Classification (CA-CL)

The classification system allows you to use characteristics to describe all types of objects, and to group similar objects in classes – to classify objects, in other words, so that you can find them more easily later.

You then use the classes to help you to find objects more easily, using the characteristics defined in them as search criteria. This ensures that you can find objects with similar or identical characteristics as quickly as possible.

The classification system allows you to classify all types of object. First, you must define certain settings in Customizing for the classification system. For more information, see Customizing for the Classification System.

SAP has predefined a number of object types (for example, materials, and equipment). The settings for these object types have already been defined in Customizing, so you can start to set up your classification system for these object types without defining further settings.

Before you can use classification functions, you need to set up your classification system.

The there are three steps to setting up a classification system:

1. Defining the Properties of Objects

   You use characteristics to describe the properties of objects. You create characteristics centrally in the system.

   See the SAP Library, Characteristics (CA-CL-CHR).

2. Creating Classes

   You need classes to classify objects. These classes must be set up. During set up you must assign characteristics to the classes.

3. Assigning Objects

   Once you have created the classes you require for classification, you can assign objects to these classes. You use the characteristics of the class to describe the objects you classify.

   This completes the data you require to use your classification system. You can then use your classification system to find objects that match the criteria you require.

   Note

   For hints on setting up your classification system so as to optimize system performance for finding objects, see System Performance .

Once you have set up the classification system you can use it to find certain objects. To do this:

• Find a class in which objects are classified

• Find the object(s) you require in the class

When you use classification to find objects, you use the characteristics as search criteria, and the system compares the values you enter with the values of the classified objects.

The following graphic is an overview of the functions of the classification system.