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Component documentationModeling Environment for Variant Configuration Locate this document in the navigation structure

 

You can use the modeling environment for Variant Configuration to view product configuration models in their entirety, edit the objects in the model, and test the model itself. You can also specify which configurator is to be used for interactive product configurations involving the material that you have loaded in the modeling environment.

You can use this tool as a simple alternative to the traditional functions for maintaining models.

Integration

The modeling environment is integrated in all logistics handling processes and is suitable for all existing product models. The environment uses the same data basis as the conventional Variant Configuration functions. This means that any changes, for example to global object dependencies, also affect the process in other Variant Configuration applications.

Changes to the modeling environment do not take effect until you save the model.

When editing master data intended for use with the Configuration Engine, always take the structural and functional differences with regard to Variant Configuration into account, see ERP Master Data and Configuration Engine.

Features

The modeling environment shows the key objects in the model in the form of a model tree. It also provides detailed views for each object that show the object’s attributes. You can create new objects and edit existing ones in both the tree structure and detailed views. The environment is primarily used to create and edit object dependencies.

You can load existing objects that do not belong to the model you are currently editing into your worklist in the modeling environment, which groups all the objects that belong to your model in a clear overview. A favorites list also allows you to manage frequently used objects separately.

You can test the model directly from the modeling environment. You can use both the standard Variant Configuration function and the Internet Pricing and Configurator (IPC) to simulate configurations.

Activities

To launch the modeling environment, choose Modeling Environment for Variant Configuration from the Variant Configuration menu.

  • A configurable material

  • A class type that is allowed for Variant Configuration

  • A date or change number

  • A plant or BOM application (recommended)

Constraints

Before you load a product configuration model in the modeling environment, you have to create it first in SAP ERP because the environment does not feature all of the modeling functions. You cannot create or edit the following master data in the modeling environment:

  • Configurable materials

  • Routings

You can edit to a certain extent, but not create, the following:

  • Classes

  • Bills of material

    You cannot change the bill of material itself, but you can create and assign object dependencies to BOM items.

For more information, see Modeling.