A business object type is the representation of a business entity in the SAP System. It encompasses both the functionality (in the form of methods) and the data (in the form of attributes) of this entity. The implementation details of the business object type are hidden from the user. The business object type is accessed through defined functions (methods). This is referred to as encapsulation.

Business object types are used to break a SAP system down into smaller, disjunctive units. As a result, the system’s structure is improved while its complexity is reduced.

Business object types form the point of entry to the data and the functions of an SAP system. At business object type level, both non-SAP systems and the various SAP business components can communication with each other.

The business object type FlightBooking represents a legally binding seat reservation for a flight. A special flight booking is identifiable by a booking number and the airline.

You can access the business object type FlightBooking by various methods. These include:

• FlightBooking.GetList( ) returns a list of all flight bookings stored in the system (optionally restricted according to particular search criteria).

• FlightBooking.CreateFromData( ) creates a new flight booking in the system.

• FlightBooking.Cancel() cancels a flight booking that has already been created.
• FlightBooking.Confirm() converts a flight reservation into a legally binding flight booking.

A business object type therefore comprises a business concept and how to realize it in an SAP System. The term "business object type" corresponds to the term "class" in object-oriented programming languages.
A specific occurrence of a business object type, for example, a flight booking that is actually stored in the system, must be distinguished from the business object type itself. We term this occurrence an instance or a business object (the usual term in object-oriented programming languages).

The flight booking LH 4711 is an instance of the business object type FlightBooking. This flight booking is identified by the airline LH and the booking number 4711.

Note: Airlines maintain their booking numbers in their corresponding airline system. That is why the airline ID is required to uniquely identify a flight booking in any system. The object is described according to its attributes, for example the flight date or the customer number.