JinJin48

SAP Consultant | BTP · S/4HANA · US Global Rollout

June 26, 2026 · 11 min read

SAP PM Class

The Class is the master data object that defines a classification group — a named container of Characteristics — which can be assigned to Equipment, Functional Locations, or other technical objects in SAP PM. It enables structured attribute management beyond the standard PM fields: once a Class is assigned to an object, that object inherits all Characteristics defined in the Class, and users can record measured or observed values against each Characteristic. Every equipment search by attribute, every standard reporting grouping, and every attribute-driven maintenance trigger in SAP PM depends on a correctly designed Class.

Part 1: Class — Core Concepts (All Modules)#

1.1 What Is the Class?#

A Class is a named grouping template in the SAP Classification System (CA — Cross-Application). It defines a set of Characteristics that describe objects sharing a common type or category. When a class is assigned to a technical object, the object gains structured attribute fields governed by the class definition.

1.2 Class Types#

The Class Type is the most critical parameter on a Class record. It determines which SAP object type the class can be assigned to. Assigning the wrong Class Type means the class cannot be linked to the intended technical objects — a configuration error that cannot be corrected after values have been recorded.

Design principle: Define Class Types 002 and 003 first during the PM master data design workshop. A single Class can belong to only one Class Type — never mix equipment-level and location-level attributes in one class. Redesigning after go-live requires data migration and value re-entry.

1.3 Organizational Levels and Data Hierarchy#

Data hierarchy with a concrete example

Client
   │
   ├── Class Header
   │      "PUMP_TYPE" (Class Type 002 — Equipment)
   │      No plant / company code scope
   │      │
   │      └── Characteristics in Class (1 Class : N Characteristics)
   │             MAX_PRESSURE, MATERIAL, IMPELLER_DIAMETER
   │
   ├── Equipment
   │      10001234 — Centrifugal Pump #3 (Cooling Water Circuit)
   │      ── assigned to ──> Class "PUMP_TYPE"
   │      MAX_PRESSURE = 6.5 MPa
   │
   └── Functional Location
          Functional Location 1000-A-01 — Pump House, Line 1
          ── assigned to ──> Class "PUMP_TYPE"
          MAX_PRESSURE = 6.0 MPa

1.4 Integration with Other Master Data Objects#

The Class does not hold attribute values itself — it is the structural template. Value recording and search capability depend on the connected objects being correctly configured.

Part 2: PM-Specific Field Details#

2.0 Scope of PM Ownership#

Legend: ◎ = Owner / Critical, ○ = Direct involvement

2.1 Class Header#

The Class Header defines the identity and validity of the classification template. Fields here control whether the class is active, which object type it applies to, and how it is found in search.

2.2 Characteristic Assignment in Class#

When Characteristics are assigned to a Class, additional control parameters govern how each characteristic behaves within that specific class context. These settings are separate from the Characteristic definition itself (CT04) — they are class-context overrides.

2.3 Object-Class Assignment#

The Object-Class Assignment connects a specific Equipment or FL record to a Class, creating the INOB record that enables characteristic value entry on that object.

2.4 Characteristic Values#

Characteristic Values are the actual data recorded against each characteristic on a specific equipment or FL record. They are stored in AUSP and represent the operational output of the classification effort.

What to Read Next#

L1) Big Picture

L2-A) Master Data

L2-B) Transaction