Characteristics and Their Parameters

You use parameters for characteristics to define product attributes for your configurable product. This enables users of the product configuration to select one of several product options.

Prerequisites

You have created a product model, class, or product.

Features

Characteristic Assignment

You can assign characteristics directly to a product or to a class. You can also assign characteristics to multiple classes (see SAP Note 1683551 and SAP Note 1695337).
You can exclude values on class or product level, which makes reuse easier.

Characteristic Parameters

The following table shows the parameters available for characteristics:

Parameter	Description	Comment
Superclass	ID of the class is inherited from the characteristic	If you create a subclass for a class and assign characteristics to the class, the characteristics are inherited by the subclass. In the lower-level classes, the ID of the class appears in the field for the superclass.
ID	Technical name of the characteristic	The name is language-independent and cannot be changed later.
Reference Characteristic	Option to assign object references	Calls up a selection list for available table reference fields. For more information, see Creating Reference Characteristics.
Description	Language-dependent characteristic name	This short description can be translated by choosing Texts and creating a language-dependent text.
Data Type	See table below.	The following data types are available: String Numeric Date
Multiple Values	Characteristics can have one value or multiple values.	See table below.
Default Value	Characteristic value that is initially displayed as the assigned value in the interactive configuration.	If you have defined a value range (see row Value Range: Value From, Value To), select a value that falls within the defined range as the default value.
Invisible	Characteristics can be classified as hidden (invisible).	Use this parameter for product options that are not relevant for the user.
Required	Characteristics can be classified as required.	Use this parameter when the characteristic must contain a value.
Read Only	Characteristics can only be displayed.	Use this parameter for product options that the system, rather than the customer, may select.
Allows Other Values	Enables fields for additional customized value entries	If you set this indicator, in addition to the default values, fields for additional customized value entries are offered in the configuration.
Value Range: Value From, Value To	Values that the characteristic can have during product configuration.	These fields are only available for data types Numeric and Date. After the values are entered, the fields are no longer available for entry. If you want to change the contents of these fields, choose Delete Value From/To and enter new values.
Case Sensitive Values	Characteristic values can only be entered in capital letters for fields that are not selected.	This field is available for data type String.
Number of Digits/Number of Characters	Number of digits in a numeric field or number of characters in a string.	This field is available for data types Numeric and String. The default length is 30, which is also the maximum length.
Decimal Places	Number of decimal places in a numeric value.	This field is available for data type Numeric.
Long Text	In-depth, language-dependent explanation for the characteristic	You see the long text in the product configuration or simulation. For more information, see Temporary UI Settings.
Display Option	Determines whether characteristic values are displayed as radio buttons or dropdown lists.	See SAP Note 1712658.

Data Types in Connection with the Multiple-Value Indicator

Data Type	Multiple Values Field	Explanation	Example
String	Indicator not set	The values of the characteristic can contain any alphanumerical characters. The characteristic can only accept one value at any one time.	The characteristic Type of processor in a PC configuration
String	Indicator set	The values of the characteristic can contain any alphanumerical characters. For the characteristic, you can select several characteristic values at the same time.	The characteristic Accessories in the configuration of a PC
Numeric	Indicator not set	The values of the characteristic can only contain numbers. The characteristic can only accept one value at any one time.	The characteristic Number of processors in a server configuration
Numeric	Indicator set	The values of the characteristic can only contain numbers. For the characteristic, you can select several characteristic values at the same time.	The characteristic Cable length in a PC configuration (several cables with different lengths can be selected).

Activities

Select the class or the product to which you want to assign the characteristic and choose New. Then enter the parameters for the characteristic.