A characteristic in SAP is a crossmodule application. It is used in PM, MM,PP,SD,QMetc modules. Here we will discuss application of Characteristics in SAPPM.
Business Application: Characteristicsare used to represent the specifications of a technical object. Forex: Power of a motor, voltage of a transformer etc.
Characteristics in SAP PM are widelyused with Class. Once created, it is assigned to class and class is assignedto technical object (Equipment, functional location etc) and all the
characteristics are available forthe technical object.
Take one more example for properunderstanding: Suppose there is equipment. We have created a Class Motor.Then we will create and assign characteristics Power, Voltage, Currentetc to class. Then assign the class to the technical object (Equipmentor functional location) all the characteristics will be available to thetechnical object.
Now we can maintain the valuesof these characteristics (Specifications) in CL20N or CL24N.
How to create Characteristicsin SAP PM:
Step 1: Run t code CT04 or navigatethis path in SAP easy access screen.
SAP Menu -> Logistics -> PlantMaintenance -> Management of Technical Objects -> Environment -> Class-> Master Data -> CT04 Characteristics
Step 2: Enter the name of characteristicand click on the create option available on the top menu bar or the whitesheet on the right hand side of characteristic field.
Step 3: Five new tabs (sub-screens)will appear on the screen.
Step 4: First tab is Basic Datatab. Here we enter the description of characteristic. Char group and statusof characteristic. Here we can also enter authorization group. Authorizationgroup is used to allow a particular end user to maintain a characteristic.
For ex: Electrical department doesnot want mechanical department to display and process their characteristicsthen we should recommend use of Authorization Group.
Step 5: Afterwards select the Datatype in next sub-screen. Available Data types are Character, Numeric, Currency,Date, Time format.
If you select Character then systemwill ask you to enter the number of characters. You can also make it casesensitive by setting a check box below.
If you select Currency then systemwill ask you to enter number of chars and currency like USD, INR etc.
If you select numeric format thenenter number of chars, decimal places and unit of measurement.
Step 6: There is another sub-screen value assignment, where you can decide that characteristic will accepta single value or multiple values or range, negative values or it is restrictable.We can also make this characteristics entry required.
Step 7: In the next tab you canselect the language. Generally we have EN English as default value.
Step 8: Next tab is values tab.Here you can maintain the values which you want to assign for this characteristics.
For ex: If you are creating voltageas characteristic then possible values can 220 V, 440 V, 3300 V etc.
However, you can set the checkbox of additional values for allowing any other value.
Step 9: Additional Data tab is usedin MM Module to configure release strategy. It is not used in PM Module.
Step 10: Last tab is Restrictiontab. Here you can select the relevant Class type so that class createdby you is used for only that application.
Step 11: Click on SAVE button.
Characteristic is created for SAPPM.
Now assign this characteristic toclass in CL02 t code in the in the characteristic tab.
This is frequently asked in SAPPM Interview questions and answers.
