Warranty Check 
You can use the warranty check to establish whether an object is under warranty.
A warranty can begin at different points in time. For example, a warranty can begin at one of the following points in time:
· Date of purchase (for example, for a machine)
· Date of installation (for example, for a computer)
· Start-up date and time
· Combination of the above points in time
The period of validity is calculated from this point in time on the basis of the time details or counter readings.
If the system should also display the warranty data for higher-level technical objects during the warranty check as well as the warranty of the technical object checked, you can set the following indicator:
· Pass on warranty
You can also set the Pass on Warranty indicator during the creation of a master warranty. If the indicator is set in the master warranty, it is automatically copied as soon as you enter the master warranty in the technical object. This indicator specifies whether the master warranty of the technical object should be passed on to the hierarchically lower-level technical objects.
If this indicator is set, during the warranty check the system displays a list of the warranties of the object checked as well as the warranties of the higher-level technical objects in the hierarchy. The system searches for the next highest piece of equipment or the next highest functional location for which the Pass on Warranty indicator is set and to which a master warranty or a warranty period is assigned. For each warranty type a maximum of one higher-level technical object is displayed.
· Inherit warranty
This indicator specifies whether the master warranty or the warranty time period of the next highest technical object, for which the Pass on Warranty indicator is set, can be inherited in the hierarchy level.
If the indicator is set, then both the inherited and the own warranties of the technical object are displayed in a list during the warranty check. If the indicator is not set, then only the technical object’s own warranties are displayed.
Through Customizing you can control whether an automatic dialog box appears if the warranty check is positive when you create a notification, order or for flexible billing.
Plant Maintenance and Customer Service ® Master Data in Plant Maintenance and Customer Service ® Basic Settings ® Warranties ® Define Warranty Types
If a claim is made for warranty services, you must check for every counter whether the warranty still applies. Depending on the counter, this check can either be performed automatically by the system or manually by the user. If, for example, the warranty is valid for a set period from the start date, the system can determine automatically whether the claim lies within the validity period of the warranty.
If, for example, the validity depends on a counter reading, the service technician must check the counter reading and compare it with the terms of the warranty.

A car dealer sells a car on January 01, 2010 with a general warranty, which is valid for one year and 10,000 km, and a warranty for corrosion protection, which is valid for five years from purchase.
Six months later, the owner brings the car for a service. The car dealer services the car in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and checks the service items in the warranty to establish whether the services performed were covered by the warranty.
The dealer checks the period on the basis of the current date.
The dealer checks the current kilometer reading on the kilometer counter of the car.
If there are particular problems with the car (for example, first traces of rust), then it must be checked by an expert. The expert then decides whether fixing this problem is covered by the warranty. The expert would also need to check what other influences the car had been subjected to in the period under review. (Conditions relating to usage and so on can be set out in writing.)