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From Paper to Digital: Hands-On with SAP Dynamic Forms and S/4HANA

SAP Dynamic Forms – Hands-on step by step guide

Posted by SAPdude – Hands-on SAP without the fluff.

Introduction

Hey, what’s good – SAPdude here. In this article, I’m going to show you a hands-on use case for an SAP product called Dynamic Forms, part of the Business Technology Platform (BTP) family. No fluff, no marketing – just a real business scenario from the Texas Workshop. We’ll take two existing paper-based processes – a monthly vehicle maintenance checklist and a quality validation report – and rebuild them in Dynamic Forms.

Why we need Dynamic Forms in SAP

At the Texas Workshop, technicians are still using paper for tasks like monthly maintenance on vehicles – for example, the GMC Vendura. Tasks include checking engine oil, tire inspection, topping fluids, etc. Once done, they fill it all out on a paper form.Then comes the validation step: a QA technician signs off that everything was done properly. So why Dynamic Forms? Because SAP already offers several ways to handle checklists digitally – and Dynamic Forms is the newest, cloud-native option.

Transforming paper forms to Digital with SAP Dynamic Forms

Overview: What Are SAP Dynamic Forms?

SAP Dynamic Forms is a cloud-based service available on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). It allows you to build, deploy, and manage forms digitally β€” with drag-and-drop tools, version control, and offline support.

Architecture diagram showing SAP Dynamic Forms integrated with SAP BTP and connected to SAP S/4HANA backend via Cloud Connector and OData services

Key facts:

  • You need a separate license for Dynamic Forms.
  • Forms can be embedded into PM Notifications, Work Orders, and mobile apps.
  • Works online and offline.
  • Built with Business Application Studio and SAP Mobile Services.

Integration Options:

  • S/4HANA (On-prem or Cloud)
  • SAP ECC
  • Connect via standard configuration to embed forms into maintenance processes.

Use Case 1: Monthly Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

Let’s recreate our first document – the technician checklist – using the Form Builder tool.

Screenshot of SAP Dynamic Forms editor with drag-and-drop components for building forms without coding
  • Create new form: PM-Checklist_MON_VEH_MAINT
  • Add form title and fields:
    • Vehicle
    • Date
    • Mileage
    • Checked By
  • Use formatted text, date pickers, and text inputs
  • Save frequently β€” no autosave yet!
  • Add sections using repeated grid for each inspection type:
    • General inspection
    • Fluids & levels
    • …more
Technician using SAP Dynamic Form on a mobile device to complete a digital maintenance checklist integrated with SAP S/4HANA

Pro Tip:
Use repeated grid if you want users to add their own steps. Use basic grid and set fields as read-only if you want to lock structure and allow only results entry.

Use Case 2: QA Validation Form

The second form is used by the Quality/Validation Team. Here’s the key: avoid duplication. All operational data is already in SAP via confirmations and goods movements. So instead of having techs re-type, use fixed text fields marked read-only that instruct QA where to check.

QA Form Includes:

  • Inspection date
  • Reviewer name
  • Pass/Fail checkboxes
  • Comments
  • Digital signatures of technician and QA
SAP Maintenance Completion Form with digital signature fields for Quality Management validation, embedded in SAP Service and Asset Manager

Final Result: Two Digital Forms, 100% Paperless

Both forms now exist in the Dynamic Forms platform and are ready to be used on desktop or mobile β€” with offline capabilities if needed.

Wrap-up

If this helped you understand Dynamic Forms better – consider leaving a comment, giving a thumbs up or down, or subscribing to the channel.
Cheers – see you in the next one.

What’s Next?

This is just the beginning.

Dynamic Forms supports:

  • XPath expressions for logic
  • Conditional visibility
  • Connection to S/4HANA for embedded workflows
Screenshot from SAP S/4HANA showing assignment of a SAP Dynamic Form to a maintenance Work Order or Notification

Further Learning & Links

The post From Paper to Digital: Hands-On with SAP Dynamic Forms and S/4HANA appeared first on SAP dude.

5 Ways to Implement PM Checklists in SAP S/4HANA EAM

5 Ways to Implement PM Checklists in SAP S/4HANA EAM

If you’re in the world of Plant Maintenance (PM) or Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), you know how crucial checklists are. Whether you’re performing routine inspections, troubleshooting equipment, or ensuring compliance, a well-structured checklist can save time, reduce errors, and improve efficiency.

Introduction

In this article, we’ll explore different ways to implement checklists in SAP PM/EAM, using our favorite example: the Texas Workshop. But remember, here I just show a portion of itβ€”the video covers everything in detail, so make sure to check it out!

Business Case: Why Checklists Matter

Imagine a technician, Pasha Dankov, receives a maintenance order for a vehicle. The checklist includes:

  • General inspection
  • Checking fluids and levels
  • Tire and wheel inspection
  • Brake and suspension checks
  • Engine performance assessment
  • Test drive

Currently, Pasha uses a paper-based checklist, manually ticking off tasks and writing notes. But wouldn’t it be better if SAP handled all of this? That’s why, we will explore five different ways to digitize checklists in SAP!

1. Checklists as PM Task Lists

PM Task Lists are predefined sets of maintenance steps that can be reused across multiple maintenance plans and work orders. They help standardize procedures and ensure technicians follow a structured workflow. Technically, it is possible to reflect a PM checklist as a Tasklist, with multiple operations inside. Following our example – each type activity like general inspection, checking fluids and levels etc. could be a separate operation with detailed description (called long text in SAP) inside. And this description could hold information about the checks, just have a look:

Pros:

  • simple to build, implement, and reuse
  • simple to migrate
  • uses existing PM Task List functionality

Cons:

  • limited functionality (not a real checklist)
  • cannot capture quantitative values (e.g., fuel pressure test results)
  • each operation requires processing/confirmation – can be overwhelming for technicians

How it works:

  1. Create a General Task List (e.g., β€œVehicle Maintenance Checklist”).
  2. Define steps like β€œCheck Fluids” or β€œInspect Tires”.
  3. Create maintenance plan, assign the task list and schedule Work Orders.
  4. Execute the β€˜checklist’ by confirming PM Operations
  5. Optionally, add a workaround for defect documentation using the β€œReason for Variance” field.

2. Checklists as DMS Attachments

Using SAP’s Document Management System (DMS), checklists can be stored as PDF attachments and linked to maintenance orders or task lists. However, this is not a real paperless approach. You still stick to the paper document in a .PDF form for example, which most probably needs to be anyway printed, filled out, scanned and uploaded again. Or, if you are equipped with a .PDF reader on your mobile device, it’s possible to capture the data and upload straight away, from the device.

Pros:

  • easy to migrate your existing paper checklists to SAP
  • simple data maintenance

Cons:

  • it’s not a paperless approach
  • we are not really collecting the data
  • data cannot be analyzed in a massive way
  • documented data has no influence on SAP

3. Checklists as Measuring Points

Measuring Points in SAP allow users to record qualitative and quantitative maintenance data. They are linked to specific equipment or functional locations and enable structured condition-based monitoring.

Pros:

  • standard PM solution
  • measurements are well documented
  • measurement documents can trigger follow-up activities
  • enablement of condition-based maintenance

Cons:

  • 1:1 relationship with Equipment/Functional location

4. Checklists as Custom Development

For companies requiring a tailored solution, custom-developed checklists offer flexibility. By creating custom SAP tables and UI enhancements, organizations can streamline their maintenance processes and enhance reporting.

Pros:

  • scalable, easy, intuitive
  • simplified process
  • improved accountability
  • easy reporting
  • cost efficient

Cons:

  • initial development effort
  • limited out of the box features
  • support for custom code needed
  • enhancement of Work Order screen etc. needed

5. Checklists as Inspection Checklist

SAP Inspection Checklists integrate Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) with Quality Management (QM) to provide a structured approach to inspections. This solution is beneficial for industries requiring compliance and regulatory adherence. Important thing – this feature is available from S/4HANA 2021 onwards.

Pros:

  • standard, new solution from SAP
  • proper digitalization of checklists
  • integrated with QM

Cons:

  • additional QM master data to be maintained
  • special classes & characteristics to be prepared for relevant assets
  • process if done via GUI – it’s not user-friendly

6. Checklists as BTP Dynamic Form

This is a new product and new approach how to handle the checklists. BTP forms can be easily build via drag-and-drop activity. You are equipped with a form builder, the form which you build can be then embedded in the standard Fiori Application β€˜Create Maintenance Request’ or β€˜Perform Maintenance Jobs’. If you have a custom mobile application – you can also embed it there. And if you plan to use SSAM – SAP Service and Asset Manager, this feature is already there, by standard. Of course Dynamic Form requires separate license, as this is another product in your environment.

Pros:

  • can be part of standard Fiori Apps
  • can be launched directly in SSAM
  • can be launched in your custom mobile App
  • checklists or any other form can be digitalized

Cons:

  • additional license is required

Final thoughts

Checklists are a fundamental part of SAP PM/EAM, and now you know multiple ways to implement them. Whether you’re going for a simple task list or an advanced digital solution, choosing the right approach depends on your industry, processes, and system capabilities.
And rememberβ€”this is just a portion of what I covered in the below video.

Cheers,
Dan

The post 5 Ways to Implement PM Checklists in SAP S/4HANA EAM appeared first on SAP dude.

By: SAPdude
27 February 2025 at 21:58

Equipment Bill of Material

Equipment Bill of Material

Definition: Equipment Bill of material in SAP PM Module is a part of Master Data in SAP PM Module. It is used to capture the information about the spare parts of a particular technical object (Equipment). This information is used during maintenance processing which helps the maintenance planner to search the relevant spare part to replace. Planner is not required to search the spare part into complete material master in maintenance order.

As a consultant it is always recommended to create Equipment Bill of material.

How to create an Equipment Bill of Material in SAP PM:

Step 1: Run t Code IB01 or else follow this path on the SAP easy access screen:

SAP Menu -> Logistics -> Plant Maintenance -> Management of Technical Objects -> Bill of Material -> Equipment BOM -> IB01 – Create

Step 2: Create Equipment BOM initial screen will appear. Here you must enter the equipment with reference to which you want to create the bill of material.

Step 3: Select the plant to which equipment belongs to or where equipment is physically installed.

Step 4: Select the BOM usage 4 – Plant Maintenance. Here you will get total 8 entries because bill of material is used in other modules also .Like Production Planning, Material Management, Sales Distribution. You will be able to use this Equipment BOM in maintenance processing only if you select BOM usage as 4.

Step 5: Press enter to continue. Now the general item overview screen will appear.

Step 6: Here you can assign all the spare parts of the equipment with quantity.

Step 7: In the material tab. Select the desired material and enter the quantity.

Step 8: Select the item category very carefully. There are two item categories are applicable here. L and N. L means Stock item, which in turn means that material is always available in warehouse for use. In the maintenance order a reservation will be created for this material.

However, N means that material non stock material, which means that a purchase requisition will be triggered from the maintenance order if this material required for maintenance.

Step 9: Afterwards click on SAVE button. Once it is saved. It is ready for use in maintenance order.

Application: It is frequently asked in the interview question that what is the use of Equipment Bill of material. Here is the answer: Whenever you create any maintenance order with reference to this equipment, then in the component tab, every maintenance planner wants to have the list of spare parts related to that particular equipment for which maintenance order is created, not the entire material master, where you have thousands of materials.

Here business user should go to the top menu bar click on the Extras -> Reference Objects -> Structure List. This will open the same material list which you have created in IB01 t code. Other than menu bar you may also click on a LIST button with a flower on it. This will do the same.

The post Equipment Bill of Material appeared first on VaibhavERP.

Functional Location Task List in SAP PM

Functional Location Task List

In my previous posts I have explained task list in sap pm and equipment task list. Now I will share knowledge on Functional Location Task List in SAP PM. Functional Location task list is not widely used in SAP PM Module. However, as a consultant you must share the knowledge about it with client.

Functional Location Task List is an Object based task list. We call it object based because it is created with reference to a Functional Location (Object). In SAP we use indicator β€˜Tβ€˜ to identify functional location task list. T code to create a Functional Location task list is IA11.

Task List indicator and t code

Application

Functional Location Task List can be used in the preventive maintenance and routine maintenance of functional locations in plant area. It is used where some special maintenance operations are required to be performed at scheduled intervals. Suppose a maintenance work is to be performed on a functional location and maintenance tasks are specific (not general) to that area. In such a situation, we use functional location task list.

Step by Step by Process to create Functional Location task list

The concept and working of functional location task list is exactly same as equipment task list. Therefore, I request you to refer equipment task list also.

Step 1: Run t code IA11 or go to node on SAP Easy Access Screen as shown in the below screen shot.

Logical Path for functional Location task list
Functional Location Task List t code

Step 2: Enter functional location id and press enter or click on tick mark as shown in below screen shot.

Functional Location initial screen

Step 3: Planning Plant and Main Work Center will automatically copied from Functional Location Master Data. Group Counter will automatically update from system. Group is also updated internally from system. Here you must selected Usage = β€˜4’ – Plant maintenance as shown in below screen shot.

Step 4: Select Planner group from drop down.

Step 5: Select Status = β€˜4’ – Release (general)

Step 6: Select System Condition. It shows the state of functional location during maintenance. Whether functional location will be in operation or not in operation when these maintenance operations will be performed.

Functional Location Header view

Step 7: Maintenance Strategy decides the cycle (frequency) of each maintenance operation. You can keep this field blank (for Single Cycle Plan) or select the maintenance strategy from drop down. Maintenance strategy is defined in t code IP11.

Step 8: Click on Operation Button at the top as shown in the below screen shot.

Operations button

Step 9: See the below screen very carefully. It has very important information.

Funxtional Location Task List Operations screen

Main Work Center is copied from Task List header. Here you can see that it is maintained for each maintenance operation because it tells us who will execute the particular maintenance operation.

Control Key decides whether operation will be executed internally or externally. Means if an operation is executed by our own man power then we will select control key as PM01. However, if we want an external person or contractor to do the operation then we select control key as PM03.

Operation description give us clear cut information and sequence of maintenance activities to be performed on technical object.

β€˜Work’ (Man hours) is calculated as per formula :

Work = No. of persons X duration

No. of persons means the count of persons who are deployed to execute the maintenance operations.

Duration is the time taken by maintenance person to finish the task.

Calculation Key is the indicator which decides the formula to calculate Work. Sometimes client does not want to calculate man hours. They only want to calculate duration, then they select calculation key = β€˜1’. But generally we recommend to calculate man hours using Calculation Key = β€˜2’.

Activity Type is a very important function. It is copied automatically from Main Work Center data. It is defined by Controlling person. It contains the information of rate of man hours. When it is multiplied with Work (man hours), it give the cost of internal services. This helps in maintenance order costing. Do not confuse Activity type with Maintenance Activity Type. Both are entirely different.

Integration : Assignment of Activity Type in Task List and Maintenance order is an integration of PM module with CO module. CO person creates Activity type using t code KP26. Even a PM consultant can easily learn step by step process of creating Activity Type. I will include a separate article on this topic in near future.

Step 11: Assign components (spare parts) to the operations wherever applicable. For example: For cleaning and lubrication maintenance person can have requirement of Lubricant or maintenance person wants to replace the bearing of a machine. To capture such information first select the operation for which you want to issue material from warehouse. Then click on Component button at bottom (as shown in below screen shot).

Component button

Step 12: A new screen will appear where we can select the material (spare part) and enter quantity. We can also select the relevant Item Category.

If item category is β€˜Lβ€˜, then material will be issues from warehouse through reservation.

If item category is β€˜Nβ€˜, then material will be procured through procurement cycle (PR -> PO -> GR).

Component screen

Step 13: If you want to execute a certain maintenance operation by an external agency (Contractor), then you must select the control key PM03. By using control key PM03, you can assign services from service master, quantity and gross price. This helps in calculating the cost of externally procured services in maintenance order. Afterwards scroll to right side of the scren to enter some more important information.

Control Key in operation

Step 14: After scrolling to right hand side of the operation screen, you will have to maintain Cost Element, Material Group and purchase Group. All these fields are entered at operation level. Cost element is entered to determine the g/l account. Rest other two fields are related to purchase of external services.

Cost element entry in task list screen

Step 15: Afterwards click on Service Package button it will open a new screen where you can enter the service number, with quantity and gross price.

Service Package button screen
Service master entry

Step 16:Click on back button and press SAVE button. This will save functional location task list.

The post Functional Location Task List in SAP PM appeared first on VaibhavERP.

Task List in SAP PM

Task List in SAP PM

Task List

Definition of Task List

Task list in SAP PM is the check list which is used to do maintenance of a machine in manufacturing area.

For example: Task list to do maintenance of a pump can have following check points:

  • Checking of lubricant level
  • Check for any leakage
  • Replace seal
  • Inspect all gaskets to ensure there are no oil leaks
  • Check vibration or abnormal sound
  • Check bearing temperature for overheating

Types of Task list in SAP PM :

task list in sap pm
Task list in SAP PM

Equipment Task List

It is an object based task list. It is created with reference to a specific equipment. It is identified by the indicator β€˜Eβ€˜.

  • T code to create equipment task list IA01.

Functional Location Task List

It is also object based task list. It is created with reference to a specific Functional Location. It is identified by the indicator β€˜Tβ€˜.

  • T code to create Functional Location task list IA11.

General Task List

It is not an object based task list. It is general task list without reference to a specific technical object. It is identified by the indicator β€˜Aβ€˜. It can be defined as per the type of asset (or machine). A name can be given to the task list which is applicable to a set of technical object.

  • T code to create General task list IA05

Important Fiori Apps for Task List

  1. Find Maintenance Task List
  2. Find Maintenance Task List and Operation
  3. Create equipment taskl list
  4. Change Equipment Task List
  5. Create FunctLoc Task List
  6. Change FunctLoc Task List
  7. Create general task list
  8. Change General Maintenance Task List
  9. Change PM Task Lists
  10. Display Task Lists
  11. Cost Maintenance Task Lists
  12. Deletion of PM Task Lists
  13. Display Equipment Task List
  14. Display FunctLoc Task List
  15. Display General Task List
  16. Display Task List Changes
  17. Display Task Lists (Multilevel)
  18. Material Where-Used List: Task Lists
  19. Print Maintenance Task Lists
  20. Process Task List (Planner)

The post Task List in SAP PM appeared first on VaibhavERP.

Equipment Task List in SAP PM

Equipment Task List in SAP PM

We have already discussed about task lists in earlier post. Now we will focus on Equipment Task List in SAP PM.

Equipment Task List is an Object based task list. We call it object based because it is created with reference to an Equipment (Object). In SAP we use indicator β€˜Eβ€˜ to identify equipment task list. T code to create a Equipment task list is IA01

Application

Equipment Task List is widely used in the preventive maintenance and routine maintenance of critical and unique equipment, which requires some special maintenance operations to be performed at scheduled intervals. Suppose a maintenance work is to be performed on an equipment and maintenance tasks are specific (not general) to that equipment. In such a situation, we use equipment task list.

Step by Step by Process to create Equipment task list

Step 1: Run t code IA01 or go to node on SAP Easy Access Screen as shown in the below screen shot.

Equipment task list t code

Step 2: Enter Equipment id and press enter or click on tick mark as shown in below screen shot.

Equipment task list

Step 3: Planning Plant and Main Work Center will automatically copied from Equipment Master Data. Group Counter will automatically update from system. Group is also updated internally from system. Here you must selected Usage = β€˜4’ – Plant maintenance as shown in below screen shot.

Usage

Step 4: Select Planner group from drop down.

Task List Planner group

Step 5: Select Status = β€˜4’ – Release (general)

task List Status

Step 6: Select System Condition. It shows the state of equipment during maintenance. Whether equipment will be in operation or not in operation when these maintenance operations will be performed.

System Condition in Task List

Step 7: Maintenance Strategy decides the cycle (frequency) of each maintenance operation. You can keep this field blank (for Single Cycle Plan) or select the maintenance strategy from drop down. Maintenance strategy is defined in t code IP11.

maintenance strategy in task list

Step 8: Select Inspection Point = β€˜300’ from drop down or else enter it directly. When you make an entry in this field, all sampling procedure data in the task list is used for inspection processing based on inspection points. It is used in Calibration Process. This is an integration between PM and QM Module.

If you carry out calibration inspections and want to record inspection results for equipment or functional locations, choose the inspection point type for Equipment or Functional location. You can create your own field combinations for these inspection types in Customizing. However, the field Equipment or Functional location must exist in the field combination.

if we fill field inspection point it will generate inspection lot even without mention inspection characteristic.

Inspection Point in task list

Step 9: Click on Operation Button at the top as shown in the below screen shot.

Task List Header

Step 10: See the below screen very carefully. It has very important information.

Task List operations

Main Work Center is copied from Task List header. Here you can see that it is maintained for each maintenance operation because it tells us who will execute the particular maintenance operation.

Control Key decides whether operation will be executed internally or externally. Means if an operation is executed by our own man power then we will select control key as PM01. However, if we want an external person or contractor to do the operation then we select control key as PM03.

Operation description give us clear cut information and sequence of maintenance activities to be performed on technical object.

β€˜Work’ (Man hours) is calculated as per formula :

Work = No. of persons X duration

No. of persons means the count of persons who are deployed to execute the maintenance operations.

Duration is the time taken by maintenance person to finish the task.

Calculation Key is the indicator which decides the formula to calculate Work. Sometimes client does not want to calculate man hours. They only want to calculate duration, then they select calculation key = β€˜1’. But generally we recommend to calculate man hours using Calculation Key = β€˜2’.

Activity Type is a very important function. It is copied automatically from Main Work Center data. It is defined by Controlling person. It contains the information of rate of man hours. When it is multiplied with Work (man hours), it give the cost of internal services. This helps in maintenance order costing. Do not confuse Activity type with Maintenance Activity Type. Both are entirely different.

Integration : Assignment of Activity Type in Task List and Maintenance order is an integration of PM module with CO module. CO person creates Activity type using t code KP26. Even a PM consultant can easily learn step by step process of creating Activity Type. We will include a separate article on this topic in near future.

Step 11: Assign components (spare parts) to the operations wherever applicable. For example: For cleaning and lubrication maintenance person can have requirement of Lubricant or maintenance person wants to replace the bearing of a machine. To capture such information first select the operation for which you want to issue material from warehouse. Then click on Component button at bottom (as shown in below screen shot).

Components in task list

Step 12: A new screen will appear where we can select the material (spare part) and enter quantity. We can also select the relevant Item Category.

If item category is β€˜Lβ€˜, then material will be issues from warehouse through reservation.

If item category is β€˜Nβ€˜, then material will be procured through procurement cycle (PR -> PO -> GR).

Components overview in task list

Step 13: If you want to execute a certain maintenance operation by an external agency (Contractor), then you must select the control key PM03. By using control key PM03, you can assign services from service master, quantity and gross price. This helps in calculating the cost of externally procured services in maintenance order.

PM03 control key

Step 14: Once you click on Service Package button it will open a new screen where you can enter the service master with quantity.

Service package

Step 15:Click on back button and SAVE button. This will save equipment task list.

The post Equipment Task List in SAP PM appeared first on VaibhavERP.

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