In order to help you find the information you require quickly, the documentation in the SAP Library is written and organized according to a specific information design. SAP's Information Design is based on ongoing studies of the information requirements of our customers.

The hierarchy structure of each online "manual" follows specific principles, such as starting with high-level information and providing more detailed information at lower levels. Also, you can always see exactly where you are in the documentation from the hierarchy structure in the browser's left-hand frame.

Each page of documentation (or "information object") is categorized according to "information classes" depending on what it describes (a "process", a "function", or a "step-by-step procedure", for example). You can see which information class is being used from the icon that appears beside the title of each page.

Also, the consistent way in which each page is structured helps you to find the answers to your questions more efficiently. For example, the documentation of a "process" always begins with information on the purpose of the process, followed by any prerequisites and then the actual process flow. These separate pieces of information are structured according to standardized paragraph headings that act as visual orientation. Particularly important pieces of information, such as "Notes" or "Cautions" are highlighted using standardized icons within the text.

SAP's technical writers are trained in using standardized templates for each information class and experienced in creating consistent and relevant information. We avoid the duplication of information, for example, by providing hyperlinks to central texts such as glossary definitions. The information design that underlies the SAP Library therefore supports the wide range of users of SAP software in finding the information they need.

For an overview of the SAP Information Design, see the sections on information classes under Help on Help on the first page of any version of the SAP Library.