Classification data is only relevant to configurable BOMs (variant configuration). You can only maintain classification data in the BOM item dataset for configurable BOMs.

In variant configuration, you can use classification data as a selection condition. The system uses this selection condition to select the precise item that is required to produce a specific variant. For example, the system selects RED_COACHWORK for the variant RED_CAR.

You can use classification data as a selection condition for material components and documents. You can only maintain classification data for items of the following object types:

• Material (for example, stock item)
• Document (for example, document item)

You maintain the following classification data in the BOM item:

• Class type
• Classification as selection condition indicator

The class type must allow classes to be used in configurable objects (for example, bills of material). In the standard R/3 System, this is true for the following class types:

The object type of the item determines which class type you can use to classify the item. The object type of the item and the object type of the class type must be the same.

If you want to use the classification of a component as a selection condition, you must classify the component in the classification system. For example, you classify material component RED_COACHWORK in class COACHWORK (assigning values to characteristics COLOR and FINISH). You can only assign one characteristic value to an object in any one class type, so you do not need to enter a class when you maintain the BOM item.

During the configuration process, you must assign values to all the characteristics that were used to classify the material or document. Otherwise, the system cannot find the material or document when you configure the BOM.

You use this indicator to determine whether the values assigned to the item are read when you configure the BOM.

• Classification as selection condition

• Classification for information