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 Master Data Template

 

Maintain Master Data Template for the CRM Product

To ensure that the product configuration is processed correctly in the SAP ERP IS-U-System, you must make an assignment between the CRM product and the master data template.

You can make the assignment in both the ERP and CRM Systems.

  • Maintain in ERP System

    During maintenance in ERP, one or more CRM products are assigned to a master data template. During this assignment, the system determines the configuration parameters for the product in CRM and transfers these to the master data template as external parameters. You access maintenance of the master data template using the transaction EPRODCUST. You make the assignment in the input field Product in the master data template header.

    You can also assign a master data template to several products. You also do this using the transaction EPRODCUST in the ERP System. The string entered in the product field at header level must start with > and end with >. Note here that all products must be suitable for the master data template so that they can be processed.

    Example of a Non-Suitable Product

    A master data template was created for product A. Product A has several attributes that are mandatory in both the CRM and ERP System.

    Product B is then assigned to master data template A at a subsequent point in time. However, one of the mandatory attributes is missing in this product. The master data template cannot be processed in this situation and an error message is generated.

  • Maintain in the CRM System

    In addition to maintenance in ERP, you can also assign the master data template to the CRM product. Note here that the external configuration parameters for the master data template can only be determined by assigning a CRM product to the master data template. The term product configuration attribute is used in the CRM System to describe external configuration parameters.

    The master data template is maintained in the product header for a specific version. An input help is available here, which provides master data templates of the master data template category CRMNEWCONTRACT as a search help if an ERP System is connected.

Response During Contract Replication: Upload Contract to ERP System

If a master data template is assigned to a utilities product in the CRM System, it is transferred to the ERP System with the contract. No specific processing takes place in the contract.

If no master data template is assigned to a utilities product in the CRM System, the contract is transferred to the ERP System without it. The system determines the master data template automatically. If this is successful, the contract is processed correctly. If determination of the master data template fails, the contract cannot be processed correctly and an error occurs.

The following graphic shows the options available for assigning master data templates:

Recommendation

To simplify and accelerate modeling, use all of these functions. In the CRM System, this includes versioning and the use of modules and reference products in combination with maintenance of the master data template in this system. This is the most straightforward maintenance option and using reference products and modules means you can make changes centrally. Versioning of the utilities product also ensures that it is consistent.

  • Example 1

    Multiple Assignment using CRM Reference Product with a Master Data Template

    A product is offered for three postal code rates, which only differs in its price and product name.

    The following procedure is recommended:

    1. Create a reference product and model all of its attributes.

    2. Create the master data template in the ERP System and assign a reference product. The attributes modeled in the reference product are transferred as external parameters here.

    3. Assign the master data template to the reference product in the CRM System.

    4. Create a new product for each of the three postal code areas and assign the reference product during this process. See also: Creating New Utilities Products Activity.

    5. Maintain the individual product text or product description and prices in all three of the derived saleable products.

    Result

    Three products are sold, whose common characteristics can be changed centrally using the reference product and are all processed using the same master data template. You can also make any future changes centrally for a specific version.

  • Example 2

    Versioning and Master Data Template

    A master data template with an associated CRM product exists and a new mandatory configuration attribute is added to the product as of January 1st the following year. The new attribute is processed by the master data template.

    Procedure in the CRM System:

    1. Create a new version of the product.

    2. Assign and model a configuration attribute.

    Procedure in the ERP System:

    1. Copy the master data template.

    2. Determine external parameters by making the assignment for the new product version.

    Test

    • Change the status of the ERP master data template to Released.

      Release the master data template in the ERP System.

    • Change the status of the CRM product to Released.

      Release the product in the CRM System. The CRM System checks whether the associated master data template has been released when it releases the product version.