Definition

Transport units are the building blocks used to create a vehicle. Depending on the type of transport unit, you can assign one or more compartments to a transport unit. Some types of transport unit do not require a compartment. The characteristics for each transport unit are stored in master data records. Master data records are centrally available for use by the scheduling, loading confirmation, and delivery confirmation processes.

Use

Transport units must be assigned to at least one vehicle master record before they can be used in TD processes. A vehicle is made up of at least one transport unit. Using the example shown in the figure, the transport units for a truck could be the mover and the two trailers.

A one to many relationship exists between the vehicle and the transport units. For example, a train can be created with one tractor and many rail wagons. There is also a one to many relationship between transport units and vehicles, in that a transport unit can be assigned to several vehicles. Validation checks ensure that a transport unit is not scheduled to more than one vehicle in the same shipment.

Structure

You can define certain characteristics of a transport unit in the Details screen of the transport unit master data record. Transport units have other attributes which can be grouped into transport unit types .

The attributes of the transport unit, which are determined by the transport unit type defined in Customizing, are displayed in the General Data area of the Transport Unit: Details screen. These attributes cannot be changed. You can change the transport unit status from the default of available , to not available , or to be deleted . The status determines whether or not the transport unit can be assigned to a vehicle. For successful assignment, the status has to be available .

Information describing the transport unit dimensions are stored in the Transport Unit Attributes area of the screen together with the unit of measure for the dimensions. The transport unit maximum volume is calculated from the total maximum volume of all compartments assigned to the transport unit.

You can store additional information such as, a transport unit ID and transportation planning point. The equipment number is linked to the Plant Maintenance (PM) application component. The transport unit may also be assigned a carrier number when external transport units are to be scheduled.

Compartments are assigned when creating the master data record for a transport unit. The compartments represent the physical storage tanks of a particular transport unit.

During scheduling and loading, product is scheduled and loaded according to the attributes and capacity of each compartment. Therefore, each compartment requires independent attributes to be defined, minimum and maximum volumes, and if desired, a product compatibility group and loading sequence.

Integration

Link to Fleet Objects

You can link the master data record of a fleet object to the master data record of a transport unit. Fleet objects are an extension of equipment master data maintained in the PM application component. Vehicles and transport units can be linked to fleet objects by specifying the equipment number in the master data record of the vehicle or transport unit. You can go directly to a fleet object by choosing  Environment Display equipment in the master data record of a vehicle, transport unit, or meter.

When creating or changing the master data record of a transport unit, you can import certain information about the fleet object from the fleet object master data record. To do this you choose  Edit Get Equipment data . The information that can be imported includes:

You cannot change the unit of measure for weight and volume after a transport unit is assigned to a vehicle. In addition, you cannot change the volume unit of measure after it has been used to assign capacities to compartments.

Compartments

Compartments are the building blocks for transport units and represent the storage container for the material during shipment. Compartments are assigned to transport units in the transaction for creating transport unit master data.

Vehicle Meters

You can use vehicle meters to record product quantities delivered to the customer during the delivery confirmation process. Vehicle meters are created using the master data transaction and are assigned to transport units when creating or changing a transport unit master data record.

Service Agents

A carrier (service agent) is created as vendor master data in Purchasing, and can be assigned to transport units to represent the owner or shipper. Carriers are also used in Shipment Costing.

Procedures:

Creating a Transport Unit

Creating a Transport Unit with Compartments and Meters

See also:

Compartment Assignment

Vehicle Meter Assignment