Applications of the Classification System (Cross Application Component)
The classification system allows you to use characteristics to describe R/3 objects, and to group similar objects in classes – to classify objects, in other words.
You can then use classes to help you to find objects more easily, using the characteristics defined in them as search criteria. This ensures that you can find objects with similar or identical characteristics as quickly as possible.
Integration of Classification in the R/3 System
The classification system allows you to classify all types of object. First, you must define certain settings in Customizing. For information on how to make Customizing settings for classification, see the IMG for Classification.
SAP has predefined a number of object types in the standard system (for example, materials and equipments). The settings for these object types are already made in Customizing, so you can start to set up your classification system for these object types without making further settings.
Functions in the Classification System
Before you can use classification functions, you need to set up your classification system.
For hints on setting up your classification system so that it will perform most efficiently, see Performance.
The classification system provides functions for:
• Defining the properties of objects : You use characteristics to define the properties of an object. You create characteristics centrally in the R/3 System.
• Creating classes : You need classes to classify objects. First, you create classes, then you assign your characteristics to these classes.
• Classifying objects : Once you have created classes, you can use these classes to classify objects. You use the characteristics of the class to describe the objects you classify. This provides the data you need to use your classification system to find objects that match the criteria you require.
• Finding objects : There are 2 steps to finding an object:
• Finding a class in which objects are classified
• Finding the object(s) you require in the class
When you use the classification to find objects, you use the characteristics as search criteria. You assign values to the characteristics, and the system compares the values you enter with the values of the classified objects
