In addition to preparing the data available for POS outbound purposes, the system can store the data in Version Management. This function enables data to be stored and managed in different versions. The data contained in Version Management can be displayed, deleted, or printed. The major advantage of Version Management is that all important data pertaining to an article is stored at one central point and can be used for a number of sophisticated display functions. You can then navigate through all the articles listed in a site and get an overview of the most important data for each individual article.

Whether assortment list data is used for Version Management or for POS outbound purposes depends on the setting for the assortment list mode in the assortment list profile.

Depending on the message type, data is stored as a full version, change version or as a manual request.

The assortment list type, version number, validity period, and address of the site are stored in the assortment list header data.

Assortment list group data is used to generate chapter or section headers and contains information relevant to sorting. This information is used to create a table of contents and for defining page breaks when a new group (new merchandise category, layout module, etc.) begins. How this information is displayed depends on the sorting method used.

Assortment list items contain information on individual articles. In the flexible data part, the data can be displayed and printed as required. This part can be adapted to your individual requirements.

If the relevant assortment list mode has been defined for a specific recipient and assortment list type, data is passed on as intermediate documents (IDocs) to Version Management when the assortment list is created.

First the header information is compiled and a new version number issued. Line data is then created from the IDoc segments for every article and date. A certain amount of data is lost in the process, as the line is unable to accommodate all the information contained in the intermediate document. However, since you can configure lines with a high degree of flexibility using the assortment list profile parameters, you can decide which data is to be included in the line. A user exit exists for you to fill the line in any way you like.

Depending on the sorting method, assortment list group data is created when a new group begins.

The hierarchy management function is an easy-to-use tool for displaying assortment lists. It provides you with an overview of the different versions that exist and their component parts. You can use it, for example, to display an individual group or an assortment list for a specific assortment list type.

The information displayed in hierarchy management is taken from the header and group data and is used to create the front page, page breaks and page headers. The data on the individual articles is presented in the way in which it was configured and filled in the assortment list item.

The standard list processor functions (exporting to a local file, scrolling or searching) can also be used in the display function.

Assortment list data can be printed directly from the screen. A SAPscript form (assortment_list) is also available to allow bar code printing in the assortment list. You assign this form in Customizing for the Assortment List.

Shelf-edge labels can be printed, using the assortment list data in Version Management, for all assortment list items flagged for labeling.

Assortment lists that have to be deleted can be selected on-line, or else the system can suggest a list of all assortment lists. Versions are divided into two groups:

• Invalid (i.e., expired) versions

• Versions which are either currently valid, or for which no more recent change version or full version exists.

You can then delete all the assortment lists displayed or those that have expired.

When an assortment list is deleted, the status update data and application logs for that assortment list will also be deleted automatically. Since certain information is important for transmission point analysis, only data that is no longer required can be deleted. This data can be determined automatically by the system or be limited by the user to a specific date.