Entering Measurement and Counter Readings As Bar Codes

Purpose

You use bar code readers for entering measurement and counter readings if:

  • You have to take a large number of readings

  • You have to enter bar code IDs of ten or more digits

  • You require a robust device for entering data

The following scenarios illustrate the use of bar code readers.

Scenario 1: Bar Code ID and Valuation Code Are Scanned

You have represented a building in the SAP system using a hierarchy of functional locations, including the fire doors. Each fire door is assigned a measuring point that is represented by a bar code ID. Once a month, each individual fire door is checked. Most of the time, the result of inspection is "Door is OK", but this inspection result should also be documented in the SAP system.

The possible defects can be represented clearly using valuation codes. The valuation code is also entered in bar code form. Defects that are determined during the inspection must trigger the creation of a malfunction notification in the SAP system.

Scenario 2: Bar Code ID Is Scanned, Counter Reading Is Entered Manually

You have represented a block of flats in the SAP system using a hierarchy of functional locations. Each flat is assigned an electricity meter that is represented by a bar code ID. The electricity meter is read once a year.

The meter reading cannot be entered as a bar code, but is instead entered manually by the meter reader using a key pad on the bar code reader. Consumption billing is performed in the industry-specific component Real Estate Management (RE) on the basis of the meter readings that are entered in the SAP system.

Prerequisites

You need a bar code reader device with the appropriate transfer programs.

To be able to transfer the data from the barcode reader to the SAP system, use the PM-PCS Interface . If you want to create automatically malfunction notifications for the measurement document, use the customer exit IMRC0001 .

If you want to print out bar codes from the SAP system using SAPscript, you can find out about the prerequisites for doing this in the Online Service System Note 5196.

Process Flow

  1. You compile a list of the measuring points and counters in the sequence that they will be read in preparation for this to be done. This list is represented in the SAP system as a measurement reading entry list .

  2. The person taking the readings first scans the bar code ID for each measuring point and counter with a bar code reader.

  3. In Scenario 1, the person taking the readings scans one of the valuation codes that is on their list.

    In Scenario 2, the person taking the readings enters the counter reading manually.

  4. After all the measurement and counter readings have been taken, you transfer the data from the bar code reader via infrared to the docking station. The bar code reader supplies the data that is transferred to the SAP system via the PM-PCS Interface.

  5. The SAP system generates a measurement document for each measurement and counter reading.

  6. If you are using the customer exit IMRC0001, the system generates a malfunction notification in Scenario 1 for each measurement document that has one of the valuation codes you predefined.

    In Scenario 2, the measurement document forms the basis on which consumption billing is performed in the industry-specific component Real Estate Management .