “10 mm screw” and then choose the vendor you require for a moredetailed analysis. In other words, all characteristic values remain in the drilldown
path; only the selected characteristic value is switched. The list then shows the
distribution by period for the newly selected vendor and the material “10 mm screw”

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Choosing Key Figures for the Results Lists

Choosing Key Figures for the Results Lists
You can define the key figures to be displayed in the list during the analysis.
To do this, select Edit → Choose key figures.
A dialog box appears listing all the key figures displayed in the analysis.
You can now edit this list to suit your needs, i.e. you can compile the key figures to be displayedin the list. You can delete key figures, change their sequence, and add new key figures from theinformation structure on which the list display is based.

Deleting key figures
To delete a key figure from the list, position the cursor on the key figure in the list and select thefunction Delete.

Changing the sequence of the key figures
To move a key figure in the list, position the cursor on the key figure in the list and choose thefunction Select. Now position the cursor on the new location you require in the list. To move theselected key figure, choose the function Move.

Adding new key figures from the information structure
The function Selection list provides you with a list of all of the key figures in the information
structure on which the analysis you chose is based. The key figures already selected by you aremarked with an asterisk "*".
To add a new key figure to the list, position the cursor on it and select the function Copy. The key
figure is then copied to the list of chosen key figures.
To return to the selected key figures list, press ENTER.

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Switching to Another Information Structure

Switching to Another Information Structure
You can switch to another information structure in a standard analysis and move around within
the entire Logistics Information System. It is easy to switch between information structures andthe selection entries can also be retained.
Switching to a different information structure allows you to:•

Obtain detailed information which is stored in aggregated form in the information
structure used in the standard analysis but is contained in detailed form in anotherinformation structure.

You carry out a standard analysis, which is based on an information structure
containing the characteristics ‘plant’ and ‘storage location’. You, however, wish toevaluate the materials for a specific storage location. You can call up a different
information structure from the standard analysis that contains data at material level.
•

Obtain information from other functional areas

You want to evaluate data for a certain material from inventory management in thePurchasing Information System. You can use the function Goto → Other info
structure and thus easily switch to an information structure from Inventory Controllingfor a one time data selection from the Purchasing Information System and display
key figures on the inventory status.
•

Change over to an information structure whose data was updated in a different periodunit.

You carry out a standard analysis that is based on data which is updated on amonthly basis. You can now switch to an information structure containing data which
is updated on a daily basis.
When switching information structures in standard analyses, the system also observes thefollowing selection criteria made in the original standard analysis:•

Characteristic values
The following characteristic values are transferred to the target standard analysis and areused to select the data:–

The characteristic values that were specified in the selection screen of the initialstandard analysis–

The characteristic values that were defined by the drilldown–

The characteristic values that were defined by the position of the cursor

Obviously, no key figure values can be displayed for those characteristics that feature in
the initial standard analysis, but not in the standard analysis that you are switching to.

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Switching to Another Information Structure•

Period to analyze
The system determines the period to analyze in the standard analysis that you areswitching to.
Examples: Calculating the Period to Analyze [Page 83]

If you are switching between one information structure that is updated on a monthly,
weekly, or daily basis into an information structure that is updated on the basis of
posting periods and to which no fiscal year variant is assigned, the system cannot
determine the period to analyze. In this case, you need to redetermine the period toanalyze for the standard analysis to which you are switching.

Procedure
If you want to switch to another information structure while in a standard analysis, proceed asfollows:
1. If you want to display key figures for a certain characteristic value from a different information
structure, position the cursor on the characteristic value you require.
If you do not position the cursor on a specific characteristic value, then the standard
analysis that you are switching to does not place any further restrictions on thecharacteristic values in the list displayed in the initial standard analysis. This means that
all available characteristic values are called up for the target standard analysis.

In the initial standard analysis, position the cursor on the characteristic customer
Miller Inc. In the target standard analysis you will then see values for this particularcustomer.
If the cursor is not positioned on the customer Miller Inc., no other restrictions will beplaced on the selected customers when the selection of the data from the target
analysis is made.
2. Select Goto → Other info structure.
Specify the name of the information structure to which you want to switch in the info structure
field.
If you want to specify additional selection parameters on the selection screen of the standard
analysis that will be selected for the desired information structure, choose Manual selection.
If more than one standard analysis exists for the selected information structure, a dialog box
will appear which displays all those standard analyses based on the specified information
structure.
Place the cursor on the standard analysis you require and press Enter.
You now switch to the standard analysis you selected. The selection criteria will bepassed on to the analysis as described above. If you selected Manual selection, aselection screen of the standard analysis will appear.
The initial list of the standard analysis is displayed. You will see the key figures that havebeen configured for this standard analysis in Customizing or in the user-specific settings.
You can use the drilldown function to move to the desired characteristic value you
require.

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Switching to Another Information Structure
Tip:
To check the selection criteria, you can display the drilldown log using: Extras → Select
log.

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Examples: Calculating the Period to Analyze

Examples: Calculating the Period to Analyze
Switching from an Info Structure with Monthly Updating to an Info Structure with Daily
Updating
When you switch from one information structure that is updated on a monthly basis to an
information structure that is updated daily, the period to analyze is calculated as follows:–

Period to analyze, initial standard analysis:

April 1995 - July 1995–

Period to analyze, standard analysis to which you are changing: 1.4.1995 - 31.7.95

Switching from an Info Structure with Monthly Updating to an Info Structure with Weekly
Updating
When you switch from one information structure that is updated on a monthly basis to an
information structure that is updated weekly, the period to analyze is calculated as follows:
The beginning of the period to analyze should be the week in which the first day of the monthoccurs. The end of the period to be analyzed should be the week in which the last day of themonth occurs.

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Sorting Lists

Sorting Lists
You can sort lists in accordance with various criteria. Each list can be sorted in descending or
ascending order independent of column (characteristic column or a key figure column). The
characteristic column is sorted alphabetically.

Sorting in descending orderTo sort a list in descending order, position the cursor in the column you want to sort and selectView → Sort descending order.

Sorting in ascending orderTo sort a list in ascending order, position the cursor in the column you want to sort and selectView → Sort ascending order.

Canceling sort
To cancel an existing sort process, select View → Cancel sort.

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Creating Ranking Lists

Creating Ranking Lists
You can create ranking lists for the basic list and any list that has been created by a drilldown.
You can compile ranking lists of the best (Top N) or worst (Last N) characteristic values for a key
figure.
Examples: Ranking Lists [Page 86]
A list of the Top N is sorted in descending order, a list of the Last N is sorted in ascending orderaccording to the values of the selected key figure.
To create a ranking list, proceed as follows:
1. Position the cursor on the key figure in the list (or key figure column) for which you wantto create a ranking list.
2. Select:View → Top N(for a ranking list of the best values for the selected key figures)orView → Last N(for a ranking list of the worst values for the selected key figures)
A dialog box appears in which you can enter the number of characteristic values for aranking list.
3. Enter the number of characteristic values that you want to have included in the ranking
list in the Number field.
4. To view the ranking list, press ENTER.

You can now sort the ranking list further, in accordance with a different key figure inascending or descending order (see Sorting Lists [Page 84]).

Canceling Ranking Lists
To return to the point from which you created the ranking list, select:View → Cancel ranking list.

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Examples: Ranking Lists

Examples: Ranking Lists
Purchasing Information System:
Ranking list of the 10 vendors that have the highest purchase order values.
Sales Information System:
Ranking list of the 50 customers with the highest incoming orders.
Inventory Controlling:
Ranking list of the 50 materials with the highest purchase order values.
Shop Floor Information System:
Ranking list of the 20 work centers with the shortest lead times.
Plant Maintenance Information System:
Ranking list of the 10 functional locations with the highest number of breakdowns.
Quality Management Information System:
Ranking list of the 10 vendors with the highest number of returned lots.

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Graphics

Graphics
In order to get a quick overview, you can display the data at all list levels in the form of graphics.
Proceed as follows:
1. From the initial or drilldown list, select Goto → Graphics
A dialog box appears showing all the key figures in the results list for the graphicaldisplay.
2. Select the key figures that you want to graphically display.
3. Press ENTER.
The system takes you to SAP presentation graphics.

You can find more information on how to use the graphics in the document SAP
Graphics: User Handbook.

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Time Series Graphics
If you perform a drilldown according to periods, you can call up a time series graphic. The timeseries graphic very clearly demonstrates how key figures develop over time with absolute values
in the form of statistics graphics. The advantage of time series graphics is that an unlimited
number of periods can be displayed and it offers a broad overview when you are comparing
many key figures.

Please note that you can only call up the time series graphics if you have performeda drilldown according to periods and if characteristic values are available for morethan one period.
Proceed as follows:
1. From the initial or drilldown list, select Goto → Time series graphic
A dialog box appears which offers you all of the key figures included in the list for thegraphical display.
2. Select the key figures which you wish to display in the graphics.
3. Press ENTER.
You branch into the time series graphic.

You can find more information on how to use the graphics in the document BC - SAP
Graphics: User Handbook.

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Portfolio Graphics

Portfolio Graphics
You can use the portfolio graphics to gain a quick overview of the interrelationships andinteractions between two key figures for the characteristic values in the displayed list.
The portfolio graphic provides you with an overview of the concentration of the characteristic
values with regard to two key figures. The characteristic values are displayed on the X/Y axis.
The example below describes the functionality of the portfolio graphics in LIS:

You want to see an overview of the planner groups with regard to the key figures“Number of completed notifications” and “Number of recorded notifications”. You
want to check whether there might be some problem areas: for example, plannergroups which have a high number of recorded notifications, but a low number ofcompleted notifications.
Procedure:
You can call up the portfolio graphic as follows:
1. From the standard analysis, select Goto → Portfolio graphic.
A dialog box appears which contains the key figures in the list.
2. Select the two key figures which you want to display in your portfolio graphic and press
Enter.
The portfolio graphic will appear.

You can find more information on how to use the graphics in the document BC - SAP
Graphics: User Handbook.

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Cumulative Frequency Curve

Cumulative Frequency Curve
At every list level, you can view key figure data in the form of a cumulative frequency curve.
The cumulative frequency curve provides you with information about the concentration ofcharacteristic values.
The individual key figure values are expressed as totals in descending order. The number ofcharacteristic values is plotted on the x-axis, and the cumulative values of the specified key figureon the y-axis.
Examples: Cumulative Frequency Curve [Page 91]
The cumulative frequency curve is displayed in either absolute or percent values depending on
the selection you have made.
The cumulative frequency curve provides the following type of information:
The characteristic values on X combine the cumulative key figure values Y. Thus, the graphoffers an overview of the extent to which a large proportion of a key figure’s total value isconcentrated on a few characteristic values.

You can only call up the cumulative frequency curve up if characteristic values areavailable for more than one characteristic.
Creating a Cumulative Frequency Curve [Page 93]

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Examples: Cumulative Frequency Curve

Examples: Cumulative Frequency Curve
Purchasing Information System:
You want to check the distribution of the over the materials. You perform a material analysis andselect the key figure ‘order quantity’. The list shows the selected materials and the key figure‘Order quantity’. You generate a cumulative frequency curve for this list.
This graphic could provide you with the following information: 10% of all materials makes up 65%of the cumulated order quantity, that is, in this case, relatively few materials have a relatively
large proportion of the order quantity.
Sales Information System:
You want to find out how the invoiced sales are distributed over the customers. You perform acustomer analysis and select the key figure ‘Invoiced sales’. The list shows the selectedcustomers and the key figure ’Invoiced sales’. You create a cumulative frequency curve for thislist.
This graphic could provide you with the following information: 5 % of all of the customers makeup 30% of the invoiced sales.
Inventory Controlling:
You want to check how the value of the valuated stock is distributed over the materials. You
perform a material analysis and select the key figure ‘Valuated stock’. The list shows the selectedmaterials and the key figure ‘Value of valuated stock’. You create a cumulative frequency curvefor this list.
This graphic could provide you with the following information: 15% of all materials makes up 50%of the stock value, that is, in this case, relatively few materials make up 50% of the total stock
value.
Shop Floor Information System:
You want to check how the utilization of the work centers is distributed. You perform a work
center analysis and select the key figure ‘Target lead time’. The list shows the selected work
centers and the key figure ‘Target lead time’. You create a cumulative frequency curve for thislist.
This graphic could provide you with the following information: 10% of all work centers makes up
60% of the target lead time, that is, in this case, a relatively few number of work centers make upa large proportion of the total target lead time.
Plant Maintenance Information System:
You want to check how the number of recorded notifications is distributed over the PM planningplants. You create a list which shows the planning plants and the key figure ‘Number of recorded
notifications’ and perform a cumulative frequency curve for this list.
This graphic could provide you with the following information: 10% of the plants makes up 60% of
the notifications, that is, in this case, few plants have a relatively large proportion of the total
number of notifications.
Quality Management Information System:
You want to check how the number of lots, that are not in order, is distributed over the materials.
You perform a material analysis and select the key figure ‘Lots not in order’. You create acumulative curve for this list.

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Examples: Cumulative Frequency Curve
This graphic could provide you with the following information: 10% of the materials makes up
60% of the lots not in order, that is, a few materials have a relatively high proportion of the total
number of all lots that are not in order.

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Creating a Cumulative Frequency Curve

Creating a Cumulative Frequency Curve
To display a cumulative frequency curve, proceed as follows:
1. Position the cursor on the key figure for which you want to create the cumulative
frequency curve.
2. Select Edit → Cumulative curve.

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Correlation Curve

Correlation Curve
You can use a correlation curve to identify the interrelationships between two or more key
figures.
The number of characteristic values in the list currently displayed is plotted on the x-axis, and the
key figure values are scaled to a range of 0 to 1 on the y-axis. The value 0 is assigned to thesmallest key figure value, and the value 1 to the largest key figure value.
Examples: Correlation Curve [Page 95]
The sort sequence of the underlying list is taken into account when the correlation curve iscreated.

You can only call up the correlation curve if characteristic values are available formore than one characteristic.
Creating a Correlation Curve [Page 96]

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Examples: Correlation Curve

Examples: Correlation Curve
Purchasing Information System:
You want to check how the development of the key figures ‘order value’ and ‘invoiced amount’ isdistributed over the periods for a specific vendor. You generate a drilldown list according toperiods during the vendor analysis. You can now use the correlation curve to view theinterrelationship between the key figures ‘order value’ and ‘invoiced amount’ for the designatedperiods.
Sales Information System:
You want to check the interrelationship between the key figures ‘incoming orders’ and ‘invoiced
sales’ and how they are distributed over the periods for a particular customer. You generate adrilldown list for customer according to the periods during the customer analysis. You can now
use the correlation curve to view the interrelationship between the key figures ‘incoming orders’and ‘invoiced sales’ for the designated periods.
Inventory Controlling:
You want to check the development of the receipts quantity and the issue quantity of the valuatedstock and how they are distributed over the periods for a particular material. You generate adrilldown list for material according to periods during the material analysis. You can now use thecorrelation curve to view the interrelationship between the key figures receipts quantity and theissue quantity of the valuated stock for the designated periods.
Shop Floor Information System:
You want to check the deviation of the key figures ‘target lead time’ and ‘actual lead time’ for a
specific work center and how they are distributed over the periods. You perform a drilldown on
the work center according to period during the work center analysis. You can now use thecorrelation curve to view the interrelationship between both these key figures over the displayed
periods.
Plant Maintenance Information System:
You want to check the deviation of the key figures ‘number of recorded notifications’ and ‘numberof completed notifications’ for a particular planning group and how they are distributed over theperiods. You perform a planning group analysis and generate a drilldown list of the planninggroup according to period. You can now use the correlation curve to view the interrelationshipbetween the key figures for the designated periods.
Quality Management Information System:
You want to view the interrelationship between the key figures ‘total lots’, ‘lots in order’ and ‘lots
not in order’ for a specific material and how they are distributed over the periods. You create adrilldown list of the material according to period during the material analysis. You can now use
the correlation curve to view the interrelationships between the three key figures.

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Creating a Correlation Curve

Creating a Correlation Curve
To create a correlation curve, proceed as follows:
1. Select Edit → Correlation.
A dialog box appears showing the key figures in the current list.
2. Select the key figures for which you want to create a correlation curve.
3. Press ENTER to obtain a correlation curve for the chosen key figures.

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ABC Analysis

ABC Analysis
You can use an ABC analysis to classify characteristic values in order of importance for particular
key figures.
Examples: ABC Analysis [Page 98]
An ABC analysis divides items into three categories:
A: Important
B: Less important
C: Relatively unimportant

Strategies for Performing an ABC Analysis [Page 99]
Creating an ABC Analysis [Page 104]
Displaying the Results [Page 105]

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Examples: ABC Analysis

Examples: ABC Analysis
Purchasing Information System:
You can use the ABC analysis to classify vendors in terms of the key figure invoiced amount.
Sales Information System:
You can use the ABC analysis to classify sales organizations with regard to the key figure
incoming order or material or the key figure invoiced sales.
Inventory Controlling:
You can use the ABC analysis to classify materials according to the key figure usage value.
Shop Floor Information System:
You can use the ABC analysis to classify work centers in terms of the key figure scrap quantity’.
Plant Maintenance Information System:
You can use the ABC analysis to classify object classes with regard to the key figure breakdown
duration.
Quality Management Information System:
You can use the ABC analysis to classify vendors according to the key figure number of lots notin order.

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Strategies for Performing an ABC Analysis

Strategies for Performing an ABC Analysis
The following four strategies are available to you:•

Total key figure in %The characteristic values assigned to the A, B, or C segments account for a specificpercentage of the total key figure value.

This strategy is only available for key figures that can be expressed as a total. This is
not possible for average key figures, for example
Example: Total Key Figure in % Strategy [Page 100]•

Number of characteristic values in %The number of characteristic values assigned to the A, B and C segments are given as apercent of the total number.
Example: Number of Characteristic Values in % Strategy [Page 101]•

Key figure (absolute)
You can define the boundaries between the A and B segments, and between the B andC segments.
Example: Key Figure (Absolute) Strategy [Page 102]•

Number of characteristic values
You can define the number of characteristic values for the A and B segments. Allremaining characteristic values are assigned to the C segment.
Example: Number of Characteristic Values Strategy [Page 103]

Creating an ABC Analysis [Page 104]
Displaying the Results [Page 105]

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Example: Total Key Figure in % Strategy

Example: Total Key Figure in % Strategy
Specify 70% for the A segment, 20% for the B segment, and 10% for the C segment.
The system creates a list internally and sorts it according to the key figure value in descendingorder.
All characteristic values that make up the first 70% of the total key figure value are assigned to
the A segment, the next 20% are assigned to the B segment. The characteristic values that makeup the last 10% of the total key figure value are assigned to the C segment.

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Example: Number of Characteristic Values in % Strategy

Example: Number of Characteristic Values in % Strategy
You specify 10% for the A segment, 30% for the B segment, and 60% for the C segment.
The system creates a list internally and sorts it according to the key figure value in descendingorder. 10% of the total number of characteristic values with the highest key figure value isassigned to the A segment, the next 30% of the characteristic values is assigned to the B
segment, and the 60% of the characteristic values with the lowest key figure value is assigned to
the C segment.

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Example: Key Figure (Absolute) Strategy

Example: Key Figure (Absolute) Strategy
You specify 500,000 as the limit between the A and B segments, and 150,000 as the limit for the
B and C segments.
All characteristic values with an key figure value of more than 500,000 are assigned to the A
segment, all characteristic values with an key figure value of less than 500,000 but more than
150,000 are assigned to the B segment, and all characteristic values with an key figure value ofless than 150,000 are assigned to the C segment.

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Example: Number of Characteristic Values Strategy

Example: Number of Characteristic Values Strategy
You specify the value "20" for the A segment, and the value "30" for the B segment.
The system creates a list internally and sorts it according to key figure value in descending order.
The first 20 characteristic values in the list are assigned to the A segment, the next 30
characteristic values are assigned to the B segment, and the remaining characteristic values are
assigned to the C segment.

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Creating an ABC Analysis

Creating an ABC Analysis
To create an ABC analysis, proceed as follows:
1. In the initial or drilldown list, position the cursor on the key figure (or key figure column)that is to be the criterion for your ABC analysis.
2. Select Edit → ABC analysis.
A dialog box appears offering four strategies for carrying out the ABC analysis.
3. Select one ABC strategy according to which your ABC analysis should be carried out.
The following strategies are available to you:(see Strategies for Performing an ABC Analysis [Page 99])–

Total key figure in %This strategy gives you a dialog box, in which you must specify the percentage of thetotal key figure value in the A, B, and C segments.

This strategy is only available for key figures that can be expressed as a total. For
example, this strategy can not be used on average key figures.
–

Number of characteristic values in %This strategy gives you a dialog box in which you must specify the percentage ofcharacteristic values in the A, B, and C segments.

–

Key figure (absolute)
This strategy gives you a dialog box in which you must define the boundary values
for the A and B segments and for the B and C segments.

–

Number of characteristic values
This strategy gives you a dialog box in which you must specify the number ofcharacteristic values that are assigned to the A and B segments. The system
automatically calculates the number of characteristic values in the C segment.

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Displaying the Results

Displaying the Results
Benutzerspezifische Einstellungen [Ext.]
Depending upon the setting you select (either user-specific settings or the settings in
Customizing, see also User-Specific Settings), the results of the ABC analysis will be displayed
initially as a graphic or as a list.
Displaying Lists [Page 106]Graphics [Page 108]

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Displaying Lists

Displaying Lists
You can display two types of results lists:•

Overview of segments
This gives an overview of all segments.

•

A, B, or C segment list
This gives you detailed information on a selected segment.

•

Complete list
Shows all characteristics with the respective characteristic value and allocated ABC
indicators.

Overview of segments
The segments overview shows you the following for the A, B, and C segments:•

The number of characteristic values that have been assigned to the segments(expressed as absolute and percentage values)•

The value of the key figure in each segment (expressed both as an absolute value andas a percentage)

The Graphics function graphically illustrates the data displayed in the list.
The Cumulative curve function gives you a view of the data in the overview list as a cumulative
frequency curve (see the following illustration).

Totals Curve
Material Analysis
44000.040000.036000.032000.028000.024000.020000.016000.012000.0
8000.04000.0
0.0

4.0

8.0

12.0

16.0

20.0

24.0
Number of Materials

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Displaying Lists

The diagram above illustrates the following situation: 3 materials, which make up approximately
75% of the order value have been assigned to the A segment, 5 materials, which make up
approximately 16% of the order value have been assigned to the B segment, and 17 materials,
which make up approximately 8% of the order value have been assigned to the C segment.
The function New strategy gives you a dialog box in which you can select another strategy andcarry out the ABC analysis again.

A, B, and C segment lists
You can view detailed information on a segment of your choice from the initial list using the
Detailed info function.
Position the cursor on the segment in the overview list for which you require detailed informationand select the function Detailed info (or double-click with the mouse).
This takes you to the segment list. You see all the characteristic values in the specified segment
and the corresponding key figure values.
The Graphics function graphically illustrates the data displayed in the list.

Complete list
If you select Goto → Complete list, a list of all of the characteristics with the corresponding
characteristic value and the assigned ABC indicator will appear.

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Graphics

Graphics
Benutzerspezifische Einstellungen [Ext.]
Depending upon the user-specific settings or those made in Customizing (see also User-SpecificSettings), a graphic is initially displayed.
You can use the pushbuttons to the right of the graph (see the above figure) to branch to the list
display or to define a new ABC analysis strategy.
The following pushbuttons are available:•

Segments
The segments overview list is displayed (see Displaying Lists [Page 106]: Overview of
Segments).

•

A, B, and C segment lists
A list of detailed information on the chosen segment appears (see Displaying Lists [Page106] : A-, B-, C segment lists).

•

Complete list
The complete list shows you a list of all characteristic values with the corresponding ABC
indicators and key figure values.

•

New strategy
A dialog box appears in which you can select a new ABC analysis strategy.

The data in every list displayed can be graphically represented via the Graphics
function.

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Classification

Classification
The classification function divides characteristic values into classes with reference to one key
figure. This gives you a quick overview of all characteristic values for this key figure and allows
you to identify trends and relationships.
Examples: Classification [Page 110]
Initially the system automatically performs the division into classes, i.e. it determines the classlimits depending upon the data location. The system always defines six classes.
However, you can also define the number of classes and their upper limits yourself, interactively.
Executing a Classification [Page 111]
Displaying the Results [Page 112]

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Examples: Classification

Examples: Classification
Purchasing Information System:
Classification of materials with reference to the key figure Order value.
Sales Information System:
Classification of materials with reference to the key figure Open order quantity.
Inventory Controlling:
Classification of material groups with reference to the key figure Value of valuated stock.
Shop Floor Information System:
Classification of material with reference to the key figure Actual lead time.
Plant Maintenance Information System:
Classification of manufacturers with reference to the key figure Number of breakdowns.
Quality Management Information System:
Classification of materials with reference to the key figure Lots not in order.

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Executing a Classification

Executing a Classification
To perform a classification, proceed as follows:
1. Position the cursor on the key figure (key figure column) for which you want to perform aclassification.
2. Select Edit → Classification.
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Displaying the Results

Displaying the Results
Benutzerspezifische Einstellungen [Ext.]
Depending upon the setting you have made (either the user-specific setting or Customizing
setting, see also User-Specific Settings), the results of your classification are initially displayed
either as a graphic or a list.
Displaying Lists [Page 113]
Graphics [Page 114]

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Displaying Lists

Displaying Lists
You have access to two types of lists:•

Overview by classThis shows you an overview of all classes.

•

Class lists
Detailed information on a particular class.

Overview by ClassThis overview displays for each class:•

The number of characteristic values (absolute, percentage)•

The value of the key figure (absolute, percentage)

The Graphics function shows you the listed data in the form of a graph.
You can view the data in the list as a cumulative frequency curve using the function Cumulative
curve.
The function Class limits allows you to define the number of classes and their upper limits
yourself.
To do this, proceed as follows:
1. Select the function Class limits.
2. Select the number of classes you require and press ENTER.
A dialog box appears in which you can enter upper limits for the selected number ofclasses.
3. Enter the upper limits of the classes and press ENTER
The overview of the classes appears in accordance with your selection.

Class Lists
The function Detailed info allows you to access detailed information about a class of your choicefrom the overview list.
Position the cursor on the class for which you require detailed information and select the function
Detailed info.
This function takes you to the class list. It shows you all the characteristic values in the chosenclass, together with their key figure values.
The Graphics function displays the data in the list in the form of a graph.

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Graphics

Graphics
Benutzerspezifische Einstellungen [Ext.]
Depending upon the setting you made (either the user-specific setting or Customizing setting,see also User-Specific Settings), the results are initially displayed as a graphic or list.
You can use the pushbuttons on the right side of the screen to go to the results list or to reset the
number of classes and their limits.
The following pushbuttons are available to you:•

Overview of classes
This gives you an overview listed by class (see Displaying Lists [Page 113]: Overview byClass).

•Class 1-6 list
This gives you a list showing detailed information on the class you selected (seeDisplaying Lists [Page 113]: Class Lists).

•

Complete lists
This gives you a list of all the characteristic values with the respective class and key
figure value.

•

Class limits
Select this button to define the number of classes and the class limits.
A dialog box appears in which you can select the number of classes you require. Press
ENTER. A second dialog box appears in which you set the upper limits for the selected
number of classes. Press ENTER. You now see the initial graph based on the classdefinition you selected.

The data in every list displayed can be graphically represented via the Graphics
function.

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Dual Classification

Dual Classification
You can divide the characteristic values into classes with reference to two key figures.
Examples: Dual Classification [Page 116].
The system automatically performs the division into classes, i.e. it determines the class limits
depending upon the data location. The system always divides the data into six classes.
However, you can also define the number of classes and their limits yourself interactively.

Executing Dual Classification [Page 117]
Displaying the Results [Page 118]

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Examples: Dual Classification

Examples: Dual Classification
Purchasing Information System:
You can divide materials into classes for the key figures ‘number of order items’ and ‘ordervalue’. This illustrates relationships between the key figures and helps you to detect possible
problem areas, such as materials with a relatively low order value and a high number of order
items. Materials that lie in the upper classes with regard to both key figure values are not critical.
Sales Information System:
You can classify customers for the key figures ‘number of orders’ and ‘invoiced sales’. This helps
you to detect relationships and possible problem areas, such as customers with a relatively low
invoiced sales but a high number of orders.
Inventory Controlling:
You can classify materials with regard to the key figures ‘value of the average stock at receipt’and ‘range of coverage of the average stock at receipt’.
This helps you to detect relationships between both key figures and possible problem areas,such as materials that lie in the upper classes with regard to both key figure values.
Shop Floor Information System:
You can classify work centers with regard to the key figures ‘available capacity’ and ‘capacity
requirements’. This helps you to detect relationships between both of the key figures andpossible problem areas, such as work centers that have high capacity requirements but only
have a minimum available capacity Work centers that lie in the upper classes with regard to both
key figure values are insignificant.
Plant Maintenance Information System:
You can classify planner groups with regard to the key figures ‘number of recorded notifications’and ‘number of completed notifications’. This helps you to detect relationships between both of
the key figures and possible problem areas, such as planner groups with a high number ofrecorded notifications but a low number of completed notifications.
Quality Management Information System:
You can classify vendors with regard to the key figures ‘average value of the quality key figure’and ‘standard deviation of the quality key figure’. You might find a problem area such as vendors
whose quality key figure has a low average value and a low standard deviation.

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Executing Dual Classification

Executing Dual Classification
To perform a dual classification, proceed as follows:
1. Select Edit → Dual classification.
A dialog box appears showing all the key figures in the current list.
2. Select two key figures and press ENTER.

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Displaying the Results

Displaying the Results
Benutzerspezifische Einstellungen [Ext.]
Depending upon the setting you have made (either the user-specific setting or Customizing
setting, see also User-Specific Settings), the results of your dual classification are initiallydisplayed either as a graphic or a list.

Displaying the List [Page 119]Graphics [Page 121]

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Displaying the List

Displaying the List
You can display two types of lists:•

Overview by segment (this gives you an overview of all segments)•

Segment lists (this gives you detailed information about a particular combination ofclasses).

Overview by segment
This overview is displayed in matrix form. The following diagram is an example taken fromInventory Controlling.

Overview by Segments-Material
Number of Receipts
Value of receipts

100

150

200

250

300

>

1 000

75

60

49

34

21

25

5 000

35

32

29

22

13

7

10 000

20

18

18

12

6

2

15 000

15

12

11

6

3

1

20 000

13

11

8

8

5

0

158

133

115

82

48

35

>

Total

The intersection of a row and a column shows the number of characteristic values for a
combination of classes. For example, the above diagram shows 75 materials (see first row)
receipts value of up to $1,000 and up to 100 receipts.
The Graphics function displays the data in the list in the form of a graph.
You can use the Class limits function to redefine the number of classes and their limits. The
Class limits function offers you a dialog box in which you can make your selection as follows:•

Redefine the number of classes.

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Displaying the List
If you select this option, a dialog box appears in which you can select the number ofclasses.
•

Redefine the upper limits for key figure 1.
If you select this option, a dialog box appears in which you can enter the class limits for
key figure 1 in accordance with the number of classes you have defined.

•

Redefine the upper limits for key figure 2.
If you select this option, a dialog box appears in which you can enter the class limits for
key figure 2 in accordance with the number of classes you have defined.

Segment list
You can use the Detailed info function to access detailed information concerning a specific classfrom the overview list.
The intersection of a row (upper class limits of key figure 1) and a column (upper class limits ofkey figure 2) gives the class combination you require.
To view the segment list, proceed as follows:
Position the cursor on the intersection in the matrix for the combination of classes you requireand select the function Detailed info.
A segment list containing detailed information on the selected combination of classes appears.
The segment list shows all the characteristic values for the chosen combination and the value ofthe two key figures.
The Graphics function displays the data in the list in the form of a graph.

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Graphics

Graphics
Benutzerspezifische Einstellungen [Ext.]
The results of your classification are initially displayed either as a graphic or as a list, dependingon the setting you have made (user-specific setting or Customizing setting, see User-SpecificSettings).
You can use the pushbuttons to the right of the initial graphic to take you to a results list or toredefine the number of classes and their limits.
The following pushbuttons are available to you:•

Overview of segments
This shows you an overview of all segments (see Displaying the List [Page 119], section“Overview by segment”).

•

Complete list
The complete list shows you all characteristic values with the corresponding values forboth key figures.

•Class limits
Select this button to redefine the number of classes and the class limits.
A dialog box appears in which you can specify:–

Whether you want to redefine the number of classes.
If you select this option, a dialog box appears in which you can select the number ofclasses.

–

Whether you want to redefine the upper limits for key figure 1.
If you select this option, a dialog box appears in which you can enter the upper limitsof the classes for key figure 1. The number of classes offered will depend on thenumber of classes you have specified.

–

Whether you want to redefine the upper limits for key figure 2.
If you select this option, a dialog box appears in which you can enter the upper limitsof the classes in key figure 2. The number of classes offered will depend on thenumber of classes you have specified.

You can display the data as a graphic for every displayed list by using the function
Graphics.

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Planned/Actual Comparison

Planned/Actual Comparison
You can aid the decision-making process by comparing the list displayed on screen with planned
and actual data for all characteristic values with reference to one key figure.
This is only possible if you have saved planning data as a planning version for the characteristic
and key figure in question. The planned data is compared with the actual data for the same
selection period. The list can then be sent via SAPoffice.
Examples: Planned/Actual Comparison [Page 123]

As of Release 3.0, the planning functionality of the information systems and theSales and Operation Planning (SOP) component have been combined andexpanded into one central planning and forecasting tool.
You can find detailed information about the planning functionality in the document
Sales and Operation Planning (PP-SOP).

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Examples: Planned/Actual Comparison

Examples: Planned/Actual Comparison
Purchasing Information System:
You have created a list which displays the vendors and the key figure ‘order value’ and ‘invoiced
amount’.
In the planned/actual comparison, the actual data and the planned data (in a planning version) of
all of the vendors shown in the list are compared with reference to a specific key figure.
Sales Information System:
You have created a list which displays sales organizations and the key figure ‘incoming orders’.
In the planned/actual comparison, the actual data and the planned data (in a planning version) of
all of the sales organizations shown in the list are compared with regard to a certain key figure.
Inventory Controlling:
You have created a list which displays the material groups and the key figure ‘total usage’. In theplanned/actual comparison, the actual data and the planned data (in a planning version) of allmaterial groups that are displayed in the list are compared with reference to the key figure ‘total
usage’.
Plant Maintenance Information System:
You have created a list which displays the equipment and the values for the key figure ‘number ofbreakdowns’. In the planned/actual comparison, you can now compare the actual data with theplanned data (in a planning version) of all of the equipment shown in the list are compared withregard to the key figure ’number of breakdowns’.
Quality Management Information System:
You have created a list which displays the vendors and the key figure ‘number of all inspection
lots’. In the planned/actual comparison, the actual data and the planned data of all of the vendors
shown in the list are compared with reference to the key figure ‘Number of all inspection lots’.

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Creating a Planned/Actual Comparison

Creating a Planned/Actual Comparison
To create a planned/actual comparison, proceed as follows:
1. Position the cursor on the key figure (or key figure column) for which you wish to perform
a planned/actual comparison.
2. Select Edit → =Comparisons → Planned/Actual.
A dialog box appears in which you have to enter the planning version. In addition, theselected key figure is displayed along with the information structure from which theplanned data is read and which thus provides the basis for planning.
3. Enter the number of the planning version you want to use in the Version field.
4. Press ENTER.
A dialog box appears which compares the planned and actual data for the selected key
figure for all characteristic values.
Additional Functions in the Dialog Box Containing the Comparison Data
You can use the function Send to send the list containing all the key figures via SAPoffice. You
can find the procedure this in Sending Lists [Page 151].
You can use the Graphics function to view a graph of all the key figure values that are shown in
the list, i.e, both the values of the key figures that are compared and their difference aredisplayed graphically.
If you use the function Other version, a dialog box will appear in which you can specify a different
planning version. The planned/actual comparison will then be created for the same key figure
based on this planning version.

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Previous Year Comparison

Previous Year Comparison
You can carry out a previous year comparison with regard to a key figure that is displayed in thelist.
This function allows you to compare (for one key figure) the data that is currently displayed on
the screen with the respective data in the same selected time period of the previous year.

You have selected the following period to analyze for the standard analysis:
07.01.1995 - 12.01.1995. In the previous year comparison, the key figure values
from the present period will now be compared with the key figure values from thesame period in the previous year, i.e. 07.01.1994 - 12.01.1994.
The list that is generated can be sent via SAPoffice.
This contains the following information for all characteristic values in the current list:•

Previous year data•

Current data•

Difference between current/previous year (absolute and percentage values)
Shop Floor Information System
You should only perform a previous year comparison in the Shop Floor Information
System in the standard analyses ’operation’ and ‘production order’ if you havemarked the indicators Transactions or Orders w/ confirmation only in the selection
screen. In this case, only confirmed orders/operations with will be considered. Actual
data is only available for confirmed orders and operations.

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Creating a Previous Year Comparison

Creating a Previous Year Comparison
To execute a previous year comparison, proceed as follows:
1. Position the cursor on the key figure in the basic or drilldown list for which you want tocarry out a previous year comparison.
2. Select Edit → Comparisons → Previous/current.
A dialog box appears with the compared data.
Additional Functions in the Dialog Box Containing the Comparison Data
You can use the function Send to send the list containing all the key figures via SAPoffice. You
can find the procedure this in Sending Lists [Page 151].
You can use the Graphics function to view a graph of all the key figure values that are shown in
the list, i.e, both the values of the key figures that are compared and their difference aredisplayed graphically.

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Comparing Two Key Figures

Comparing Two Key Figures
You can compare a key figure in the list that is currently displayed on the screen with another key
figure (Examples: Key Figure Comparison [Page 128]).
The following information appears for all characteristic values in the current list•

Values for both of the compared key figures•

The difference (in absolute and percentage values) between the key figures

The list can then be sent via SAPoffice.
You can only carry out this comparison for key figures with the same unit, be it currency unit,
quantity unit or no unit. If you select a key figure with a currency unit, for example, the system willautomatically only propose those key figures that also have a currency unit for the comparison.

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Examples: Key Figure Comparison

Examples: Key Figure Comparison
Purchasing Information System:
You can compare the key figures ‘goods receipt quantity’ and ‘delivery quantity for all materials inthe displayed list of in order to detect possible differences.
Sales Information System:
You have performed a material analysis. The list shows the selected materials and the key figure“gross value of billing document”. You can now compare this key figure with the key figure‘invoiced sales’ by using the key figure comparison function. The difference between both key
figures helps you to find out, for example, how much of the gross value of the billing document
was deducted for discounts.
Inventory Controlling:
You can compare the key figures ‘total usage’ and ‘unplanned usage’ for all plants. If theunplanned usage is abnormally high, then you need to investigate what might have caused this.
Shop Floor Information System:
You can compare the key figures ‘planned/actual’ start date deviation’ and ‘planned/actual
delivery deviation’. If the difference between both key figures is too high, then you need toinvestigate what might have caused this.
Plant Maintenance Information System:
You can compare the planner groups with regard to the key figures ‘number of recorded
notifications’ and ‘number of completed notifications’.
Quality Management Information System:
You can compare the key figures ‘total quantity of inspection lots’ and ‘quantity of the returned
inspection lots’ with regard to materials.

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Executing a Key Figure Comparison

Executing a Key Figure Comparison
To compare two key figures with one another, proceed as follows:
1. Position the cursor on the key figure in the list for which you want to perform a key figurecomparison.
2. Select Edit → Comparisons → Two key figures.
A dialog box appears with a list of key figures that can be used in a comparison.
3. Select the key figure you require using the function Select (or double-click with themouse) and press ENTER.
A dialog box with the comparison data will appear.
Additional Functions in the Dialog Box Containing the Comparison Data
You can use the function Send to send the list containing all the key figures via SAPoffice. You
can find the procedure this in Sending Lists [Page 151].
You can use the Graphics function to view a graph of all the key figure values that are shown in
the list, i.e, both the values of the key figures that are compared and their difference aredisplayed graphically.

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Interactive Settings
Interactive settings are settings you can choose while editing a list. Unlike user-specific settings(see User-Specific Settings [Page 153]), interactive settings only apply to the list currently
displayed and are not saved.
The following settings can be made interactively:•

Currency•

Value display•

Characteristic display•

Column width•Page header

Setting the Currency [Page 131]
Setting the Value Display [Page 132]
Setting the Characteristic Display [Page 133]
Setting the Column Width [Page 134]
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Setting the Currency

Setting the Currency
This setting is only possible in standard analyses in which currency key figures can bedisplayed.
The system makes a distinction between the original currency and the analysis currency.
•

Original currency
The original currency is the currency in which key figure data is updated to theinformation structures.

•

Analysis currency
The analysis currency is the currency in which you want to display the current analysis
data. If you specify an analysis currency, the system performs the necessary conversion
automatically.

If you do not specify an analysis currency on the selection screen, the data is displayed in theoriginal currency.

Setting the Conversion into an Analysis Currency
To configure the conversion into the analysis currency, proceed as follows:
1. In the initial or drilldown list, select Settings → Currency → Analysis currency.
A dialog box appears.
2. In the Currency field, enter the key of the currency in which you want the analysis to be
performed.
3. In the Exchange rate type field, enter the key for the exchange rate.
The system now automatically converts all currencies to the specified analysis currency
using the specified exchange rate.

The system proposes an exchange rate type in the user settings and in Customizing.

Setting the Conversion into the Original Currency
To set the conversion from the analysis currency to the original currency, select Settings →Currency → Original currency.
The values in the results list are then shown in the currency in which they were updated.

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Setting the Value Display

Setting the Value Display
You can display key figure values in two different formats:•Absolute
To obtain this display type, select Settings → Value display → Absolute.

•

As a percentage of the sum of all values in a column
To obtain this display type, select Settings → Value display → Percent.

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Setting the Characteristic Display

Setting the Characteristic Display
You can display characteristic values in three ways:•

As a description, i.e., in the form of text
From the initial or drilldown list, select Settings → Characteristic display →Description.

•

As a key and description
From the initial or drilldown list, select Settings → Characteristic display → Key anddescription.

•

As a key
From the initial or drilldown list, select Settings → Characteristic display → Key.

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Setting the Column Width

Setting the Column Width
You can change the width of the characteristic and key figure columns.

Characteristics Column
To change the width of the characteristic column, proceed as follows:
1. From the initial or drilldown list, select Settings → Column width → Characteristic.
2. Enter the number of characters you require for the column width in the Column width
field and press ENTER.

Key Figures Column
To change the width of the key figure columns, proceed as follows:
1. From the initial or drilldown list, select Settings → Column width → Key figures.
2. Enter the number of characters you require for the column width in the Column width
field and press ENTER.

An output length is stored in the ABAP/4 Dictionary for every key figure. If you selecta column width which is larger than the length of a key figure, the system will ignore
your entry and will show this key figure in the output length.

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Setting the Page Header

Setting the Page Header
You can define whether a log of the current drilldown is displayed or not in the page header. The
drilldown log shows the characteristics, characteristic values and hierarchies used in the
drilldown.
From the initial or drilldown list, select:
Settings → Page header → With drilldown log or
Settings → Page header → W/o drilldown log.

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Defining a Standard Drilldown

Defining a Standard Drilldown
When you select Edit → Choose characteristics, a dialog box appears with a list of thecharacteristics that were set for the standard drilldown.
The list can now be edited, i.e you can change the standard drilldown sequence, delete
characteristics from the list, and add new characteristics for the standard drilldown.
•

Deleting characteristics
To delete an characteristic from the list, position the cursor on it and select Delete.

•

Changing the sequence of characteristics
To change the sequence of the characteristics in the list, position the cursor on thecharacteristic you want to move and select the function Select. Now position the cursor
at the desired point in the list and select the function Move.

•

Adding new characteristics to the standard drilldown sequence
The function Selection list gives you a list of all the characteristics in the information
structure on which the selected analysis is based. Once selected, a characteristic ismarked.
To include a new characteristic in the list, position the cursor on that characteristic andselect the function Copy. The characteristic is then copied to the selection list.
If you press ENTER, you branch to the list of the selected characteristics.
Press ENTER again to return to the initial screen and save the settings with Settings →Save.

Note that with Settings → Save, all of the settings that you changed (parameters,
key figures, standard drilldown) are saved (see Interactive Settings [Page 130])..
Defining Key Figures [Page 137]
Defining Parameters [Page 138]

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Defining Key Figures

Defining Key Figures
To define key figures for results lists, proceed as follows:
1. Select Goto → Key figures.
This takes you to the initial key figures screen.
If no settings have been made as yet for this user, the default settings made in
Customizing are used.
2. Select Edit → Choose key figures.
A dialog box appears listing all the preselected key figures.
You can now edit the list, that is, you can change the standard drilldown sequence,delete key figures from the list, and add new key figures.
•

Deleting key figures
To delete a key figure from the list, position the cursor on it and select Delete.

•

Changing the sequence of key figures
To change the sequence of the key figures in the list, position the cursor on the key
figure you want to move and select the function Select. Now position the cursor on thedesired point in the list and select the function Move.

•

Adding new key figures to the display list
The function Selection list gives you a list of all the key figures in the information
structure on which the selected analysis is based. Once selected, a key figure is marked.
To include a new key figure in the list, position the cursor on that key figure and selectthe function Copy. The key figure is now copied to the selection list.
To return to the list of chosen key figures, press ENTER.
To return to the initial key figure settings screen, press ENTER and save the settings with
Settings → Save.

Note that with Settings → Save, all of the settings that you changed (parameters,
key figures, standard drilldown) are saved.
Defining a Standard Drilldown [Page 136]
Defining Parameters [Page 138]

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Defining Parameters

Defining Parameters
1. Select Goto → Parameters.
This takes you to the initial parameters screen.
You can now define layout parameters and specify default values for the selection
screen of this standard analysis.
2. To save your settings use Settings → Save.

Note that with Settings → Save, all of the settings that you changed (parameters,
key figures, standard drilldown) are saved.
Defining a Standard Drilldown [Page 136]
Defining Key Figures [Page 137]

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Additional Information

Additional Information
The following additional information can be displayed from the initial and drilldown lists:•

All key figure values (for one characteristic value) in the information structure on which
the analysis is based.

•

A selection log that displays the selection parameters you chose for the current analysis.

•

A drilldown log that shows the characteristics, characteristic values, and hierarchies usedin the drilldown.

•

You can graphically display the characteristics defined in your analysis for the standard
drilldown as well as their sequence.

•

If you specified an exception during the standard analysis, you can branch into thedisplay mode for exceptions.

Displaying All Key Figures [Page 140]
Displaying a Selection Log [Page 142]
Displaying a Drilldown Log [Page 143]
Displaying a Standard Drilldown [Page 144]
Displaying Exceptions [Page 145]

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Displaying All Key Figures

Displaying All Key Figures
You can use the function All key figures to display (for one characteristic value in your results listor the totals line) all the key figures in the information structure on which your analysis is based.
This allows you to get a quick overview of all of the key figure values for a certain characteristic
value.
Example: Displaying All Key Figures [Page 141]
If you want to display the values of all of the key figures for a specific characteristic value,
proceed as follows:
1. Position the cursor on the characteristic value for which you wish to display a list of all of
the key figures.
2. Select Extras → All key figures (or double click on a desired key figure column).
A dialog box appears showing all key figures and their values for the selectedcharacteristic value.
By using the function Next charact. value, you can display all of the key figure values forthe next characteristic value in the list, without leaving the dialog box.

You can use the Send function to send the list containing all of the key figures via
SAPoffice. The list can be sent with or without comments. This is described in
Sending Lists [Page 151].

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Example: Displaying All Key Figures

Example: Displaying All Key Figures
You have performed a vendor analysis in the Purchasing Information System and have drilled
down on vendor according to the characteristic material. If you select the All Key figures function,a dialog box appears containing all of the key figures in the underlying information structure, withreference to a specific material.

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Displaying a Selection Log

Displaying a Selection Log
You can display the selection parameters for the current analysis in a log. The following
information is displayed in the selection log:•

Author•Date and time of the selection•

Underlying information structure•

Selection parameters used in the current analysis•

Number of selected records

If you want to display a selection log, from the initial or drilldown list, select:
Extras → Selection log.

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Displaying a Drilldown Log

Displaying a Drilldown Log
You can display a drilldown log to find out the characteristics and characteristic values used inyour drilldown.
To view a drilldown log, from the initial or drilldown list, select:
Extras → Drilldown log.

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Displaying a Standard Drilldown

Displaying a Standard Drilldown
In the standard analyses, the Display standard drilldown function enables you to graphicallydisplay the characteristics defined for this analysis, as well as their sequence. This graphic canalso be printed.
If you want to display the characteristics and the sequence of the standard drilldown, select:
Extras → Display standard drilldown. A dialog box appears with a structural graphic.

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Displaying Exceptions

Displaying Exceptions
If you specified an Exception [Page 48] in the selection screen (see also Early Warning System[Ext.]) during the standard analysis, you can branch into the display mode for exceptions from theinitial or drilldown list.
From the initial or drilldown list, select Extras → Display exception.

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Searching By Letter or Number Combinations

Searching By Letter or Number Combinations
You can use the function Find to search for the initial and drilldown lists in the standard analysis
as well as the lists in the dialog box (for example, ‘All key figures’, comparison lists, selection log)
by letters or number combinations.
The result of this search is displayed in a dialog box with a list of those entries that match thesearch criteria. By double clicking on the entry you require, you can return to the initial or
drilldown list and the entry you searched for will then be displayed at the top of the list.
If you want to search through the currently displayed list by letter or number combination,
proceed as follows:
1. From the standard analysis menu, select Edit → Find
A dialog box appears.
2. In the Search for field, specify the letter or number combinations you want to use.
You can carry out the search in one of two ways:–

Beginning only with the first line of the currently displayed list–

Only for the currently displayed page

3. In the Cancel search after hits field, specify the number of hits after which the searchshould stop.
4. Select the function Find. The system searches the initial or drilldown list in accordancewith the letter or number combinations you specified. A hit list appears.
From the hit list you can:–Begin a new search with the function New search–

Return to the initial or drilldown list by double clicking on the entry you require. The
entry will then be displayed at the top of the list.

or

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Printing a List

Printing a List
You can print the standard analysis list currently displayed on the screen:•

With a selection log(the selection log is shown in the header area of the first printed page)•

Without selection log

Proceed as follows:
1. Select from the standard analysis list currently displayed on the screen(e.g. Purchasing group-, Vendor, Material group, Material) analysis → Print.
If you want to print a list from a dialog box, press the Print button.
A dialog box appears in which you can select whether you want to print with or without aselection log.
2.

Select the parameters you require for the printout and press ENTER.
A selection screen for the print parameters appears.

3. Specify the print parameters you require and select Print.
The list is printed.

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Downloading Lists to a PC File

Downloading Lists to a PC File
You can download the list currently displayed on the screen (initial, drilldown list, list with key
figure comparison, list with previous year comparison, list of ‘All key figures’, etc.) into a PC file.
To download a list that is currently displayed on the screen to a PC file, proceed as follows:
1. If you have an initial or drilldown list, select Analysis → Export → Save in PC file.
If you have a list with a key figure comparison, previous year comparison or a list of ‘allkey figures’, make your selection from the dialog box, in which the list is displayed andpress Save in PC file.
A dialog box appears.
2. Select the format in which the data should be saved. You can choose from the following
possibilities:–

Unconverted–

Spreadsheet–

Rich Text Format

3. Press Enter.
A dialog box appears.
4. In the File name field, specify the name of the file (along with the path) in which the datais to be stored.
5. Select the key OK.
The selected standard analysis data is then saved to the local file.

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Transferring Data to XXL

Transferring Data to XXL
You can transfer the selected data of a standard analysis to XXL (EXtended EXceL). XXL is a
product name for a tool to display and manipulate list objects from R/3 applications. You can use
XXL to process the lists that were created by one of the SAP applications further in various
media, such as Microsoft Excel ® or Lotus 123®.
Standard analysis data is copied in the form of a list object to the XXL interface and can then betransferred further to other media.

Hardware and Software Prerequisites
The following hard- and software prerequisites must be met in order to transfer data to XXL:

HardwarePresentation server under Windows 3.1® or Windows NT®

Software•Microsoft Excel®, Version 5.0•

Lotus 123® (Release 3.0 or higher)

If the Microsoft Access® program is installed on your computer, you can save the data in the list
from Excel to Access where it can be worked on.

You can find further information on XXL in the document BC - SAP XXL. Information
on Excel and Lotus 123 can be found in the respective documentation.

Transferring Data to XXL
If you want to transfer data from a standard analysis to XXL, proceed as follows:
1. From the initial or drilldown list, select the analysis whose data you want to transfer (forexample, Purchasing group, Vendor, Material) analysis → Export → Transfer to XXL.
A dialog box appears.
2. Specify which medium you want to use.
Depending on the software that is installed on your computer, you can use XXL to passon the data to the following:−

SAPofficeYou can save the list object and store it in the inbox of SAPoffice. The list object canthen be sent from the SAPoffice inbox and/or distributed into directories.

−

PC fileYou can store the list object in the local file system so that you can work on it laterwith the available display media.

−

Excel4/SAP Macros
You can display and process the lists using SAP Macros (the so-called List viewer).

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Transferring Data to XXL−

Excel5/Privot Table
You can display and process the list using Excel 5®.

−

Lotus 123
You can display and process the list using Lotus 123®.

If you use user-defined macros, you can also use other display mediums. These arealso located in the dialog box.
3. Further options for processing the list depend on the medium that you have selected.
Proceed as described in the corresponding documentation.

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Sending Lists

Sending Lists
You can send all standard analyses’ initial and drilldown lists as well as the corresponding
selection logs and the drilldown log as an attachment via SAPoffice.
If you want to send an initial or drilldown list, proceed as follows:
1. From the initial or drilldown list (for example, (Material, Location) analysis → Send.
The SAPoffice send screen appears.
The standard analysis list, the accompanying selection log and the drilldown log will beshown as the attachment.
From this screen you can send the three attachments and a comment to your choice ofrecipient. Entering a comment is optional.
2. In the text fields, add a comment if required. In the Recipient field, specify the name of
the recipient and in the Type field, the type of recipient. The type of recipient can be a fax
number, for example, an Internet address, a telex number or a distribution list.
If you want to delete one of the two attachments, select Goto=→ Attachments. A dialog
box appears with the list of attachments. Position the cursor on the attachment that you
want to delete and select the function Delete. Select the function Continue.

You can find further information about how to use SAPoffice in the document WF
SAPoffice Basic functions.
3. To send the attachment(s) and the comment, select Document → Send.

Calling Up a Standard Analysis from SAPoffice
You can branch from a standard analysis list sent by SAPoffice into the respective standard
analysis. This means you can call up the standard analysis from which the sent list originatesfrom SAPoffice. When you use this method, the standard analysis will be started in accordancewith the predefined selection criteria and the system takes you to the initial list of the standard
analysis.

Please note that in the mailed list, only the data from the time of sending isdisplayed. There could be differences between the data in the mailed list and thedata from the standard analysis, which is called up from SAPoffice, due to changes
to the data basis which have taken place in the meantime,
Exception: If a selection version list is sent, then the standard analysis that is calledup from SAPoffice for this list will show the data that was collected when theselection version was created. In this case, the data in the mailed lists will always
agree with the data from the standard analysis that you call up.

Calling up standard analyses
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Sending Lists

152•

From the inbox
In the office inbox, select the document for which you want to display the standard
analysis and select Document → Execute.

•

From the document
In the document that contains the list you require, select Document → Execute

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User-Specific Settings

User-Specific Settings
User-specific settings are settings that can be made for a particular user. You can create thesesettings for every standard analysis.

What Settings Can I Make?
You can make the following settings for a standard analysis:•

Characteristics and their sequence in a standard drilldown•

Key figures that appear in the results lists•

Parameters for the layout of the results lists and the selection screen–

Number of periods for the period to analyze (with or without current periods)–

Exchange rate type for the currency conversion–

Width of the characteristic column and the key figure column–

Drilldown log in the page header–

Characteristic display as text/key/key and text–

Initial graphic or list for displaying the results of the ABC analysis, dual classification,and classification.

Note that you can also select key figures interactively during the standard analyses.
The layout parameters can also be changed during the analysis (see Interactive
Settings [Page 130]).

Executing User-Specific Settings [Page 154]

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Executing User-Specific Settings

Executing User-Specific Settings
If you want to make user-specific settings, proceed as follows:
1. From the information system menu, select the standard analysis you require.
The selection screen appears.
2. Select Goto → User settings.
A dialog box appears.
3. Enter the name of the user for whom you want to make settings in the User field
4. Press ENTER.
The configuration screen for the standard drilldown appears (see also Characteristic
Drilldown [Page 63]).
You first see the characteristics by which the standard drilldown is performed. The
sequence in which the characteristics are listed determines the sequence in which thestandard drilldown takes place (see Interactive Settings [Page 130]).

If no settings have been made as yet for the user, the system proposes the default
settings made in Customizing for the Logistics Information System for the respective
information system are proposed. You can change these settings.

Retrieving Standard Settings from Customizing
Via Settings → Get standard settings you can retrieve the standard settings which are used in
Customizing of the Logistics Information System for the respective information system. You canchange these settings to suit your requirements.
Defining a Standard Drilldown [Page 136]
Defining Key Figures [Page 137]
Defining Parameters [Page 138]

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Flexible Analyses: Overview

Flexible Analyses: Overview
In addition to the standard analyses, flexible analyses provide you with an alternative way ofanalyzing data in the information systems.
This section contains information on the following topics:•

Defining, changing and displaying an evaluation•

Executing an evaluation•

Varying the layout in flexible analyses•

Creating, changing and displaying an evaluation structure

Flexible Analyses: Basics [Page 156]
Evaluations [Page 161]
Creating an Evaluation [Page 163]
Executing an Evaluation [Page 184]
Editing a Report [Page 191]
Changing an Evaluation [Page 196]
Displaying an Evaluation [Page 199]
Deleting an Evaluation [Page 200]
Evaluation Structures [Page 201]
Combining Information from Several Structures [Page 203]
Creating Evaluation Structures with Reference to an Evaluation Structure [Page 206]
Creating Evaluation Structures with Reference to a Data Dictionary Table [Page 210]
Changing an Evaluation Structure [Page 214]
Generating an Evaluation Structure [Page 216]
Displaying an Evaluation Structure [Page 218]
Deleting an Evaluation Structure [Page 219]

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Flexible Analyses: Basics

Flexible Analyses: Basics
Flexible analyses allow you to tailor the way data is combined and consolidated to suit individual
needs. Report Writer functionality enables you to create reports for a variety of applications. The
Report Writer can also be used in extended general ledger and cost center accounting as a toolfor creating reports.

Please note that the complete functionality of the Report Writer is not available in theflexible analyses. If you wish to make use of the full Report Writer functionality, then
you need to edit reports directly with the transactions of the Report Writer.
You can find more information about the Report Writer in the document FI-GLXReport Writer.
You can also vary the layout of your reports. For example, by choosing a particular display type,
you can view and compare the key figure values of different characteristic values in adjacentcolumns.
Example: Report Layout [Page 157]
You can also define additional key figures which are derived from applying mathematicalformulas on existing key figures.
Evaluation structures form the interface to the Report Writer. They consist of characteristics
and key figures.
Every information structure in the standard system has an evaluation structure with the same
name. This means that all information structures can be evaluated using flexible analyses.
You can therefore define evaluations on the basis of an evaluation structure.

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Example: Report Layout

Example: Report Layout
Purchasing Information System: comparing columns containing individual periods for the key
figures "Order value" and “Number of order items” (see diagram below).

398

Key
Figures

Characteristics"Pick up"technique

VendorMaterial
Month

157

Net order value
Number of order items

April 1993

March 1993
Net order
value

Number oforder items

Net order
value

Number oforder items

200,00066$ 240,000

75

Total

$

Smith, Inc.

$

90,00024$ 100,000

26$$

40,00050,00016
8$$40,00060,00016
10$ 110,000

42$ 140,000

49

60,00050,0002
40$$

75,00065,000445

Printer 6512
Computer H217
Jones, Inc.
Laser printer
Personalcomputer

005

$

$

Sales Information System: comparing columns containing individual periods in terms of the key
figures “Open orders” and “Number of open order items” (see the graphic below).

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Example: Report Layout
398

KeyFigures

Characteristics"Pick up"technique

Customer
Material
MonthOpen orders
Number of open
order items

March 1993

Total
Jones, Inc.

Printer 6512
Computer H217
Smith, Inc.

Laser printer
Personalcomputer

005

157

April 1993

Open
ordersNumber of open
order items

OpenordersNumber of open
order items$ 200,000

66$ 240,000

75

90,00024

100,000

26

40,00050,00016
840,00060,00016
10110,000

42

140,000

49

60,00050,0002
40

75,00065,000445Inventory Controlling: comparing columns containing individual periods in terms of the key
figures “Receipt value” and the “Number of receipts” (see the graphic below).
398

Key
Figures

Characteristics"Pick up"technique

Storage location
Material
Month

157

005

Receipt value
Number of receipts

March 1993
Receipt value

Number of receipts

April 1993
Receipt value

Number of receipts

Total$200,000

66$240,00075

Stor.loc. 0004

$90,000

24$100,00026

Mat. - 400
Mat. - 097$40,000$50,000

16
8$40,000$60,000

16
10

Stor.loc. 0006

$110,000

42$140,00049Mat. - 300
Mat. - 288$60,000$50,000

2
40$75,000$65,000

445

Shop Floor Information System: comparing columns containing individual periods in terms of
the key figures “Confirmed quantity” and “Lead times” (see the graphic below).

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Example: Report Layout

Characteristics"Pick up"techniqueWork center
Material
Month

Key
Figures157

005

Quantity
Lead time

March 1993

April 1993

Quantity

Lead time

Quantity

Lead time

Total/mean value

200 pcs

12 days

240 pcs

11 daysMill-01
SpindleGear

90 pcs40 pcs50 pcs9 days10 days
8 days100 pcs
40 pcs60 pcs9 days10 days
8 daysLathe-08
Brake
Spindle110 pcs
60 pcs50 pcs15 days
14 days
16 days

140 pcs
75 pcs65 pcs13 days
12 days
14 days

Plant Maintenance Information System: comparing columns containing individual periods interms of the key figures “Number of breakdowns” and “Mean Time to Repair” (see the graphic
below).
398

Key
Figures

Characteristics"Pick up"technique

Manufacturer
Object class
Month

157

No. of breakdowns
Mean Time To Repair

May 1994
Number of
breakdowns

June 1994
Mean TimeTo Repair

Number of
breakdowns

Mean TimeTo Repair

Total

31

47 hours

29

35 hours

Smith, Inc.

14

21 hours

12

15 hours

Pumps
Engines86

12 hours
9 hours

5
7

7 hours
8 hours

Johnson, Inc.

17

26 hours

17

20 hours

Pumps
Engines6
11

11 hours
15 hours

98

11 hours
9 hours

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Example: Report Layout
Quality Management Information System: comparing columns containing individual periods interms of the key figures “Total quantity” and “Rejected quantity” (see the graphic below).
398

Key
Figures

Characteristics"Pick up"technique

VendorMaterial
Month

005

Total quantity
Rejected quantity

March 1994

Total

April 1994

Total
quantity

Rejected
quantity

Total
quantity

Rejected
quantity

200 Pc17 Pc

240 Pc

20 Pc

90 Pc

7 Pc

100 Pc

5 Pc

Bolt
Wheel

40 Pc
50 Pc

0 Pc
7 Pc

40 Pc
60 Pc

0 Pc
5 Pc

Keller & Co.

110 Pc10 Pc

140 Pc15 Pc

Brake Shoe
Bolt

60 Pc
50 Pc

0 Pc
10 Pc

75 Pc
65 Pc

5 Pc
10 Pc

Johnson and Sons

160

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Evaluations

Evaluations
You create the definition of your evaluation on the basis of an evaluation structure (in technicalterms, the system generates a report).
You then execute the evaluation (in technical terms, the system runs the report that has been
generated).

Evaluation Structure

Define Evaluation Structure

Flexible Analyses

Every information structure in the standard system has an evaluation structure withthe same name. An evaluation structure of the same name can even be
automatically generated for all self-defined information structures that have beencreated in Customizing.
Every automatically generated evaluation structure has an evaluation with the same
name. You can use this evaluation as a template when you create your own
evaluations.
You can find out how to create an evaluation structure in Creating Evaluation
Structures with Reference to an Evaluation Structure [Page 206] andCreating Evaluation Structures with Reference to a Data Dictionary Table [Page210]).

When you define an evaluation, you need to specify the following:•

The evaluation structure (source of data for the evaluation)•

The key figures in the evaluation structure that you want to evaluate•

The characteristics, that is, the way in which the selected key figures are to beaggregated•

The layout of the report

When you execute an evaluation you can also use selection criteria to restrict the scope of thedata for the report.

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Evaluations

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Creating an Evaluation

Creating an Evaluation
In order for an evaluation to give the expected results, you need to know the origin of the data
and the criteria of the selection.
If the evaluation is created on the basis of an evaluation structure, which only refers to one DDIC
table (directly or via another evaluation structure), then this DDIC table is the source of the data.
If the evaluation structure is based on several DDIC tables, then each DDIC table provides thedata for the key figures that were selected in the definition of the underlying evaluation structure.
There is therefore a one-to-one relationship between the key figure and the DDIC table.
The sequence of the characteristics in the evaluation has a decisive influence on the selection ofdata. Here, the first characteristic corresponds to the highest summation level.
If the evaluation structure, to which the evaluation refers, contains characteristics which are not inall of the DDIC tables, then only those characteristics that are available uninterrupted in thecorresponding DDIC table, beginning with the highest summation level, can be taken into
account for each key figure (also see Combining Information from Several Structures [Page203]).

When you create an evaluation for an automatically generated evaluation structure,
the system automatically executes the following processes:–

If the information structure on which the evaluation structure is based haschanged, then the system generates the evaluation structure again.

–

If the information structure on which the evaluation structure is based nolonger exists, then the system deletes the evaluation structure.

–

If there is no evaluation structure, but there is an information structure withthe same name, then the evaluation structure is generated again for the
information structure.

To define an evaluation, proceed as follows:
1. From the information system menu, select:
Flexible analyses → Evaluation→ Create.

The initial screen appears.
2. In the Evaluation structure field, specify the name of the evaluation structure that you
want to use as your source.
You can find out how to create an evaluation structure in Creating Evaluation
Structures with Reference to an Evaluation Structure [Page 206] orCreating Evaluation Structures with Reference to a Data Dictionary Table [Page 210]).
3. In the Evaluation field, enter the name of the evaluation you want to define. This namecan consist of up to four alphanumeric characters.
Also enter an explanatory description.
4. You can use an existing evaluation definition as a template to copy from. To do this,enter the name of the reference evaluation in the Evaluation field.

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Creating an Evaluation

For every automatically generated evaluation structure there is a sample evaluation
with the same name that can be used as a template to copy from.
5. Press ENTER.
The definition screen appears. You can now choose and combine the characteristics andkey figures you want to include in your evaluation.
Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures [Page 165]
Defining Display Types [Page 167]
Defining Formulas [Page 171]
Designing a Layout [Page 177]
Displaying Layout Control [Page 179]
Displaying Technical Information on an Evaluation [Page 173]
Saving an Evaluation Without Generating [Page 180]
Generating an Evaluation [Page 181]
Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen [Page 182]
Mass Generating Evaluations [Page 183]

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Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures

Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures
The procedure for choosing characteristics is basically the same as for choosing key figures. The
following description therefore applies to both functions.
By selecting Edit → Characteristics, a dialog box appears with a list of all the characteristics inthe evaluation structure you have specified. Similarly, when you select Edit → Key figures a list
appears containing all key figures in the specified evaluation structure.
From these lists, you can choose the characteristics and key figures (hereafter referred to as
fields) you require.
1. To copy a field from the selection list, position the cursor on that field and select Copy.
The field is then marked and is copied to the list of chosen fields.
To select a block of entries for copying, position the cursor at the beginning of the blockand select the function Select block. Position the cursor at the end of the block that you
want to copy and select the function Select block once more. To copy this block to the listof chosen fields, select the function Copy.
2. Press ENTER to branch to the list of chosen fields. A dialog box appears containing a listof the fields you have chosen.
You can now edit this list, that is, you can change the sequence of the fields, delete fields
from the list, and add new fields from the information structure.

This is where you define the sequence in which the characteristics and key figures
are later displayed in the report.
•

Deleting fields
To delete a field from the list, position the cursor on this field and select the function
Delete.

•Changing the sequence of the fields
To change the sequence of the fields in the list, position the cursor on the field thatyou want to move and choose the function Select. Now position the cursor on therequired position in the list and select the function Move. The selected field is placed
exactly above the field where the cursor is located.

•

Adding new fields from the evaluation structure
The function Selection list gives you a list of all the key figures and characteristics inthe specified information structure. The fields you have already copied are marked.
If you want to add a new field to the list, place the cursor on that field and select thefunction Copy. The field is then copied into the selection list.
You can branch to the list of chosen fields by pressing ENTER.

3. You can return to the definition screen by selecting the Copy function.
On the left side of the screen, you can see the list of chosen characteristics, and on theright the list of chosen key figures.
Defining Display Types [Page 167]

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Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures
Defining Formulas [Page 171]
Designing a Layout [Page 177]
Displaying Layout Control [Page 179]
Displaying Technical Information on an Evaluation [Page 173]
Saving an Evaluation Without Generating [Page 180]
Generating an Evaluation [Page 181]
Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen [Page 182]
Mass Generating Evaluations [Page 183]

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Defining Display Types

Defining Display Types
You can influence the layout of reports through your choice of display type. You can define adisplay type for every characteristic you choose. In this way, you can format your report so thatyou can compare the key figure values of two or more characteristic values in adjacent columns,
for example.
To define a display type for a characteristic, proceed as follows:
1. In the definition screen, place the cursor on the characteristic you require in the list andselect Edit → Type.
A dialog box appears in which you can choose between several different display types.
The following display types are possible:•

Standard display (type " ")If you select the standard display, the characteristics are shown in the sequence you
defined in the selection.

•

Comparison of individual characteristic values per key figure (type 1)
Type 1 compares the specified key figure values for the characteristic designated in
type 1 in adjacent columns. Display type 1 can only be selected for one characteristic
at a time.
Example: Display Type 1 [Page 169]•

Comparison of key figures per characteristic (type 2)
If you assign type 2 to a characteristic, the different key figures of each characteristic
value are displayed in adjacent columns. You can only choose display type 2 for one
characteristic.
Example: Display Type 2 [Page 170]•

Characteristic in selection only (type 3)
The characteristic designated in type 3 is not displayed in the output list, but is used
only for data selection purposes when an evaluation is executed.

2. If you have decided to use type 1 or type 2, you also need to specify the number ofcolumn repetitions. This corresponds to the number of characteristic values that can becompared in the report.
The number of repeated columns can be between 2 and 12. The system uses 2 as thestandard value for column repetition.
3. To confirm your entries, select the function Copy.
Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures [Page 165]
Defining Formulas [Page 171]
Designing a Layout [Page 177]
Displaying Layout Control [Page 179]
Displaying Technical Information on an Evaluation [Page 173]
Saving an Evaluation Without Generating [Page 180]

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Defining Display Types
Generating an Evaluation [Page 181]
Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen [Page 182]
Mass Generating Evaluations [Page 183]

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Defining Display Types

Example: Display Type 1
In the Purchasing Information System, you select the following characteristics:•

Vendor•Material•

Periodand the following key figures:•

Order value•

Invoice value

You then select type 1 for the characteristic “vendor”.
The layout of your report looks like this:Characteristic

Order value

Invoice value

Vendor 1

Vendor 2

Vendor 1

Vendor 2

Material
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Example: Display Type 2
In the Shop Floor Information System, you select the following characteristics:•

Work center•

Material•

Periodand the following key figures:•

Confirmed quantity•

Actual lead time

You then select type 2 for the characteristic “work center”. The list layout looks like this:Characterist
ic

Work center
1

Work center 2

Confirmed
qty.

Actual leadtime

Confirmed qty.

Actual lead time

Material
Period170

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Defining Formulas

Defining Formulas
You can also create additional key figures which are derived from applying mathematicalformulas on existing key figures. For example, you can multiply or divide one key figure byanother.

In the Purchasing Information System, you have created an evaluation structure withthe key figures "Order value” and “Order items”. You can now determine the key
figure "average order value per item" by using a formula (the quotient of "Ordervalue" and "Order items").
To define a formula, proceed as follows:
1. Place the cursor on the key figure you require and select Edit → Insert formula.
A dialog box appears in which you can enter a formula.
In the upper part of the dialog box are all of the key figures that you previously selected
for the definition along with the respective identification code for use in the formula. The
lower part of the dialog box contains the formula lines. This is where you can enter yourformula.
2. In the Name field, enter a description for the formula that you want to create. This
description appears later in the list of key figures and is displayed later with the report.
3. To include a key figure in the formula, position the cursor on the key figure you requireand select the Choose (or double-click with the mouse). The identification code is copied
to the formula line.
The following operators are available for you to link key figures in a formula:Operation

SymbolAddition+

Subtraction-

Multiplication*

Division/

Brackets()

If you enter a key figure identification code manually, you must mark it with single
quotation marks (for example, 'S011-NETWR').
4. Confirm your entry with Copy. The name of the newly defined key figure is copied to the
key figures list. All key figures that are determined by a formula are marked with anindicator after their description.
Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures [Page 165]

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Defining Formulas
Defining Display Types [Page 167]
Designing a Layout [Page 177]
Displaying Layout Control [Page 179]
Displaying Technical Information on an Evaluation [Page 173]
Saving an Evaluation Without Generating [Page 180]
Generating an Evaluation [Page 181]
Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen [Page 182]
Mass Generating Evaluations [Page 183]

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Displaying Technical Information on an Evaluation

Displaying Technical Information on an Evaluation
You can display the following technical information for the evaluation function:•

Library [Page 174]•

Report [Page 175]•

Report group [Page 176]

To display technical information, select from the definition screen Edit → Technical info. A
dialog box appears with the Library, Report, and Report group references. You can use one ofthe pushbuttons (Library, Report or Report group) to branch into the respective Report Writertransaction.

Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures [Page 165]
Defining Display Types [Page 167]
Defining Formulas [Page 171]
Designing a Layout [Page 177]
Displaying Layout Control [Page 179]
Saving an Evaluation Without Generating [Page 180]
Generating an Evaluation [Page 181]
Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen [Page 182]
Mass Generating Evaluations [Page 183]

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Library

Library
A report must be assigned to a library. The library defines which database fields can be used in areport.
Please refer to the Report Writer documentation for more information.

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ReportReport
The term report means the organizing of data from a database into the form of a list. The
structure of the report can be determined in the report definition.
Please refer to the Report Writer documentation for more information.

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Report group

Report group
This means the grouping together of reports from a library that are to be processed together.
Combining reports to make one report group is always advisable if the reports are intended toevaluate virtually the same dataset.
Please refer to the Report Writer documentation for more information.

In the Logistics Information System a report group always comprises one report only.

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Designing a Layout

Designing a Layout
You can maintain layout parameters for the subsequent output of the report when you create orchange an evaluation definition.
To do this, select Edit → Layout from the definition screen.
The following table contains an overview of the most important parameters that you can set.
Menu Sequence

Parameters

Layout → Page/control

Margins
Page size
Graphics parameters
Color setting

Layout → Line totals

Totals item
Summation interval
Total indicators
Total carried overNumber of zero indicators

Layout → Line texts

Type of text
Indentation
Underline text
Key column (width/position)

Layout → Column totals

Totals item
Column division
Right margin
Unit width
Layout variants

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Designing a Layout
Layout → Column texts

Type of text
Alignment (left/right/center)
Hide zero column
Underline column boundaries

Layout → Display

Display parameters for:-number format-

zero value-

undefined lines

Language-dependent display parameters:-

decimal indicators

-

signs

-

date

Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures [Page 165]
Defining Display Types [Page 167]
Defining Formulas [Page 171]
Displaying Layout Control [Page 179]
Displaying Technical Information on an Evaluation [Page 173]
Saving an Evaluation Without Generating [Page 180]
Generating an Evaluation [Page 181]
Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen [Page 182]
Mass Generating Evaluations [Page 183]

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Displaying Layout Control

Displaying Layout Control
You can check the layout of the report for the evaluation you have defined. You can see theschematic structure of the report, without any data being displayed.
To display layout control, select the function Edit=→ Layout →. Layout control.
Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures [Page 165]
Defining Display Types [Page 167]
Defining Formulas [Page 171]
Designing a Layout [Page 177]
Displaying Technical Information on an Evaluation [Page 173]
Saving an Evaluation Without Generating [Page 180]
Generating an Evaluation [Page 181]
Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen [Page 182]
Mass Generating Evaluations [Page 183]

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Saving an Evaluation Without Generating

Saving an Evaluation Without Generating
You can save the definition of an evaluation without generating the evaluation. When you savethe evaluation, you can include it in a transport order. In this way, you can also transport theevaluation into other systems (please refer to Transporting Evaluations and Evaluation Structures[Page 217]). When you save without generating, no reports are generated, only the definition issaved. This saves time and later on you can perform a mass generation of evaluations as a
background job in Customizing.
To save an evaluation without generating it, from the definition screen, selectEvaluation → Save.

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Generating an Evaluation

Generating an Evaluation
Once you have defined an evaluation, you need to generate it. When you save the evaluation,
you can include it in a transport order. In this way, you can also transport the evaluation into
other systems (please refer to Transporting Evaluations and Evaluation Structures [Page 217]).
To generate an evaluation, select Evaluation → Generate.
You return to the initial screen and receive the message that the evaluation has been generated.
The evaluation is now saved.

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Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen

Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen
You can execute the newly defined evaluation directly from the definition screen.
To do this, select Evaluation → Execute.
If your evaluation has not yet been generated, a window appears asking you whether theevaluation should be generated. Confirm this message with Yes.
A selection screen appears in which you can further limit the scope of the list by specifying
selection criteria.
You will find further information on the Execute function and the Execute without selection
function in Executing an Evaluation [Page 184].

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Mass Generating Evaluations

Mass Generating Evaluations
You can use the mass generation function to generate evaluations that have not yet been
generated.
You can branch to the mass generation selection screen from the initial screen for
Displaying/Creating/Changing an evaluation as follows: Tools → Mass generation.

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Executing an Evaluation

Executing an Evaluation
You can execute a generated evaluation either with or without a selection.
Executing an Evaluation With a Selection [Page 185]
Executing an Evaluation Without a Selection [Page 189]

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Executing an Evaluation With a Selection

Executing an Evaluation With a Selection
To execute an evaluation with a selection, proceed as follows:
1. From the information system menu, select Flexible analyses → Evaluation →Execute.
The initial screen appears.
2. In the Evaluation structure field, enter the name of the evaluation structure on which yourevaluation is based.
3. In the Evaluation field, enter the name of the evaluation that you want to execute.
4. Select the Execute function.
A selection screen appears where you can narrow down the scope of the characteristics
in your evaluation definition by specifying characteristic values
5. Specify the selection criteria you require for your report.
You can also specify selection criteria in the form of so-called Sets [Page 188].
The pushbuttons on the selection screen offer you the following, additional parameters:
Create extract:–

Output report
This field has already been selected. It means that the list will be processed anddisplayed immediately after the data selection.

–

Save data permanently
If you set this indicator, the selected data will be saved. You can then access it at any
time without having to repeat the data selection.
Note that only permanently saved reports can be sent via SAPoffice.

–Name of the saved data
If you have set the Save data permanently indicator, you can specify a name for thestored data in this field.

–

Password
Specification of a password is optional. If you use a password you can protect data thathas been permanently saved from external access. If you specify a password, you cansubsequently only display the evaluation data once you provided the password.
Output Parameters:–

Output medium
This field determines the medium in which reports are output.
You can choose between:
0: Screen or printer1: Text file on the application server, which means the machine on which the SAP R/3
System runs.

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Executing an Evaluation With a Selection
2: Text file on the presentation server, which means the computer on which you are
currently working (for example, a personal computer). This allows you to store areport directly on your PC, where you can then edit it.
3: Screen/department printer
4: Excel
5: Transfer data to EIS (Executive Information System)–

Output format
This field determines the format of the report.
You can choose between:–

0:

List format
This is thescreen format.

1:

Tabular format
This format
cannot be
displayed onscreen. It is
used toexchange datausing external
programs, forexample, toimport a report
into aspreadsheet.
Formatting
symbols areomitted andreport columns
are separated
by tabs.

File format
This parameter defines the type of file to which the report is to be exported. Thisparameter is only useful if the output medium is the presentation server (output
medium = 2).
The following formats are supported: ASC = ASCII, BIN = binary format, DBF =DBASE format, IBM = ASCII with IBM code page conversion (DOS), WK1 =spreadsheet format, DAT = ASCII data table with column tabs.

–

Mail interface
You can send permanently saved reports from the R/3 system by mail. You can send thereport directly by specifying the name of the SAPoffice user in the field Recipient. This
allows the report to be sent in the background. If you select the Output report indicator as
well, then the report will also be sent simultaneously to the printer or will be displayed on
the screen.

6. To execute your evaluation, select Program → Execute.

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Executing an Evaluation With a Selection

The system takes you to the Report Writer where the report is displayed on screen.

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SAP AGSets

Sets
A set is a structure that groups values or ranges of values together under a set name.
For example, for the characteristic “Plant”, you can group together all plants in a region. You cangroup the plants 0001 to 0003 into one set "Plants in Georgia" and the plants 0009, 0011-0014
into a set "Plants in Virginia". The next step would be to combine these two sets by creating theunit "Plants in the South". In this way, you can easily customize your company's organizational
structures.
You can create sets for every characteristic that appears in an evaluation structure. Grouping in
the form of sets can be used for each characteristic that appears in an evaluation structure. Sets
can therefore be used to give a special view on the purchasing information stored in theinformation structures.

For further information about sets, please refer to the document FI-SL - Sets.

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Executing an Evaluation Without a Selection

Executing an Evaluation Without a Selection
You can only execute an evaluation without a selection if it has already been executed before
and if the data was saved using the Save data permanently indicator in the selection screen.
To execute an evaluation without a selection, proceed as follows:
1. From the Purchasing Information System (PURCHIS) menu, select:
Flexible analyses → Evaluation → Execute.
The initial screen appears.
2. On the initial screen in the Evaluation screen field enter the name of the evaluation
structure to which your evaluation refers.
3. In the Evaluation field, specify the name of the evaluation you want to execute.
4. Select the function Execute w/o selection.
5. In the Name of saved data field, enter the name under which you stored the data.
If the evaluation has a password, enter it in the Password field.
The following output parameters are available:–

Output medium
Use this field to determine the medium used to issue reports.
You can choose between:
0: Screen or printer1: Text file on the application server, which means the machine on which the SAP R/3
System runs.
2: Text file on the presentation server, which means the computer on which you are
currently working (for example, a personal computer). This allows you to store areport directly on your PC, where you can then edit it.
3: Screen/department printer
4: Excel
5: Transfer data to EIS (Executive Information System)–

Output format
Use this field to determine the format of the report.
You can choose between:0:

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List format
This is thescreen format.

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Executing an Evaluation Without a Selection
1:–

Table format
This format
cannot be
displayed onscreen. It is
used toexchange
data using
external
programs, forexample, toimport a report
into aspreadsheet.
Formatting
symbols areomitted andreportcolumns are
separated bytabs.

File format
This parameter defines the type of file to which the report is to be exported. Thisparameter is only useful if the output medium is the presentation server (output
medium = 2).
The following formats are supported: ASC = ASCII, BIN = binary format, DBF =DBASE format, IBM = ASCII with IBM code page conversion (DOS), WK1 =spreadsheet format, DAT = ASCII data table with column tabs.

–

File name
If you chose 1 or 2 as the output medium then you must specify the name of a file inwhich the report is to be written. You can find detailed information in the on-line help
(F1 Help).

6. To start the evaluation, select Program → Execute.
The system takes you into Report Writer and the report appears on the screen.

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Editing a Report

Editing a Report
It is now possible to edit your report data using the Report Writer. You can also change the layoutof the report. The most important functions of the layout design are summarized below.

Summation levels
In the report screen, you can use the menu sequence View → Summation level to specify the
number of summation used to calculate total values. All totals that do not lie within the specified
interval will be hidden. A summation level corresponds to a hierarchical level (for example,
material level). Summation level 1 is the lowest hierarchical level. Summation level 2 is the nextlevel up, and so on. The individual values are on the summation level 0.
The summation levels can be specified both universally (for the entire report) or locally (forspecific blocks of rows). In this case, the local settings overwrite global values.

Report views
If a report is displayed on the screen, the Report Writer will then set page breaks so that exactly
one page fits into the current window. This view will be defined as the standard view. As theReport Writer always processes exactly one page, you can only use the page keys and pageicons to page up and down; the scroll bars cannot be used.
The page view can be determined via Settings → Page view. The page breaks in the page viewcorrespond to those defined in the report layout.

Hide and show rows
The function Edit → Hide rows exclude certain preselected areas of your report from thedisplay. You can undo this command with Edit → Show rows.

Expanding and collapsing report rows
View → Hierarchy → Collapse allows you to hide the report rows of the sub-trees that arelocated underneath. View → Hierarchy → Expand allows you to undo this command level bylevel.
If you want to display all the report rows that were hidden by collapsing the hierarchy or
restricting the summation levels, select, View → Hierarchy → Expand all.
View → Collapse all allows you to reduced every row block to the highest summation level.

Texts and Annotations
You can create an annotation for your report.
Select: Extras → Annotation.
You branch into the text editor of the Report Writer.
Via the menu sequence Settings → Texts, you can create and format a title page, the last page,
as well as headers and footers using word processing functions.
For example, you can store variables in the header for the author of the report, the date of theselection or the name of the person who last changed the report.

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Editing a Report

Layout parameters
Using the menu sequence Settings → Layout you can specify the page format, display form,rows and columns of the report according to your needs and you can determine the settings forthe graphics function. You can make these layout settings with Report → Save settings.
The following table gives you an overview of the most important parameters that you candetermine in the menu Settings → Layout.
Menu sequence

Parameters

Layout → Page/control

Margins
Page size
Graphics parameters
Color setting

Layout → Row totals

Totals position
Summation range
Total indicators
Total carried overNumber of zero indicators

Layout → Row texts

Type of text
Indentation
Underline text
Key column (width/position)

Layout → Column totals

Totals item
Column division
Right margin
Unit width
Layout variants

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Editing a Report

Layout → Column texts

Type of text
Alignment (left/right/center)
Suppress zero column
Underline column boundaries

Layout → Representation

Display parameters for:-Number format-

Zero value-

Undefined lines

Language-dependent display parameters:-

Decimal indicators

-

Signs

-

Date

To set the column width of the key column and the other columns, select Settings → Column
width.

Setting the threshold value condition
You can set a threshold value condition in a report in order to hide or highlight lines depending
upon the number values in a reference column.
In order to save a threshold value requirement, select Edit → Threshold value. A dialog box
appears. Specify the following parameters:•

Condition (relation to the threshold value)•Threshold value•

Reference column (number of the column to which the threshold value requirement
refers)To ignore the +/- sign during a check, select the indicator Ignore +/- sign. This is useful, forexample, if you want all of the lines in a report to be highlighted, for which a deviation, either
positive or negative, exceeds a certain threshold value.

Sorting
The report can be sorted. Sorting retains the sequence which is specified by the summation
hierarchy. Only those report lines are sorted that are in succession and have the same
summation level. If the report was set so that only the lines of a summation level are displayed,then these lines will be continuously sorted. Only those lines from the current section of thereport are sorted. The reference column according to which sorting is done, will then be marked
with a symbol in the column heading.

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Editing a Report
To start the sort function, position the cursor on the column to be sorted and select Edit → Sort inascending order or Edit → Sort in descending order. In order to restore the original sequence ofthe report lines, select Report → Remove sort sequence.

Saving selected date
You can save the selected data from the report. To do this, select Report → Save data.

Sending reports
With the Report → Send command, you can send a report within the R/3 system via SAPoffice.
The only condition is that the Save data permanently indicator was selected, which is in theselection screen for executing the evaluation (see Executing an Evaluation With a Selection[Page 185]).

Output of reports
You can output a report in several ways:•

Printing
Select Report → Print.
A dialog box appears where you can specify whether the current page or the entire
report is to be printed. If you want to print the complete report, the number of lines per
page will be taken from the report layout. To show additional options for the printing
function, use the More options key. (page selection, number of lines per page, page
length).

•ExportingThis report allows you to file your report under a specified name and to control the
medium (application server or presentation server) used to output the report.
To do this, select:
Report → Export.
A window appears in which you can assign a file name and define the output
parameters.

•

Graphics
You can issue certain preselected areas of your report as graphics.
To do this, proceed as follows:
1. Select the areas of your report to be graphically displayed
2. Select Goto → Graphics.
The first screen to appear is the graphics type that you determined with Settings →Layout → Page/control.

Selection Log
By selecting the menu sequence Extras → Selection log you can display a selection log for thereport. In the selection log you will find technical information on the report (for example, selection
criteria, statistical data for the table, statistics for record processing, runtime, etc.).

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Editing a Report

You can edit the reports that were created with the flexible analyses still further. To dothis, you can branch from the displayed report into other transactions of the Report
Writer. You can find more information about this in the document FI-GLX-Report
Writer.

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Changing an Evaluation

Changing an Evaluation
Auswertung vom Definitionsbild ausführen [Page 198]
To change the definition of an evaluation, proceed as follows:
1. From the information system menu, select Flexible analyses → Evaluation → Change.
2. In the Evaluation structure field, enter the name of the evaluation structure on which yourevaluation is based.
3. In the Evaluation field, enter the name of the evaluation you want to change.
4. Press ENTER.
The initial screen appears for changing the definition.
The characteristics defined in the evaluation are displayed on the left side of the screen,
the key figures on the right.
Editing Characteristics and Key Figures [Page 197]
Generating an Evaluation [Page 181]
Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen

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Editing Characteristics and Key Figures

Editing Characteristics and Key Figures
If you select Edit → Key figures, a dialog box appears with a list of all the key figures you
specified in the definition. Similarly, the function Edit → Characteristics presents you with a listof all the characteristics you specified in the definition.
You can now edit the list of key figures or characteristics. You can delete characteristics/key
figures, change their sequence, or include new characteristics/key figures from the evaluation
structure in your evaluation.
The procedure basically the same for editing both key figures and characteristics (hereafterreferred to as fields). The following description therefore applies to both functions.

Deleting fields
To delete a field from the list, position the cursor on that field and select the function Delete.

Changing the field sequence in the list
To change the sequence of fields in the list, position the cursor on the field you want to move andchoose the function Select. Now position the cursor on the place to which you wish to move thefield in the list. To move the selected field to this point, choose the function Move. The selected
field is placed exactly above the field on which you positioned the cursor.

Adding new fields from the evaluation structure
The Selection list function gives you a list of all the key figures or characteristics in the evaluation
structure you have selected. The fields you have already chosen are marked.
If you want to include a new field in the list, position the cursor on that field and select thefunction Copy. The field is now copied to the selection list.
You can access the list of chosen fields by pressing ENTER.
To return to the definition screen, press ENTER again.

Defining formulas/specifying display types
You can determine display types in the same way as when you create a definition. You can also
define formulas and change formulas you have already determined. Please refer to Defining
Formulas [Page 171] and Defining Display Types [Page 167].

Layout control
You can check the layout of the report for the evaluation you have defined. You can see theschematic structure of the report, but no data is displayed.
To access the layout control, select the function Edit → Layout → Layout control.

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Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen

Executing an Evaluation from the Definition Screen
Merkmale und Kennzahlen auswählen [Page 208]
You can execute the newly defined evaluation from the definition screen.
To do this, select Evaluation → Execute.
If your evaluation has not yet been generated, a window appears asking you whether theevaluation should be generated. Confirm this message with Yes.
A selection screen appears on which you can narrow down the scope of the results list by
specifying selection criteria.
You can find more information on the Execute and Execute without selection functions under the
topic Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures.

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Displaying an Evaluation

Displaying an Evaluation
To display an evaluation definition, from the information system menu select:
Flexible Analyses → Evaluation → Display.
The definition screen appears.

Layout control
You can check the layout of your evaluation's report. You can see the schematic structure of thereport, but the data will not be displayed
To access layout control, select the function Edit → Layout → Layout control.

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Deleting an Evaluation

Deleting an Evaluation
To delete an evaluation, proceed as follows:
1. From the information system menu, select Flexible analyses → Evaluation → Change.
The initial Change Definition screen appears.
2. Enter the name of the evaluation structure to which the evaluation refers in the
Evaluation structure field.
3. Enter the name of the evaluation that you want to delete in the Evaluation field.
4. Select Evaluation → Delete.

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Evaluation Structures

Evaluation Structures
Evaluation structures form the interface between the flexible analyses and Report Writer.
You need to create evaluation structures in the following situations:•

You want to evaluate a DD table•

You want to combine several structures (DD tables and/or already existing evaluation
structures) and evaluate them together.

An evaluation structure with the same name exists for each information structure. This meansthat you can use the flexible analyses to evaluate information structures. An evaluation structurewith the same name is automatically generated for all self-defined information structures that you
create in Customizing. You therefore do not need to create an evaluation structure to evaluate an
information structure using the flexible analyses.
You can create evaluation structures with reference to the following:•

One or several existing evaluation structures•

Any Data Dictionary structure (for example, document files).

You can define your own evaluations on the basis of evaluation structures (Creating an
Evaluation [Page 163]).

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Evaluation Structures
Standard data basis

DDIC
tablesInfostructures

Logical views

Evaluation
information
structures

Customized
evaluations

Flexibleanalyses

Combining Information from Several Structures [Page 203]
Creating Evaluation Structures with Reference to an Evaluation Structure [Page 206]
Creating Evaluation Structures with Reference to a Data Dictionary Table [Page 210]202

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Combining Information from Several Structures

Combining Information from Several Structures
You can combine data from several structures, that is, combining characteristics and key figuresfrom different structures (for example, evaluation structures or information structures, DD tables)in the following cases:

Case 1
You want to combine and evaluate information from two or more evaluation structures.

Case 2
You want to combine and evaluate data from two or more DD tables.

Case 3
You want to combine and evaluate information from an evaluation structure and a DD table.
The following illustration shows you the procedure for these three cases.

Note that an evaluation structure with the same name already exists for each
information structure in LIS.

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Combining Information from Several Structures
DD table
C1

C5
K8
C1 C2
K3

K10
C6

C2

Step I

DD table

K1

C3

K7 K2

2

Evaluation structure

Evaluation structure

K1 K2

C1 C5 C6

K3 K4

3Step II

Evaluation structure
C1 C5 C6

C1
C6

K4

1

C1 C6

Step IIIK9

K1 K2 K3 K4AEvaluation
K1 K3
x
x
x
x

B

Evaluation

C1
C6
C5
C3

K1 K2
x x
x x

K3
x
x
x
x

K = Key figure
C = Characteristics

The procedures that are described below refer to the above illustration.

Procedure for case 1
If you want to combine and evaluate data from two or more evaluation structures, execute steps
1 and 3. (refer to illustration) Step 1 (create an evaluation structure with reference to a DD table)
no longer needs to be carried out.
In this case, create an evaluation structure with reference to an existing evaluation structure andthen define the evaluation on the basis of this evaluation structure (step 3).

Procedure for case 2
If you want to combine and evaluate information from two or more DD tables, then execute steps
1 to 3.
You first need to create an evaluation structure for each DD table (step 1, create an evaluation
structure with reference to a DD table). To combine information from these evaluation structures,
create another evaluation structure (step 2, create an evaluation structure with reference to204

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evaluation structures).
You then define the evaluation on the basis of this evaluation structure (step 3).

Procedure for case 3
You want to combine and evaluate information from an evaluation structure and a DD table.
You first need to create an evaluation structure for the DD table (step 1, create an evaluation
structure with reference to DD table).To combine both of the evaluation structures, create a new
evaluation structure (step 2, create an evaluation structure with reference to evaluation
structure).
You then define the evaluation on the basis of the combined evaluation structures (step 3).

The sequence of the selected characteristics and key figures in the evaluation
structure is irrelevant. During generation, these fields are sorted alphabeticallyaccording to their field names.
Please note the following additional restrictions for combining evaluation structures:
1. Technical restrictions:
Only table fields that have the field type C (text), D (date), or N (numeric text)
can be selected as characteristics. Only table fields with the field type P(packed number), I (integer), F (floating point) or X (hexadecimal) can beused as key figures.
When you combine evaluation structures, you can only select key figures thatare different.
Note that in the evaluation, the data always originates from the table from which
the key figure was selected.
Due to the few technical restrictions, non-key fields from the DD tables can also
be selected as characteristics. This, however, along with a variety of othercomplex characteristic combinations from the tables which probably do not havea corresponding index, could result in very long execution times for theevaluations.
2. Logical restrictions:
In order to ensure that the evaluations for the newly created evaluation
structures produce complete lists, you should use only characteristics thatappear in all of the evaluation structures. In the above illustration, in
evaluation B, for example, the key figures K1 and K2 from evaluation
structure 1 cannot be determined for characteristic C3, since thischaracteristic is not available in evaluation structure 1. As a result, no data
exists for this combination.
Only the sequence of the characteristics and key figures in the evaluation
definition is of relevance for the selection of data in an evaluation.

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Creating Evaluation Structures with Reference to an Evaluation Structure

Creating Evaluation Structures with Reference to an
Evaluation Structure
Merkmale und Kennzahlen auswählen [Page 208]

When you create an evaluation structure, the system automatically carries out thefollowing processes:–

If the information structure, to which an evaluation structure refers, haschanged, then the system then regenerates the evaluation.

–

If the information structure, to which the evaluation structure refers, nolonger exists, then the system deletes the evaluation structure.

–

If there is no evaluation structure, but an information structure exists with thesame name, the evaluation structure is regenerated for the information
structure.

If you want to create an evaluation structure with reference to one or more existing evaluation
structures, proceed as follows:
1. From the information system menu, select Flexible analyses → Evaluation structure →=Create.
The initial screen appears.
2. In the Evaluation structure field, enter the name of the evaluation structure that you wantto create.

The name of the evaluation structure must begin with the letters ZF.
Also provide an explanatory description of the evaluation structure.
3. Select Evaluation structure → Create with reference → Evaluation structure reference.
The definition screen appears.
In the definition screen, you can now combine the characteristics and key figures from aevaluation structure of your choice.

Please note the following cases:–

An information structure exists, but there is no evaluation structure for thisinformation structure.

–

The information structure, to which an evaluation structure refers, haschanged.

If one or both cases applies, a dialog box appears when you select thecharacteristics or key figures. The evaluation structures to which these cases apply
are displayed in this dialog box. Press Enter. A window appears with the question
about whether the displayed evaluation structures should be regenerated. If you
answer Yes, the evaluation structures will be regenerated.

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Creating Evaluation Structures with Reference to an Evaluation Structure

Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures
Technical Information About the Evaluation Structure [Page 213]
Generating an Evaluation Structure [Page 216]

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Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures

Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures
The procedure for combining characteristics and key figures (hereafter referred to as fields) ispractically the same. The following description therefore applies to both functions.
When you select Edit → Characteristics, a dialog box appears showing the list of evaluation
structures on the right and a list of all the characteristics in the selected evaluation structure on
the left.
Similarly, when you select Edit → Key figures a dialog box appears showing the list ofevaluation structures on the right, and on the left a list of all the key figures in the selectedevaluation structure.
To obtain a list of all the fields in an evaluation structure, proceed as follows:
1. Position the cursor on the evaluation structure whose fields you want to display andselect the function Select (or double-click with the mouse).
A list of all the fields in the specified evaluation structure appears in the left side of thewindow.
2. To copy a field from this list to your evaluation information structure, position the cursor
on that field and select the function Copy (or double-click with the mouse).
The field is marked and copied to the list of chosen fields.
To select a block of fields for copying, position the cursor at the beginning of the blockand select the function Select block. Position the cursor at the end of the block andselect the function Select block once again. To copy this block to the list of chosen fields,
select the function Copy.
3. To access the list of chosen fields, press CLOSE. A dialog box appears containing the listof chosen fields.
With the pushbutton Switch display, you can display the technical names of the key
figures, i.e., tables.
You can now edit the list of selected fields, that is, you can delete fields from the list andadd new fields from an evaluation structure of your choice.

The sequence of the selected characteristics and key figures in the evaluation
structure is irrelevant. During generation, these fields are sorted alphabeticallyaccording to their field names.
•

Deleting fields
To delete a field from the list, position the cursor on that field and select the function
Delete.

•Adding new fields from the evaluation structure
The function Selection list gives you the list of evaluation structures and a list offields for the evaluation structure. To copy new fields, carry out steps 1 to 3
described above.

4. Press ENTER to return to the definition screen.
The list of characteristics you have chosen is displayed on the left side of the screen, andthe list of key figures on the right.

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Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures

Technical Information About the Evaluation Structure [Page 213]
Generating an Evaluation Structure [Page 216]

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Creating Evaluation Structures with Reference to a Data Dictionary Table

Creating Evaluation Structures with Reference to a Data
Dictionary Table
If you want to create an evaluation structure with reference to one or more Data Dictionary
structures, proceed as follows:
1. From the information system menu, select Flexible analyses → Evaluation structure →Create.
The initial screen appears.
2. In the Evaluation structure field, enter the name of the evaluation structure you want tocreate.

The name of the evaluation structure must begin with the letters ZF.
You must also enter an explanatory description of the evaluation structure.
3. Select Evaluation structure → Create w. reference → DD table ref.
A dialog box appears in which you enter the name of a Data Dictionary table.
4. In the Table field, enter the name of the Data Dictionary structure on which you want tobase your evaluation structure and press ENTER.
In the definition screen, you can now combine characteristics and key figures from the specified
Data Dictionary structure.
Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures [Page 211]
Technical Information About the Evaluation Structure [Page 213]
Generating an Evaluation Structure [Page 216]

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Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures

Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures
The procedure for combining characteristics and key figures (hereafter referred to as fields) ispractically the same. The following description therefore applies to both functions.
When you select Edit → Characteristics, a dialog box appears showing the list of characteristics
from the DD table.
Similarly, when you select Edit → Key figures a dialog box appears showing the list of key
figures from the DD table.
You can now select the characteristics and key figures you require from the lists.
1. To copy a field from the selection list, select the field you require in the list and choose
the function Copy.
The field you choose is now marked and will be copied into the list of the selected fields.
To select a block of fields for copying, position the cursor at the beginning of the blockand select the function Select block. Position the cursor at the end of the block andselect the function Select block once again. To copy this block to the list of chosen fields,
select the function Copy.
2. To see the list of selected fields, press Enter. A dialog box appears with the list of theselected fields.
You can now edit the list of selected fields, that is, you can delete fields from the list andadd new fields from the DD structure.

The sequence of the selected characteristics and key figures in the evaluation
structure is irrelevant. During generation, these fields are sorted alphabeticallyaccording to their field names•

Deleting fields
To delete a field from the list, position the cursor on that field and select the function
Delete.

•Adding new fields from the DD structure
The Selection list function provides you with a list of all of the key figures orcharacteristics from the selected evaluation structure. The fields that you havealready selected will be marked.
If you want to add a new field to the list, position the cursor on the field you requireand select the function Copy. The field will then be copied into the list of the selected
fields.
By pressing Enter, you can branch to the list of the selected fields.

3. By using the function Copy, you can return to the definition screen.
The list of chosen characteristics is displayed on the left side of the screen, and the list ofchosen key figures is displayed on the right.
Technical Information About the Evaluation Structure [Page 213]
Generating an Evaluation Structure [Page 216]

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Technical Information About the Evaluation Structure

Technical Information About the Evaluation Structure
If you select Edit → Technical information from the evaluation structure maintenance screen,
you can display the following technical information about the evaluation structure:•

Library•

Layout report
You can use the Layout report function in change mode to assign a specific layout reportto an evaluation structure.in the standard, the system proposes “33AAREPO” as thelayout report. If you press the (F4) key on the Layout report field, you can display a list of
the layout reports available and select the layout report you require. You can maintainthe list of layout reports in Customizing.

•Standard layout
The standard layout is a result of the layout report selection. The standard layout for the
layout report “33AAREPO” is called LIS.

You can use pushbuttons to branch to the respective Report Writer transaction for each of thesepoints.

Please note that a layout report or a standard layout can be used by more than one
evaluation structure and changes should therefore be made with the utmost care.

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Changing an Evaluation Structure

Changing an Evaluation Structure
When you change an evaluation structure, the system will automatically carries out
the following:–

If the information structure, to which an evaluation structure refers, haschanged, the system regenerates the evaluation.

–

If the information structure, to which the evaluation structure refers, nolonger exists, the system deletes the evaluation structure.

–

If there is no evaluation structure, but an information structure with the same
name exits, the evaluation structure is regenerated for the information
structure.

To change an evaluation structure, proceed as follows:
1. From the information system menu, select Flexible analyses → Evaluation structure →Change.
An initial screen appears.
2. In the Evaluation structure field, specify the name of the evaluation structure which you
want to change.
3. Press Enter.
The screen for changing the evaluation structure appears.

Please note the following cases:–

If an information structure exists, but there is no evaluation structure for thisinformation structure.

–

If the information structure, to which an evaluation structure refers, haschanged.

If one or both cases apply, a dialog box appears when you select the characteristics or
key figures. The evaluation structures to which these cases apply are displayed in this
dialog box. Press Enter. A window appears asking whether the displayed evaluation
structures should be regenerated. If you confirm with Yes the evaluation structures will
be regenerated.
Technical Information About the Evaluation Structure [Page 213]
Generating an Evaluation Structure [Page 216]

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Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures

Choosing Characteristics and Key Figures
When you select Edit → Key figures, a dialog box appears showing a list of all the key figures
you have defined for your evaluation information structure.
Similarly, when you select Edit → Characteristics, a dialog box appears showing a list of all thecharacteristics you specified in the definition.
You can now edit these lists. You can delete characteristics/key figures, change their sequence,or add new ones to the evaluation structure that is to be changed from the underlying evaluation
structure.
The procedure for editing key figures and characteristics (hereafter referred to as fields) isbasically the same. The following description therefore applies to both functions.
•

Deleting fields
To delete a field from the list, position the cursor on that field and select the function
Delete.

•Changing the field sequence in the list
To change the sequence of fields in the list, position the cursor on the field you want tomove and choose the function Select. Now position the cursor on the place to which you
wish to move the field in the list. To move the selected field to this point, choose thefunction Move. The selected field is placed exactly above the field on which you
positioned the cursor.

•

Adding new fields
The Selection list function gives you a list of all the key figures or characteristics in theevaluation structure you have selected. The fields you have already chosen are marked.
If you want to include a new field in the list, position the cursor on that field and select thefunction Copy. The field is now copied to the selection list.
You can access the list of chosen fields by pressing ENTER.
To return to the definition screen, press ENTER again.

Technical Information About the Evaluation Structure [Page 213]
Generating an Evaluation Structure [Page 216]

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Generating an Evaluation Structure

Generating an Evaluation Structure
You always need to generate an evaluation structure that you have either defined or changed.
You can enter the evaluation structure in a transport request. This allows you to transport theevaluation structure to other systems (also refer to Transporting Evaluations and Evaluation
Structures [Page 217]).
To generate an evaluation structure, select: Evaluation structure → Generate from the definition
screen.
You now return to the initial screen.

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Transporting Evaluations and Evaluation Structures

Transporting Evaluations and Evaluation Structures
If you generate a newly created or changed evaluation structure or evaluation, or if you save an
evaluation, you can combine them into one transport order. This enables you to:•

Copy evaluations/evaluation structures within one system, that is, copy from one client toanother•

Transfer evaluations/evaluation structures from one system to another.

To copy evaluations or evaluation structures from one client to another, you can use the copy
function in Customizing. You can find more information in the Implementation Guide for the
Logistics Information System.

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Displaying an Evaluation Structure

Displaying an Evaluation Structure
To display an evaluation information structure, select Flexible analyses → Evaluation structure→ Display from the information system menu.
The definition screen appears. This displays the characteristics and key figures that you definedfor the evaluation structure.

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Deleting an Evaluation Structure

Deleting an Evaluation Structure
To delete an evaluation structure, proceed as follows:
1. From the information system menu, select Flexible analyses → Evaluation structure →Change.
The initial screen for changing evaluation structures appears.
2. Enter the name of the evaluation structure that you want to delete in the Evaluation
structure field.
3. Select Evaluation structure → Delete.

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General Hierarchies

General Hierarchies
All of the LIS information systems have available to you a tool to create general hierarchies.
This tool allows you to create and change any hierarchy according to individual criteria forcharacteristic values (such as plant, material, vendor, etc.) easily and quickly. In the standard
analyses you can evaluate key figures by using the Hierarchy drill-down function for the individual
hierarchical levels. To do this, read Hierarchy Drill-Down [Page 68].

The general hierarchies are compatible to the data evaluation in LIS and cantherefore only be used within the scope of the standard analyses in LIS. They form
an enhancement of the already existing SAP classification and standard hierarchies
for evaluating hierarchies in LIS.
You can find the transaction to create/change a hierarchy for LIS in all of the information systems
under the menu option Environment.

Creating Hierarchies [Page 221]
Functions for Processing the Hierarchy [Page 222]
Changing Hierarchies [Page 224]
Displaying Hierarchies [Page 225]
Color Settings [Page 226]

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Creating Hierarchies

Creating Hierarchies
By using the hierarchy tool, you can create a hierarchy for any data element (such as, customer,
vendor, material, plant, etc.). A hierarchy consists of nodes and sub-nodes. Any node may haveother nodes. The lowest level consists of sub-nodes.
The sub-nodes are, as a rule, objects or characteristic values that already exist in the system.
The key figures are then cumulated for these characteristic values and are then provided incumulated form in the standard analyses for each of the hierarchical levels.

You create the material hierarchy “bicycles”. This hierarchy has the following
structure and nodes: Ladies bicycles, men’s bicycles, children’s bicycles.
Allocate the node racing bicycle to the ladies bicycles.
Then allocate the separate material numbers of the racing bicycles (sub-node) to theracing bicycles. You can then display the key figure ‘lead time’ for every hierarchicallevel in the Shop Floor Information System in the standard analyses.
To display general hierarchies, proceed as follows:
1. From the information system menu, select Environment → General hierarchy → Create.
The initial screen appears.
2. In the field Hierarchy name, specify the name of the hierarchy. Also provide a short
description of the hierarchy.
3. In the field Data element, specify the name of the data element to which the hierarchy
will refer.

You want to create a material hierarchy. The data element for material is MATNR.
If you do not know the name of the data element which refers to the hierarchy, use thepossible entries key. A dialog box will appear in which all of the information structures forthe applications will appear. Position the cursor on the desired information structure andchoose the function Select. A list of the information structure data elements for thehierarchy will appear. You can then select from this list the desired data element.
4. Press Enter.
The definition screen will appear. The hierarchy name will be displayed. From this screen
you can now plan your hierarchy.
For information on which processing functions are available, refer to Functions for
Processing the Hierarchy [Page 222].

Functions for Processing the Hierarchy [Page 222]
Color Settings [Page 226]

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Functions for Processing the Hierarchy

Functions for Processing the Hierarchy
When creating/changing a hierarchy, the following processing functions can be used.

Creating nodes/sub-nodes
You can create any node or sub-node. Nodes and sub-nodes are displayed in different colors.
Place the cursor on the node for which you want to create other nodes or sub-nodes and selectProcess → Create node or Process → Create <Characteristic value>.
A dialog box with entry field will appear. If you press Enter the entered value will be copied into thehierarchy.

Please note that when entering sub-nodes, i.e., the actual characteristic values, nocheck is done. You can also specify characteristic values that do not exist in thesystem. Of course, no values can be cumulated in the standard analyses.

Reference
By using a reference, it is possible for you to allocate one or more other nodes to a certain subnode or node. In this way, it is not necessary for you to copy sub-trees, which will occur several
times in the hierarchy. The references will be displayed in a different color.

You have created a material hierarchy. The node ‘Racing cycles’ is to be allocated to
the node ‘Men’s bicycles’ as well as ‘Ladies bicycles’. You place the node ‘Racing
cycles’ as a sub-node under the node ‘Ladies bicycles’. In the node ‘Men’s bicycles’
you also specify the node ‘Racing cycles’. The system will automatically create areference for the node ‘Racing cycles’.
You create a reference in which you simply allocate the name of the sub-node or the node towhich you want to refer to a sub-tree by using the function Create node or Create <Characteristic
value>.

Validity period
You can determine a validity period for the entire hierarchy as well as for each node and for each
sub-node. The hierarchy or the sub-tree of the hierarchy is then valid for this time period. Thisfunction is particularly suitable when using the function Reference. You can, for example, allocate
certain sub-trees to another node and determine when this sub-tree should be valid for this node.

You have created a hierarchy for the purchasing organization. You want to allocate
the node ‘Berlin’ to the node ‘North’ as of 7/1/96. You specify for the node Berlin avalidity period which begins on 7/1/96.
Beginning 1/1/97, you plan a restructuring of the purchasing organizations. The node
‘Berlin’ is to be allocated to the node ‘North/East’ starting on this date. You create areference of the node ‘Berlin’ to the node ‘North/East’ and save a validity period withthis reference that begins on 1/1/97.

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Functions for Processing the Hierarchy

If you want to save a validity period for a hierarchy or a portion of a hierarchy, proceed as follows.
Place the cursor on the area for which the validity period is to apply and selectProcess → Assign date.
A dialog box appears in which you can enter the beginning and ending date of the validity period.
The validity period is shown behind the selected hierarchy level.

Rename
You can rename the individual nodes and sub-nodes. Place the cursor on the desired node or
sub-node and select Process → Rename. A dialog box appears where you can enter the newname.

DeleteTo delete nodes or sub-nodes from the hierarchy, place the cursor on the node or sub-node thatyou want to delete and select Process → Delete.

Define section
If you want to process only a particular section of the hierarchy, you can switch to a display form,
where only a section of the entire hierarchy will be displayed.
Place the cursor on the hierarchical level that is to be displayed and selectProcess → Define section. Only the selected sub-tree will be displayed. On the upper edge of thescreen the name of the hierarchy and the hierarchy tree will be displayed.
If you want to switch over to another section (another sub-tree or entire hierarchy), place thecursor in the header portion of the window on the name of the sub-tree to which you want toswitch and select Process → Define section.

Select sub-tree
You can select sub-trees (nodes, sub-nodes). Place the cursor on the node or sub-node that is tobe selected and select Process → Select sub-tree +/-. To undo a selection, carry out this activity
again.

Transfer
You can only transfer marked nodes or sub-nodes. Proceed as follows:
1. Mark the sub-tree that you want to transfer.
2. Place the cursor on the node to which the selected sub-tree is to be moved.
3. Select Process → Transfer.
A dialog box will appear. There, you can specify whether the selected sub-tree should be
inserted on the same level or subordinate.
Color Settings [Page 226]

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Changing Hierarchies

Changing Hierarchies
To change a hierarchy, proceed as follows.
1. From the information system menu, select Environment → General hierarchy → Change.
An initial screen appears.
2. In the Hierarchy name field, specify the name of the hierarchy that you want to change
and press Enter.
You will see the definition screen. The hierarchy will be displayed. From this screen you
can change your hierarchy.
To find out about which processing functions you can use, refer to Functions for
Processing the Hierarchy [Page 222].

Color Settings [Page 226]

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Displaying Hierarchies

Displaying Hierarchies
To display a hierarchy, proceed as follows.
1. From the information system menu, select Environment → General hierarchy → Display.
The initial screen appears.
2. Specify the name of the hierarchy that you want to display in the field Hierarchy nameand press Enter.
The definition screen will appear. The hierarchy will be displayed.

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Color Settings

Color Settings
You can determine for every hierarchy a different color setting. You can thereby allocate perhierarchy different colors for the nodes, references to individual sub-trees and sub-nodes.
You can define the color setting for the nodes, sub-nodes and references in a hierarchical tree
from the initial screen for creating/changing a hierarchy.
To make color settings, proceed as follows.
1. From the information system menu, select Environment → General hierarchy → Createor Change.
The initial screen appears.
2. In the Hierarchy name field, specify the name of the hierarchy for which you want tomake a color setting. When you are in the create session, also give a description of thehierarchy and in the field Data element, give the name of the data element to which the
hierarchy should refer (read also Creating Hierarchies [Page 221]).
3. From the initial screen, select Settings → Color of nodes or Color of sub-nodes or Colorof reference.
A dialog box appears with a color table.
4. Place the cursor on the desired color and choose the function Select.
5. Press Enter.
The color setting is accepted for the selected hierarchy.

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Document Evaluations: Overview

Document Evaluations: Overview
Document evaluations enable you to monitor stocks without updating statistical data.
The data is read directly from the documents.
The following evaluations can be carried out:••

ABC analysis (according to usage, according to requirement)•

Range of coverage (according to usage, according to requirement)•

Inventory turnover•Slow-moving items•

Value stock (current stock value, average stock value)•

Dead stock•

Usage values

Requirement values

When using the analyses that are usage-based (analyses for range of coverage, inventory
turnover, slow-moving items, usage value, ABC analysis), you can also precisely analyze theusage.
In Inventory Controlling you can view two- and three-dimensional graphics for a quick overview. It
also provides detailed checklists for your perusal.
ABC Analysis [Page 228]
Range of Coverage [Page 233]
Inventory Turnover [Page 240]
Slow-Moving Items [Page 244]
Stock Value [Page 248]
Dead Stock [Page 252]
Usage Value [Page 256]
Requirements Value [Page 260]

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ABC Analysis
The ABC analysis allows you to classify materials according to their importance. The main
criterion is either the usage value or the requirements value. The document evaluations also can
carryout an ABC analysis that is based on usage value or requirements value.
The usage value is calculated by using the usage value that is valuated with the current pricetaken in the period to analyze.
The requirements value (issues in the future) is derived from the requirements of the MRP(customer orders, dependent requirements) valuated with the price that was saved in the material
master.
The results of the ABC analysis are divided into three categories:•

A materials: important, high usage/requirements value•

B materials: less important, medium usage/requirements value•

C materials: relatively unimportant, low usage/requirements value

In general, the higher the usage requirements value, the greater the chances for improvement. In
INVCO, therefore, special attention should be paid to materials with a high usage or
requirements value.
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Performing an ABC Analysis

Performing an ABC Analysis
You can perform the ABC analysis according to usage or requirements value.
Proceed as follows:
1. To perform an ABC analysis according to usage value, select from the Inventory
Controlling menu Environment → Document evaluations → ABC analysis →According to usage.
The selection screen appears.
To perform an ABC Analysis according to requirements value, select from the Inventory
Controlling menu Environment → Document evaluations → ABC analysis →According to requirements.
The selection screen appears.
2. Specify the desired analysis criterion and selection parameters.
–

Objects to Analyze
You can carry out the analysis for all plants, that is, for each material, data from allplants are grouped together or only for certain plants, that is, the analysis is createdfor every designated plant.
If you want to carry out the analysis for all plants, select the field Analysis on allplants.
If you want to carry out the analysis for one or more certain plants, specify thedesired selection criterion in the field Plants.

–

Period to Analyze
Any period can be selected for the analysis. The system suggests 90 days in thepast as the period to analyze when using the analysis according to usage, thecalculation starting from the current date. When using the analysis according torequirements values, the system will suggest 90 days in the future, the calculation
beginning with the current date.

–

Analysis Area
You can restrict the area of the analysis to certain materials.
If you also want to include materials with a delete indicator in the analysis, select thefield Materials with a delete indicator. If only slow-moving items are to be taken into
account in the analysis, select the field Only slow-moving items.

–

Analysis Strategies
There are four ways to classify the materials as A, B, or C items:a)Percentage of usage/requirements value.
You allocate a percentage of the total
usage or total requirements value to the A,
B, and C items.

b)Absolute usage/requirements value
The proportions allocated to A, B, and C
items should together account for the total
usage/requirement value.

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Performing an ABC Analysisc)Number of materials in percent
You define the number of A, B, and C
items as a percentage of the total numberof items.

d)Absolute number of materials
You specify the number of A items and thenumber of B items. All the remaining items
are classified as C items.

You start the classification procedure from a list of materials created by the system thatranks the materials in descending order according to their usage value.
3. If you select the Update ABC ind. field, the system overwrites the ABC indicator in
the material master with the new ABC indicator.

Copying the ABC indicator into the material master can be done from the selection
screen only with background processing. You can, however copy the ABC indicator
online from the results.
4. To start the analysis, select Program → Execute.
If you want to execute the analysis as a background job, select Program → Execute asa background job.
The results list from the analysis appears.
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ABC Analysis: Displaying the Results

ABC Analysis: Displaying the Results
If you performed the analysis for multiple plants, you will first get a list in which the selected
plants are shown as well as the sum of the usage values/requirements values for the plant. Whenyou double click on the desired plant, you will see the list of the materials.
If you performed the analysis for one plant, the list of the materials will immediately appear.
The list of materials shows in the single-line display for every material number the short text,
the ABC indicator that is newly given by the analysis, and the ABC indicator from the material
master.
With the double-line display the following is shown for each material:•

Absolute value of the usage/requirements value•

Usage value•

Percentage of total usage value•

Cumulated percentage of total usage value

With Edit → Selection log you can display a log of the selection criterion that you selected forthe analysis.

Functions for Processing the List
The following functions can be used to process the material list.
Changing the ABC Indicator in the List
You can change the ABC indicator in the list, which was given by using the analysis.
Proceed as follows:
1. Position the cursor on the ABC indicator of the material whose ABC indicator you want tochange and select the function Change ABC indicator. A dialog box appears.
2. In the field ABC indicator specify the ABC indicator that you want and press Enter. The
ABC indicator in the list will be changed according to your entry.
Copying the ABC Indicator
You can copy the ABC indicator that is shown in the list for each material into the material
master. Select the function Edit → Copy ABC indicator.
Execute the Analysis With a New Analysis Strategy
You can execute the ABC analysis with a new strategy.
Proceed as follows:
1. Select Edit → New strategy.
A dialog box appears in which the analysis strategies are again displayed.
2. Specify the desired criterion and press Enter.
The ABC analysis is again executed according to the desired analysis strategy and a
results list appears.

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Cumulative Frequency Curve
You can display the results of the ABC analysis by using a cumulative frequency curve. This
curve can be shown for absolute values or percentages.
The cumulative frequency curve gives you information about the relative concentration ofmaterials. Displayed on the X axis, are the number of materials (or the number of materials in %),and on the Y axis are the cumulated usage/requirements values (or values in %).
The cumulative frequency curve gives you the following type of information: An amount (%) ofmaterials makes up an X amount (%) of the cumulated key figure value. The graph gives you an
overview of how much a proportion of the total usage value/total requirements value isconcentrated on just a few materials.
In order to call up a cumulative frequency curve, select Edit → Cumulative frequency curve(abs.) or Cumulative frequency curve (%).

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Range of Coverage

Range of Coverage
The key figure "range of coverage" provides information on the stock level in relation to demand.
It informs you how long a stock amount will last given a specific average daily requirement.
Stock level

Range ofcoverage

Time
January

July

October

A range of coverage analysis allows you to identify materials with excess coverage. You are thenable to adjust the stock level to comply with the new usage rate.
The analysis according to range of coverage can be executed for usage and requirements.
The range of coverage for usage is calculated as follows:
current stock----------------------average usage/day
The range of coverage for requirements value is calculated as follows:
current stock----------------------average requirement/day
Performing an Analysis on Range of Coverage [Page 235]
Analysis on Range of Coverage: Displaying the Results [Page 237]

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Updating

Updating
Updating: Overview [Page 27]
Archiving [Page 38]
Updating: Purchasing Information System [Ext.]
Updating: Sales Information System [Ext.]
Updating: Inventory Controlling [Ext.]
Updating: Shop Floor Information System [Ext.]
Updating: Plant Maintenance Information System [Ext.]
Updating: Quality Management Information System [Ext.]
Updating: Retail Information System [Ext.]

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Performing an Analysis on Range of Coverage

Performing an Analysis on Range of Coverage
You can carry out an analysis on range of coverage for the usage or requirements value.
Proceed as follows:
1. If you want to create an analysis on range of coverage for the usage value, from theInventory Controlling menu, select Environment → Document evaluations → Range ofcoverage → According to usage.
The selection screen appears.
If you want to create an analysis on range of coverage for the requirements value, fromthe Inventory Controlling menu, select Environment → Document evaluations →Range of coverage → According to requirements.
The selection screen appears.
2. Specify the desired analysis criterion and selection parameters.
–

Objects to Analyze
You can carry out the analysis for all plants, that is, for each material, data from allplants are grouped together or only for certain plants, that is, the analysis is createdfor every designated plant.
If you want to carry out the analysis for all plants, select the field Analysis on allplants.
You can restrict the analysis to the characteristics ‘sales organization’, ‘purchasingorganization’ and ‘plant’.

–

Period to Analyze
Any period can be selected for the analysis. The system suggests 90 days as theperiod to analyze, the calculation starting from the current date.
You can carry out the analysis according to Usage values based on exact usage.
Select the field Exact usage. If this field is not selected then the analysis will baseitself on the usage dates of the periodically updated usage statistics.

–

Analysis Area
You can restrict the area of the analysis to certain materials.
If you also want to include materials with a delete indicator in the analysis, select thefield Materials with a delete indicator.
The analysis area can be restricted even further by using the following
characteristics:–

Material group–

Material type
Only for the analysis object ‘plant’ can the area to be analyzed be restricted for thefollowing characteristics:–

ABC indictor–

MRP type–

MRP

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Performing an Analysis on Range of Coverage–

Restrictions for the Ranking List
By specifying threshold values, you can limit the scope of your ranking list. There arethree different ways to do this:–Limit the ranking list to materials whose stock value lies within the range you
specified.

–

Limit the ranking list to materials with a certain stock value. For example, you
can specify a maximum value, minimum value, or a range of values.

–

Limit the ranking list to a certain number of materials with the lowest stock
value.

3. To start the analysis, select Program → Execute.
If you want to execute the analysis as a background job, select Program → Execute asa background job.
The results list from the analysis appears.
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Analysis on Range of Coverage: Displaying the Results

Analysis on Range of Coverage: Displaying the Results
If you performed the analysis for multiple plants, you will first get a list in which the selected
plants are shown as well as the sum of the usage values/requirements values for the plant. Whenyou double click on the desired plant, you will see the list of the materials.
If you performed the analysis for one plant, the list of the materials will immediately appear.
By using Edit → Single line or Double line or Triple line, you can select either a single, double or
triple line display for the list you want.
The single-line display of the material list shows the materials and range of coverage in days.
The double-line display shows the material list for each material in addition to the following
values:•Usage/requirements per day•

Range of coverage in days•

Current stock

The triple-line display shows the following values:

•

•

MRP

•

MRP type•

ABC indicator (only for the analysis object ‘plant’)•

Material group

Material type•

Purchasing group

The triple-line display is only possible if the analysis object ‘plant’ was selected.
By using Edit → Selection log, you can display a log of the chosen selection criterion for the
analysis.
The other types of functions for processing the list are described in Functions for Processing theList [Page 238].

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Functions for Processing the List

Functions for Processing the List
The functions described below can be used for processing the material list.
Cumulative Frequency Curve
You can display the results of the ABC analysis by using a cumulative frequency curve. This
curve can be shown for absolute values or percentages.
The cumulative frequency curve gives you information about the relative concentration ofmaterials. Displayed on the X axis, are the number of materials (or the number of materials in %),and on the Y axis are the cumulated usage/requirements values (or values in %).
The cumulative frequency curve gives you the following type of information: An amount (%) ofmaterials makes up an X amount (%) of the cumulated key figure value. The graph gives you an
overview of how much a proportion of the total usage value/total requirements value isconcentrated on just a few materials.
In order to call up a cumulative frequency curve, select Edit → Cumulative frequency curve(abs.) or Cumulative frequency curve (%).
Sorting the List
You can sort the list either in ascending or descending order according to a criterion. If the sortcriterion ‘usage value’ was selected, for example, you can then sort the list according to theusage value either in ascending or descending order. If material was selected as the criterion, thelist can then be sorted alphabetically either in ascending or descending order.
In order to sort the list, position the cursor on the desired sorting criterion in the list and select
Edit → Sort → Ascending or descending order.
Detailed Display
By using the function Detailed display, you can call up in a table or graph form detailed data for amaterial including the respective material document.
If you want to view detailed information for a certain material, proceed as follows:
Position the cursor on the desired material in the results list and select Edit → Detailed display.
A dialog box appears in which you can choose either a graph or table display.
If you select the graphic, you can display the latest information on:•

Cumulative receipts/issues•

Warehouse issues•

Warehouse receipts•

Stock level

If you select the table, you can display the following information:•

Stock movements•

Cumulative stock movements•

Current stock level

From the stock movement table you can drill down as far as the material document level to see
detailed information. To display stock movements on a particular day, position the cursor on the238

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Functions for Processing the List

relevant line and select the Choose function. A popup window appears which displays all the
movements on the selected day. The individual movements for a selected date are displayed in a
dialog box.
To display the document for a particular movement, position the cursor on the relevant line andselect the Choose function. A popup window appears which displays the document.
ABC Analysis
For further information on this function, refer to ABC Analysis [Page 97].
Classification
For further information on this function, refer to Classification [Page 109].

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Inventory Turnover

Inventory Turnover
The key figure "inventory turnover" specifies how often average stock has been consumed.
Inventory turnover is calculated as the ratio of cumulative usage to average stock level.
Cumulated issues
Stock level

Inventory
turnover
Cumulated issues

7,2
7
6
5
4
3

Current stock
Average stock

2
1
Time

January

July

An inventory turnover analysis allows you to identify whether there are any "slow-moving items".
It provides a basis for evaluating, for example, how effectively fixed capital has been used.
Performing an Analysis on Inventory Turnover [Page 241]
Analysis on Inventory Turnover: Displaying the Results [Page 243]

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Performing an Analysis on Inventory Turnover

Performing an Analysis on Inventory TurnoverTo create an analysis based on inventory turnover, select the following options from the Inventory
Controlling menu:
1. From the Inventory Controlling menu, select Environment → Document evaluations →Inventory turnover.
The selection screen appears.
2. Specify the desired analysis criterion and selection parameters.
–

Objects to Analyze
You can carry out the analysis for all plants, that is, for each material, data from allplants are grouped together or only for certain plants, that is, the analysis is createdfor every designated plant.
If you want to carry out the analysis for all plants, select the field Analysis on allplants.
You can restrict the analysis to the characteristics ‘sales organization’, ‘purchasingorganization’ and ‘plant’.

–

Period to Analyze
Any period can be selected for the analysis. The system suggests 90 days as theperiod to analyze, the calculation starting from the current date.
You can carry out the analysis according to Usage values based on exact usage.
Select the field Exact usage. If this field is not selected then the analysis will baseitself on the usage dates of the periodically updated usage statistics.

–

Analysis Area
You can restrict the area of the analysis to certain materials.
If you also want to include materials with a delete indicator in the analysis, select thefield Materials with a delete indicator.
The analysis area can be restricted even further by using the following
characteristics:–

Material group–

Material type
Only for the analysis object ‘plant’ can the area to be analyzed be restricted for thefollowing characteristics:––

ABC indictor–

MRP type–

MRP

Restrictions for the Ranking List
By specifying threshold values, you can limit the scope of your ranking list. There arethree different ways to do this:–Limit the ranking list to materials whose stock value lies within the range you
specified.

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Performing an Analysis on Inventory Turnover–

Limit the ranking list to materials with a certain stock value. For example, you
can specify a maximum value, minimum value, or a range of values.

–

Limit the ranking list to a certain number of materials with the lowest stock
value.

3. To start the analysis, select Program → Execute.
If you want to execute the analysis as a background job, select Program → Execute asa background job.
The results list from the analysis appears.
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Analysis on Inventory Turnover: Displaying the Results

Analysis on Inventory Turnover: Displaying the Results
If you performed the analysis for multiple plants, you will first get a list in which the selected
plants are shown as well as the average inventory turnover in days for the plant. When you
double click on the desired plant, you will see the list of the materials.
If you performed the analysis for one plant, the list of the materials will immediately appear.
By using Edit → Single line or Double line or Triple line, you can select either a single, double or
triple line display for the list you want.
The single-line display of the material list shows the materials and the inventory turnover in days.
The double-line display shows the material list for each material in addition to the following
values:•Usage within a period of time•Inventory turnover•

Average stock

The triple-line display shows the following values for each material:

•

•

MRP

•

MRP type•

ABC indicator•

Material group

Material type•

Purchasing group

The triple-line display is only possible if the analysis object ‘plant’ was selected.
By using Edit → Selection log, you can display a log of the chosen selection criterion for the
analysis.
The other types of functions for processing the list are described in Functions for Processing theList [Page 238].

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Slow-Moving Items

Slow-Moving Items
Materials that have been consumed little or not at all over a long period of time are referred to as
slow-moving items.
Cumulatedconsumption

Periodwithoutmaterial consumption

Time
January

July

The main criterion for this analysis is the date of the last usage.
This analysis enables you to identify materials that are not currently in use. You can, therefore,
determine which stocks are not required and, if necessary, remove them.
Performing an Analysis on Slow-Moving Items [Page 245]
Analysis on Slow-Moving Items: Displaying the Results [Page 247]

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Performing an Analysis on Slow-Moving Items

Performing an Analysis on Slow-Moving Items
To create an analysis based on the last usage, proceed as follows:
1. From the Inventory Controlling menu, select Environment → Document evaluations →Slow-moving items.
The selection screen appears.
2. Specify the desired analysis criterion and selection parameters.
–

Objects to Analyze
You can carry out the analysis for all plants, that is, for each material, data from allplants are grouped together or only for certain plants, that is, the analysis is createdfor every designated plant.
If you want to carry out the analysis for all plants, select the field Analysis on allplants.
You can restrict the analysis to the characteristics ‘sales organization’, ‘purchasingorganization’ and ‘plant’.

–

Period to Analyze
Any period can be selected for the analysis. The system suggests 400 days as theperiod to analyze, the calculation starting from the current date.
You can carry out the analysis according to usage based on exact usage. Select thefield Exact usage. If this field is not selected then the analysis will base itself on theusage dates of the periodically updated usage statistics.

–

Analysis Area
You can restrict the area of the analysis to certain materials.
If you also want to include materials with a delete indicator in the analysis, select thefield Materials with a delete indicator. If only materials kept in stock are to be
included in the analysis, select the field Materials kept in stock.
The analysis area can be restricted even further by using the following
characteristics:–

Material group–

Material type
Only for the analysis object ‘plant’ can the area to be analyzed be restricted for thefollowing characteristics:––

ABC indictor–

MRP type–

MRP

Restrictions for the Ranking List
By specifying threshold values, you can limit the scope of your ranking list. There arethree different ways to do this:–Limit the ranking list to materials whose stock value lies within the range you
specified.

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Performing an Analysis on Slow-Moving Items–

Limit the ranking list to materials with a certain stock value. For example, you
can specify a maximum value, minimum value, or a range of values.

–

Limit the ranking list to a certain number of materials with the lowest stock
value.

3. To start the analysis, select Program → Execute.
If you want to execute the analysis as a background job, select Program → Execute asa background job.
The results list from the analysis appears.
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Analysis on Slow-Moving Items: Displaying the Results

Analysis on Slow-Moving Items: Displaying the Results
If you performed the analysis for multiple plants, you will first get a list in which the selected
plants are shown as well as the average inventory turnover in days for the plant. When you
double click on the desired plant, you will see the list of the materials.
If you performed the analysis for one plant, the list of the materials will immediately appear.
By using Edit → Single line or Double line or Triple line, you can select either a single, double or
triple line display for the list you want.
The single-line display of the material list shows the materials and the number of day since lastusage took place.
The double-line display shows the material list for each material in addition to the following
values:•Number of days since last usage•

Current stock•

Date of last usage

The triple-line display shows the following values for each material:

•

•

MRP

•

MRP type•

ABC indicator•

Material group

Material type•

Purchasing group

The triple-line display is only possible if the analysis object ‘plant’ was selected.
By using Edit → Selection log, you can display a log of the chosen selection criterion.
Further functions for processing the lists are in Functions for Processing the List [Page 238].

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Stock Value

Stock Value
This analysis is based on the stock value of a material and allows you to select materials with ahigh capital lockup
You can base this analysis on either the current stock value or the average stock value The
analysis can be carried out for the current or the average stock value.
The current stock value is calculated by multiplying the stock level with the current price. The
average stock value is calculated by multiplying the average stock level with the current price.
Stock level

Averagestock level

Time
January

July

Performing an Analysis on Stock Value [Page 249]
Analysis on Stock Value: Displaying the Results [Page 251]

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Performing an Analysis on Stock Value

Performing an Analysis on Stock ValueYou can perform an analysis based on the key figures current stock value or average stock
value.
Proceed as follows:
1. If you want to carry out an analysis on the key figure current stock value from theInventory Controlling menu, select Environment → Document evaluations → Stockvalue → Current stock value.
The selection screen appears.
2. Specify the desired analysis criterion and selection parameters.
–

Objects to Analyze
You can carry out the analysis for all plants, that is, for each material, data from allplants are grouped together or only for certain plants, that is, the analysis is createdfor every designated plant.
If you want to carry out the analysis for all plants, select the field Analysis on allplants.
You can restrict the analysis to the characteristics ‘sales organization’, ‘purchasingorganization’ and ‘plant’.

–

Analysis Area
You can restrict the area of the analysis to certain materials.
If you also want to include materials with a delete indicator in the analysis, select thefield Materials with a delete indicator. If only materials kept in stock are to be
included in the analysis, select the field Materials kept in stock.
The analysis area can be restricted even further by using the following
characteristics:–

Material group–

Material type
Only for the analysis object ‘plant’ can the area to be analyzed be restricted for thefollowing characteristics:––

ABC indictor–

MRP type–

MRP

Restrictions for the Ranking List
By specifying threshold values, you can limit the scope of your ranking list. There arethree different ways to do this:–Limit the ranking list to materials whose stock value lies within the range you
specified.

–

Limit the ranking list to materials with a certain stock value. For example, you
can specify a maximum value, minimum value, or a range of values.

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Performing an Analysis on Stock Value–

Limit the ranking list to a certain number of materials with the lowest stock
value.

3. To start the analysis, select Program → Execute.
If you want to execute the analysis as a background job, select Program → Execute asa background job.
The results list from the analysis appears.
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Analysis on Stock Value: Displaying the Results

Analysis on Stock Value: Displaying the Results
If you performed the analysis for multiple plants, you will first get a list in which the selected
plants are shown as well as the sum of the stock value for plant. When you double click on thedesired plant, you will see the list of the materials.
If you performed the analysis for one plant, the list of the materials will immediately appear.
By using Edit → Single line or Double line or Triple line, you can select either a single, double or
triple line display for the list you want.
The single-line display of the material list shows the materials and the inventory turnover in days.
The double-line display shows the material list for each material in addition to the following
values:•Current/average stock value•

Percentage of total stock value•

Cumulated percentage of total stock value

The triple-line display shows the following values for each material:

•

•

MRP

•

MRP type•

ABC indicator (only for the analysis object ‘plant’)•

Material group

Material type•

Purchasing group

The triple-line display is only possible if the analysis object ‘plant’ was selected.
By using Edit → Selection log, you can display a log of the chosen selection criterion.
Further functions for processing the lists are in Functions for Processing the List [Page 238].

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Dead Stock

Dead Stock
Dead stock is the part of your warehouse stock that has not been used for a certain period oftime (see illustration).
Stock level

Dead stockTime
January

July

The dead stock value is calculated by multiplying the dead stock with the current price.
A dead stock analysis allows you to identify materials with inefficient amounts of stock. Surplus
stocks of the material can be viewed and you can check important control parameters such as
safety stock.
Performing an Analysis on Dead Stock [Page 253]
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Performing an Analysis on Dead Stock

Performing an Analysis on Dead StockIf you want to perform an analysis based on the key figure dead stock, proceed as follows:
1. From the Inventory Controlling menu, select Environment → Document evaluations →Dead stock.
The selection screen appears.
2. Specify the desired analysis criterion and selection parameters.
–

Objects to Analyze
You can carry out the analysis for all plants, that is, for each material, data from allplants are grouped together or only for certain plants, that is, the analysis is createdfor every designated plant.
If you want to carry out the analysis for all plants, select the field Analysis on allplants.
You can restrict the analysis to the characteristics ‘sales organization’, ‘purchasingorganization’ and ‘plant’.

–

Period to Analyze
Any period can be selected for the analysis. The system suggests 90 days as theperiod to analyze, the calculation starting from the current date.

–

Analysis Area
You can restrict the area of the analysis to certain materials.
If you also want to include materials with a delete indicator in the analysis, select thefield Materials with a delete indicator. If only materials kept in stock are to be
included in the analysis, select the field Materials kept in stock.
The analysis area can be restricted even further by using the following
characteristics:–

Material group–

Material type
Only for the analysis object ‘plant’ can the area to be analyzed be restricted for thefollowing characteristics:––

ABC indictor–

MRP type–

MRP

Restrictions for the Ranking List
By specifying threshold values, you can limit the scope of your ranking list. There arethree different ways to do this:–Limit the ranking list to materials whose stock value lies within the range you
specified.

–

Limit the ranking list to materials with a certain stock value. For example, you
can specify a maximum value, minimum value, or a range of values.

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Performing an Analysis on Dead Stock–

Limit the ranking list to a certain number of materials with the lowest stock
value.

3. To start the analysis, select Program → Execute.
If you want to execute the analysis as a background job, select Program → Execute asa background job.
The results list from the analysis appears.
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Analysis on Dead Stock: Displaying the Results

Analysis on Dead Stock: Displaying the Results
If you performed the analysis for multiple plants, you will first get a list in which the selected
plants are shown as well as the sum of the dead stock value for plant. When you double click on
the desired plant, you will see the list of the materials.
If you performed the analysis for one plant, the list of the materials will immediately appear.
By using Edit → Single line or Double line or Triple line, you can select either a single, double or
triple line display for the list you want.
The single-line display of the material list shows the current or the average stock value for eachmaterial.
The double-line display shows the following values for each material:•

Dead stock value•

Current stock•

Average stock•

Dead stock•

Percentile portion of total dead stock•

Cumulated percentile portion of total dead stock

The triple-line display shows the following values for each material:
•
•

MRP

MRP type•

ABC indicator (only for the analysis object ‘plant’)•

Material group•

Material type•

Purchasing group

The triple-line display is only possible if the analysis object ‘plant’ was selected.
By using Edit → Selection log, you can display a log of the chosen selection criterion.
Further functions for processing the lists are in Functions for Processing the List [Page 238].

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Usage Value

Usage Value
By using the analysis on usage value you can select the materials that have a high level of usage
value and a high capital lockup.
The usage value is derived from the average usage of a material within a period of time (past).
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Performing an Analysis on Usage Value

Performing an Analysis on Usage Value
If you want to perform an analysis based on the key figure usage value, proceed as follows:
1. From the Inventory Controlling menu, select Environment → Document evaluations →Usage values.
The selection screen appears.
2. Specify the desired analysis criterion and selection parameters.
–

Objects to Analyze
You can carry out the analysis for all plants, that is, for each material, data from allplants are grouped together or only for certain plants, that is, the analysis is createdfor every designated plant.
If you want to carry out the analysis for all plants, select the field Analysis on allplants.
You can restrict the analysis to the characteristics ‘sales organization’, ‘purchasingorganization’ and ‘plant’.

–

Period to Analyze
Any period can be selected for the analysis. The system suggests 90 days as theperiod to analyze, the calculation starting from the current date.
You can carry out the analysis according to usage based on exact usage. Select thefield Exact usage. If this field is not selected then the analysis will base itself on theusage dates of the periodically updated usage statistics.

–

Analysis Area
You can restrict the area of the analysis to certain materials.
If you also want to include materials with a delete indicator in the analysis, select thefield Materials with a delete indicator. If only materials kept in stock are to be
included in the analysis, select the field Materials kept in stock.
The analysis area can be restricted even further by using the following
characteristics:–

Material group–

Material type
Only for the analysis object ‘plant’ can the area to be analyzed be restricted for thefollowing characteristics:––

ABC indictor–

MRP type–

MRP

Restrictions for the Ranking List
By specifying threshold values, you can limit the scope of your ranking list. There arethree different ways to do this:–Limit the ranking list to materials whose stock value lies within the range you
specified.

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Performing an Analysis on Usage Value–

Limit the ranking list to materials with a certain stock value. For example, you
can specify a maximum value, minimum value, or a range of values.

–

Limit the ranking list to a certain number of materials with the lowest stock
value.

3. To start the analysis, select Program → Execute.
If you want to execute the analysis as a background job, select Program → Execute asa background job.
The results list from the analysis appears.
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Analysis on Usage Value: Displaying the Results

Analysis on Usage Value: Displaying the Results
If you performed the analysis for multiple plants, you will first get a list in which the selected
plants are shown as well as the sum of the usage value for plant. When you double click on thedesired plant, you will see the list of the materials.
If you performed the analysis for one plant, the list of the materials will immediately appear.
By using Edit → Single line or Double line or Triple line, you can select either a single, double or
triple line display for the list you want.
The single-line display of the material list shows the current or the average stock value for eachmaterial.
The double-line display shows the following values for each material:•

Usage value•

Current stock•

Usage quantity•

Percentile portion of total usage value•

Cumulated percentile portion of total usage value

The triple-line display shows the following values for each material:

•

•

MRP

•

MRP type

ABC indicator (only for the analysis object ‘plant’)•

Material group•

Material type•

Purchasing group

The triple-line display is only possible if the analysis object ‘plant’ was selected.
By using Edit → Selection log, you can display a log of the chosen selection criterion.
Further functions for processing the lists are in Functions for Processing the List [Page 238].

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Requirements Value

Requirements Value
By using the analysis on requirements value you can select the materials that have a high levelof requirements value and a high capital lockup in the future.
The requirements value of a material is derived from the current price of valuated requirements
within a period of time (future).
Performing an Analysis on Requirements Value [Page 261]
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Performing an Analysis on Requirements Value

Performing an Analysis on Requirements Value
If you want to perform an analysis based on the key figure requirements value, proceed asfollows:
1. From the Inventory Controlling menu, select Environment → Document evaluations →Requirements values.
The selection screen appears.
2. Specify the desired analysis criterion and selection parameters.
–

Objects to Analyze
You can carry out the analysis for all plants, that is, for each material, data from allplants are grouped together or only for certain plants, that is, the analysis is createdfor every designated plant.
If you want to carry out the analysis for all plants, select the field Analysis on allplants.
You can restrict the analysis to the characteristics ‘sales organization’, ‘purchasingorganization’ and ‘plant’.

–

Period to Analyze
Any period can be selected for the analysis. The system suggests 90 days as theperiod to analyze, the calculation starting from the current date.

–

Analysis Area
You can restrict the area of the analysis to certain materials.
If you also want to include materials with a delete indicator in the analysis, select thefield Materials with a delete indicator. If only materials kept in stock are to be
included in the analysis, select the field Materials kept in stock.
The analysis area can be restricted even further by using the following
characteristics:–

Material group–

Material type
Only for the analysis object ‘plant’ can the area to be analyzed be restricted for thefollowing characteristics:––

ABC indictor–

MRP type–

MRP

Restrictions for the Ranking List
By specifying threshold values, you can limit the scope of your ranking list. There arethree different ways to do this:–Limit the ranking list to materials whose stock value lies within the range you
specified.

–

Limit the ranking list to materials with a certain stock value. For example, you
can specify a maximum value, minimum value, or a range of values.

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Performing an Analysis on Requirements Value–

Limit the ranking list to a certain number of materials with the lowest stock
value.

3. To start the analysis, select Program → Execute.
If you want to execute the analysis as a background job, select Program → Execute asa background job.
The results list from the analysis appears.
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Analysis on Requirements Value: Displaying the Results

Analysis on Requirements Value: Displaying the Results
If you performed the analysis for multiple plants, you will first get a list in which the selected
plants are shown as well as the sum of the requirements value for plant. When you double clickon the desired plant, you will see the list of the materials.
If you performed the analysis for one plant, the list of the materials will immediately appear.
By using Edit → Single line or Double line or Triple line, you can select either a single, double or
triple line display for the list you want.
The single-line display of the material list shows the requirements value for each material.
The double-line display shows the following values for each material:•

Requirements value•

Current stock•

Requirements quantity•

Percentile portion of total requirements value•

Cumulated percentile portion of total requirements value

The triple-line display shows the following values for each material:

•

•

MRP

•

MRP type

ABC indicator (only for the analysis object ‘plant’)•

Material group•

Material type•

Purchasing group

The triple-line display is only possible if the analysis object ‘plant’ was selected.
By using Edit → Selection log, you can display a log of the chosen selection criterion.
Further functions for processing the lists are in Functions for Processing the List [Page 238].

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