Vistex Release 6 - Vistex Software & Services | Enterprise ...€¦ · This document provides an...

RELEASE 6.0E

Summary of

New Features and Enhancements

Vistex Release 6.0E

2 Summary of New Features and Enhancements

Table of Contents Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 2 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4

Disclaimer and Liability Notice .................................................................................................................. 4 Global Utilities ............................................................................................................................................... 5

Status Flow ................................................................................................................................................ 5 Activity ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 Evaluation ................................................................................................................................................. 5 BRF+ Function Integration ........................................................................................................................ 6 External Person Workbench ..................................................................................................................... 6 New Charts and Display Enhancements for IP Reports ............................................................................ 7 Material Look-Up in Claims and Transaction Register .............................................................................. 8 Freestyle Search ........................................................................................................................................ 8 Paging ........................................................................................................................................................ 8

Data Maintenance....................................................................................................................................... 10 Customer List Dashboard ........................................................................................................................ 10 File Upload with Text .............................................................................................................................. 10 Customer List File Upload with Contact Person Information ................................................................. 10 Inspection Types for Material ................................................................................................................. 10 Customer and Customer List Inbound and Outbound IDOCs ................................................................. 11 Material and Material List Inbound and Outbound IDOCs ..................................................................... 11 Vendor and Vendor List Inbound and Outbound IDOCs ......................................................................... 11 Show Message on Post (Material) .......................................................................................................... 11 Vendor/Customer Address Matching ..................................................................................................... 11 Dynamic Date Value Selection in Material Profile Run ........................................................................... 11 Returns Vendor ....................................................................................................................................... 12

IP Plus .......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Lean Object Processing ........................................................................................................................... 13 Auto-Correction Workbench ................................................................................................................... 13 Multiple Rejection Reasons in Claims and Transaction Register ............................................................ 13 Validation Transaction ............................................................................................................................ 14 Bill of Material (BOM) Integration in Claim and Transaction Register ................................................... 14 Functions in Claim and Transaction Register .......................................................................................... 14 Partner Address Match in Claims and Transaction Register ................................................................... 14 Control Flag to Suppress Values ............................................................................................................. 15 Download Report for Claims and Transaction Register .......................................................................... 15 Multiple Material Status Flag and Multiple Partner Status Flag ............................................................. 15

Cross Applications ....................................................................................................................................... 16 Organizational Attribute Maintenance and Organizational Objects Workbenches ............................... 16 Membership and Trade Organization Attribute Maintenance ............................................................... 16 Territories................................................................................................................................................ 16 Automated Document Maintenance ...................................................................................................... 16

Agreements ................................................................................................................................................. 18 Access Framework .................................................................................................................................. 18 Upload/Download from BSP ................................................................................................................... 18

Vistex Release 6.0E


Fast Entry in Agreement and Agreement Request ................................................................................. 18 Agreement Groups Workbench – Rules and Rules Overview tabs ......................................................... 19 Programs Groups Workbench ................................................................................................................. 19 Settlement Parameter ID Workbench .................................................................................................... 19 Terms/Settlement Flag Changes ............................................................................................................. 19 Flexible Groups Workbench Enhancements ........................................................................................... 20 Copy Text Flag ......................................................................................................................................... 20

Pricing.......................................................................................................................................................... 21 Price Request .......................................................................................................................................... 21 Core Pricing ............................................................................................................................................. 21 Catalogs ................................................................................................................................................... 22 Multi-Dimensional Scales ........................................................................................................................ 23

Matrix .......................................................................................................................................................... 24 Matrix Workbench .................................................................................................................................. 24 Planning Scenario Workbench ................................................................................................................ 24 Scenario Group Workbench .................................................................................................................... 24 Roll-Up Flag in Matrix Layout .................................................................................................................. 25 New Design of Derivation ....................................................................................................................... 25

Composite ................................................................................................................................................... 26 Key Figure Data Source Enhancements .................................................................................................. 26 Calculation Run and Tracking .................................................................................................................. 26 Paging ...................................................................................................................................................... 27

IP Core ......................................................................................................................................................... 29 Partner Communication BSP ................................................................................................................... 29 Block Profiles ........................................................................................................................................... 29 Field Groups ............................................................................................................................................ 29 Parallel Net Value .................................................................................................................................... 29 “Accept All Items” flag ............................................................................................................................ 29 Delta Accruals ......................................................................................................................................... 29 IP Buckets ................................................................................................................................................ 30 New Settlement Process ......................................................................................................................... 30 Pricing Change Document in Accrual ...................................................................................................... 30 Fund Reconciliation ................................................................................................................................. 31 IP Balance Report .................................................................................................................................... 31 Resubmission .......................................................................................................................................... 31

Vistex Release 6.0E


Introduction This document provides an overview of the Vistex Release 6.0E new features and enhancements. Vistex provides

this release summary to briefly explain new features and changes included the software. To ensure our customers

benefit from new developments and improvements, Vistex offers a variety of sources of information about Vistex

solutions.

Vistex publishes release notes both on SAP Service Market Place and on Vistex VOICE at

http://www.vistex.com/VOICE. VOICE is a customer media channel for learning about Vistex solutions, networking

with other Vistex users, and sharing knowledge and best practices for using Vistex solutions in the business

processes that Vistex solutions support. VOICE provides an excellent vehicle for discussing new business trends,

new features and enhancements, and engaging with the Vistex community about any topic that has piqued your

interest.

Further information about Vistex features can also be found in the Vistex Help Portal at

http://www.vistex.com/help. This website provides extensive documentation from the Vistex Library on Vistex

solutions, organized by release number, product and application.

Vistex software releases, support packages and OSS notes are all available on SAP Service Market Place.

Disclaimer and Liability Notice

Changes made based on this information are not supported and can be overwritten during an upgrade.

Vistex will not be held liable for any damages caused by using or misusing the information, code or methods

suggested in this document, and anyone using these methods does so at his/her own risk.

Vistex offers no guarantees and assumes no responsibility or liability of any type with respect to the content of this

article including any liability resulting from incompatibility between the content within this document and the

materials and services offered by Vistex. You agree that you will not hold, or seek to hold, Vistex responsible or

liable with respect to the content of this document.

http://www.vistex.com/VOICE

http://www.vistex.com/help

Vistex Release 6.0E


Global Utilities

Status Flow

Business Objective

Status Flow is an integrated, easier-to-maintain workflow tool alternative to SAP Workflow. Status Flow is

designed to allow advanced business users to establish and maintain workflow processes without technical

assistance.

Functionality

Enable advanced users to define each step of the workflow indicating the available actions (e.g. accept, reject,

etc.), the outcome (i.e. effect on the state of the workflow step or overall workflow), and the subsequent step to

follow each defined action. Many common workflow features are available, including conditional routing, review

by committee, etc.

During execution of workflow steps, users may change the flow of the approval process according to predefined

paths. The status profile can be configured with multiple approval paths, and when this is the case, the process

flow can be changed at any time by the user when the approval needs to be re-routed on-the-fly.

Activity

Business Objective

The purpose of the “Activity” is to set up the “Outcome”.

Functionality “Activity Document” is created to track communication and the approval process. The “Activity Document” is

created while creating the Agreement, Transaction Register; Price Request and Claims. The “Activity Status” is

changed based on the approval process.

“Activity Template” generates an accelerated approval process via email to the approval party. The email is based

on application related data of the Template holder that includes the following fields: agreement number, validity,

user name, etc.

Evaluation

Business Objective Evaluation is a Global application that can be integrated into Agreement objects and Claim and other IP documents

to evaluate and store the evaluated values for further tracking. In Agreements, Evaluation can survey the user and

determine applicable agreements or programs. In Claims, Evaluation can receive census data—beyond sales

transaction data to characteristics of the customer’s business or the customer’s use of product sold—to determine

eligibility or compliance to agreement terms. Evaluation can also be used to create complex validations on

agreement data entry or submitted claim data.

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Functionality

Evaluation Element is the fundamental entity that contains properties similar to surveys items or types. Elements

can be basic or grid with values and display types (multiple/single/drop down/text box choices) assigned. Elements

can be grouped into a template.

Evaluation Template is a collection of evaluation elements.

Evaluation Document is created through a template and the values are stored. Evaluation document is attached to

existing Vistex documents like Claims, Agreements, etc. Evaluation is a data collection tool similar to survey or

pool. Evaluation provides a census of information such as number of customers; tier pricing, scoring and etc. Based

on the rules maintained in the agreement, evaluation can be used for surveys, pools, compliance; composite

tracking, etc. The periodicity of the evaluation is maintained at the Evaluation Type level. For the purpose of

census the grid type evaluation can be utilized. The grid element is a collection of the basic elements. One of the

elements can be key elements and the rest can be attributes. Evaluation is available to be used in the composite

tracking as well.

BRF+ Function Integration

Business Objective

This function provides users with an easy way to write business rules logic instead of writing code.

Functionality

BRF+ (Business Rule Framework plus) is an SAP event-controlled runtime environment in which the system

processes certain rules. Vistex will now offer SAP BRF+ capabilities to allow Vistex users and client IT staff to

collaborate, prototype and implement client-specific functionality without ABAP programming.. Using the BRF+

“script-style” syntax, client teams will be able to quickly create a working feature using pseudo-development logic

and deploy it immediately without downtime. This approach can bypass much of the onerous process that can

slow delivery of relatively light development.

BRF+ capabilities will be available in agreement and deal workbenches; agreement, deal, and price requests; as

well as claims and transaction register. BRF+ is also used to trigger Status Flow workflow tasks, implement

Restrictions and perform Evaluations. A BRF+ function can be assigned as an alternative to formulas built using the

formula builder.

Every BRF+ function has a “Usage” that tracks where the BRF function has been used. BRF+ function consists of a

“rule set” which is a collection of rules, and a “trigger” that determines the flow in the status.

External Person Workbench

Business Objective

This new workbench is used to define and maintain customer contacts, vendor contacts, 3rd

-party agents,

employees and any other person with or without reference to a customer, vendor or your own company. Any

external person defined here can be linked with an existing SAP user.

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Functionality

An “External Person” is a representative of either a customer or a vendor. When the “External Person” is created,

the corresponding “Contact Person” can be created for a customer or vendor, and/or the “External Person” can be

linked to a “SAP System User” in configuration. The address and personal data is maintained for “External Person”.

Multiple “External Persons” can be assigned to the same “User” (a customer or vendor). External users may have

access to BSPs with the assigned SAP credentials for each BSP. An Agreement provides two new fields for

displaying “External Person” information.

New Charts and Display Enhancements for IP Reports

Vistex added new charts enhancements to the existing reports and offers a variety of new chart types such as True

3D Line, True 3D Combination, True 3D Area, Funnel, Pyramid, etc.

Drill-Down Chart An interactive drill-down chart provides users with capabilities to investigate a portion of the displayed data in

greater detail. Users can use any key figures to categorize their data and build their own drill-down preference for

each chart. The drill-down functionality is available for a maximum of three levels.

3D Chart

True 3D charts can be rotated to modify the viewing angle, and users can zoom in on the charts.

Combination Charts This type of chart displays both a line- and bar-graph. The chart can display data based on either key figures or

characteristics.

Pareto, Funnel & Pyramid Chart

A Pareto chart shows the ratio or the percentage of a particular data set. The user is able to select the chart

properties; key figures and characteristics. This data can also be presented in Pyramid or Funnel chart styles.

Pyramid shows the percentage of the total for each characteristic.

Multi-Axis Chart

A Multi-Axis chart is used to simultaneously display multiple data sets with differing units and/or scales, such as

dollars, units and percentages. Multiple lines can be displayed on the same chart, in different colors, with each line

having its own scale on the vertical axis.

XY-Scatter and Bubble Charts

XY-Scatter charts plot each data point on a graph to reveal the spatial relation and distribution of the data points.

Multiple data sets can be displayed, each with its own unique color. Bubble charts are similar to XY-Scatter charts,

but data is displayed in a bubble form, with the bubble growing in size with the magnitude of a related

characteristic to the data point.

BSP Report

Charts can now be downloaded through the BSP but not the GUI. Chart properties can be selected to show the

values on the chart or the legend for the chart.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Dynamic Values in Selection Variants

When uploading spreadsheet data into pricing transaction/IRM/GPR02 the price record can create a variant in

which the data can be a dynamic date instead of a fixed date. This helps to reduce the number of variants. Instead

of maintaining the actual value, the user can maintain variables (e.g. Validity dates: From: Current date To:

Current date plus 10days). If the user needs to change the sales organization in all variants, instead of changing all

variants, the user can change the value of the variant. If the variable is changed in the table, it changes the variant

automatically.

Material Look-Up in Claims and Transaction Register

In earlier releases, users could define material look-up profiles to determine the order in which externally provided

materials were found using various master data sources, such as cross reference table, customer material info

record, etc. Once a matching material was found, the search ended. In this release, a new feature is introduced to

find all matching materials, present them to the user, and allow users to choose which material to use.

Material Look-up was added to the Item Details in the new “Material” tab.

Freestyle Search

Business Objective

To provide users with Google like search engine.

Functionality

Freestyle Search will search all Vistex-related data, including Master Data, Agreements, Deals, Claims, IP

Documents, etc. To narrow the results down to a specific type, Freestyle Search offers three (3) search types:

“search any word”; search all words” and “search by phrase”. If a search has been used, the search term will be

added to the index. Once a search has been performed, the “refine search” feature allows the user to search

within the displayed search results.

Paging

Business Objective Some Vistex screens can display a very large number of rows of data. As the number of rows to display increases,

the system response time decreases.

Functionality This new functionality was introduced to provide capability to assign the page size, which will display only the

number records selected at a time. Page sizes are determined in configuration. Users can dynamically set the page

size at a run time by using the page size button. A navigation button was provided for first, last, next, previous, and

to go to a specific page. If the page size option is used, the sort and totals/subtotals are only for the page

displayed.

Paging in Claim Validation

Users can assign the number of claims to view per page.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Paging for Allocation and Calculation Run

Paging was introduced in Composite at the allocation level only. For calculation run, it will show that number of

lines in the allocation tab. Paging is configured in the calculation run type definition. Page size determines the

number of lines displayed for the grid value of the subcomponent.

Paging at Sub-Component Level Users can maintain the page size at the subcomponent level as well in the assigned subcomponents configuration.

When a user creates a page size, that page size will override the information in the configuration only for that

deployment code. Paging for sub-component is independent from paging for calculation run.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Data Maintenance

Customer List Dashboard

Business Objective

This functionality will enable users to review data for multiple items in a single view.

Functionality

List Dashboard will allow users to view data for multiple items in a single view. The changes to an item can be

made from a single view of a list dashboard. “Dashboard” button is added to the List workbench. Users can edit

multiple items from a single list. “Dashboard” button is visible if multiple changes are available for change.

Selecting an attribute displays only those attributes in the list dashboard. Any data maintained in the list will be

displayed on the dashboard. The list can also be maintained as of an effective date.

Insert and Delete options in the list dashboard workbench have also been enhanced. Insert option has been

expanded to include “Insert/Create” and “Copy and Insert” additional line item for the existing attribute value.

When the line is inserted, the line item is also added in the attribute. To delete a particular attribute value, the

user can select the cell in the field and select delete.

File Upload with Text

Upload functionality for lists has been enhanced for this release to allow texts to be uploaded. The user has to

specify the area assigned for regular text that is “TX”.

Customer List File Upload with Contact Person Information

Upload functionality for Customer List has been enhanced for this release. This functionality now offers users the

flexibility to upload the contact person information (such as name/address) in the spreadsheet file. The user is

able to specify the area to be assigned for either Contact Person. By identifying “File name” (path) and “File Type”,

users can upload the file into the workbench. To specify Contact Person upload, the area has to be identified as

“CP”.

Inspection Types for Material

For ease of use, the “Inspection Type” functionality is now available via a new “Inspection” tab in the material and

material list workbenches. “Inspection Type” is plant dependent. The “Inspection Type” is available in each line

item. Within “Inspection Type” (e.g.02- Goods Issue Inspection) users have access to select any number of

inspection options using check boxes such as “Inspection with task list’, “Inspection with material specification”,

”Serial numbers poss.”, “Automatic assignment”, “Manual sample calc.”, “100% inspection”, etc. Default flag

values are configured for specific “Inspection Types” in SAP.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Customer and Customer List Inbound and Outbound IDOCs

For each customer assigned to a Customer List, users have to maintain information such as address, contact

person, list attribute values, composite attribute, bank details, etc. The attribute data will be determined by the

first record listed in the IDOC.

Material and Material List Inbound and Outbound IDOCs

For each material assigned to a Material List, users have to maintain information such as description, identifiers,

units of measure, list attribute values, etc. The attribute data will be determined by the first record listed in the

IDOC.

Vendor and Vendor List Inbound and Outbound IDOCs

For each vendor assigned to a Vendor List, users have to maintain information such as address, contact person, list

attribute values, composite attribute, bank details, etc. The attribute data will be determined by the first record

listed in the IDOC.

Show Message on Post (Material)

For Data Maintenance–Pricing, F1 help has been provided explaining the reason why “Base Unit of Measure”

(UoM) cannot be changed. The error message may appear when posting a material after changing the UoM to ECC.

In order to elaborate the error message additional help is added to the error message. The reason is viewed

through the error that displays when the material is posted.

Vendor/Customer Address Matching

Address Matching now displays the percentage of match for the address. Checkboxes have been added to the

match configuration to allow users to run the address match for either Customer or Vendor or both. When the

appropriate box is selected, the user will see the “Match%” for the address. If the address has been changed, it

will be reflected automatically under the “Match%” field. In the Vendor/Customer List, users can view address

match for multiple partners and view partners address details.

Dynamic Date Value Selection in Material Profile Run

Previously, in the Material Profile Run, the date value assigned was static. This release allows users to assign a

dynamic date value. There are several date attributes available to set up the date options, for instance “Current

Date +/-??? Days”; “First Day of current month”; “Last day of current month”; “First day of previous month”, etc.

Users can assign “Current Date +/- 2 days” and select calendar ID such as US. The system will provide the preview

date and assign it to the Effective Date. When the Material Profile Run is created, it will take into consideration

the dynamic date method and calculate the effective date. The dynamic date can be easily changed to a static

date by changing the date value itself.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Returns Vendor

The purpose of the “Returns Vendor” check box is to process returned goods.

In the SAP Vendor Master, the customer has to be maintained in the control view of the vendor master and the

“Returns Vendor” check box has to be activated in the Purchasing data view of the vendor master. Customer

number will appear automatically once the “Returns Vendor” check box is active.

Vistex Data Maintenance for Resources now offers “Returns Vendor” functionally in the vendor master similar to

SAP. In order to maintain “Returns Vendor” functionality in Vistex, standard vendor attributes must be assigned to

the returns vendor attribute to process the “Returns Vendor” function; such as customer, customer shipping

conditions; tax classification and customer account group.

Vistex Release 6.0E


IP Plus

Lean Object Processing

Domain Workbench for Claims & Transaction Register

Business Objectives

Claim and Transaction Register documents have many numerical fields defined, but many of the numerical fields

are unused in a given document. To enable more efficient processing of documents with large volumes of line

items, the system can be configured to categorically ignore unused fields in the document definition.

Functionality

Instead of processing all the unnecessary fields that the system provides for claim and transaction processing

which can lead to increased processing time, users have the ability to select only the fields that they will use to

create claims or transaction documents in the corresponding workbench.

Example: 01 – Submitted amount not identical to calculated 02 – Duplicate Reference No.

Auto-Correction Workbench

Business Objective

This functionality has been re-designed in Release “E” to streamline the auto-correction process by providing an

efficient way of assigning corrections to multiple set of objects.

Functionality Prior to this release, users had to define auto-corrections, select objects to correct, and enter values for the

specific fields for a particular correction. The new Auto-Correction Workbench was introduced to streamline this

process. This new workbench is basically a template of the corrections. Now, users can assign the value to the

specified qualifier and correction that will be applied. The auto-correction template is maintained via “Correction

Type” field. The objects that need to be corrected are identified in the correction run. When creating an auto-

correction run, the correction type defaults all the data created in the correction template. This provides the ability

to re-use correction types across multiple set of objects. The user has the option to either execute or save the

correction run.

Multiple Rejection Reasons in Claims and Transaction Register

Business Objective

This functionality was designed to identify which rejection reason has the highest priority when multiple rejection

reasons have been set up at the item level.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Functionality

This release introduces priorities for the rejection reasons. Users can now assign a priority to each rejection reason

in configuration, ranking the rejection reasons. These priorities are available at the claim type level, global level

and definition level.

Validation Transaction

For both claim and transaction register, a “Detail” button was added that offers multiple options such as: Details,

Partner 1; Partner 2, Material, Groups, etc. The same button is available in the workbench. By selecting any

options under this button, users can make changes to the claim data.

Bill of Material (BOM) Integration in Claim and Transaction Register

This release now supports BOM material explosion in Claim and Transaction Register line items. All BOM items for

the original material will carry over into claims and transaction register. New “BOM Item Category” and “BOM

Usage“ configuration options in Claim and Transaction Register types have been introduced. The “BOM Usage”

identifies where the BOM is utilized, such as Sales and Distribution, Costing, Production, etc. Users can assign child

material(s) to carry over to claim as the line item, positioning the Start Item, Increments and Lower Item Increment.

The Item Increment is the line item numbering for listing more than one BOM. The Lower Item Increment is used

within particular BOM. Any changes to the value in line item fields lead to the re-explosion of the BOM. Any

changes to the BOM quantity will impact quantity distribution to the child item. The BOM explosion occurs in the

original claim.

The only way to change the original BOM is within SAP transaction CS02; otherwise the BOM is re-determined

every time changes are made in the line item. There are three BOM change options: reference, resubmission and

copy-transfer.

Functions in Claim and Transaction Register

In earlier versions, users had a fixed set of menu options for functionality such as re-process, re-price at item level.

In this release, users can create their own combination of functions that they frequently use, and assign these

functions within desired claim and transaction types. Each function can be configured with multiple actions, such

as Re-price Item, Reprocess Item, Reprocess Partner 1, etc.

During claim and transaction register processing, a new icon in the line item grid application toolbar will have a

drop-down to show the available functions for that claim/transaction register type.

Partner Address Match in Claims and Transaction Register

Line item partners such as “Payer” and “Ship-to-party” are now available as part of the Item Details (tab). In the

Item Details, the users can see the complete picture of partners’ information and address using the new “Payer”

tab. When determining partners via look-up, users can specify the partner functions and their sequence which will

be used for determination.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Control Flag to Suppress Values

New “Suppress ALL Values” flag is added to claim and transaction register type configuration to control default

values. When this flag is marked it eliminates visibility to default actions codes; and any additional fields and

values such as adjustment codes, rejections reasons, resubmit reason codes, and item statuses.

Download Report for Claims and Transaction Register

Due to a single claim’s large volume of data, users struggled with downloading claim data for multiple claims. A

new download report is available and provides flexibility to download claim data using a file template.

Multiple Material Status Flag and Multiple Partner Status Flag

These flags are added to Claim Types and Transaction Register Types configuration to maintain multiple statuses at

the item level.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Cross Applications

Organizational Attribute Maintenance and Organizational Objects Workbenches

Business Objective

These features are introduced to create and maintain organizational structures utilizing Vistex Data Maintenance

and SAP HR concepts. These features allow flexible maintenance with user-defined attributes without needing

core HR.

Functionality

New workbenches are introduced to enable users to maintain and set-up a layout for an organizational structure.

It provides the flexibility to maintain HR resources at all levels of the organizational tree including employee

personal data, job, responsibilities, position, and pay grade.

The Objects hierarchy can be characterized for any level of organization:

Org. Unit (Team or Department) – Team QA

Job(responsibility) generic – Manager

Position (responsibility) specific – QA Manager;

Employee (position) – person

Membership and Trade Organization Attribute Maintenance

Business Objective

This new feature enables users to assign trade organization attributes to a membership type.

Functionality

Users may associate various trade organization attributes to each membership type. When a membership is

created, the trade organization attributes associated with the membership’s type will auto populate for selection.

Territories

The ability to upload territory information is introduced. A user can assign and map the fields of the territory

definition to the columns in the file to be uploaded. The territory structure assignment is no longer required when

creating territories. The “Review sheet” button has been added to review the territory data. Users can also create

a new Territory from the newly-introduced Mass Assignment transaction instead of creating the territory from the

Territory Workbench. The territory can be saved as a “Territory Proposal” and only after the proposal is posted (i.e.

approved) will the territory be created.

Automated Document Maintenance

This release introduces four new ADM functions:

1. Re-process claims

Vistex Release 6.0E


2. Re-process transactions

3. Re-determine members

4. Re-process price book

If there are changes on the cross-reference side and the line items need to be updated, it can be done immediately

via Automated Document Maintenance. A file with an invalid item can create a new cross-reference item after

creation of the claim or transaction register document.

“Re-process claims” along with “Material Cross-Reference” functionality allows users to map the source records

with target records. “Source” will find the cross-reference information from the cross-reference table and then

map the appropriate field from the claim target. The system will reprocess the line items displaying the old

material and new materials. “Simulate” mode displays changes that will be made to the claim and “Save” mode

will reprocess claim. This functionality is also provided in combination with “Partner Cross-Reference” source

changes and “Agreement Cross-Reference” source changes.

“Re-process transactions” and “Re-process price book” functionalities are similar to “Re-process claims”.

“Reprocess transactions” are also provided in combination with material, partner and agreement cross-reference

field; whereas, “Re-process price book” is offered in combination with material and agreement cross-reference

fields.

“Re-determine members” is now also offered in combination with “Partner Cross-Reference” field.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Agreements

Access Framework

Business Objective

SAP user authorizations control access to screens and fields, and data can be segregated by company division.

However, the scope of data within any field cannot be restricted. Access Framework enables business users to

define the scope of data that can be viewed or maintained within a Vistex data field. This provides data-level

security and controls to limit the usage of data per field per user. These restrictions in Claims can limit what type

of data is entered in a Claim.

Functionality

Vistex currently offers field-level security to control whether a user can see a field or column of data and if the user

is authorized to modify the data within. A user may be authorized to view and modify agreement rules. However,

if the organizational structure has divided responsibility for pricing and eligibility maintenance, the user

responsible for pricing should not make eligibility changes on the agreement. The access framework

improvements would allow a client to authorize a user to only see or modify those condition records related to

pricing—not eligibility—in the agreement. With this new feature, Vistex now offers the ability to control the scope

of data visible within a field or column. The workbench allows users to define the Restrictions on fields of

applications. Users can force a restriction on the type of material(s) or submitter(s) entered in a claim.

Restriction Profile Workbench

This workbench allows business users to define a profile that contains any number of data restrictions. These

profiles are then assigned to users.

Search Help Variant Workbench

This workbench allows defining search help variants which can be then assigned to restriction definition to restrict

user to pre-defined values.

Upload/Download from BSP

Integrated upload/download files functionality in the BSP for the Agreement and Agreement Request Workbench.

This functionality is similar to what already exists in the GUI. Users will able to upload or download agreements

in/from every tab in BSP.

Fast Entry in Agreement and Agreement Request

Business Objective This feature will provide a faster method for entering agreement rule parameters, eligibility dates and partner

assignments.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Functionality

A new tab “Fast Entry” is introduced in the Agreement Workbench for easy maintenance of the rules, dates and

partners in one place. Fast Entry provides an alternative to entering rules one-by-one under the “Rules Overview”

tab. It has flexibility to maintain multiple values such as: multiple customers with validity dates; multiple materials

with the rate per material; multiple payers and sold- to party with validity dates. In the case of multiple entries in

item data, only the first line’s value will be shown in fast entry fields. These entries are automatically created in the

“Rules” tab.

Agreement Groups Workbench – Rules and Rules Overview tabs

Business Objective

This functionality is designed to provide a summary of all rules of the agreements in an agreement group.

Functionality The Agreement Group workbench will display the agreement rules under the “Rules” tab along with condition

types, material, customer, payer, etc. for all agreements in the same Agreement Group Type category. Multiple

agreements can be viewed in the “General” tab; the rules pertaining to those agreements are displayed in the

“Rules” tab.

Programs Groups Workbench

Programs are allowed to be assigned to Program Groups in the Program Group Workbench.

Settlement Parameter ID Workbench

Business Objective

This functionality provides flexibility to group customers by “Parameters Group ID” and gives flexibility to select

the desired settlement parameters for the customer.

Functionality

Settlement parameters used during the IP document settlement process can be defined with a combination of

customer and company code. In the new Settlement Parameter Group transaction the header level is set up with

Parameter “Group ID” and “IP Application” (e.g. chargeback; billback). The item level is displaying relevant

parameters for IP settlement fields (e.g. sales document; customer group; material group) and can be valid for

specific materials. Material is selected in the “More Value” option which provides option to select more than one

material. In the Customer Settlement Parameters Workbench the “Parameter Group ID” field gives the flexibility to

select right settlement parameters for customer.

Terms/Settlement Flag Changes

In the Agreement Workbench, the “Individual Settlement” flag is replaced by “Settle by Agreement” flag. However,

in the Customer Parameters, users have the option to select the settlement parameters either by the “IP

Document” or to “Settle by Agreement”.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Flexible Groups Workbench Enhancements

Descriptions for Multiple Languages

The “Description” button was added next to the “External Description” field to maintain flexible group descriptions

for multiple languages.

Flexible Group Hierarchy

When copying flexible groups, the reference field in the Header will display the original flexible group.

External Number Range Support

Enable users to save group with an external reference number.

Validity Date

Added the “Proposing valid-from” and “Proposing valid-to” dates in the “Group Type” configuration.

Quantity Field at Item Level

The new “Quantity Flag” was added at the group category level. When “Quantity” flag is checked it enables users

to input quantity value with corresponding base unit of measure. These quantities are used when calculating

Group/Set prices; during special promotions for Deals evaluation.

Copy Text Flag

In the Agreement workbench, Copy Text flag was added at the Condition Type line item.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Pricing

Price Request

Automatic Activity Creation Linked by User Status

Previously, if the Price Request was approved it would allow to create an Agreement. Now, the same functionality

is available for “User Status”. This new functionally allows users to link a Price Request activity with a User status.

When the Price Request has been approved, it can create User Status. Along with the activity status categories

(e.g. new; submitted; countered; in progress; rejected; approved) users can also maintain “Inactive” or “Active”

indicator flag. When the approval is active, users can assign a subset of activities (such as create agreement). When

the User status is approved and the Price Request is saved, it automatically creates an agreement.

Filter Records at the Price Sheet Level

Business Objective

Due to numerous condition records on the agreements, performance issues may occur.

Functionality

Introduced filter option in the Agreement for condition types at the Price Sheet level. The new “Filter Records”

button allows users to filter condition types at the Price Sheet and make necessary changes to the condition types.

If the price sheet contains multiple records, this function provides flexibility to make a change to a single record or

to multiple records. This functionality will not allow users to make changes to set fields such as release status or

validity dates.

Paging at the Price Sheet Level

A new “Page” button is available in the Agreement under the “Rules” tab only while in display mode. This button

is also available in Data Maintenance Pricing at the price sheet level. The user can select the Price sheet and review

condition records per page. The Record Count and Page Size are maintained in configuration.

Core Pricing

Maintenance Groups The new Maintenance Groups feature is similar to the existing Maintenance Profile. It supports the following

categories: Sales Credit, Agreement Priority and Resolution, Transaction Adjudication, and Deal Priority and

Resolution. Maintenance Groups are assigned to one of the maintenance group categories and price sheets in

configuration.

Composite Maintenance

Users are now able to view the individual price sheets of a composite group in Display Mode.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Previous Rate Flag

Business Objective

Agreements may contain numerous amounts of conditions in the price sheets. Some of the condition records may

exist with the same rate. This enhancement may alleviate a potential performance issue.

Functionality

New “Previous Rate” flag is introduced in /IRM/GPRSPRO at the price sheet level. When this flag is marked the

previous rate field will not be populated.

Option to Create Records Using ‘Set Value’ The “New” flag is introduced in transaction /IRM/GPR15 “Automated Price Maintenance” to copy a condition

record before applying changes from the ‘Set Value’ feature. The condition record copy created will have the

increased or decreased rate values. The existing condition record will remain unchanged.

Procedures This release now permits a user to create personalized, additional procedures and assign procedure steps such as

set-up values, apply policies and assign formulas in transaction /IRM/GPR15 “Automated Price Maintenance”.

Multiple Proposals for Price Sheets

Multiple proposals can be created for a unique material (based on material ID) if that material was listed multiple

times in the price sheet.

Waterfall Display in Price Book Item Cascade

It is now possible to view the price waterfall at the price book item level as well as in a chart.

Catalogs

Business Objective

A price catalog is a list of available materials and prices. Suppliers generate a catalog for some or all of their

customers. The catalog given to each customer may be unique—offering a subset of materials and/or special

pricing that is not offered to other customers. The frequency of generating updated catalogs may be periodic or

may depend on the changes in materials or prices offered.

Functionality

A catalog is a list of calculated prices of materials at the item level for a customer. A catalog can be generated for

each customer. In the price book or sales documents, users are able to generate prices for a single or multiple

customers for any number of materials. The catalog items can be created manually or via “Segment”. The

“Segment” maintains a collection of partners, materials, and agreements. The combinations of objects such as

customers and materials are created in the catalog at item level. Maintenance levels determine the combinations

for the materials and customers in the segments which are used in the agreements. A partner can be assigned

multiple times based on the partner function. Duplicate partner roles can be maintained in the catalog application.

The “Catalog Frequency” workbench allows users to maintain calendar dates for generating each catalog type. This

feature gives users an idea when to prepare the catalog. It also supports paging and display profiles.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Users are able to create a catalog manually via file upload from Excel spreadsheet. The catalog can be uploaded

manually in the “Catalog File Upload” workbench via file submission.

Multi-Dimensional Scales

Business Objective

Pricing or incentives can vary by more than one measure. Two-dimensional pricing grids can be common in

agreements. For example, a pricing discount may increase with the total volume purchased and/or the variety of

products purchased. In these situations, the discount structure can be represented on paper in a two-dimensional

grid, but in previous releases, it must be broken down into a series of one-dimensional condition records.

Functionality

This new feature allows multiple dimensional scales within the condition record to capture pricing or rebate

structures as they appear in the hardcopy agreement and eliminate the need for users to translate these

structures into simpler forms for entry into Vistex solutions. Users also have the ability to view the multi-

dimensional scales in a user-friendly grid format.

A maximum of three scale dimensions are supported. Price records with multiple dimensional scales can be

uploaded via file upload.

Below is an example of a three-dimensional scale (for dimensions “weight”, “distance” and “length”) that might

appear in a transportation agreement.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Matrix This release offers entirely upgraded Matrix capabilities and introduces three new Matrix workbenches: Planning

Workbench, Scenario Workbench and Scenario Group Workbench.

Matrix Workbench

Business Objective

Enable users to generate a customized data repository (matrix) by assigning a Matrix table and Usage (e.g. 000,

001, Actual, Planning, etc.) to scenarios. Allow users to pull data into Scenario Matrix tables using Data Sets. Set

periods and variables, and support entry or uploading of matrix data.

Functionality

The Matrix Workbench enables the user to define scenarios for planning. A scenario aggregates data stored in

contemporary matrices dynamically. User is able to customize a matrix based on personalized scenarios. Scenario

is uploaded into the matrix using Characteristics and Key figures. The workbench provides Characteristics tab and

the Key Figures tab. Allows user to plan matrix Key Figures based on the Characteristics and time period.

Characteristics defined in the “Allowed Fields” and collected from IP documents, PC documents and transaction

data. The user enabled to select the “Allowed Fields” to create “Selected Fields” for the matrix characteristics. In

“Key Figures” tab user able to set up the “Selected Fields” from “Allowed Fields” that are collected from IP

documents, PC documents, transaction data and claims. The fields simply dragged and dropped from “Allowed

Fields” to “Selected Fields”. There is also an option to transport data from one system to another system. After the

matrix defined the data is uploaded into the matrix via plan Scenario in the Scenario Matrix Workbench.

Planning Scenario Workbench

Business Objective

Support the flexibility of maintaining matrix data by Scenario and Usage (000; 001) using Planning Layout.

Functionality

A new Web Dynpro-based planning tool is introduced to allow planning by Scenario and Usage utilizing planning

Layout. In order to plan, users can set up the layout in the matrix workbench; create up to four (4) rolling up

planning periods in a hierarchy form. Vistex delivers “Function Types” such as Pre-defined, Computation, User-

defined and Forecast. These functions enable users to either utilize functions provided by Vistex or generate their

own formulas or rules. The new Planning Scenario Workbench allows dynamic aggregation and offers new

functionalities such as Distribution function where the amount can be distributed across periods and value

variables can be changed per users’ preference.

Scenario Group Workbench

The new Scenario Group workbench allows users to transfer actual data from IP documents into the matrix. The

matrix automatically updates when subsequent changes are made to the IP document.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Roll-Up Flag in Matrix Layout

The Roll-Up hierarchy flag was added in the matrix layout for both row hierarchy and column hierarchy. This flag

determines how the key figure amounts in the matrix are summarized, i.e. “rolled up”. It will display all key figure

subtotals in a single row or a single column.

New Design of Derivation

Derivation has been added to the new matrix workbench as its own tab. Users can use Derivation rules as

additional characteristics of key figures. To determine a derivation, the key figures and type have to be assigned to

the derivation, and the source data mapping, periodicity and corresponding data must be maintained in the

planning for each key figure.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Composite

Key Figure Data Source Enhancements

In previous releases, only one data source for key figures was available. This release adds four new data sources

for key figures:

New Matrix – key figure data is sourced from New Matrix (new this release, page 24)

IP Buckets – key figure data is sourced from IP Buckets (see Release D-SP3)

Evaluation – key figure data is sourced from Evaluation data (new this release, see page 5)

G/L Mapping – key figure data is source from General Ledger (reserved for future use)

Calculation Run and Tracking

Duplication Check for Calculation Run

Business Objective

Duplicate calculation runs waste system resources. The system can be configured to prevent duplicate requests to

calculate incentives based on deployment code, period and participant information.

Functionality

The “No Duplicate” flag is introduced in the “Calculation Run Type” configuration. If this optional feature is

enabled, the system will scan all existing calculation runs looking for a matching calculation run based on

deployment code, calculation run, period and participant information. If such a calculation run already exists, the

system prevents creating the newly requested duplicate calculation run.

Report for Calculation Run in Background with Date Check

Business Objective

Allow users to create a calculation run for specific date(s). This is useful to prevent unnecessary calculation runs

that are run on days where no settlement is needed.

Functionality

The “Evaluation Date” is a mandatory value, and is treated as a posting date. When the system creates a

calculation run it determines if the “Evaluation Date” matches a date maintained in the settlement calendar. This

check takes place before tracking, allocation or accounting data is created for the calculation run. The report also

checks against the dates for each participant, and the system generates a calculation run only for valid

participants.

Evaluation Anchor in Tracking

Business Objective

Support different data combination tracking. Provide users with flexibility to select their own way of tracking

planning data. This new field is available across all applications.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Functionality

In the composite deployment tracking, Release “E” provides a new field called “Evaluation Anchor”. This new field

controls the user selection of parameters itinerary (e.g. “Provide participant then period” or “Provide evaluation

date then partner “or “Provide period then participant”). Release ‘E’ provides a flexible period approach where

users can assign the period parameters to a deployment code with the new “Evaluation Anchor” field in the

configuration.

a) “Provide participant then period”- this option is helpful where the flexible periodicity is defined, the

user is able to select flexible periods. The period is derived from a particular participant. The

agreement and then participant have to be assigned in order to populate the period.

b) “Provide evaluation date then participant”- users can enter “Evaluation Date” period directly. Based

on the participant Start – End dates, and the “Evaluation Date” the system determines the

“Evaluation From –To” date. This option helps to identify participant(s) for the tracking period.

c) “Provide evaluation date as end date”- in this option “Evaluation Date” becomes evaluation “To”

date. The tracking starts from the “To” date. Useful for tracking data on a daily basis. The calculation

is based on the evaluation “To” date.

d) “Provide period then participant”- this option provided by default, user can assign either the planning

type or periods in the period parameters directly.

Info Key Figure and Scales Display in tracking

Business Objective

To provide not only displayed actual value from scales, but also display next level of scale value whatever

participant is eligible based on the quarter achieved.

Functionality

New steps added in the sub-component key figure configuration (“Assign Subcomponent Info Key Figures”) to

display scales. Users can navigate and review scales tiers per condition record from the tracking.

Usage Indicator in Sub-Components mapping New field added to configuration for sub-component assignment called “Sub-component date usage”. Users can

adjust the information to the evaluation dates, fix to source, or fix to evaluation dates. Mainly used for mapping

dates.

Paging

Business Objective

Since Allocation holds all IP documents information and contain large amount of data the collection of information

may cause performance issues. All of the IP documents information is stored in the allocation tables.

Functionality

Paging was introduced in Composite at the allocation level only. It determines the number of lines that are wanted

to be seen when running a calculation run. Paging is configured in the calculation run type definition. Page size

determines the number of lines displayed for the grid value of the subcomponent. If the page size option is used,

the sort and totals/subtotals are only for the page displayed.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Paging for Allocation and Calculation Run

This new functionality was introduced to provide capability to assign the page size, which will display only the

number records selected at a time. Page sizes are determined in configuration. For calculation run, it is defined in

the deployment code in calculation run tab. For calculation run, it will show that number of lines in the allocation

tab. A navigation button was provided for first, last, next, previous, and to go to a specific page. Users can

dynamically set the page size at a run time by using the page size button. In addition, users can maintain the page

size at the subcomponent level as well in the assigned subcomponents configuration. When a user creates a page

size, that page size will override the information in the configuration only for that deployment code.

Paging at Sub-Component Level Sub-components may contain large amounts of data particularly in IP documents. Paging helps to determine the

page size and increase the system performance. It’s a part of the screen layout. Paging for sub-component is

independent from paging for calculation run.

Vistex Release 6.0E


IP Core

Partner Communication BSP

Block Profiles

For each Block profile, you can maintain different fields and descriptions. Defined at the Partner Communication

Types, Block profiles determine fields displayed when using the BSP.

Field Groups

Define the group position and the column number.

In the line item conditions, the user can adjust the amounts in the conditions and the changes will be made to the

corresponding document type (e.g. claim document will be updated).

Parallel Net Value

In the past, to calculate net values the system rounded each item’s value and them summed the rounded figures

to get the net value. This caused a difference if the items were added first and then the total rounded. A new

option called Parallel Net Value removes the first part of the rounding. This is supported for Claims and Transaction

register.

“Accept All Items” flag

By enabling “Accept All Items” flag at the Partner Communication Types level the system automatically will

populate ALL of the claim line items. If the user is planning to populate only selected items out of multiple items,

when the flag is enabled all items will be processed. This flag defined for documents created from IDOCs or

uploaded from a file.

Delta Accruals

Internal Accrual

Added “Accrue Zero Amount” flag in the “Accrual Profile” level configuration. If IP document is accrued and later

after re-price the amount is equal to “zero” the internal documents created and new data amount is posted.

Vistex Release 6.0E


IP Buckets

Business Objective

This functionality will accelerate the IP and accrual process; and allow the user to maintain the following: what to

settle/accrue/re-price, when to settle/accrue/re-price, and whom to settle/accrue/re-price before the actual

process.

Bucket Maintenance

Bucket workbench displays all the buckets created for a particular application (e.g. /IRM/IPCBBCKM will show

chargeback buckets). It will be in the header/item format where; header will have bucket fields and its values, and

items will show all the eligible items from IP documents. One bucket can be used for multiple activities like re-

price/settle/park. Buckets can also be created from settlement parameters such as vendor parameters, customer

parameters. Buckets can be saved either individually or multiple buckets simultaneously.

Bucket Reconstruction Reports

There are two (2) types of reconciliation reports: (a) at Bucket level and (b) at IP level: (TCODE – /IRM/IPBCK21, as

well as /IRM/IPBCK20 to /IRM/IPBCK26 for Mass processing of reconstruction).

Bucket Processing

Buckets can undergo processes like re-pricing, accrual, reverse accrual, set/reset Completion status, settlement,

reverse settlement and park/reverse park. We can see the activities performed on buckets in the activities tab on

the workbench log number which is generated with every process and navigation. This displays the messages

logged for the process in full screen. The number of items processed (i.e. total number of bucket items present

during that particular process) is stored because bucket items gets added and deleted, this field will help the user

know how many items were processed or( to be specific) present in the bucket during that particular process.

New Settlement Process

A new feature within the settlement process is a single lot preparation settlement/park process for buckets to

improve performance and keep the expected result and checks the same. This will be used when performing

settlement/park process on Buckets.

Reservation Document The reservation document is assigned from the agreement functionality. The Funds consumption document will

consolidate the common item levels from an IP document. This is determined by the funds consumption object. If

all are the same, then the items will be combined.

Pricing Change Document in Accrual

Business Objective

Rebates offered on Vistex agreements may need to be absorbed into inventory valuation and affect Moving

Average Price (MAP). Inventory value and MAP changes are accrued and settled within Vistex after being triggered

by standard SAP Goods Receipt.

Vistex Release 6.0E


Functionality

A new “Price Change Accrual” flag in the “Accrual Profile” configuration was introduced in this release. When this flag is checked, a price change accrual document will be created upon accrual of a price change document. A new “Price Change” posting type for price change documents was also introduced.

When the settlement is created, it will not create an FI G/L settlement document directly, but rather will create a Price Change settlement document. For each material, the accounting document will display the change in price as well as display the clearing amount. The accrual amount can be split between two different accounts.

Fund Reconciliation

Business Objective

To consider the reserved funds during accrual process and display at the reserved funds on the accounting log.

Functionality

When accruing from IP document with reconciliation document assigned to the IP document the “Funds

Commitment” item will display at the account document flow level. The new fields “Funds Commitment”; “Earned

Funds”; “Commitment Item”; “Funds Control” and “Fund” are added to the IP document at the line item level to

display reserved funds. During accrual the “Funds Commitment” item is created and displayed on the document

flow per each line item. Multiple “Funds Commitment” documents can be consolidated into one line item and will

display the sum of all line items. In the case of a delta accrual as the value of the item changes it will create

additional “Funds Commitment” line item to display a delta accrual.

IP Balance Report

IP Balance report now supports all of the accounting documents as well as Item Multiple external adjustment

codes and action codes, it can also maintain multiple external adjustment codes or action codes per each line. It is

maintained in configuration for internal adjustment to external adjustment codes.

Resubmission

Resubmission functionality has been revised in this release. Resubmission will be now based on resubmission reference # and resubmission reason at the line-item level. There will be as many resubmissions as the unique combinations of resubmission reference # and resubmission reason.

Users may view the resubmission history via the “Display Resubmission History” button.

A new resubmission type has been introduced that will control the correspondence types allowed for a resubmission.

New transactions /IRM/IPCBRSUB for chargebacks and /IRM/IPBBRSUB for billbacks have been introduced to carry out the resubmission as a background job.

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