Free Function

Note: You can use these components in a price plan, a pricing macro, or in a refill plan (refill logic) but not in a charging plan.

The Free Function component represents a free service in the decision tree. It does not calculate any amount nor create any transactions. It must be used only if you do not need save or record a transaction. Because no transaction is created, the branch including the Free Function component is not rated.

Use

The Free Function component is used only when:

Warning: When the related price plan uses a Free Function component, no transactions are created; therefore, you cannot rerate transactions. To create transactions, use the Flat Function component with a zero amount instead of the Free Function component.

Example

You propose a special offer to try out an Internet connection for one month free of charge. At the end of one month, this offer becomes invalid. If the customer wants to continue the service, you propose a different offer. Because you do not need keep a record of connections during the limited free offer period, you can use a Free Function component.

Warning: SAP AG recommends that you respect the following rules:

  • Use the Free Function component in a Recurring Rate, in a Recurring Refill, in a One-Shot Rate, or in a One-Shot Refill.

  • Do not use the Free Function component in a Usage Rate or in a Usage Refill, but use a Flat Function component with a zero amount to set up a free service and create transactions. The service is free, but a transaction is created and can therefore be saved.

  • Do not use a Free Function component in a master charge linked to dependent charges because this component stops the rating of dependent charges.

Identification area

Name: Type the name of the component (mandatory).

Description: Allows you to type the description of the component (optional).

Definition tab

The Definition tab is empty because the Free Function component need not be set up.