The template is a dynamic tool, which uses functions , formulas and Boolean logic (true/false) to calculate values. It consists of a grid of columns and rows.

It is used in overhead allocations, and planning of business processes or cost center/activity types.

Special environments exist for each template application. Select an environment before you create a template. The environment determines which row and column types you will have available.

Quantities are determined with the template, and then evaluated with a (unit) price. Costs calculated this way can be allocated to the receiver objects with the template:

• For example, cost objects (environments 001-002) in the area of cost object controlling for production, customers process order, and in product cost planning. The system assigns the template to a cost object (see : Template-Allocation to Cost Objects, or Template Application in the Standard Cost Estimate).

• Business process, cost center, cost center/activity type (environment SBP, SCI, SCD): It allows you to record the cost and quantity flow under business processes and cost centers. The template is assigned to the process or to the cost center in the master data (see: Template Allocation in Plan: Processes/Cost Centers and Template Allocation in Actual: Processes/Cost Centers.

• Profitability segment (environment PAC), which can be used for administration, operation and other service activity processes, since with these many evaluations can be carried out. Here, the templates are assigned in the results and market segment calculations (CO-PA) to a profitability segment (see: Template Allocation to Profitability Segments).

Controlled here are the overhead cost allocations from business processes or cost center/activity types to the calculation object over the template. The template ascertains which overhead costs are used and to which extent. It also determines how these costs are assigned to the product. (see: Template-Allocation in Plan Calculation).

This costing method enables a simple, SAP System integrated cost planning. You work with derivation rules, which are used to define the template. This method can be used for, among other things, the planning objects Internal service requests (see also: Easy Cost Planning and Execution Services).

Formula planning is an aid to planning. You can plan cost elements, statistical key figures, activity types and other elements in cost center and business process planning with the template (see: Formula Planning Cost Centers , Formula Planning Business Processes , Formula Planning Profit Centers). Use environments CPI and CPD for cost center planning, BPP for business process planning, and PCA for profit center planning.

With the template you can set process output quantities through the transfer of scheduled activities from PP (see: Transferring Activity Schedules). The environment is SOP.

• Templates are independent of receiver object types. You can use a given template for multiple receiver objects. At the time the valuation event occurs, a search strategy actively looks for the appropriate template to be used. For more information, see Assigning Templates for Cost Objects and Calculations.

• You can define the objects to be evaluated in various way. You can define methods that determine the object dynamically for the analysis period. For more information, see Object Determination.

• The quantity can be a function of variables You can use formulas to determine the quantity of an object (for example, of a business process), which is allowed by a receiver object. For more information, see Quantity Determination.

• You can set individual template rows (items) to active or inactive Using the methods allows you to determine when the position is active and when not; this is helpful when certain processes are necessary but only for specific receiver objects, and not for others. The template uses active items only during valuations. For more information, see Activation.

In order to dynamically determine objects and quantities as well as activation requirements with the template use the Formulas and Methods . These use Functions .

You are provided many functions. The ones that can be used is determined by the application of the template; that is, the chosen environment. You can also create your own functions.

For more information, see Template Environments.

• Type of item, such as business process, cost element, statistical key figure, sub-template, or Calculation row .

Maintaining Templates

Other Methods to Maintain Templates