Variant Functions
Use
You can use the modeling environment for Variant Configuration to create and edit variant functions.
General information about the purpose, structure, and use of variant functions is provided under Variant Functions.
Integration
You create variant functions in the modeling environment so that you can use them in a dependency, such as a precondition. Variant functions allow you to integrate customer-specific function modules in the model. However, you cannot create function modules in the modeling environment. The modules have to be created and edited in ABAP or Java.
Prerequisites
You can create and edit a variant function initially without a corresponding function module. When you specify the name of the variant function, however, you also specify the name of the function module, because the system uses this name to link the variant function and the function module.
You cannot release variant functions and use them in a dependency until you have created and activated the corresponding function modules.
Activities
In the modeling environment, you manage variant functions in the worklist and model tree.
Worklist and Model Tree
...
1. Open the Environment folder in the worklist.
2. Select the Variant Function folder and use the context menu to create a new variant function. You can also load a single variant function or group of variant functions from the database to the worklist.
3. Enter the name of a new or existing variant function, or use the input help. Confirm your entry or selection.
Note that the name of the new variant function must be identical to the name of the function module it refers to.
If you want to edit a variant function that is already listed in the Environment folder, open the detailed view by double-clicking the name of the function.
Variant functions used in the model are also listed in the model tree under the object dependency in which they are called.
The detailed view of the variant function is displayed.
Detailed View
Tab Page |
Function |
Basic
Data |
Description of the variant function Status of the variant function Assignment to a group of variant functions Maintenance authorization for the variant function · Display · The status of the function module · The source code name, comprising the name of the program, function group, and an internal parameter · User who last changed the function module · Date when the function module was last changed · Function group with short description · Program name · User responsible for the function group |
Characteristics |
Characteristics to which the function module refers |
Texts |
Create and edit the language-dependent descriptions |
To edit a new variant function, proceed as follows:
..
1.
If the
variant function is not in Edit mode, choose 
and
click the Basic Data tab
page.
2. If necessary, enter a description of the variant function.
3. Set the processing of the variant function if required.
4. To assign the variant function to a group, choose a group.
5. Assign a maintenance authorization if necessary.
6. Note the properties of the function module.
You cannot release a variant function until the function module it refers to has been activated.
7. Choose the Characteristics tab page. Enter the characteristics (or use the input help) that are to be used in the function module.
8. Choose the Texts tab page to enter language-dependent descriptions of the variant function.
9. Choose the Basic Data tab page and release the variant function.
Save
When you create a variant function as described above, the function is initially stored temporarily in the modeling environment repository. Save the model to save the variant function permanently.
Add variant functions that have not yet been used in the model to your Favorites list so that they are always available in the modeling environment.