Creating Tables in SAP: Transactional, Customizing and Master Data

Creating tables in SAP is a fundamental step for businesses to store and manage their data in an organized way. In this process, data is usually classified under two main categories: Customizing and Application Data.

The Application category includes Customizing data, which is tailored to the specific requirements and business processes of the business, and Master Data, which represents the core assets of the business.

What is Mater Data?

Master Data is the data that defines the core assets of a business and their characteristics. They form the basic building blocks of the processes in which the business operates. This data usually remains stable for a long time and is used to manage the core business processes of the business.

Every business has employees and suppliers. In the Human Resource Management (HCM) module of businesses, each employee is recorded as part of the business. Information such as the name, address, bank account number of each employee is among the basic data of the business and is generally considered master data.

Likewise, businesses need to buy products such as raw materials and office supplies. To obtain these products, agreements are made with suppliers. Suppliers are usually recorded in the Materials Management (MM) or Sales and Distribution (SD) modules. Information such as the name, address, and contract terms of each supplier is considered as master data and is among the basic data of the business.

This type of data usually changes infrequently. However, updates or changes may be made from time to time. For example, an employee's address or bank account number may change, or a supplier's pricing policy may be revised. Although such changes are rare, they may be required in line with the processes of the business.

Accurate and up-to-date master data management enables the business to operate effectively and efficiently and supports processes such as reporting, analysis and strategic decision making.

What is Transactional Data?

Transactional Data is data that is created almost daily as part of the day-to-day operations of the business. For example, in the Human Resource Management (HCM) module, routine transactions such as the salaries due to each employee are considered transactional data. This data is required for the determination and payment of employee salaries.

Similarly, when an employee submits an official travel request to attend a business meeting, this is considered transactional data. This data is important for the management of the business' travel policy and expenses. In the Travel Module, such requests are processed and recorded as part of the processing.

In addition, documents such as purchase orders, sales orders, invoices are also examples of transaction data. These documents are used to document the business's transactions related to the purchase and sale of goods and services. This transaction data is used in areas such as inventory management, financial transactions and customer relations.

This transaction data is used to monitor and manage the day-to-day operation of the business. They are usually generated frequently and ensure that the business's processes are carried out properly and effectively.

What is Customizing Data?

Customizing Data is the data that determines the behavior of the SAP system and includes configurations customized to business needs. This data, which is defined specifically for each module, ensures that the SAP environment works in accordance with the specific requirements of the business. To add or change data in Customizing tables, a transport request is required.

Let's imagine that the Human Resource Management (HCM) module can be customized for specific types of employees of a company. For example, let's assume that a company has only hourly paid and monthly paid employees. These employee classifications are stored in standard customization tables provided by SAP. The data entered in these tables usually rarely changes because the company's employee structure is usually stable over a long period of time.

Similarly, let's assume that customization can be done in the Travel Module to define the specific travel expenses that a company will reimburse. For example, let's assume that the company will only reimburse certain travel expenses such as Airfares, Train Tickets and Car Rentals. These expense types are stored in customized tables in the travel module. However, such expense types usually don't change often because they usually remain constant unless there is a major change in the company's travel policy.

This customization data is used to meet the specific needs of the business and usually remains stable for a long time. However, updates can be made as needed and customizations can be made to adapt to the changing requirements of the business.                               

The correct creation of tables ensures that the SAP system runs efficiently and facilitates the data management of the business. Creating separate tables for each type of data maintains data integrity and optimizes data access.

Creating tables in SAP enables businesses to store and manage organized data. Learn more about customizing, transactional and master data tables.

Creating tables in SAP enables data storage and management. Learn more about customizing, transactional and master data tables and optimize data management