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Introduction
Greetings, valued reader! Today, we will be discussing “Maintain Reference Types for IP in SAP CRM.” Before we begin, let us first clarify what IP means in the context of SAP CRM. IP stands for Installed Base, which refers to the physical assets that a company has installed on its customer’s premises. These assets may include machinery, technology, or other equipment. SAP CRM provides various functionalities to manage these assets, one of which is maintaining reference types for IP.
Reference types are a fundamental element in SAP CRM as they help in categorizing business objects. In the context of IP, they help identify the type of reference that connects an asset to a business object such as maintenance notifications, service orders, and contracts. Properly maintaining reference types ensures that the right business object is connected to the right asset, which is essential for effective asset management. In this article, we will explore how to maintain reference types for IP in SAP CRM.
Understanding Reference Types in SAP CRM
Before we delve into the specifics of maintaining reference types for IP, let us first understand what reference types are in SAP CRM.
Reference types are a predefined set of reference objects in SAP CRM that help to provide context for business objects. Reference types are assigned to business objects to indicate the type of relationship that they have with the reference object. Some examples of reference objects in SAP CRM include:
| Reference Object | Description |
|---|---|
| Installed Base | Physical asset installed at the customer’s premises |
| Material | Product or service that the company offers |
| Location | Physical location of the customer’s premises |
Reference types provide context for business objects, allowing for easier and more efficient handling of customer inquiries and service requests. In the context of IP, reference types help identify the type of reference that connects an asset to a business object such as maintenance notifications, service orders, and contracts.
Maintaining Reference Types for IP
Maintaining reference types for IP in SAP CRM is a critical task for effective asset management. A well-maintained list of reference types ensures that assets are correctly linked to business objects, and service requests and repairs are handled efficiently. Here are the steps to maintain reference types for IP:
Step 1: Accessing the Reference Type Maintenance Screen
The first step is to access the reference type maintenance screen. Follow the path below:
SAP Easy Access Menu -> SAP CRM -> Master Data -> Installed Base -> Reference Type -> Reference Type Maintenance
You will now see the reference type maintenance screen.
Step 2: Creating a New Reference Type
To create a new reference type for IP, click on the “New Entries” button. You will see a new screen that allows you to enter the details of the new reference type. The fields that need to be filled in include:
- Reference Type: Enter a reference type code (4 characters) that identifies the reference
- Description: Enter a brief description of the reference type
- Object Type: Select the object type as “INST” for Installed Base
- Object Category: The category defines the type of installed base. Select the appropriate one from the list of options
Once you have entered all the necessary details, click the “Save” button.
Step 3: Updating an Existing Reference Type
To update an existing reference type, locate the reference type from the list on the reference type maintenance screen and select it. You will see a new screen that allows you to edit the details of the reference type. After making the necessary updates, click the “Save” button.
Step 4: Deactivating a Reference Type
To deactivate a reference type, locate the reference type from the list and select it. Click the “Deactivate” button, and the reference type will be deactivated. Note that a deactivated reference type cannot be used for new installations, but existing installations will remain linked to it.
Step 5: Activating a Deactivated Reference Type
To activate a deactivated reference type, locate the reference type from the list of deactivated reference types and select it. Click the “Activate” button, and the reference type will be activated again.
Step 6: Deleting a Reference Type
To delete a reference type, locate the reference type from the list and select it. Click the “Delete” button, and the reference type will be deleted. Note that deleting a reference type also removes all installations linked to it.
FAQs
Q1: What are the benefits of maintaining reference types for IP in SAP CRM?
A1: Properly maintaining reference types ensures that the right business object is connected to the right asset, which is essential for effective asset management.
Q2: What is the purpose of reference types in SAP CRM?
A2: Reference types provide context for business objects, allowing for easier and more efficient handling of customer inquiries and service requests.
Q3: Can I create a new reference type in SAP CRM?
A3: Yes, you can create a new reference type by following the steps mentioned in this article.
Q4: Can I update an existing reference type in SAP CRM?
A4: Yes, you can update an existing reference type by locating it from the list and selecting it. Edit the details and click the “Save” button.
Q5: What happens to existing installations when a reference type is deactivated?
A5: Existing installations remain linked to the deactivated reference type, but new installations cannot use it.
Q6: Can I activate a deactivated reference type?
A6: Yes, you can activate a deactivated reference type by locating it from the list of deactivated reference types and selecting it. Click the “Activate” button.
Q7: What happens when I delete a reference type?
A7: Deleting a reference type removes all installations linked to it.
Q8: How many categories of installed base are there in SAP CRM?
A8: The category defines the type of installed base in SAP CRM. The number of categories may vary depending on the company’s requirements.
Q9: Can I add custom fields to the reference type maintenance screen?
A9: Yes, you can add custom fields to the reference type maintenance screen by following the SAP guidelines for customizing screens.
Q10: Can I mass update multiple reference types at once?
A10: Yes, you can use the SAP CRM mass maintenance tool for updating multiple reference types at once.
A11: You can restrict access to the reference type maintenance screen by assigning appropriate authorizations to users.
Q12: Can I change the reference type code of an existing reference type?
A12: No, you cannot change the reference type code of an existing reference type. You can only delete and create a new reference type with a new code.
Q13: Can I use the same reference type for multiple object categories?
A13: No, you cannot use the same reference type for multiple object categories. Each object category must have a unique reference type code.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining reference types for IP in SAP CRM is a critical task for effective asset management. By properly maintaining the list of reference types and linking them to business objects, service requests and repairs can be handled efficiently. We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights into maintaining reference types for IP in SAP CRM. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Take action today and start maintaining your reference types for IP in SAP CRM!
Closing Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal, financial, or any other type of professional advice. Please consult with a professional before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article.
