SAP for Utilities (SAP IS-U) is a powerful industry-specific solution within the SAP ERP system tailored for utility companies—such as electricity, gas, water, and waste management providers. A core component of any SAP module is its underlying data structure, which determines how data is stored, accessed, and manipulated. Understanding the basic data structures in SAP for Utilities is essential for implementing, customizing, and maintaining efficient systems that support customer service, billing, and metering operations.
This article explores the fundamental data structures that form the backbone of SAP IS-U.
Master data refers to core information that remains consistent over time and is used across various business processes. In SAP IS-U, the following types of master data are essential:
The Business Partner is a central data object in SAP IS-U, representing all types of entities (customers, vendors, etc.). BPs are categorized into:
Relevant tables:
BUT000 – General data for BPsFPPAR – Contract partner dataFKKVK – Business agreement dataA contract account groups all of a customer's billing contracts and handles all financial transactions, including payments and dunning.
Relevant tables:
FKKVKP – Contract account dataDFKKOP – Open item tableDFKKKO – Document header table for contract accountsTechnical master data describes the physical devices and locations involved in service delivery.
A premise is a physical location (e.g., a house or factory) where services are consumed.
Relevant tables:
EVBS – Premise master dataEFRM – Premise address dataDevices (e.g., meters) measure consumption. Devices are assigned to installations, which in turn link to contract accounts.
EGEREUIINSTInstallations are critical for determining billing-relevant information like rate categories and register readings.
Billing in SAP IS-U is highly complex and depends on the integration of master data and consumption values.
Created after processing meter readings and applying rates.
Relevant tables:
ERCH – Billing document headerERCHZ – Billing document line itemsEK07 – Billing rate componentsMeter readings capture consumption data for devices.
Relevant tables:
EABL – Meter reading document headerEABLG – Meter reading document itemsETRG – Register dataThe move-in and move-out processes manage the connection and disconnection of customers to installations.
Key tables:
EVER – Contract dataEASTS – Move-in/move-out dataEINZBELEG – Move-in/out documentRates and tariffs determine how consumption is priced. These structures are maintained in a flexible way.
EASTS) – Assigned to installationEASTS or ETRF) – Determines how pricing is calculatedThe SAP for Utilities (IS-U) module relies on an integrated and hierarchical set of data structures that ensure efficient customer service, technical operations, and billing. From business partners and contract accounts to meter readings and rate calculations, each component plays a vital role in the utility business process.
Understanding these basic data structures not only helps in navigating and implementing SAP IS-U effectively but also enables better decision-making, customization, and troubleshooting in real-world utility operations.