SAP Key Note for PLC

SAP Product Lifecycle Costing 4.0 SP8 Release Notes

Release Date: December 20, 2024
Version: SAP Note 3549150

SAP Product Lifecycle Costing (PLC) 4.0 SP8 introduces new features, bug fixes, data model changes, and installation or upgrade requirements. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the updates, ensuring smooth adoption for new installations or upgrades.

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Highlights of New Features

1. Autocomplete for Custom Fields

• Enhanced Usability: Custom field values are now available as autocomplete suggestions, reducing errors and improving efficiency.
• Advanced Configuration:
  • Up to 5 dependencies can refine autocomplete options.
  • Default formulas auto-populate values for specific field combinations.

2. Configurable Double-Click Action

• Administrators can define whether double-clicking opens calculation versions in Exclusive or Collaborative mode.

3. Default Value Formula for Custom Fields

• A new formula editor, DEFAULT_DEPENDENCY_VALUE, automates custom field value determination based on dependent fields.

4. Integration with Product Engineering and Operations (PEO)

• Import version-controlled BOMs and shop-floor routings from SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing into PLC costing structures.

5. Read-Only Custom Fields

• Custom fields calculated using formulas can now be set as read-only to prevent manual overwrites and ensure data integrity.

6. Enhanced Comparison View

• Displays hierarchical item positions and supports sorting and filtering.

7. System Notifications

• Administrators can create categorized notifications (Critical, Important, or Informational) that users see upon logging in.

8. Current Exchange Rates

• Flexibility to choose between current or historical exchange rates in calculations.

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Bug Fixes

• Improved Comparison View: Correctly displays changes for custom fields and allows unsaved changes comparison.
• ROLLUP Formula Adjustments: Fixed errors in calculating assembly item values.
• Tracking ID Generation: Properly generates values for all calculation version types.
• System Stability: Addressed crashes and errors due to unauthorized actions or simultaneous data modifications.

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Data Model Updates

New Tables

• t_item_history_ancestor_change_by
• t_cff_dependencies_value

Updated Tables

• Added IS_CURRENT_EXCHANGE_RATE field to t_exchange_rate_type.

Security Enhancements

New role templates for managing custom field dependencies:

• CffValueR_RT (read)
• CffValueE_RT (edit)
• CffValueD_RT (delete)

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Known Issues

• Comparison view limitations for pre-SP7 versions due to missing MASTER_DATA_TIMESTAMP. Run the provided SQL script to resolve.

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Installation and Upgrade Instructions

New Installation

• Install PLC 4.0 SP8 directly without needing prior versions.
• Requirements:
  • SAP HANA DB 2.0 Revisions: SPS07 (2.00.072.0–2.00.79.02) or SPS08 (2.00.81.00).
  • Operating System: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 15 SP3 or later.
  • Additional Packages:
    • Glibc-2.29 or higher
    • XS Advanced Runtime revision 1.2.4–1.3.0

Upgrade Instructions

• Upgrade existing PLC installations using the Administrator's Guide.
• SAP HANA considerations:
  • Upgrade to SPS07/SPS08 and corresponding XSA revisions (1.2.x/1.3.x).
  • For unsupported OS versions, upgrade or set up a new system with the required specifications.

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Integration with SAP ERP

To import data, ensure the following SAP Notes are applied:

• BOM & Routing: SAP Notes 2276456, 2278609
• Document Structure: SAP Notes 2281004, 2281007

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Stay Updated:
Visit SAP's support portal for further information and detailed instructions on deploying or upgrading SAP Product Lifecycle Costing 4.0 SP8.