Foundation of Effective SAP Change Management - Day 2

Setting Up the Change Record Feature in SAP PLM
Introduction
The Change Record feature in SAP PLM is a powerful tool that helps manage changes in product data and processes. It provides a structured approach to document, track, and implement changes, ensuring that all modifications are controlled and traceable.
Prerequisites
Before setting up the Change Record feature, ensure that you have the necessary authorizations and that your SAP system is configured correctly. You will need access to the following SAP transactions and tools:

• SAP GUI
• SAP PLM module
• Customizing (SPRO) access

Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Step 1: Define Change Record Types
Change Record types categorize different kinds of changes. Each type can have specific attributes and workflows.

1. Access Customizing (SPRO):
·       Transaction Code: SPRO
·       Navigate to: SAP Reference IMG > Cross-Application Components > Processes and Tools for Enterprise Applications > Change Record > Define Change Record Types

2. Create Change Record Types:
·       Click on "New Entries."
·       Define a new Change Record Type by entering an ID and description.
·       Save your entries.

Step 2: Configure Change Record Statuses
Statuses define the stages a Change Record goes through during its lifecycle.

1. Access Customizing (SPRO):
·       Navigate to: SAP Reference IMG > Cross-Application Components > Processes and Tools for Enterprise Applications > Change Record > Define Statuses

2. Create Statuses:
·       Click on "New Entries."
·       Define statuses such as "Created," "In Review," "Approved," and "Implemented."
·       Save your entries.

Step 3: Define Status Transitions
Status transitions control the flow of statuses and ensure that changes follow a predefined path.

1. Access Customizing (SPRO):
·       Navigate to: SAP Reference IMG > Cross-Application Components > Processes and Tools for Enterprise Applications > Change Record > Define Status Transitions

2. Create Status Transitions:
·       Click on "New Entries."
·       Define the allowed transitions between statuses (e.g., from "Created" to "In Review").
·       Save your entries.

Step 4: Assign Change Record Types to Status Schemas
Link Change Record Types to specific status schemas to control their lifecycle.

1. Access Customizing (SPRO):
·       Navigate to: SAP Reference IMG > Cross-Application Components > Processes and Tools for Enterprise Applications > Change Record > Assign Change Record Types to Status Schemas

2. Assign Status Schemas:
·       Click on "New Entries."
·       Assign the previously defined Change Record Types to their respective status schemas.
·       Save your entries.

Step 5: Configure Change Record Number Ranges
Number ranges ensure that each Change Record has a unique identifier.

1. Access Customizing (SPRO):
·       Navigate to: SAP Reference IMG > Cross-Application Components > Processes and Tools for Enterprise Applications > Change Record > Define Number Ranges

2. Create Number Ranges:
·       Click on "Intervals."
·       Define number ranges for your Change Records.
·       Save your entries.

Step 6: Set Up Change Record Templates
Templates provide predefined structures for different types of Change Records.

1.  Access Customizing (SPRO):
·       Navigate to: SAP Reference IMG > Cross-Application Components > Processes and Tools for Enterprise Applications > Change Record > Define Templates

2. Create Templates:
·       Click on "New Entries."
·       Define templates with necessary fields and default values.
·       Save your entries.

Step 7: Activate Change Record Feature
Ensure that the Change Record feature is activated in your SAP PLM system.

1. Access Customizing (SPRO):
·       Navigate to: SAP Reference IMG > Cross-Application Components > Processes and Tools for Enterprise Applications > Change Record > Activate Change Record Feature

2. Activate Feature:
·       Check the activation box.
·       Save your entries.

Conclusion
Setting up the Change Record feature in SAP PLM involves defining types, statuses, transitions, number ranges, and templates. By following these steps, you can ensure that your organization has a robust system for managing changes in product data and processes. This setup will help maintain control over changes, improve traceability, and support efficient change management practices.

Below is the agenda for tomorrow :
Day 3 - How to Create a Change Record Creation in SAP PLM