Variant Functions with an example

Hi Friends,
While doing the Variant configuration, we may came across scenarios where std. syntax of VC will not be
sufficient. For this type of scenarios, we can use Variant functions to achieve the desired functionality. Variant
functions will use Function Modules, here we have to write the code using ABAP.

Overview
Variant functions allow us to integrate the function modules with all types of object dependencies. In the
object dependencies we need to use the syntax for calling the function module as well as input and output
parameters.
Variant conditions used where standard syntax is not sufficient to map desired functionality. This may be
possible in following cases.
Complex processing of Char. values
Evaluation of database tables that cannot be addressed via reference characteristics.
Complex validity checks of allowed char. values.
Generation of custom information messages.

Example:
Using variant function to concatenate values of three characteristics into another characteristic.
Chars
Processor

Hard Disk

RAM

Label

Values
Core i7
Core i5
Core i3
500 GB
750 GB
1 TB
2 GB
4 GB
6 GB
Above 3 char selected values should be
concatenated and displayed as label.

Creation of Variant Function:

T.Code: CU65

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Variant Functions with an example

For creating variant function we have to provide required input and output parameters for the function module.

Give Function Name and Description Click on Characteristics

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Variant Functions with an example

Assign required input and output characteristics and save the variant function. In the above example
PROCESSOR, HARD_DISK, RAM are input parameters.

Creating Function Module:

Note: For creating Function Modules requires developer access.
Open the variant function in change mode in CU66 T.code and click on Function Module button.
Function builder initial screen will appear system will propose the function module name click on Create button.

Enter the required details and press save button.

Interface of the Function Module

Import Parameters
Parameter Name

Typing

Reference Field

Content

GLOBALS

LIKE

CUOV_00

Global parameters
for calling a function.
However, the list of fields
currently only contains
the date.

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Variant Functions with an example

Tables
Parameter Name

Typing

Reference Type

Content

QUERY

LIKE

CUOV_01

Table of input parameters

and the expected output
parameters

MATCH

LIKE

CUOV_01

Table of output
parameters
All partial fields except
ATCIO must be filled in a
MATCH entry (especially
format ATFOR)

Structure CUOV_01 comprises the following fields:

VARNAM (characteristic name)
ATFOR (format of the value)
ATWRT (alphanumeric characteristic value in internal format)
ATFLV (numeric characteristic value)
ATCIO (Indicator: input (I) or output (O) parameter)
The fields ATFOR, ATWRT, and ATFLV only have values assigned for input parameters.

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Variant Functions with an example

Exceptions:
FAIL

This exception shows that the condition represented

by the function is not fulfilled.

INTERNAL_ERROR

This exception shows that a runtime error has

occurred processing the function.

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Variant Functions with an example

Source Code : Used for writing your own logic for the function module using ABAP.
The following help functions are supported for accessing import parameters:
CUOV_GET_FUNCTION_ARGUMENT: Read characteristics from the input parameters.
CUOV_GET_FUNCTION_ARGUMENT: Transfer value of characteristics to Variant configuration.

Write the ABAP code and Save and activate the function module.
Press back button, system will display the Change Function transaction. Change the status to 1 Released
and Save Function.

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Variant Functions with an example

Call Variant Function

Write the Procedure and assign it to configuration profile of the material. Below is the procedure for this
example.
FUNCTION ZCOMP_LABEL
(PROCESSOR = $ROOT.PROCESSOR,
HARD_DISK = $ROOT.HARD_DISK,
RAM = $ROOT.RAM,
LABEL = $SELF.LABEL)
The characteristics on the left-hand side are characteristics of the function. The characteristics on the righthand side are characteristics of the PC.
Characteristic LABEL must be referred to with the variable $SELF, because LABEL is a characteristic of the
object currently being processed. Otherwise, values cannot be inferred. The default object $ROOT is assumed
for the other characteristics.

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Variant Functions with an example

Testing
As soon as all values assigned to the characteristics of variant function, function module will sets the value for
LABEL.

Note:
When you call a user-defined function module, SAP Variant Configuration no longer has control of possible
error situations: the person who writes the function module can use all ABAP language elements, but has sole
responsibility for the code.

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Variant Functions with an example

Example code for Function Module

FUNCTION ZCOMP_LABEL.
*"---------------------------------------------------------------------*"*"Local Interface:
*" IMPORTING
*"

REFERENCE(GLOBALS) LIKE CUOV_00 STRUCTURE CUOV_00

*" TABLES
*"

QUERY STRUCTURE CUOV_01

*"

MATCH STRUCTURE CUOV_01

*" EXCEPTIONS
*"

FAIL

*"

INTERNAL_ERROR

*"----------------------------------------------------------------------

DATA : LV_PROCESSOR TYPE CUOV_01-ATWRT,

LV_HARDDISK TYPE CUOV_01-ATWRT,
LV_RAM TYPE CUOV_01-ATWRT,
LV_LABEL TYPE CUOV_01-ATWRT.

REFRESH MATCH.

CALL FUNCTION 'CUOV_GET_FUNCTION_ARGUMENT'

EXPORTING
ARGUMENT

= 'PROCESSOR'

IMPORTING
* VTYPE
SYM_VAL
*

=
= LV_PROCESSOR

NUM_VAL

* IO_FLAG

=
=

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Variant Functions with an example

TABLES
QUERY

= QUERY

EXCEPTIONS
ARG_NOT_FOUND
OTHERS

=1

=2

.
IF SY-SUBRC <> 0.
* Implement suitable error handling here
ENDIF.

CALL FUNCTION 'CUOV_GET_FUNCTION_ARGUMENT'

EXPORTING
ARGUMENT

= 'HARD_DISK'

IMPORTING
* VTYPE
SYM_VAL
*

=
= LV_HARDDISK

NUM_VAL

* IO_FLAG

TABLES
QUERY

= QUERY

EXCEPTIONS
ARG_NOT_FOUND
OTHERS

=1

=2

.
IF SY-SUBRC <> 0.
* Implement suitable error handling here
ENDIF.

CALL FUNCTION 'CUOV_GET_FUNCTION_ARGUMENT'

EXPORTING
ARGUMENT

= 'RAM'

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Variant Functions with an example

IMPORTING
* VTYPE
SYM_VAL
*

=
= LV_RAM

NUM_VAL

* IO_FLAG

TABLES
QUERY

= QUERY

EXCEPTIONS
ARG_NOT_FOUND
OTHERS

=1

=2

.
IF SY-SUBRC <> 0.
* Implement suitable error handling here
ENDIF.

CONCATENATE LV_PROCESSOR LV_HARDDISK LV_RAM INTO LV_LABEL SEPARATED BY '|'.

CALL FUNCTION 'CUOV_SET_FUNCTION_ARGUMENT'

EXPORTING
ARGUMENT
VTYPE
SYM_VAL

= 'LABEL'
= 'CHAR'
= LV_LABEL

* NUM_VAL

TABLES
MATCH

= MATCH

EXCEPTIONS
EXISTING_VALUE_REPLACED
OTHERS

=1

=2

.
IF SY-SUBRC <> 0.
* Implement suitable error handling here
ENDIF.

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Variant Functions with an example

ENDFUNCTION.

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