Formulas for Key Figures and Formula Groups (SAP Library

Formulas for Key Figures and Formula Groups

Use

Formulas for key figures are defined at the key figure level for planning steps. They are not, therefore, linked to the layout, unlike the formula column (for more information, see Defining a Planning Layout). This means that formulas for key figures can be used freely for different layouts.

Unlike formulas in layouts, formulas for key figures can be used to:

Calculate formulas that require values for key figures from old or future periods

Run single calculations in the interface for entering data (overview or period screen) in manual planning

Formulas for key figures are combined to create formula groups.

Features

Formula groups are defined in the planning step (in basic settings) and are assigned to planning layouts (in Customizing for manual planning). Only one formula group is assigned to each planning layout. You can re-use a formula group in additional planning layouts for the same planning step.

If an assignment has already been made, the formulas in the formula group are used automatically to calculate the relevant key figures automatically in a planning session.

You can use all key figures and additional key figures for the planning step in your calculation. In particular, Additional Key Figures can be entered in the results field in calculations. If this is the case, you are not required to use an user exit to provide the additional key figure.

Define the calculation time period as follows:

Calculate during data selection. Your calculation is run when you access the data entry screen (overview or period screen) in manual planning from the characteristics screen.

Calculate after entering data. You are already in the data entry screen. Enter the planning data. Formulas are calculated when data is released.

The following formula types exist:

Arithmetic formulas: this formula type defines that key figures are calculated using arithmetic formulas as is the case for layouts. Use the formula editor to create the formulas for key figures.
Values from the previous period: use this formula type if you require values from previous periods for your calculations. Also enter the source key figure that provides the value.

Calculating the range of coverage: use this formula type to calculate the range of coverage. Define the key figure that represents stock and the key figure that represents issues.

Examples

Example 1

You want to calculate the key figure Initial purchasing quota as % in the data entry screen. The Initial purchasing quota as % is calculated using the key figures Initial purchasing budget and Additional purchases using the following formula: Initial purchasing budget * 100/ Additional purchases.

Proceed as follows:

Select Initial purchasing quota as % for your key figure

Select During data selection as your calculation time period

Select Arithmetic formula as your formula type

Store the formula in the Formula editor

Example 2

Use cost prices to calculate opening stock in the data entry screen. Use the closing stock from the previous period to calculate opening stock.

Proceed as follows:

Select Opening stock at cost price as your key figure

Select After entering data as your calculation time period
Select Value from previous period as your formula type

Select Stock at cost prices as your source key figure

Example 3

In the data entry screen, calculate the range of coverage based on opening stock at cost price and sales at cost price.

Proceed as follows:

Select Range of coverage as a value as your key figure

Select After data selection as your calculation time period
Select Calculate range of coverage as your formula type

The key figure for stock is Opening stock at key prices, and the key figure for issues is Sales at cost price. A formula has also been stored for the key figure Opening stock at cost price (for more information, see Example 2).

For more information, see the Best Practice Scenario.