We have already described in detail the procurement of external services in Purchasing, using the component MM-SRV, in the process description Procuring External Services. We recommend that you also work through this process to further your understanding of external services procurement. The function of the stored control mechanisms in configuration is explained in the process Classification and Configuration of Services.

Creating service specifications within purchasing document items can be extremely time-consuming when the services are complex or extensive.

A data structure is available with the model service specifications that already greatly simplifies service entry in purchasing documents. However, even the task of selecting the services can often be a difficult process, since usually the user needs an in-depth understanding of the service structure.

Implementing the cross-application configuration function that is already available to us will mean vast improvements to service entry, since the user will only need to specify the services using descriptive characteristics. The system then converts these specifications into actual service specifications using stored object dependencies. These service specifications contain the services required according to type, quantity, and structure.

In the following situation, for the sake of simplicity, the process is described using a one-dimensional service specification only. Configuration can also be implemented for service specifications with multi-level outlines.

You can find the data for this process under .

1. Configurable Model Service Specifications
2. Creating a Purchase Requisition for Model Service Specifications
3. Assigning and Processing PReqs: Creating the Purchase Order
4. Displaying the Purchase Order and Outputting Messages
5. Service Entry and Acceptance for Purchase Orders
6. Invoice Verification