Features and functions abas ERP for production ... - SRKK.com

Features and functions 

abas ERP for production companies Version 2011 

As of: September 2011 

Created: February 2012 

Subject to change without notice

2011 Inhaltsverzeichnis 

INHALTSVERZEICHNIS 

1. Introduction 4 

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1.1 Introduction to ABAS – Company profile 4 

1.2 Getting to know the abas Business Software 5 

1.3 Customer satisfaction 6 

1.4 Your advantages in using abas ERP 7 

1.5 Software architecture 12 

1.6 The tools: abas tools 14 

1.7 Customization and additional enhancements 15 

2. Basic system 18 

2.1 Database 18 

2.2 Master files 19 

2.3 Document administration 28 

2.4 Address validation against lock lists 28 

2.5 Communication components 29 

2.6 Graphical user interface (GUI) 30 

2.7 Charts 31 

2.8 Images 32 

2.9 Tree views 33 

2.10 Online Help 33 

2.11 Infosystems 33 

2.12 Action call 34 

2.13 Print 35 

2.14 Characteristics bar and selection bar 36 

3. Functions 36 

3.1 CRM 37 

3.2 Sales 40 

3.3 Purchasing 48 

3.4 Invoices for purchasing and sales 58 

3.5 Pricing for purchasing and sales 58 

3.6 Intrastat statistics 60 

3.7 Materials management 60 

3.8 Scheduling 64

Inhaltsverzeichnis 

2011 

3.9 Sales planning 67 

3.10 Production 69 

3.11 Service processing 77 

3.12 Costing 80 

3.13 Material valuation 84 

3.14 Financial accounting 88 

3.15 Cost accounting 100 

3.16 Group accounting 107 

3.17 Accounting evaluations 111 

3.18 Fixed asset accounting 112 

3.19 Corridor Controlling 117 

4. EDI 119 

5. Automotive (optional) 122 

6. abas eB (optional) 123 

7. Interfaces 124 

7.1 DDE - Dynamic Data Exchange 124 

7.2 ODBC - Open Database Connectivity 124 

7.3 SQL interface 125 

7.4 Multi-Site 125 

7.5 EDP - ERP Data Access Protocol 126 

7.6 Object-oriented database interface for FOPs 127 

7.7 abas Java Objects 127 

8. eLearning and eDocumentation (optional) * 128 

9. Solutions of cooperation partners 129 

10. Integrated Solutions 130 

10.1 DMS - Document Management System (optional) 130 

10.2 ATLAS - customs and export processing 131 

10.3 Business Intelligence 131 

11. Service 133 

11.1 On-site service by the software partners 133 

11.2 Keeping up to date with ABAS 134 

12. Contact 137 

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2011 Introduction 

1. Introduction 

1.1 Introduction to ABAS – Company profile 

The core competence of ABAS Software AG is the development of flexible ERP 

and eBusiness software for midsize companies with up to 1000 employees. 

Over 2700 customers throughout the world have already opted for both ABAS 

as an IT specialist and the integrated abas Business Software. 

The ABAS company was founded in 1980 and has now become an international 

group of companies. ABAS Software AG in Karlsruhe has around 130 employees, 

which together with over 50 abas partners worldwide makes a total of 

approximately 600 employees. abas software partners provide on-site support 

and a range of services including implementation, hardware and network support, 

customization and a helpdesk. This ensures short reaction times and high 

quality service. 

Worldwide abas partner network 

International partners in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Romania, 

Bulgaria, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, the Netherlands, 

France, Italy, Spain, Iran, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, 

Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Brazil, Canada and the USA 

represent ABAS Software AG throughout the world. The partner network is 

continually being expanded. 

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Introduction 

1.2 Getting to know the abas Business Software 

2011 

The brand name abas Business Software includes the products abas ERP for 

production, abas Distribution for trading and service companies and the eBusi- 

ness solution, abas eB. 

abas Business Software (ERP, PPC, MRP, eBusiness), a solution for midmarket 

companies, is flexible, adaptable, and future-proof. The clear structure and well 

thought-out implementation strategy of the system enables a short implementation 

period as well as a trouble-free integration into existing company structures. 

Specific customization can be carried out with very little effort. 

New functions and technologies are constantly added to the standard software 

with every upgrade and,as a result, abas users remain up-to-date. abas Business 

Software is currently available in 28 languages. 

ABAS has been supporting the open source operating system Linux since 1995 

on the server-side. The flexible standard business software is also provided for 

Linux in the front end range. As already experienced on the server-side, Linux 

is also distinguishing itself on the client side through low costs, great stability 

and excellent performance. 

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1.3 Customer satisfaction 

Expectations users have of their business software and to which degree 

these expectation are met are decisive factors for customer satisfaction. Which 

criteria influence the level of satisfaction from the implemented ERP system? 

While historically this has concerned functional aspects, so-called „soft fac- 

tors“ are also becoming increasingly important - for example, the trust placed 

in the software provider and the software provider‘s reliability. 

Excerpt from current ERP market studies: 

ERP satisfaction study 2010/2011 

User satisfaction is an important indicator of the cost effectiveness and benefits 

of an ERP system. For the fifth time since 2004, Trovarit AG, together with 

the FIR (Research Institute for Operations Management) at the RWTH Aachen 

University, have conducted a study on the use of ERP solutions on a broad 

empirical basis. 

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Introduction 

Konradin ERP study 2010/2011 

2011 

The Konradin ERP study examines the implementation of ERP solutions for the 

seventh time. The study highlights customer satisfaction with selected ERP systems 

and abas Business Software receives top user satisfaction rankings. 

(Further information is available in the „Current ERP studies folder“) 

1.4 Your advantages in using abas ERP 

Selecting abas ERP, means opting for competence, continuity, quality, interna- 

tionality and first-class established technology. 

Short implementation periods 

The clear structure of the ERP software and the ingenious implementation strategies 

ensure short implementation periods and smooth integration into the 

company structure and existing software environments. This results in transparency 

as well as a quick return on investment (ROI). Through methodical 

software implementation, the implementation periods are reduced by around 

25% and the ROI is reached in a significantly shorter time. 

Platform 

abas ERP runs using Linux or on Windows servers with virtualized Linux. Or 

opt for ASP – Application Service Providing, witch refers to the outsourcing of 

the abas Business Software and other software applications. The operation and 

support of your IT infrastructure is left to the abas specialists via a cost-efficient 

data linkage or worldwide via the Internet. Fixed monthly prices allow for precise 

budgeting. 

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Everything in one overview: employee-related portal applications 

Using the portal technology all outstanding tasks can be centrally managed. 

The administrator has all tasks assigned to him in a role-based overview. The 

current situation and critical processes are immediately visible. Here the administrator 

can analyze his processes over a specific period. Also, with a simple 

click he can switch to different applications in order to edit his processes. 

The portal applications CRM, sales, purchasing, production and service are all 

integrated into abas Business Software. Detailed information can be found in 

the relevant sections. 

Clearly structured and easy to use 

The complete standard user interface, the systematic screen structure, the Online 

Help for specific fields, screens, and topics, and the structure of the screens 

according to the related functions make it simple to learn to work confidently 

and effectively with abas ERP. 

Flexible down to the last detail – individuality 

Be it business processes, screens or database structures - your specific requirements 

can be easily integrated into the ERP Software. abas Business Software 

can be adjusted to perfectly suit your organizational structure. The benefits and 

usefulness of your company software will increase from year to year. You are 

part of this progress - with every new version. Even after an upgrade, userdefined 

modifications such as customized screen fields, customized reports, 

new functions and personal macros are retained. 

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Introduction 

2011 

Many different areas can be customized using the ”Flexible User Interface”: 

• Dialog functions and menus 

• Evaluations and lists 

• Characteristics bars 

• Documents and forms 

• Screens and individual texts 

• Database access and queries 

• Data import and export 

• Additional fields and tables 

• Calling and integrating external programs 

• Event-driven functions 

• Personal macros 

Internationality through multilingualism 

Using the Unicode character set, abas ERP is multi-lingual in both the user menu 

as well as in the display language. For example, you can work with the same 

database in different operating languages; or your controller can access all 

international installations while generating evaluations in his native language. 

abas Business Software is currently offered in the following 28 languages: German, 

British and American English, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Russian, 

Hungarian, Czech, Turkish, Romanian, Indonesian, Dutch, Macedonian, Bulgarian, 

Serbian, Slovenian, Slovak, Portuguese, Chinese (simplified and traditional), 

Greek, Thai, Arabic, Persian, Vietnamese, and Urdu. You can ask your 

software partner for the translation status of individual languages. Other languages 

can easily be added, if required. 

International presence protects your investment 

The abas partner network comprises of over 30 countries in which not only 

various languages and characters, such as Cyrillic, Arabic and Chinese are 

represented, but also country-specific conditions have been catered to. With 

its implementation concept, which can be used uniformly worldwide, ABAS can 

guarantee a successful ERP implementation. 

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Always up-to-date through upgrades 

Make use of extensive new features and functions which flow into abas Business 

Software year after year for your business success. Regular upgrades can 

translate to immediate profit from the up-to-date state of the technology, and 

continual improvement of efficiency and productivity within the company. 

ABAS Software AG has a continuous upgrade strategy to ensure that the business 

software will also be reliable in the future. A new version is available every 

year and the standard software is constantly supplemented with new functions 

and technology so abas users are always up-to-date. 

Each new version of abas Business Software contains many useful new features 

and functions across all function areas. Therefore, abas ERP is a technically upto-date 

product which becomes more valuable to the company year after year. 

An upgrade can be implemented quickly due to the abas ERP software architecture, 

without having to create a new project. 

Upgrade means: new version with new properties and functions, not only a 

„facelift“ and „bug fix“, but an upgrade to an entirely new version, without 

deleting previous customizations. 

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Introduction 

Regular upgrades 

2011 

Company-specific program customizations and modifications remain after 

an upgrade. Each upgrade also provides the opportunity to optimize organi- 

zational processes. ABAS and the abas partners are available to give support 

and advice. 

Log database increases speed and efficiency 

The object-oriented abas database operates virtually maintenance free. It is 

prepared for new features in the case of upgrades. Online data backup either 

to a backup tape, Disc-to-Disc or a shadow database is possible (during normal 

operation). Therefore, operation is guaranteed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 

Open interfaces for connecting external IT systems 

External IT systems can be included using the abas interfaces „EDP“ (ERP 

data access log) and „ERP export and import“, as well as the standard interfaces 

DDE“ (Dynamic Data Exchange) and also “Multi-Site“, “ActiveX“, and 

“Java“ API“. The standard interfaces “ODBC“ (Open Database Connectivity) and 

“JDBC“(Java Database Connectivity) are also available as an option. 

These interfaces connect abas Business Software to other IT systems, e.g. CAD, 

CAQ, PDC and EDI systems, order time recording and personnel time recording, 

archiving systems, word processing programs, spread sheet, data warehousing 

or Olap databases. 

eBusiness solution for midmarket companies: abas eB (optional) 

Using abas eB, ERP data such as stock levels, availability, sales order status, 

product data, or sales figures is accessible via the Internet. ERP data Access 

permissions or user permissions are defined individually. Subsidiaries, sales 

representatives and vendors have constant access to up-to-date information, 

thereby increasing transparency within the company. 

Design your solution to your personal preferences and incorporate your own 

ideas on the basis of ready-made web applications such as webshop, scanner 

solutions, product and spare parts catalog. abas eB grows with your requirements 

while remaining upgradeable. 

Customer-related data can be displayed and edited anytime and from anywhere 

using laptop, tablet PC or smartphone. 

abas eB supports your external sales force and service employees all around 

the world 24/7 via Mobile Sales and Mobile Service. For post-sales service there 

is a connection to the service processing with service request management, 

service assignment planning, maintenance, repair, service products with BOM 

and many more. 

abas eB offers all the advantages of a flexible eBusiness solution for midmarket 

companies – fully integrated into your ERP system. 

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1.5 Software architecture 

abas ERP is so flexible that the ERP system will suit your business perfectly. 

Thanks to its tiered architecture, the business software can be optimally in- 

tegrated into existing IT environments. abas ERP is always flexible enough to 

meet your changing and expanding business requirements so your software is 

always up-to-date with the most modern state of technology. 

The foundation of abas Business Software is the object-oriented database an 

the application tier is based on the database. The flexible interface is designed 

using the abas tools. For example, the Java workbench, screen, report and 

form designer. It enables you to make adjustments which remain even after 

upgrades. These tiers form the kernel of abas ERP. 

The top tier is the “flexible user interface“ (FO) which is the visible and editable 

presentation interface. It consists of the “Flexible Standard User Interface“ and 

the “Individual User Interface“ with your customization. 

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Introduction 

abas kernel 

abas system basis/Database overview 

An object-oriented database, the objected-oriented programming 

languages C++ and Java, as well as C along with the 

operating systems Linux and Windows with virtualized Linux, 

form the basis of abas Business Software. 

abas core functions/Application tier 

Benefit from a standard software that flexibly supports company-specific 

requirements when using abas ERP. Some of the 

core functions of the ERP software include: purchasing, sales, 

scheduling, materials management/MRP, production/PPC and 

accounting. 

abas tools 

The abas tools are object-oriented and easy to use. The 

“Flexible Standard User Interface“ and the “Individual User 

Interface“ are created using tools such as the report generator, 

menu generator, and screen generator. You can also create 

links to other software applications using the abas tools: via 

interfaces you can link abas ERP to other IT systems. 

Flexible user interface (FO)/Presentation tier 

Flexible standard user interface 

The flexible standard user interface contains numerous functions 

which are generally required for business operations: 

reports, forms, screens, menus, data and evaluations can be 

used instantly. The user can select those which are required. 

Individual user interface 

The functions, data, evaluations, and dialogs which are company-specific 

and therefore not included in the standard 

release are created here. These customizations are integrated 

seamlessly into the complete system. The abas tools are also 

used to integrate specific requirements into the system. 

Java as the language of the flexible user interface 

Program adjustments can be made using the FO language or 

Java. Using Java, complex user requirements can be implemented 

even more efficiently based on the most up-to-date 

standards used worldwide. Therefore, library modules and 

ready-made Java components which are available on the Internet 

can be integrated into the abas Business Software. 

2011 

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1.6 The tools: abas tools 

Various tools are provided to design the flexible user interface (FO). 

User interface expansion: 

• Document print 

• Database queries 

• Database expansions 

• Event-driven flexible user interface programming (EFOP) 

• Chart display 

• Screen and menu generator 

• Help generator 

Communication with external systems: 

• Browser output 

• Database loader 

• Database queries 

• EDP/ODBC/JDBC interface 

• DDE interface 

• ActiveX 

• MultiSite 

• Java API 

abas tools are intelligent tools used for customizing the user interface: 

• Database access and queries 

• Creation of documents and forms 

• Customization of screens 

• Creation of user-defined functions which are then integrated into the 

standard screen 

• Customized buttons 

• User-defined data checks in screens 

• Calling external programs 

• Integration of the automatic data processing from external programs 

• Customization of the user menu 

• Customized help texts 

You can integrate individual requirements using the tools. Customized evaluations 

can be run directly from menus. It is also possible to call functions, information, 

and evaluations from the screen dialog. Individual actions can be linked 

to all events which occur during a screen dialog. 

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Introduction 

2011 

abas ERP supports screen, field and row-related events, and also button triggers 

and other events. For example, prevent the deletion of rows in a table or 

write the deleted rows in a log file by using the event management. 

1.7 Customization and additional enhancements 

Customized screens 

Every abas ERP screen can be expanded by several standard data fields and 

you can also quickly add new customized data fields. All of the modifications 

and enhancements made will remain after an upgrade to a new version of the 

software. 

Customized screen functions 

abas ERP provides the option to integrate customized functions in screens or 

to display additional information. This can be done using the event-driven flexible 

user interface programming (EFOP). The major advantage to this is that 

programs can also be triggered by events (e.g. adding a product to the list of 

quotations). 

Decide for yourself which functions should be run or which information should 

be displayed. All organizational requirements and restrictions which apply while 

you are editing a process can be indicated in the relevant screens. 

Customized additional enhancements 

Additional database objects with customized applications 

You can integrate your own customized applications into abas ERP by using the 

tools. Additional database objects are available for this purpose. You can define 

your specific requirements and create the user screens which are required 

for these database objects. Customized functions can also be stored in these 

screens. 

Additional database objects with customized evaluations 

Customized evaluations can be run using the infosystems you designed. Infosystems 

are ways of linking dialog screens and evaluations which enable a fast 

and clear process-related working. Infosystems are a navigation platform to 

efficiently handle business processes. 

(Detailed information on this can be found in “Infosystems” chapter.) 

Calling external programs from abas ERP 

It is possible to call external programs such as MS or OpenOffice with the abas 

tools using customized user menus. 

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1.7.1 Range of features 

abas Business Software supports a multitude of efficient features and functions. 

abas ERP for production 

abas Business Software can be used for all applications. abas ERP is an ERP 

solution for production companies – no matter whether in single-item, series, 

or small batch production. 

(* Please note that there is a separate “Features and Functions document: 

abas Automotive Solution“.) 

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Industry expertise & best practices 

• Mechanical and plant engineering 

• Production and assembly 

• Automotive & aerospace* 

• Electronics & high-tech 

• Plastics industry 

• Medical engineering 

• and other sectors of industry

Introduction 

Range of features in abas ERP 

2011 

Extensive function ranges are the foundation for representing your company 

structures. 

Company-specific requirements 

abas ERP 

• Sales/Sales order management/Shipping 

• Purchasing/Purchase order management 

• Service processing 

• Materials management 

• Scheduling 

• Sales planning 

• Production 

• Service processing 

• Costing 

• Material valuation 

• Financial accounting 

• Cost accounting 

• Group accounting 

• Accounting evaluations 

• Fixed asset accounting 

• Corridor Controlling 

abas ERP adjusts to new company-specific requirements and reacts flexibly 

to both external and internal changes. Any customization remains after an 

upgrade. Not only does your software gain value economically, but the quality 

also continually improves. 

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2011 Basic system 

2. Basic system 

The basic system includes database, master files management, document 

management, address verification, communication components, graphical user 

interface, Online Help, infosystems, printing, lists and evaluations, characteris- 

tics and selection bars. 

2.1 Database 

The abas database forms the core of abas ERP. The database enables the secu- 

re management, editing and processing of different data. 

The database consists of three tiers: the foundation is the object-oriented 

database. The application tier with the core functions of the software is based 

on this database. The top tier, the presentation tier, forms the “Flexible User 

Interface“ (FO). This tier is the visible and editable interface for the user. 

The abas database has the following characteristics: 

• Guarantee of a 24 hour, 7 days/week operation 

• Data backup mid-operation 

• Virtually maintenance free data management 

• Expandability through integration of user-defined fields and tables 

• High level of data security 

A shadow database can be used as an up-to-the-minute copy of the productive 

database to make data available on the web. Online safety backups and copies 

of clients can be made while the system is running. 

The “write“ shadow client provides the option to write in the shadow database 

and to adopt, the data created there into the real database, before the next 

adjustment. You can make your ERP data available online using the shadow 

client and abas eB. 

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Basic system 

2.1.1 Customization of the abas database 

2011 

The administration of data requires company-specific adjustments. You can 

optimize the abas database especially for your business, e.g. by making indivi- 

dual expansions or by defining search keys. 

Tables of variables 

The flexible interface is designed using the abas tools. For example, the Java 

workbench, screen, report and form designer. 

Additional databases 

Additional data which are specifically required for projects can be managed in 

additional databases, such as company-specific pricing algorithms. 

Search key 

Search keys, e.g. identity number or search word, are used to access data 

records. These search keys ensure a quick and efficient selection of data records. 

There are predefined search keys in the standard version. Individual search 

keys can also be freely defined for special expansions such as an old product 

number which can no longer be used, but is still used by several customers. 

2.2 Master files 

Master files include customer, vendor, parts, account, operation, work center/ 

department, employee, and system admin. files. All abas ERP functions access 

these data. 

General functions for managing master files: 

• Creating, editing and viewing master file records 

• Creating new master file records by copying existing ones 

• Accessing existing text modules from the screens 

• Extensive search functions via: 

- Identity number 

- Identity number ranges 

- User-defined search criteria 

- Search words, search word ranges, wildcards 

- Additional customized criteria 

- Using a match code 

- Customized selection screens 

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All master file records save and display the creation date, the operator ID and 

the date when the record was last edited. 

2.2.1 Customer master files 

All data relating to customers and the customer contact is recorded and upda- 

ted in the customer master files. 

Aside from being able to manage addresses, additional information about the 

customer can also be recorded: 

• Sales data, such as shipping address, terms of delivery and payment, 

invoicing, etc. 

• The language of correspondence – all operating languages are also 

available as company-internal languages of correspondence 

• Data for financial accounting – all properties of the subledger 

account (AR) 

• Representatives who are not on the payroll are entered here to make 

it easier to calculate commission 

• Customer contacts 

Customer master file data can be used for correspondence with customers. For 

example, quotations, sales orders, packing slips, invoices, the Intrastat report, 

the financial accounting and also the electronic data transfer (EDI) and ATLAS. 

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Basic system 

2011 

Revenue figures can be maintained or displayed as planned, including actual 

values for each customer and fiscal year. 

2.2.2 Prospects master files 

Prospects and prospect contacts can be created as individual objects in the 

customer master files. 

Prospects have the same field structure as customers. Prospect contacts have 

the same field structure as customer contacts, including customer-specific 

fields. Only quotations or web orders can be created for prospects but no sales 

orders, packing slips, or invoices. 

If a prospect becomes a customer, the existing prospects data can simply be 

converted into customer data. The created quotations and web orders are then 

automatically allocated to the customer. 

2.2.3 Vendor master files 

The vendor master files are structured the same way as the customer master 

files. As many contacts can be allocated to the vendors. 

Additional information in the vendor master files: 

• Purchasing data such as terms of delivery and payment, pricing, 

invoicing, etc. 

• Data for financial accounting with all properties of the subledger 

account (AR) 

• External producers 

• Forwarders 

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The data of the vendor master files can be used for correspondence with vendors. 

Implementation options include the different sales processes (quotations, 

sales orders, packing slips, invoices), scheduling, the Intrastat report, the 

financial accounting and also the electronic data transfer (EDI) and ATLAS. 

Revenue figures can be maintained or displayed as planned and actual values 

for each vendor and fiscal year. 

2.2.4 Parts master files 

The parts master files contain all data relating to the sales and purchase pro- 

ducts. In addition, means of production, supplementary items and services can 

be managed. 

• Products comprise inventory managed goods that are available for 

scheduling. All details regarding procurement and sales can be recorded 

within the product. 

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Basic system 

2011 

• Services are invoiced to the customer according to houry raes or as 

packages with unit prices. Services always refer to a product the customer 

has purchased from you. 

• Means of production are used as auxiliary means in production (e.g. 

tools, stencils). They can be entered in production lists and they appear 

in the shop floor papers. They are not subject to scheduling or warehouse 

management, but are taken into consideration for costing. 

• Supplementary items allow special items to be administrated in 

purchasing and sales without warehouse management. These include flat 

rates and services (postage, packaging, shipping, insurance) as well as 

text modules, total invoice discounts, total invoice surcharges, tax items, 

subtotals and totals, etc. 

Production list 

Various production lists can be entered for a product where you can take 

location or production specific properties into account. Sales-order related production 

lists can be easily exchanged directly in the sales order processing or 

in the work preparation. Depending on the location, scheduling suggests the 

production list allocated to this location. 

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Product ranges 

Product ranges make it possible to build hierarchical structures for products. A 

product range refers to other product ranges and/or products. 

A special form of such a hierarchy can be a product catalog. All fields for creating 

a product catalog (e.g. for a webshop) are available. Product ranges can 

also be used for sales planning and BI evaluations 

2.2.5 Capacity master files and series of operations 

Departments and work centers are maintained in the capacity master files. You 

can represent your production organization using this data. 

The work steps are described in the series of operations master files. One work 

center is allocated to each series of operations. Work centers are the smallest 

units which can be scheduled by the scheduling. They are grouped into 

departments. 

Department records and work centers contain information for the capacity calculation, 

capacity planning and scheduling. The exact capacity available per day 

is determined by capacity additions and deductions. 

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Basic system 

2011 

In series of operations, all data which are required for the execution of a work 

step are maintained. The exact capacity requirement for the entered work center 

of the series of operations is specified per product in the production list. 

2.2.6 Employee master files 

In the employee master files, all data for the company employees is entered 

and maintained. 

The following information can be entered: 

• Personal employee data (personnel file) 

• Data for the financial accounting (payroll) 

• Transaction figures of the subledger account 

• Organizational data (shift plan and substitution) 

• Working days calendar 

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2.2.7 Systems admin. files 

The general, module-spanning master files are administrated and the installa- 

tion-specific settings are defined in the systems admin. files. 

The following data can be managed and defined here: 

• Short texts for correspondence with customers and vendors, such as 

salutations, guarantees, terms of delivery and pricing. 

• Terms of payment and terms of payment code for purchasing and sales 

• Invoicing for purchasing and sales 

• Materials for the material specifications in written correspondence of 

purchasing and sales, as well as for costing. 

• Daily schedules for entering a day-specific model of daily working hours 

for PDC 

• Shift schedules to define shift models for allocating the daily schedules 

of individual weekdays according to shift 

• Materials valuation procedure with valuation types for warehouse issues 

and receipts 

• Currencies and exchange rates/daily exchange rates/ 

currency history 

• In addition to currency-specific rounding, it is possible to configure the 

rounding of prices to exactly two or three decimal places. 

• Foreign exchange table for recording current and historical exchange 

rates for the conversion into foreign currencies (purchasing and sales 

processes); also used in financial accounting 

• Database configuration data for administrating number ranges, 

selection, characteristics and user bars, as well as the tables of variables 

and keys. 

• System configuration data for administrating the user passwords and 

access permissions, and also for the user-specific configuration of the 

client 

• Overhead rates for costing 

• Customs table to file the customs code for the Intrastat report 

• Company data for managing company-specific data and settings 

• Due dates for managing important financial accounting, fixed asset 

accounting, and warehouse management closing dates 

• Wage groups for managing wage groups table 

• Standard account assignment for recording the current tax rates and for 

specifying the financial accounting standard accounts 

• Management of material surcharges / daily material prices 

• Table of units with standard measurements and definitions of your own 

units 

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Basic system 

2.2.8 Regions/Countries/Economic areas 

2011 

The data objects, which are used to describe geographical or economic rela- 

tions, are managed in “Regions/Countries/Economic areas“. 

A data object is to be specified as a country, region, or economic area. An 

additional text field helps to describe the level, e.g. state, county, district, assessment 

area, etc. 

Economic areas are the largest, superordinate units. Economic areas can be 

subordinate to other economic areas or countries. Regions are subordinate to 

a country and other regions can be subordinate to these regions. For example, 

Europe is an economic area; the country Germany is subordinate to this economic 

area, and the region of Bavaria is subordinate to the country Germany. 

The address format for printing the postal address can be entered for each 

region and country. The address can be composed of the name, street, zip 

code, country, country name, country code, region code, and region description 

in any order. 

Each address in abas ERP, e.g. the customer address, is allocated to a region or 

a country. The geographical and economic allocation is indicated in addition to 

the address format for correspondence. 

All countries are already included in the newest version and many regions are 

allocated. An address format can be defined for each country which specifies 

how addresses are to be written. The addresses will then appear in this format 

in letters, purchasing and sales processes, when printing labels and in evaluations 

and reports. 

2.2.9 Banks and bank details 

Bank-specific data can be managed in „Banks and bank details“. 

Banks and bank details are separate database objects. Any number of bank 

details can be created per account. The system supports entering bank detail 

data. The IBAN can also be automatically checked. 

In the customer, vendor and employee master files, one set of bank details can 

be stored as the default suggestion for this account. 

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2.2.10 Calendar 

The new abas Business Software calendars support the definition of schedu- 

ling calendars for countries, regions, economic areas, customers, vendors, 

employees, companies and available capacities for departments and work 

centers. The calendars can be defined independent of the warehouse group or 

per warehouse group. 

The scheduling calendar defines working days, delivery days and receipt days. 

The country and company specific work-free days can be assigned to the individual 

objects. The calendars can be evaluated for any time period. 

Available capacities are assigned to work centers and departments. A working 

hours calendar can be created by assigning the working hours to the working 

days. Surcharges and deductions in working hours can be specified in 

the working hours calendar. The calendar hierarchy function connects several 

calendars. 

2.3 Document administration 

The integrated document management provides the option of managing inter- 

nal and external documents. 

Internal documents: 

• Archived processes from the sales processing 

• Scanned or edited repair reports from service employees 

• Scanned transfer slips 

• CAD drawings of products 

• ... 

External documents: 

• Drawings of products to be produced relating to sales orders 

• Purchasing packing slips and invoices 

• ... 

abas Business Software offers optional a complete integration of the document 

management system by HABEL. 

(Detailed information on this can be found in the “Integrated solutions“ chapter.) 

2.4 Address validation against lock lists 

abas ERP makes it possible to check your addresses against lock lists. This 

function carries out the inspection commitment of business partner addresses 

according to the anti-terror regulations. 

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Basic system 

2011 

The address validation can be implemented for master files (e.g. customers 

or vendors) and for transaction data (e.g. shipping or invoice addresses) in 

purchasing and sales. 

The functions: 

• Administration of lock lists 

• Direct check when entering addresses 

• Automatic check for a fixed number of address fields 

• Automatically created address database with verified addresses 

• Efficient verification due to the integration of results of earlier verification 

runs 

• Extensive logging of verification runs 

2.5 Communication components 

abas ERP includes an individual component creating and processing texts. 

These texts can be sent directly from the system e.g. as a fax or Email. 

Word processing/Office communication 

The office communication components facilitate the exchange of documents 

both within the company and with customers and vendors. 

The Email connection makes it possible to send documents directly from abas 

ERP. Packing slips and invoices can be exchanged with customers and vendors 

via EDI. 

Mail system 

An overview of word processing/office communication 

• Letter program 

• Circulars to vendors, customers, employees 

• Fax print on paper 

• Fax circulars on paper 

• Automatic faxing from workstation 

• Email connection 

• EDI components 

In addition to Email, your employees can also use the individual abas mail 

system. 

Overview of mail system 

• Access is user-dependent 

• Definition of distribution groups 

• Confirmation to sender 

• Completion monitoring 

• Selection of filed messages 

• Automatic notification of incoming mail 

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2.6 Graphical user interface (GUI) 

The user-friendly structure of the GUI makes operation easy. Many functions 

lessen the load of daily working. 

View 

• The user-related setup saves time due to the automatic start of definable 

commands after logging in. 

• The command and object history provides easy access to the most 

recently edited screens and objects. 

• An individual, configurable command overview per user or per work 

group provides direct access to the most frequently used commands. 

• For example the logo, symbol, text and background color, settings for 

the screen tables, separator and lines can be changed to differentiate 

between various clients. 

• Templates (themes) enable client-specific design settings. 

• The graphical screen editor provides a familiar working environment 

using the “What-you-see-is-what-you-get“ function. 

• The Graphical User Interface is available for Microsoft Windows and 

Linux. 

Operation 

• Almost all functions can be operated using the mouse or keyboard. 

• Objects from the object selection can be pulled into the screen view, or 

entered in the screen fields, using Drag and Drop. 

• Table and selection results from abas ERP can by drug-and-dorp be 

transferred into Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice or other programs. 

• References to other data objects can be easily followed and directly 

opened. 

• Additional information such as websites, movies, PDF, Word files, Excel 

files, etc. is displayed in screens. 

Integration and output of data 

• It is also possible to integrate other programs: outgoing telephone calls 

can be triggered using a CTI-Integration. Also, the caller can automatically 

be searched in the database when there is an incoming call and he 

can be displayed with the outstanding transactions. 

• Data from infosystems and lists can be directly displayed using Open 

Office Calc, Microsoft Excel or a web browser. 

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Basic system 

Help and search functions 

2011 

• A navigation range, which displays the structure of the Help chapters, can 

be displayed in the Online Help. 

• An HTML page can be viewed in the command overview 

• The integrated full text search and advanced search options in the 

object selection enable the targeted searching and finding of data. 

2.7 Charts 

abas ERP screens with charts make the processing of business processes more 

transparent. Data can be visualized: revenue distribution over products and 

customers, receipt postings and issue postings of warehouse stock levels, 

depreciation schedules, planning future payments etc. 

Select between two different diagram types which each contain detailed information. 

Double-click or place the cursor over a bar or line, to view the details. 

Both of the following diagram types are only an example of a small selection 

that is available: 

Flowchart (Gantt chart) 

In the flow chart the bars can be moved using the mouse. The edited values 

are automatically adopted into the database (e.g. in the production planning). 

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OpenHighLowClose diagram 

For example, view exchange rate trends using this diagram type. To do this, the 

following y values must be specified for each corresponding x value: 

• First value (opening value) 

• Highest value 

• Lowest value 

• Last value (closing value) 

2.8 Images 

An image can be opened with a double-click. It is displayed in a separate win- 

dow. Another double-click will launch a program for editing the image. 

An image can be opened per double-click. It is displayed in a separate window. 

Another double-click will start a suitable program for editing the image. 

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Basic system 

2.9 Tree views 

2011 

The tree view in infosystems provides a structured, clear view, for example, in 

BOMs. 

2.10 Online Help 

The context sensitive Online Help supports operation of the system. 

It can be expanded and amended. Individual expansions can be made for all 

clients in the installation, or just client-specifically. 

Alternatively, the standard Help can also be replaced by an individual Online 

Help. 

2.11 Infosystems 

Infosystems are a navigation platform to efficiently manage business proces- 

ses. By linking dialog screens and evaluations, comprehensive information is 

provided to make accurate, quick decisions. 

Detailed evaluations 

A pool of preconfigured info systems enables multiple evaluations. As an 

example, this pool contains revenue statistics, transaction figures, plan chart, 

machine loading and scheduling and capacity overview. 

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The info systems contained in the standard can be easily adjusted to company-specific 

requirements or can be created entirely new with the info system 

technology. 

Easy customization 

Infosystems enable the customization of company areas. Customized dialog 

screens can be created quickly and efficiently for all departments and tailored 

to the respective workstation. Processes can be created, managed and controlled 

within these dialog screens. 

2.12 Action call 

A menu can be called in all screens using the “Action“ button. Using this tasks 

menu, notes and DMS documents can be viewed and created new, which are 

(automatically) linked to the currently edited object. Additionally available is 

the function for sending Email. 

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Basic system 

2.13 Print 

2011 

Output options are assigned to each screen and can be configured, if required. 

Print output 

The following output options have been integrated in the standard version: 

• PDF documents 

• FO compatibility channel 

• JasperReports 

• XMLPrint 

• XMLDATEN 

• CrystalReports 

• Browser and MS Excel 

• OpenOffice output 

The layout can be adjusted to individual requirements using the integrated 

iReport Designer. 

Print overview 

• Preconfigured output options corresponding to the screen 

• Print formatting to the central server computer 

• Supporting network printers and terminal printers 

• Connection of any number of additional external print generator products 

• Automated generation of print layouts for screens and infosystems 

• Printing in the background 

• Printing collective layouts 

• Printing documents in different languages 

• Allocating layouts to a specific language 

• Address printouts in UPU format 

• All characters currently used throughout the world are printable using 

Unicode 

• Integration of graphics and barcodes 

• Print output as Email directly from the print dialog 

• Read and receipt confirmation for Emails 

• Connection of archiving software 

• Configurable templates for infosystem layout generation 

• Universal abas font for printing special characters 

• iReport Designer for layout adjustments 

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2011 Functions 

2.14 Characteristics bar and selection bar 

Using characteristics and selection bars, select specific data with numerous 

criteria from the database. 

Additional data on the individual products or product groups not contained in 

the parts master files is entered in the characteristics bars. The corresponding 

properties are assigned to these characteristics in the product master files. 

Any number of selection bars can be defined for master files and transaction 

data. Dialog-oriented database searches can be carried out easily using selection 

bars. 

You can use all types of bars for selecting data records. The dialog window 

“Object selection“ is used for this. The records which are found will then be 

displayed in a list. 

3. Functions 

abas ERP is an integrated standard software where all function areas are con- 

nected to each other. For example, if a sales administrator posts an invoice, an 

outstanding item and the corresponding posting will be automatically created 

in the financial accounting area. 

abas ERP in production compaies 

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CRM 

3.1 CRM 

2011 

abas Business Software ensures efficient, all-around service to your customers 

and prospects. 

Relevant information regarding prospects and customers is stored in the abas 

Business Software. This increases sales potential-so-called opportunities. 

According to valuation of the sales project, your sales representative can indicate 

the probability of an order being accepted. Sales activities can further 

specify and consolidate your opportunities. If you already know the required 

products and quantities, abas Business Software pricing is activated and based 

on a sales opportunity, automatic quotations can be generated. 

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2011 CRM 

3.1.1 Customer file portal application 

All important customer or prospect transactions can be viewed using 

the CRM portal application, “Customer file“. It is possible to have 

direct access to information about a customer, e.g. revenue, outstanding 

items, outstanding processes and tasks, from here. Also notes, archived 

documents from the document management system, service devices and running 

service processes are visualized in the customer file. 

The graphical display of opportunities and quotations provides a clear overview 

and shows where there is sales potential. 

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CRM 

3.1.2 Overview of all sales projects 

2011 

Using the new Sales pipeline infosystem, a complete overview of all sales projects 

is available. These can be sorted according to probability or date, and can 

be represented graphically, or a quotation can also create from here, completing 

the sales cycle. 

Forward tasks to employees, create activity notes for customers and prospects, 

and classify them according to certain criteria. Using the optional document 

management, business correspondence can be archived. This ensures easy 

access to all customer and prospect information. Furthermore, a calendar integrated 

into the abas Portal can be used and included in the sales process. 

. 

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2011 Sales 

3.2 Sales 

In order to easily process the complete sale, abas Business Software provi- 

des users with a highly integrated sales control which supports processes ran- 

ging from the quotation creation to the sales order management, to entering 

packing slips and invoices. 

Flexible and fast: 

New clients can be set up quickly and easily in the abas Business Software. 

Individual clients often have the same data basis, but are specifically customized 

depending on business area or location. For example, they are operated 

in different languages if production is in several countries. In sales, the clientspecific 

field default settings are set up with suggestion values, invoicing can 

be done in foreign currencies, it is also possible to create any length of text 

modules and to take into account customer and product specific discounts and 

scale prices. 

If invoices, sales orders or quotations are created, sales accesses the data pool 

of the customer and parts master files, and the systems admin. files. This is 

where the advantages of an integrated complete system are most evident. The 

software is directly connected to all functions of the material management, production, 

scheduling, costing and financial accounting. Duplicate and triple data 

entry is not required. This results in less errors and a significant time-saving. 

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Sales 

Your benefit: 

• Transparency of your business relations 

• Always up-to-date revenue figures for products or customers 

• Safety stock is no longer required 

• Liquidity and optimal warehouse stock for a high level of delivery 

reliability 

• Quick sending of 

invoices 

• Less capital tie-up 

• Improved 

profitability 

3.2.1 Sales portal application 

2011 

Manage all tasks in sales centrally using the “Sales“ portal application. The 

administrator has a role-based overview of all processes which have been allocated 

to him ranging from quotations to invoices. For example, he can analyze 

his processes over a specific time period and by clicking can switch to different 

applications in order to create a packing slip or an invoice. 

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2011 Sales 

3.2.2 Command center for sales 

A central dialog window controls all sales processes in the “Sales“ command 

center. The sales processes from quotation to invoice are processed, viewed 

and created from here. 

• Current or already archived sales processes can be selected, created, 

released or processed according to different criteria. 

• By connecting infosystems such as plan chart, procurement status or 

warehouse stock, specific information can be provided. The “Sales“ 

command center also inactively controls the complete shipping planning. 

3.2.3 Quotation 

Quotations can be created with little effort using the data entered in the ERP 

system. Review periods can be used for follow-ups. An overview of running or 

completed quotations provides lists and evaluation tables which are included in 

the system standard. Completed quotations are filed in their original form in the 

quotation and are accessible, if needed. 

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Sales 

Overview of quotation 

2011 

• Recording incoming requests 

• Creation and amendment of quotations using the “Quotation“ screen 

• Copying quotations from current or archived quotations 

• Calculating quotations using the quotation BOM 

• Client-specific default field settings containing default values 

• Using review periods and dates in quotations 

• Text of any length in the quotation header 

• Text of any length for each quotation item 

• Entering a preferred date 

• Printing the quotation in the language of correspondence set 

in the customer/prospects data 

• Printout using the form generator 

• Printing any number of times, even for quotations which have already been 

archived 

• Entering quotation prices and values in foreign currencies 

• Quotation tracking using the “Outstanding quotations“ lists 

• Transferring a quotation to a sales order 

• Quotation archive for all completed quotations 

3.2.4 Sales orders 

Many businesses use individual requirements to form the sales order management. 

abas ERP supports this through its high level of flexibility. Complex customer 

structures can be easily represented in the system. In the standard release 

version it is also possible to transfer customer purchase order data through the 

Internet or EDI, or to determine prices which are customer-related. 

Managing sales orders 

Creating and editing sales orders takes place in a special screen, similar to 

processing quotations. Quotation data can be directly allocated to a sales order 

which significantly increases the speed of creating a sales order. Furthermore, 

blanket orders for special 

products, deliveries, 

discounts and scale 

prices are managed 

in the system. 

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2011 Sales 

Material and date scheduling 

Sales orders can be scheduled at any time, even if they are newly created. To 

do this, scheduling automatically breaks down the product structures of the individual 

sales order items for all levels, calculates the due dates and the quantities 

for all material and capacity requirements, and updates the procurement 

suggestions for all missing parts. 

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Overview of sales orders 

• Creation and editing of sales orders using the “Sales order” screen 

• Option to edit a sales order and create the outstanding sales order at the 

same time 

• Creating a sales order by adopting the quotation data 

• Client-specific default field settings containing default values 

• Material and date scheduling 

• Using review periods and dates in sales orders 

• Transferring customer master files into the sales order with the option to 

edit: conditions, shipping instructions, foreign currency, prices, discounts 

• Management of blanket orders 

• Allocation of cost objects 

• Texts of any length in the sales order header 

• Texts of any length for each sales order item 

• Sales order tracking using the “Outstanding sales orders“ lists 

• Sales order status report for sales order items to be produced 

or procured 

• Blanket order administration for car suppliers according to 

VDA guidelines 

• Selection in S/P items: do not ship/do not calculate 

• Web order 

3.2.5 Blanket order 

Conditions and withdrawal quantities of products are managed in abas ERP in 

customer-related blanket orders. 

The outline agreements are managed independently of the sales orders. They 

form the so-called outstanding blanket orders. The blanket orders list and manage 

cumulative quantities such as delivered and released quantities, or remaining 

stock per product. The contracts concluded with customers can thereby 

always be checked and monitored. 

Overview of a blanket order 

• Administration of blanket orders, contracts 

• Recording contract release orders 

• Tracking blanket orders, quantities, and validity periods 

• Cumulative quantities in the blanket order 

• Outstanding items from blanket orders

Sales 

3.2.6 Shipping 

2011 

Efficient processing and handling of shipping is achieved using abas Business 

Software and a combination of all required work steps. The shipping planning in 

abas ERP provides functions for the shipping planning, the packaging material 

management, the picking and the customs and export processing. 

Up-to-date and clear dialog information of deliverable sales orders, their 

processing status and the access to delivery and shipping conditions ensure 

that the shipping department always has up-to-date information. 

Shipping planning 

(See chapter “Automotive“ or “Features and Functions: abas Automotive Solution“.) 

Shipping planning combines all work steps for your shipment. 

Efficient shipping planning always guarantees the fastest delivery to the customer. 

abas ERP shipping planning achieves this by harmonizing the logistical 

processes by means of a higher level of transparency and an improved transport 

environment. Furthermore, a cost and time savings can be achieved by 

less warehouse management. Using shipping planning it is possible to process 

complete deliveries, partial deliveries, outstanding deliveries, and collective 

deliveries. 

Splitting sales order items in shipping planning 

Forecast delivery schedules in shipping planning can be split into multiple partial 

deliveries. This enables partial deliveries to be divided and allocated to multiple 

lots. However, the rule remains that when debiting the delivery quantity 

from the warehouse, available materials allocations are taken into account first 

and only the remaining quantity of the lot listed in the item is debited. 

Picking list 

A shipment is prepared in the warehouse using the picking list generated in 

the abas Business Software. The loading list determines how the goods are 

packaged and how they should be transferred to the logistics service provider. 

An overview of the current stock levels is provided by the “stock level display“ 

of the software. If there are any short notice amendments, they will be taken 

into account after the packing slip is created. If there is an amendment in the 

delivery quantity, the number of packages is automatically updated. Packaging 

materials which are not required are deleted. 

Consignment warehouse 

abas ERP supports the management of consignment warehouses. The warehouses 

can be supplied directly. You can also do inventory management, track 

minimum stock levels and do a withdrawals calculation using abas Business 

Software. 

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2011 Sales 

Packaging material management and container management 

Packaging materials are required for the shipping of materials. Particularly in 

the consumer goods or automotive supplier industries, packaging materials 

must be packed and provided with special information according to the packing 

instructions stipulated by the client. 

In abas ERP, reusable packaging materials such as box palettes, palettes and 

similar items are managed. Packaging material instructions are recorded in a 

database and individual movements are entered so that up-to-date stock levels 

can be displayed at any time. 

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Overview of shipping processing 

• Shipping notice 

• Shipping suggestion list 

• Query and analysis of the outstanding deliveries 

• Selection and grouping of delivery items according to different criteria 

• Complete deliveries, partial deliveries, outstanding deliveries, collective 

deliveries 

• Backlog management 

• Returns 

• Availability check 

• Creation of packing slips and shipping orders 

• Shipping planning 

• Creation of collective packing slips and collective shipping orders 

• Loading and saving of shipping plans 

• Subsequent editing of already created packing slips 

• Automatic posting in the warehouse 

• Relocating to other warehouses 

• Automatic determination of the required packaging materials according to 

the packing instructions 

• Packaging material plausibility check 

• Modification of packing instructions 

• Printing required papers 

• Picking lists 

• Shipping papers such as: 

- Packing slips 

- Shipping orders 

- Package labels 

- Bills of lading 

- Shipping labels 

- Goods receipt / issue slip 

- Material tag including barcode

Sales 

3.2.7 Invoicing 

2011 

abas ERP represents all company-specific processes flexibly, even in the 

invoicing, so it is possible to manage down payments, to make cash sales and 

to create single, partial and collective invoices. Credit notes and cancelations 

can also be created in the system. Cost objects and revenue accounts are allocated 

by abas ERP. A connection to other abas functions results from the automatic 

posting in financial accounting and warehouse management. 

Overview of invoicing 

• Cash sales (including posting in the warehouse and entries made into the 

cash account in financial accounting) 

• Individual and partial invoices 

• Down payment administration (requests for down payments, final invoice) 

• Collective invoices, Proforma invoices 

• Credit notes and cancelations 

• Invoicing in foreign currency 

• Taking into account all types of supplementary costs 

• Discounts, scale prices, etc. 

• Document date, entry date, and fixed value date 

• Allocation of cost objects 

• Automatic revenue accounting 

• Automatic posting in the financial accounting and warehouse management 

• Logging in journals 

• Outstanding invoices 

• Outgoing invoices list 

• Issue of invoices to central payments regulator 

3.2.8 Commission calculation 

As companies’ commission structures vary, abas ERP provides the option of 

storing company-specific calculation procedures in abas ERP. Calculation rules 

are managed in a commission data object. For example, set which basic commission 

is valid for a representative or if there are particular products or product 

groups which have differing commission rates. This allows for simple and 

flexible management of company-specific commission agreements. 

An overview of commission calculation 

• Commission determination according to defined rules and formulas 

• Commission conditions for representatives/products/product groups/ 

price-quantity scales 

• Any combinations are possible, e.g.: Conditions for representatives and 

products 

• Setting commissions 

• Customizable invoice form layout 

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2011 Purchasing 

3.2.9 Editable sales order production list 

The editable sales order production list allows for sales order related changes 

to all levels of the production lists. In the case of material and machine bottlenecks, 

rescheduling is simple, more details can gradually be added to production 

lists, variants are quickly created and the overview of a product structure 

is always available. abas info systems support the evaluation of production lists. 

(Read more on editable sales order production lists in the „Production“ chapter.) 

3.2.10 Additional functions 

The connections between quotations, sales orders, packing slips and invoices 

can be traced more easily using the process history function. This means sales 

questions such as “Which sales order does this packing slip item belong to?“ or 

“Which quote did this sales order item come from?“ can be answered quickly. 

Completed sales processes are managed in their original format in an archive 

which is directly accessible. For example, a process can be printed as a form or 

used as a copy template for a new process in the archive. Statistical evaluations 

can also be created from archived sales processes. 

(Detailed information on this can be found in the “CRM“ chapter.) 

The abas ERP “shipping order“ function provides an overview of the goods 

which are to be sent. Multiple packing slips can be combined into one single 

shipping order from which a shipping order document can be generated. If the 

shipping order has been specified in the packing slip, they are connected. 

3.3 Purchasing 

From the request to the purchase order suggestions and purchase orders, from 

the input of goods receipts to the invoice validation - the purchase order pro- 

cessing, as a central component in abas ERP, provides a constant and highly in- 

tegrated transaction processing system. Blanket orders can also be processed 

in the sales section of abas ERP. 

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Purchasing 

The following basic functions are available for purchasing: 

• Query 

• Purchase order suggestions 

• Purchase order management 

• Blanket orders 

• Goods receipt 

• Invoice verification 

• Subcontracting suggestions 

• Materials provided 

• Relocation suggestions 

• Forecast delivery schedule management 

• Delivery reminders 

• Additional functions 

- Filing, Archive 

- Standard lists 

- Standard evaluations 

2011 

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3.3.1 SRM portal - Vendor file 

Using the SRM portal application “Vendor file“ the current situation of a vendor 

can be quickly evaluated. Based on this situation, decisions can be made since 

all necessary information is displayed in an overview. Direct access to all ongoing 

processes, procurement suggestions and activities of the vendor is possible 

from here. Likewise, notes and archived documents from the document 

management system are visualized in the vendor file. 

3.3.2 Purchasing portal application 

The purchasing portal application displays all relevant buyer information in one 

view. The administrator has all processes assigned to him in one role-based 

overview. The administrator can analyze assignedprocesses over a specific 

period and switch to different applications in order to execute further actions 

with a simple click, for example, the processing of purchase order suggestions. 

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Purchasing 

3.3.3 center for purchasing 

2011 

A central dialog window controls all purchasing processes in the “Purchasing“ 

command center. The purchasing processes from quotation to invoice are processed, 

viewed and created from here. 

Current or already archived purchasing processes can be selected, created, 

released or processed according to different criteria. 

By connecting info systems such as the sales processes, plan chart, procurement 

status or warehouse stock, specific information can be obtained with the 

click of a button. 

3.3.4 Query 

Requests to vendors can be easily created in the respective screens of the abas 

ERP purchasing module and can be electronically transferred via EDI. After 

selecting the vendor, the system generates requests which are later allocated to 

received quotations. In a quotation comparison carried out in abas ERP, prices, 

delivery times and conditions are compared. This is a good basis for making 

secure purchasing decisions. When a vendor has been selected, a purchase 

order can be automatically generated from the request. All requests are stored 

in a request archive. From the archive data it is then apparent whether a 

request resulted in a purchase order or not. 

Overview of request 

• Individual requests 

• Multiple requests 

• Request surveillance 

• Request comparison 

• Archiving the requests with the option of storing detailed information 

• Converting a request into a purchase order 

• Research in the request archive using any criteria 

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3.3.5 Purchase order suggestions 

The central component of purchasing is the purchase order processing. Purchase 

order suggestions are generated in scheduling by the net requirements determination 

or when stock levels fall below the minimum stock levels. These 

purchase order suggestions are then adopted in purchase orders. As in sales, 

purchasing blanket orders with vendors can also be processed. They relate to 

particular products and contain defined delivery schedule quantities, scale prices, 

and discounts. By defining specific delivery schedule quantities, all required 

products can be conveniently ordered within a specified period of time. 

The purchase order management is linked to the financial accounting and cost 

accounting for each purchase order item via the allocation of cost centers, cost 

objects, and account assignments. 

Purchase order suggestions can be created manually or selected and sorted 

directly in the dialog, according to any desired criteria, such as vendors, products, 

planners/buyers, material groups, or due dates. 

Quantities, prices and due dates can be amended in the dialog processing. Also 

the key vendor suggested by the system can be replaced by a different vendor 

in the purchase order suggestion. The purchase order suggestions are released 

and then automatically converted into purchase orders. 

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Overview of purchase order suggestions 

• Determination of purchase order suggestions for the external procurement 

using the scheduling 

• Taking into account the scheduling procedures set in the parts master files: 

- Minimum stock-related scheduling 

- Requirement-related scheduling 

- Sales order-related scheduling 

• Processing the purchase order suggestions according to specific criteria 

• Transfer of the released purchase order suggestions in purchase orders 

• Preferred delivery date can be set

Purchasing 

3.3.6 Purchase order management 

2011 

In the abas ERP purchase order management, purchase orders are directly 

entered, or adopted from a request or generated from the purchase order 

suggestions created by the system. 

Parts which already exist in the system can be ordered, as can one-time parts 

which are not created in the master files. A description of the one-time parts is 

allocated to the purchase order item. 

The purchase order is also the basis for the later account assignment of the 

incoming nvoice. 

Cost centers and cost objects can be assigned to a purchase order item. Each 

purchase order item can be supplemented by texts of any length. Links with 

drawings are also possible. 

Overview of purchase order management 

• Adoption of requests into purchase orders 

• Adoption of acquired and released purchase order suggestions into purchase 

orders 

• Creating purchase orders 

• Administrating purchase orders according to contacts, material groups and 

individual criteria 

• Automatic determination of account assignment for stock and expense 

accounts 

• Allocation of cost objects and cost centers 

• Texts of any length 

• Use of foreign languages 

• Ordering services and disposable products 

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• Ordering finishing processes 

• Ordering an extended workbench 

• Archive for all purchasing processes: 

- Requests, purchase orders, outline agreements, received goods, incoming 

invoices with many research and analysis options 

- Delivery reminders (per fax, letter, or Email) 

- Identification of and taking into account third-party business transactions 

3.3.7 Blanket order 

Product buyer acceptance within a specific time period is the basis of the 

management of vendor-related outline agreements, blanket orders or sales 

agreements. 

The outline agreements are managed independently of the purchase orders. 

They form the outstanding blanket orders. The progress figures (already delivered 

quantities, released quantities) and the remaining stock of each product 

are managed in the blanket orders. This means that the vendor contracts can 

be checked any time. 

Overview of a blanket order 

• Management of blanket orders (contracts) 

• Blanket orders for specified parts 

• Recording release orders 

• Management of cumulative quantities 

• Inventory management of blanket orders 

• Blanket order documentation 

3.3.8 Goods receipt 

abas ERP takes complete deliveries, partial deliveries, surplus deliveries and 

shortfall deliveries into account in the goods receipt. Collective packing slips 

can also be created. 

After receiving the goods, there is an automatic allocation to the default 

receipt location. A receipt entry to a quality control warehouse or consignment 

warehouse is also possible. An immediate return delivery can be generated 

when a claim is received. Quality control is carried out when the goods are 

received or after entering the status of the product. External QA solutions can 

also be connected.

Purchasing 

Overview of receipt of goods 

2011 

• Complete deliveries, partial deliveries, surplus deliveries, and shortfall 

deliveries 

• Purchase order adjustment possible in the case of shortfall deliveries 

• Recording of collective packing slips 

• Allocation of a receipt warehouse/receipt location. 

• Recording received quantities in different units of measure 

• Receipt posting in quality testing store 

• Receipt posting to a quality control warehouse or consignment warehouse 

possible 

• Return deliveries to vendors in the case of a claim 

• Quality inspection 

3.3.9 Invoice verification 

The receipt of goods and the invoice verification are linked to the financial 

accounting, cost accounting, and warehouse management areas. 

abas Business Software automatically posts to the warehouses and the financial 

accounting, records all supplementary costs, calculates the input tax and 

executes the logging. 

External document management 

Incoming invoices which are entered and verified in the ERP system can also be 

scanned in as a document and linked to the data objects (see also the “Document 

management“ chapter). This means that the original document can be accessed 

in the system from anywhere. 

Overview of invoice verification 

• Cash 

• Purchase Recording a received invoice with access to packing slips and 

purchase orders 

• Checking delivery quantities and invoices 

• Checking conditions 

• Recording all supplementary costs using the automatic account assignment 

• Taking discounts and scale prices into account 

• Suggested account assignments can be overwritten 

• Subsequent allocation of cost center/cost object 

• Calculation of input tax 

• Automatic posting in the warehouse 

• Charges to the vendor 

• Recording vendor credit notes 

• Posting in financial accounting and materials management 

• Mixed pricing 

• Logging in journals 

• Outstanding invoices 

• Received invoices list 

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3.3.10 Subcontracting suggestions 

The processing of semi-finished products and provided products is managed 

using the „Subcontracting“ (external processing) function. Subcontracting in 

abas ERP can be entered in the production list of a product. abas ERP then 

generates subcontracting suggestions which can be used to generate purchase 

orders for the subcontractor. 

Subcontracting can already be maintained in the neutral production list of a 

product structure. Materials provided are simply determined and sent to the 

subcontractor. In the editable sales order production list, subcontracting can 

easily be changed to internal production. This makes it possible to manage 

“Make or Buy“ decisions simultaneously. 

One or more work steps of a production list are processed by the subcontracting 

process. This means that several consecutive work steps for different subcontractors 

can be defined in a production list. 

Vendor quantities of semi-finished products and materials provided can be 

listed in the subcontracting area of abas ERP, which, in turn processes all subcontracting 

with semi-finished products and subcontracting materials provided 

for each work order. 

3.3.11 Provided materials 

General materials provided are adopted from the production list of the ordered 

part. 

Purchase order-related changes to the materials provided list are made with the 

editable sales order production list. 

In the parts master files has the option to define a “lead time“ for materials 

provided depending on the vendor. Using this “lead time” you can determine 

how many working days before the delivery date the material provided has to 

be at the vendor. 

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Purchasing 

3.3.12 Relocation suggestions 

2011 

Relocation suggestions for products, forwarders or warehouse groups are evaluated 

in the Relocation suggestions infosystem. In the header section of the 

screen criteria used to select the relocation suggestions from the database is 

determined. By using the “Start“ button, the evaluation is started and the table 

section is filled with data line by line. When you double-click on a table row, all 

details for a relocation suggestion will be displayed. 

To relocate products from one warehouse to another, abas ERP provides the 

function “Relocation suggestions“ in the “Purchasing“ and “Scheduling“ functions. 

The selection of the relocation suggestions is quick and easy. 

Users can now decide which items of a table they want to relocate and which 

items should remain in the previous location. Pre-selection, such as deleting 

irrelevant items, is not necessary. 

3.3.13 Forecast delivery schedule management 

abas ERP creates and sends release orders to the vendor using EDI. Purchase 

order suggestions from scheduling can be clearly viewed and can easily converted 

into delivery schedule orders. 

3.3.14 Delivery reminders 

Delivery reminders can be collected in the Delivery reminders infosystem. All 

vendors with outstanding deliveries can also be combined for a specific date. 

Additionally, all vendors with outstanding deliveries can be displayed for a 

flexible date. If needed, abas ERP automatically creates reminders for deliveries 

which have not been made. 

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2011 Invoices for purchasing and sales 

3.3.15 Additional functions 

All purchasing processes (requests, blanket orders, delivery schedules, packing 

slips, invoices) are administered in their original format in the archive. It is also 

possible to access the archive directly (e.g. as a template for a new process or 

for statistical evaluations). 

The additional functions include the following components: 

• Filing, Archive 

• Standard lists and evaluations 

3.4 Invoices for purchasing and sales 

Payment form 

abas ERP simplifies the creation of invoices and the pricing in purchasing and 

sales. The fields “Coding row“, “Payment reference“, “Participant number“ and 

“Check digit“ can be recorded from a payment form in the sales and purchasing 

invoices. When the invoice is posted, this data will be automatically adopted 

into the invoice entry and in the outstanding items. 

Downpayments and final invoices 

abas ERP supports crediting down payments made in final invoices. The system 

does the following: 

• Plausibility checks for partial invoices which have already been issued for 

the final invoice. 

• VAT already paid with down payments can be displayed. The different tax 

rates in already issued invoices for individual down payments are taken 

into account. 

3.5 Pricing for purchasing and sales 

Market oriented pricing is normally the key to maximizing profits. Most pricing 

orients itself according to consumer behavior and competitors’ prices. 

In purchasing and sales, and when making price and discount suggestions in 

quotations, sales orders or purchase orders, abas ERP actively supports the 

pricing. Furthermore, individual prices can be set and fixed in the master files 

data using the pricing function. 

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Pricing for purchasing and sales 

2011 

Outstanding and suitable blanket orders are searched when determining prices, 

material surcharges and discounts. If no blanket order is found, the search extends 

to the pricing database, in which conditions for individual customers/individual 

vendors or customer groups/vendor groups, individual products or product 

groups can be recorded and maintained, quantity and date dependent. If 

still no price is found, it will be adopted from the product master files. 

Pricing can either be carried out for individual purchasing and sales items or for a 

previously specified group of products. Flat rates can also be set. Starting date for 

the pricing is a sales order or purchase order related condition date, which can be 

changed, and gross and net prices (excluding taxes) can be entered and displayed 

separately. 

The Prices/Discounts infosystem provides the employee information with a click 

of a button. Each customer quickly receives a customized quotate based on a 

reliable calculation. 

ABC analysis 

The ABC analysis (program structure analysis) as an economic analysis procedure 

divides a number of objects, which are sorted in descending order, into 

the classes A, B and C. In the pricing ABC analysis of abas ERP, select if only 

purchased parts, in-house production parts or all parts should be analyzed. It 

is also possible to select the price used for the evaluation. By default, the classification 

is set to A=75%, B=20%, C=5%. 

Data is evaluated warehouse specifically and it is possible to select whether all 

warehouse groups or only a specific warehouse group should be used. Results 

are output in tabular form and graphically. 

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2011 Intrastat statistics 

3.6 Intrastat statistics 

The Intrastat statistics enable the monthly information of the federal statisti- 

cal office about the movement of goods in EU countries and third countries to 

be provided in accordance with Article 8 of the EU Regulation 3330/91. 

abas ERP generates the data for the Intrastat reports by accessing the basic 

functions, master files and purchasing and sales processes. The Intrastat codes 

required are integrated into tables and all required basic values are contained 

in the master files. Using this foundation, the Intrastat statistics create the required 

monthly reports as well as estimates for the domestic transport costs. 

The data for the Intrastat statistics can be recorded in each row of a sales or 

purchase invoice. The fields will be filled with data from the parts master files 

of the product or from the respective header variables. The header variables 

are filled with data from the master files of the shipping customer or shipping 

vendor. 

3.7 Materials management 

abas ERP plans, manages and controls all material movements between ven- 

dors, customers, production and warehouses. abas ERP helps businesses to 

optimally coordinate the material flow, and ensures a fast inventory turnover, 

the best possible stock levels, increased liquidity and readiness to deliver. 

3.7.1 Warehouse management 

Any number of warehouses and storage locations can be created within 

“Warehouse management“ in abas ERP materials management. Each location 

is clearly allocated to one warehouse. It is also possible to display different 

storage types. Strategies for storage and removal from storage can be implemented, 

as required. It is possible to store different products in one 

storage location and abas ERP provides information about all items in the 

storage location. 

Products can be posted manually and stock correction and revaluation of a 

product stock level can be easily created. 

Batches are formed in bundle management using batch sizes and batch grouping 

periods. When posting issues, abas ERP allows negative stock levels through 

constant additions and deductions. 

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Materials management 

Warehouse groups 

2011 

Scheduling considers all stock levels in a warehouse group equally. Distribution 

of stock to different storage locations is irrelevant; only the total stock level of 

the warehouse group applies. 

Overview of warehouse management 

• Different scheduling circles (e.g. autonomous factory storage location, 

subsidiary warehouse with individual scheduling, replacement parts storage) 

• Any number of warehouses and storage areas with a clear allocation 

• Bundle management 

• Negative stock allowed, constant additions and deductions 

• Planned/Unplanned receipts and withdrawals 

• Chaotic storage location management or fixed storage location allocation 

• Minimum stock management 

• Batch grouping via batch sizes and batch grouping periods 

• Warehouse evaluation according to warehouses and product groups 

• ABC analysis 

• Stock level corrections 

• Relocation/Transfer 

• Storage master files per warehouse and per storage location 

• Identification of a non-scheduled warehouse/interim warehouse 

• Consignment warehouse for customers/vendors 

• Direct stock entries 

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2011 Materials management 

3.7.2 Consumption sequence procedure 

Due to empirical data, the consumption sequence procedures assume a certain 

sequence in which stocked parts are consumed or sold. 

A consumption sequence procedure (FIFO, LIFO) can be specified in the product 

master files, which then affect the valuation of withdrawn parts. If a consumption 

sequence procedure has been specified for a product, each receipt of this 

product (receipt quantity, receipt date or expiry date, and cost price) will be 

documented separately. When the product is withdrawn, the stock quantity will 

be debited according to the defined consumption sequence. The resulting costs 

will then be determined and set in the material valuation and the actual costing. 

3.7.3 Stocktaking 

Stocktaking in abas ERP can be carried out as annual stocktaking or permanent 

stocktaking. Inventory sheets can be created before the annual stocktaking, 

which means there is no time contraints. The stocktaking value can be determined 

easily using the stocktaking function. The stocktaking values for several 

years can be archived and compared with each other. 

abas ERP determines stocktaking differences and adjusts them. All standard 

stocktaking processes and valuation rules are supported. 

The stocktaking process can be connected to the flexible user interface (FO), so 

it can be easily adjusted to the requirements of the business. 

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Overview of stocktaking 

• Permanent stocktaking 

• Annual stocktaking 

• Stocktaking suggestion lists according to any selection criteria 

• Selection of the stocktaking valuation process, such as 

- Evaluation at mixed price 

- Evaluation at transfer price 

- Evaluation at last cost price 

• Depreciation factors 

• Determining the stock discrepancies 

• Clearing stock discrepancies

Materials management 

3.7.4 Lot management 

2011 

The lot management in abas ERP covers all relevant areas along the logistics 

chain, which is administered and managed in the lot information. In order to be 

able to track lots, all relevant information about lot movements, and the connected 

usage and creation processes, are documented in the stock movement 

journal. Therefore, the lot origin and the lot use are easily determined. 

abas ERP lot management supports all quality requirements according to the 

international certification standard. 

Each product can be managed in lots,any number of lots can be assigned per 

product, and incorrect entries can be corrected at any time. 

Sales order-related acquisitions can also be allocated to a specific sales order 

without lot management. This makes it possible to conduct an exact valuation 

of the withdrawals in addition to the exact valuation of the acquisitions. Therefore, 

stock levels can be clearly allocated to a user. 

Lot tracking 

The “Lot tracking“ infosystem valuates the stock journal entries with lots. The 

infosystem displays issues and receipts in a pyramid view which is controlled by 

parameters. 

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2011 Scheduling 

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Overview of lot management 

• All relevant areas of the delivery chain are covered 

• Lot movements can be tracked 

• Central lot information in the stock movement journal 

• Lot origin 

• Lot use 

• Quality requirements according to international certification standards 

are supported 

• Lot tracking 

3.8 Scheduling 

Scheduling of material and production capacities is part of the core tasks of an 

ERP system. Processing sales orders according to deadline is often the basis of 

a high level of customer satisfaction and the reason for a company‘s success. 

Scheduling generates procurement suggestions for purchasing, plans the machine 

loading and scheduling, checks delivery deadlines or determines the earliest 

possible delivery date if there was a change made to the originally planned 

deadline. 

The scheduling calculation observes customer sales order items, internal 

warehouse orders, current purchase orders, and stock levels. Individual settings 

in the master files are taken into consideration, for example minimum 

stock levels, procurement lead times, batch sizes, batch grouping periods, lead 

times for internally produced parts, and scheduling processes.

Scheduling 

2011 

Also vendor and customer receipt days, and setting minimum and maximum 

procurement quantities are considered. Whether planned stock issues are covered 

by the current stock level and the scheduled stock receipts within a defined 

time period are also verified. For stock shortages, purchase order suggestions 

for purchase parts and work order suggestions for internally produced 

parts are generated according to the procurement type. 

The scheduling modes are distinguished as follows: 

• Variant-related scheduling 

• Sales order-related scheduling 

• Requirement-related scheduling 

• Minimum stock-related scheduling 

• Remaining quantity-related scheduling 

The abas ERP scheduling is run according to the net change principle. Only 

changes which were made in the materials and due dates since the last scheduling 

calculation are entered in a scheduling run. 

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2011 Scheduling 

By using the net change principle in the scheduling calculation, abas ERP is 

immediately able to carry out the scheduling calculation even in the dialog. 

Whenever a scheduling-related entry is made in abas ERP, the scheduling calculation 

will be automatically activated in the background. 

Relocation suggestions or relocation sales orders between different warehouses, 

and their completion confirmations, is easily created in abas scheduling 

function. Stock levels and current procurements are firmly tied to blanket orders 

for the on-schedule settlement of delivery schedules. 

Allocation of products to scheduling groups 

Products are excluded from the permanent scheduling by allocating them to a 

scheduling group. Products are scheduled using an explicit call. 

Selective release of work order and procurement suggestions 

In addition to the immediate release of certain suggestions, a two-step release 

of work order and procurement suggestions (order, relocation, and subcontracting 

suggestions) is also possible. Suggestions for the inhouse production and 

the external procurement can be selected using planners. 

Gross requirements determination 

The requirements calculation for products of all procurement types which are to 

be procured is laid out in detail. 

Factors for the calculation of the gross requirement are: 

• Production list base 

• Quantity, length, breadth 

• Conversion factors for length and width unit 

• Absolute scrap, start-up quantity, absolute quantity required 

• Scrap (percentage) 

• Use, rounding specification 

The specifications can be entered in the parts master files screen by the user. 

All specifications will be used by preliminary costing (for pricing) and scheduling 

(for calculating the gross requirements). 

Data taken into consideration in the scheduling run 

• Sales orders 

• Current purchase orders 

• Current work orders 

• Purchase order suggestions 

• Work order suggestions 

• Scheduling mode 

• Stock level, minimum stock level, lot sizes, grouping of lots in specified 

time intervals, procurement lead times, production times, organizational 

and procedure related wait times, transitional periods, maximum stock 

level and package size 

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Sales planning 

2011 

• Gross requirements determination by means of the quantity, length and 

width specifications with the respective conversion factors, production list 

bases, absolute scrap, use, and rounding specifications. 

• Management of working days calendars for different locations 

Overview of scheduling 

• Scheduling via direct links between BOM and task list/links between 

material and series of operations or processes 

• Sales order-related scheduling 

• Selective release of production and procurement suggestions 

• Date shifts in the capacity planning and production control 

directly affect the materials planning 

• Sales, production and resource planning 

(MPS = Master Production Schedule) 

• Work order splitting 

• Backward, forward, and midpoint scheduling 

• Allocation of products to scheduling groups 

• Fixing dates 

• Determining critical dates 

• Gross requirements calculation 

• Batch size and minimum stock level calculation 

• Combined production 

3.9 Sales planning 

Sales planning forms the basis of a company-wide preview of all relevant 

resources. 

Quantities can be determined at different levels of detail in sale planning: 

• Individual products or product groups 

• Differentiated according to warehouse group 

• Differentiated for individual customers or customer groups 

• Flexible planning periods: day, week, month, quarter, and year or free 

selection of periods 

The planned data can be projected, imported, or manually recorded on the basis 

of historical data by using forecasting techniques. 

On the basis of a sales planning price, the revenue planning determines the 

revenue of a scheduled quantity. 

Planning cycle 

A plan is normally made once per year/fiscal year. To take short-term changes 

or (seasonal) fluctuations into account, a planning that has already been completed 

can be updated, substantiated, and reworked according to specific time 

intervals using rolling planning. 

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2011 Sales planning 

Evaluations 

• Target/Actual comparison for 

new sales and revenue 

• Planning hierarchies display 

Rolling planning 

Planning information for a product is determined within abas Business Software. 

Scheduling suggests the quantities of a product, which is to be produced 

in a defined interval, on the basis of the planned data. 

Existing deliveries and fixed sales orders are settled by planning. 

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Production 

3.10 Production 

2011 

Efficient processes along the value-added chain support employees and ensure 

lean production. abas ERP supports the following production procedures: 

• Mass production 

• Serial production 

• Small batch production 

• Sales order-related production 

The system accesses the data pool created in the master files. 

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2011 Production 

3.10.1 Production portal application 

Using the production portal application, the administrator has a role-based 

overview of all processes to which they have been assigned - including the 

due date bar and the material and capacity status. With a simple click, the 

employee can analyze his processes over a specific period and switch to different 

applications in order to execute further actions. Processing of active work 

orders and work order suggestions, completion confirmations and amendments 

to production lists or machine loading and scheduling are included. 

3.10.2 Work order suggestions 

If a sales order has been issued, abas Business Software scheduling checks 

whether or how much of the product, raw materials, and employee and machine 

capacity are available to process the sales order. 

The scheduling and planning calculation generates the work order suggestions 

or individual data for the production plan. The generated work order suggestions 

and machine loading and scheduling can be manually displayed, edited or 

released for production. 

The planning department or production planning processes the production suggestions. 

Calculated start and due dates can be moved and quantities can 

be reduced or increased. Planning sales orders can be canceled. Splitting the 

quantities suggested by the system to individual sales orders with different 

due dates is also an option. Released work order suggestions create production 

sales orders. 

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Production 

Overview of work order suggestions 

2011 

• Creation of personal work order suggestions in the dialog 

• Processing the work order suggestions from the planning calculation in the 

dialog or per selected list 

• Direct entry of planned sales orders 

• Work order suggestions are immediately scheduled when a new one is 

created 

• Modification of start dates and finish dates 

• Modification of suggested quantities 

• Canceling work order suggestions 

• Determining critical dates and bottlenecks in planned sales orders 

• Release and fixing in production 

Production command center 

View all work order suggestions and work orders, modify them and trigger 

actions, via a central dialog window: 

• Selection of work order suggestions according to different criteria 

• Open/Close the one-level production list for any work order suggestion 

• Release work order suggestions 

• Print shop floor papers 

• Materials withdrawal entry 

• Complete confirmations for work orders and/or work slips 

• Switch to the procurement status and plan chart infosystems 

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3.10.3 Work orders 

The release of a work order suggestion creates work orders, work slips, job 

tickets and pull lists which can be individually structured in abas ERP. An availability 

check of the required materials is automatically generated. Materials 

which are not in stock, but are required, are displayed in the missing parts list. 

Organizational requirements specific to the company or the department can 

also be flexibly adjusted. 

Released work orders can be moved to different dates or their content can be 

changed any time. The processing status of the work order is displayed. 

The procurement status informs about current procurements of parts. 

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Overview of work orders 

• Sales order splitting 

• Creation of work orders from work order suggestions 

• Availability check of required materials/capacities 

• Generating a missing parts list 

• Creation of shop floor papers: work slips, material slips, job tickets, 

pull lists 

• Progress control 

• Alteration of the sales order-related BOM 

• Alteration of the sales order-related work plan 

• Interface to connect a detailed planning tool 

• Printing shop floor papers

Production 

3.10.4 Extended workbench/External production 

2011 

In the sales order production list you can already plan work steps which are to be 

processed externally. The scheduling then provides information about the 

currently required level of external services. 

Processing of subcontracting processes: 

• Requesting/Ordering external processing or subcontracting 

• Distribution of semifinished products/materials provided using the packing 

slip to the subcontractor 

• Stock surveillance in the consignment warehouse of the subcontractor 

• Receipt postings of processed parts through a goods receipt slip with 

completion confirmation to production 

• Entering subcontracting costs via a receipt invoice and 

integration into the final costing 

3.10.5 Sales order-related production list 

Variants and job lot producers require special production structures which apply 

to one particular sales order. To display these structures, the sales order-related 

BOM and the sales order-related task list (in abas ERP they are collectively known 

as the “production list“) can be edited or generated using alternative production 

lists. Parts of the sales order-related BOM or the series of operations in the sales 

order-related task list can be deleted, exchanged or added to the already running 

production process. 

The scheduling calculation takes into account the changes which have been 

made. Also material or machine bottlenecks can be rescheduled in the editable 

production list. Changes are managed and also archived as sales order-related. 

This allows you to determine which components were integrated in a module. 

3.10.6 Combined production 

The combined production describes the simultaneous manufacturing of multiple 

different products in an individual production process. The products are posted 

as a stock receipt, and can then be used in-house or the can be used externally. 

These by-products are entered in the production list with a negative quantity. 

You can use this both in the neutral production lists of the parts master files 

and the currently scheduled sales order production lists. The by-products will 

be taken into account when the BOM entries are created (manual or automatic 

entry from production) and will be posted as stock receipts. 

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The costs of the by-products are simultaneously adopted into the final costing 

of the work order and thus reduce the material costs of the manufactured main 

product by means of the negative production list quantity. The costs of the 

by-products are deducted from the material costs of the manufactured main 

product in preliminary costing as well. The scheduling treats combined products 

in the production lists as planned receipts. Available capacities will be loaded 

with the planned/target figures available for the production suggestions and 

production orders. 

3.10.7 Capacity planning 

Sales order and series of operations dates can be changed by the capacity 

planning. The effects of the date amendment are displayed in a table or as 

a graphic. The system enables a „drill-down processing“ of the displays. The 

visualization of bottlenecks of a capacity unit right up to the cause of the capacity 

load is also possible. 

Bottleneck analysis 

The bottleneck analysis offers information about problems in production and 

analyzes the production load. abas ERP displays all bottlenecks for a production 

plant in a selected period. It is possible to analyze a bottleneck down to the last 

detail via drill-down. 

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Production 

Moving processes 

2011 

Change the dates of production orders, series of operations and processes in 

abas ERP. Cchanges are considered by the scheduling and can be displayed 

immediately. 

Capacity planning unloading 

Completion confirmations unload capacities. All capacity units are usually time 

or quantity units. 

Capacity changes 

The theoretically usable capacity, defined in the master files of a capacity group 

and referring to specific time cycles, can be temporarily changed. More or 

less capacity can be determined. The changes are included in the scheduling 

calculation. 

Outstanding backlog 

Series of operations which should be processed by a specific time, but aren‘t, 

are displayed in the capacity view as an outstanding backlog. 

Overview of capacity planning 

• Fixing the theoretical capacity in the capacity units: 

machines, work centers, manual workstations, assembly groups, etc. 

• Work calendar per capacity unit 

• Editing the theoretical capacity in the individual series of operations 

• Determining bottlenecks 

• Analyzing the effects of date shifts 

• Workload overview 

• Representation as a graph or a table 

3.10.8 Work order completion confirmations 

If work orders or work slips are processed completely or partially in production, 

the finished products can be transferred to the warehouse through completion 

confirmations. The products required for production are debited and machine 

capacity is freed up. A completion confirmation can be created using the keyboard, 

a connected scanner or per RFID (radio frequency identification). Completion 

confirmations can be generated automatically in abas ERP. For example, 

materials which have a series of operations allocated to them in the structure, 

or materials which are connected with the series of operations “Prepare material“, 

are automatically debited. The automated completion confirmations can 

also be linked to any other point in time or event. A defined completion confirmation 

result can create a mandatory entry in the warehouse. 

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Overview of completion confirmations 

• Completion confirmations: 

- For parts 

- For modules 

- For individual work orders 

- For series of operations which are subject to completion confirmation 

- With automatic stock adjustments 

- Receipt posting of parts 

- Withdrawal posting of materials 

• Completion confirmations for series of operations: 

- With start and end times 

- With total time 

- Without times 

- With accepted quantities 

- With scrap quantities and scrap types 

- With reworking 

• Entering excess/shortfall in withdrawals 

• Entering scrap and types of scrap 

• Entering quantities that have to be reworked and types of reworking 

• Entering unplanned completion confirmations 

• Entering overheads 

Completion confirmations using Plant Data Collection (PDC) 

• Connection options to PDC devices 

• Recording order times 

3.10.9 PDC: Time and labor data recording/Work order time recording 

The management of PDC data integrated in abas ERP ensures a fast backflow 

of completion confirmations. Using interfaces to time and laor data recording 

systems and PDC systems, working time, break time and shifts are transferred 

to abas ERP and are forwarded to the capacity planning or financial accounting 

for statistical evaluation. 

Time and labor data recording/Work order time recording 

• Recording of time and labor data 

• Recording order times 

• Freely definable shift schedules and daily schedules 

• Automatic shift allocation 

• Automatic end of job 

• Time data archive 

• Time recording via PDC devices and terminal 

• Interface to external time and labor data recording systems 

• Standard lists and evaluations 

Attendance and absence list 

• Time record, time stamps list 

• Selection of work order suggestions according to different criteria

Service processing 

3.10.10 Manual production entries 

2011 

Required BOM parts can be debited at any time from each location and in any 

location. Remaining quantities can also be entered as required and therefore 

influence the scheduling. Furthermore, there is the option of posting finished 

parts in any unit to a location which you select. 

3.11 Service processing 

The service processing in abas ERP manages the services for a sold product. 

Reairs that were already carried out, planned maintenance work etc. can, for 

example, be retrieved from the service processing. All activities relating to a 

service processing can be queried via a comprehensive number of infosystems. 

All work which was already done is recorded and charged in abas Business 

Software. 

3.11.1 Service processing portal application 

Using the portal application “Service processing“, an overview of many maintenance 

and repair processes provides information quickly at any time. A service 

number provides a quick overview of a specific service process. A customerrelated 

view, which displays all running service processes, is also possible. For 

example, the service employee can switch to different applications per click at 

any time in order to execute further actions. These actions can be the planning 

of the service assignment, the repair processing and the triggering of invoicing. 

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2011 Service processing 

Service product with archived product BOM 

The focus of the service processing is the service product with its archived 

product BOM. The so-called service product BOM archives all materials and 

modules used. 

Modules are also archived when completion confirmations are received. Subsequent 

entries of parts which have already been assembled in a service product 

will be automatically added to its service product BOM. 

Service products in stock can be assembled in other modules or sold. Your service 

product BOM remains. 

Each unit of a product sold can be documented in the service product. Information 

about the location, master file and sales order number, warranty duration, 

production BOM, costing, and scheduling are displayed here. It can be reconstructed 

which parts were exchanged or additionally installed over time for each 

service product. 

If a module which is in stock, and has an archived BOM, is integrated in a service 

which requires a product, this BOM also automatically flows into the service 

product BOM. 

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Service processing 

Service request 

2011 

A service request should be made before planning further service processes. 

Disruptions and incidences connected to a service or repair order are entered 

and managed in such a way that no service or repair order exists. A service 

order can be the basis of a quotation, or a service and repair order. 

Service assignments (engineer) 

When allocating service assignments to engineers, quotation and/or sales order 

dates in service reservations, as well as information about reasons for absence 

are used. In order to optimally plan service assignments, information such as 

qualifications, level of qualification, service assignment type or assignment resources 

flows into the assignment planning. 

Service reservations 

All available reserved appointments for an engineer, a specific service or for a 

specific time period can be displayed in the form of a table. 

Service order 

The service order displays the assignments which are carried out at a customer 

site for a specific period of time. Service orders automatically flow into the service 

reservation and can be assigned to a customer. 

Repair order 

The repair order displays the service processes which were processed using 

in-house production. Incoming and outgoing packing slips of repairs can be 

generated from the process. Scheduling takes the allocated service products 

into account and generates further processes from them, if required. A sales 

order production list, which can be customized if needed, is then created from 

the item of the service product(s). 

Cost estimate 

A quickly created, detailed cost estimate facilitates decision-making and accelerates 

the service process. The cost estimate is automatically created from 

the items and their sales order production list. A subsequent, manual editing 

(adjustment) of the cost estimate is possible. All entries will be taken into 

account when invoicing. The system will inform the user about deviations from 

the original cost estimate. 

Service product 

Under a service product you can collect all of the individual necessities for the 

repair order in a module. This means that routine procedures for the repair of 

a part are available in a product object. A customizable dispatch list can be 

created using a repair order. 

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2011 Costing 

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Overview of service processing 

• Service product management 

• Access to an archived BOM on the service product 

• BOM processing for exchanging or adding parts 

• Automatic update of the service product BOM 

• Monitoring of component exchange 

• Service and maintenance for a service product 

• Service requests, overview, and traceability 

• Cost estimates which result in service reservations 

• Service order (assignment at the customer‘s location) 

• Cost estimate for repair order 

• Repair order (in in-house production) 

• Service product 

• Creation of service reports 

• Service technician assignments 

3.12 Costing 

abas ERP provides a product and sales order related costing for the exact 

valuation of the operating result. 

Preliminary and final costing can be carried out for products and also for sales 

orders. Both costings can also be directly compared. Costing supports you when 

carrying out the exact date scheduling, e.g. when specifying delivery times. 

The cost per stock unit and also the costs of the total BOM items are listed in the 

table of the costing results. There are different costing schemata in abas ERP. 

These schemata can be adapted individually to the respective requirements.

Costing 

Overview of costing 

• Costing sheet for each product 

• Any number of costing sheets 

• Costing overview 

• Error log from last preliminary costing 

• Sales order BOM 

• Evaluation of materials provided by vendor in the mixed price 

• Archiving costing sheets 

• Mixed price update when packing slip received 

• Overheads to machine costs 

3.12.1 Preliminary costing 

2011 

Preliminary costing can be carried out on the basis of known parts master files 

structures. Individual values of a preliminary costing can also be issued manually 

without the system accessing existing structures. 

Preliminary costing can be dated for a specific date using abas ERP. This means 

that the pricings valid on this due date are taken into account. 

Users can use the preliminary costing for products for each warehouse group 

specifically and can decide on the most cost-efficient variant based on conclusive 

data. It is also possible to generate individual costing sheets, if need 

edrequired. 

Since the preliminary costing is archived, the cost development of a product 

can be monitored. For a preliminary costing in quotations and sales orders, the 

determined values such as price and delivery time, can optionally be adopted 

into the quotation or sales order item. 

Costing results, which come resulting from an individual preliminary costing 

run, can be edited. Costs can be edited, deleted, and added in the costing results. 

Each change immediately has an immediate effect on the total costing so 

that the consequences of these „What would happen if...“ business games can 

be seen directly. 

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2011 Costing 

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Overview of preliminary costing 

• Preliminary costing of products, modules, finished products 

• Preliminary costing of quotations 

• Preliminary costing of sales orders 

• Preliminary costing statistic of products 

• Selectable valuations of material components: 

• Mixed price, last cost price 

- Planned transfer price 

- Preliminary costing using variable costs and full costs 

• Weight calculations 

• Due date calculation, delivery time 

• Taking quantity discount scales into consideration 

• Editing costing results 

• Preliminary costing uses the same pricing procedure as purchasing for the 

calculation of the cost prices 

3.12.2 Concurrent costing 

abas ERP offers the option of generating concurrent costings for sales orders 

within the scope of make-to-order production and for production orders. 

These are based on the posted completion confirmations of the production 

(valuated times), the posted materials consumption, special direct costs of production 

and special direct costs of sales. 

The costings are always up-to-date and can be opened directly from the individual 

data objects such as the customer sales order or the work order. 

This tool is especially helpful in make-to-order production, on the one hand to 

be able to display the current cost status and on the other hand to be able to 

include a projection with regard to the expected costs for an order in the controlling 

at an early stage. The determination of the inventory value of the sales 

orders in progress is automatically linked to the concurrent costing. 

3.12.3 Final costing 

A final costing of completed sales orders and work orders can be carried out in 

abas ERP. The final costings can be displayed in consolidated form or in detailed 

views. 

When final costing is carried out, all types of procurements will be final costed: 

both sales order-related procurements and warehouse procurements. Final costing 

can also be carried out for filed processes and can be run simultaneously. 

Costs not yet incurred are determined from the sales order preliminary costing.

Costing 

2011 

The final costing is carried out using a cost collector. A cost collector can be 

edited to enter or correct individual costs. When an individual final costing value 

has been entered, it will be taken into consideration by the final costing. Additionally, 

a row and additional costs that are initially unknown to the final costing 

can be included in the cost collector. For example, from here you can enter 

travel or freight costs which you already know will occur but for which a document 

does not yet exist. They will be adopted into the final costing as special 

costs. 

Costs can be allocated to several items, reservations, or work order suggestions 

via a cost allocator in invoices and financial entries. 

If the final costing was able to collect all costs of a finished product, then the 

mixed price of the finished product will be updated. This happens when the respective 

work order suggestion is filed. This mixed price update is documented 

in the stock movement journal. The mixed price will not be updated if any of the 

costs of the work order suggestion are not yet available and cannot be posted. 

The upgrade will be automatically carried out by final costing when all costs of 

the work order suggestion have been posted. You can control whether the final 

costing should update the mixed price or not. 

Overview of final costing 

• Final costing of production orders: 

- Parts 

- Modules 

- Products 

• Final costing of sales order-related procurements and 

warehouse procurements 

• Final costing of sales orders 

• Final costing of filed processes 

• Final costing using editable cost collectors 

• Costs can be allocated to invoices and financial entries 

via cost allocators 

• Mixed price update 

• Selectable valuation procedure 

• Costing on the basis of variable costs and full costs 

• Comparison of costing results 

• Costing based on the period per part to determine average values 

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2011 Material valuation 

Comparison of costing results 

abas ERP allows the comparison of preliminary and final costing results from 

work order suggestions or work orders. All preliminary costing sheets are compared 

to the final costing sheet. 

3.13 Material valuation 

The material valuation determines the consumption of raw auxiliary and opera- 

tional materials, and posts the inventory changes of semi-finished and finished 

products. 

Valuation types for products 

Receipt: 

• Transaction price 

• Planned price 

• Zero valuation 

Issue: 

• Mixed price 

• Warehouse group mixed price 

• Receipt price 

• LIFO 

• FIFO 

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Material valuation 

Material group and product group 

2011 

The account assignments of the product are recorded in the goods and product 

group of the product.Each material group or product group can be allocated to 

one group of products. 

Making a valuation 

The material consumption is valuated in abas ERP on the basis of the quantity 

movements. If the valuation of a quantity movement is not possible at the time 

of creation, because the valuation price is missing for example, the valuation is 

made on the basis of a “temporary“ price. In the case of purchasing parts this 

is the purchase order price, in the case of inhouse production parts this is the 

value from the preliminary costing of the work order. If the correct price of the 

transaction is available due to an invoice in purchasing or the final costing of the 

work order, final costing is automatically carried out for the affected transactions. 

The valuated quantity movements are the basis when posting the stock 

changes. 

3.13.1 Cost entry suggestion 

Here the stock journal entries or completion confirmation entries can be 

selected according to different criteria. The selected posting documents and 

their posting total are displayed in a table. Individual documents can be excluded 

from the posting of a posting run. In a posting document it can be seen 

whether a document can be posted or if data is missing. Documents can also be 

manually rejected or edited. 

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2011 Material valuation 

3.13.2 WIP level/Work in Process 

abas ERP determines the usage of raw, auxiliary, and operational materials of 

finished products and WIP. The stock changes resulting from the consumption 

can be posted. 

3.13.3 Valuation of products at the production costs 

Finished products can be valuated at the transaction price when manufacturing. 

Material and production unit costs can be posted in the same way as the 

material valuation, valuation of production activity, and material or production 

overhead functions. The overheads, along with the direct costs, are adopted in 

the cost entries for the change in stock. 

By posting the overheads, the stock of WIP and finished products (incl. overheads) 

valuated at the manufacturing costs can be displayed. 

If this valuation type is used for finished products, the WIP will be administrated 

automatically and without differences by the ERP system. 

3.13.4 Cost allocation 

Causal connections can be created in abas Business Software, independent of 

time or a direct (technical) process relation. The prerequisite for this is a linking 

of all receipts and issues. For example, using the cost allocations, the freight or 

customs costs of a process can be allocated later. These additional costs of the 

affected processes are forwarded later by the automatic revaluation so they are 

in evaluations, such as the final costing. 

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Material valuation 

3.13.5 Material provided to vendor 

2011 

The values of materials provided are displayed when posting the incoming invoice. 

Costs of services of the materials provided can be posted on a subcontracting 

account. 

An additional posting posts the value of the purchased product, plus the material 

value of the ordered product, as the stock increases to the product stock 

account. 

3.13.6 Subcontracting and material valuation 

The value of the subcontracting is entered when posting the incoming invoice. 

The service is also posted to a subcontracting account. 

Furthermore, the value of the subcontracting (including provided materials) will 

be posted as a receipt posting on the WIP stock account. 

3.13.7 Evaluations 

Diverse evaluations list valuation and posting results of material lists and valuation 

of the production activity. 

The Product stock value infosystem displays the product stock levels of individual 

or all warehouse groups on a key date. Different valuation types can be 

used to determine values. 

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2011 Financial accounting 

Using the Valuation reference infosystem, the individual valuations of the stock 

adjustments, and information about valuations of a product, can be valuated. 

The Production activity infosystem displays the production costs per work 

center, cost center or cost object. 

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Overview of material valuation 

• Numerous valuation types, e.g. mixed price, warehouse group mixed price, 

planned price, cost of goods manufactured, etc. 

• Inventory management of the WIP without differences 

using the “Cost of goods manufactured“ valuation type 

• Prompt valuation and automatic entering of stock adjustments 

• Prompt valuation and automatic posting of completion confirmations 

• Cost entry suggestion 

• Cost entries per account 

• Transparency of entry results by using drill-down functions up to the 

document level 

• Stock movement journal and completion confirmations 

• Representation of materials provided in purchasing on a value basis 

• Subcontracting and material valuation 

• Evaluations 

• Handling consignment warehouse locations 

(You can find further information in the “Sales“ chapter.) 

3.14 Financial accounting 

Financial accounting (FinAcc) is fully integrated in abas ERP and all business 

transactions are represented. Master files and data from purchasing, sales, etc. 

are the foundation of the FinAcc. 

As a fixed component of abas ERP, financial accounting is not provided with data 

by a linked interface, but receives this data directly through the processing of 

individual business transactions. The generation and posting of an outgoing 

invoice in sales simultaneously connects to the posting of data in financial accounting. 

The advantage of this integration is that the outgoing document can 

be reached from the financial accounting using the ”Drill Down”. 

Financial accounting provides a clear overview of all financial transactions. For 

example, data from several fiscal years is accessable. The use of offset or 

shortened fiscal periods is also possible. Monthly comparisons can be generated 

by managing transaction figures using legacy data. It is also possible to 

do planned/actual comparisons of values covering several years. Furthermore, 

plausibility and completeness checks can be created for P&L and balance sheet. 

Account statements are automatically posted.

Financial accounting 

3.14.1 Chart of accounts 

2011 

A company specific chart of accounts can be set up in abas ERP. In the case 

of new installations, the user receives the financial accounting with a standard 

chart of accounts which is closely related to DATEV SKR 04 – especially important 

for partnerships and incorporated companies. All evaluations are coordinated 

with this chart of accounts. If the user decides to use this standard chart of 

accounts, financial accounting can be opened immediately. It is then possible to 

make individual adjustments to the standard charts of accounts. 

The accounts are structured hierarchically by means of the summarization accounts. 

Based on given account ranges, a flexible grouping of the accounts can 

be executed. 

The standard account assignment and the default setting of the account properties 

in the system automatically generate suggestions for the use of accounts, 

e.g. when automatically generating financial entries 

Overview of chart of accounts 

• Personal chart of accounts 

• Flexible grouping through account ranges with multiple levels 

• EU and foreign accounts for revenue and goods purchasing 

• Allocation of cost types 

• Identification for mandatory entry of cost center/cost object per account 

3.14.2 Taxes 

Any number of tax codes and tax periods can be defined in abas ERP. An individual 

tax rate can be assigned to each tax code for each tax period. Tax periods 

can be defined for each month. This means that all legally specified tax conversions 

can be made. 

A tax deduction can be made for any percentage rate. The tax codes are allocated 

to tax and cash discount accounts. A correct backdated tax calculation can 

always be guaranteed. 

Advance VAT return 

VAT items can be defined as required and accounts can be flexibly allocated. 

Because the accounts and the VAT item are both used in financial accounting, 

the advance VAT return figures will always be up-to-date. Advance VAT returns 

can be created individually as long as they observe legal regulations. Countryspecific 

adjustments are also possible. A verification can be carried out by using 

clear account and entry reports. 

In addition to the electronic advance VAT return via Elster, abas ERP also supports 

print output. Update programs and PDF printouts are provided to the 

abas customers every year: 

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Tax issues can be clearly displayed 

Tax issues in purchasing and sales processes, and also financial entries, can be 

clearly displayed using the abas Business Software. Tax issues can be displayed 

simply and understandably. All data necessary for taxation is displayed clearly 

in invoices, entries and outstanding items. 

Many default settings such as “triangular trade“ or “tax-free domestic business“ 

are available to manage special tax issues. 

All data for the financial entries are transparently displayed in invoices, including 

the entry preview for invoices. This means that the administrator has access 

to and can edit all data, such as accounts, tax codes, tax entry types and 

VAT items in one overview. 

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Overview of taxes 

• Any number of tax codes and tax periods can be defined 

• Tax adjustments are possible at every change of month, at the earliest 

• Tax adjustments without newly defining the tax code or account 

• Reporting the VAT for construction work 

• Monthly, quarterly and annual advance VAT return possible, even over 

staggered fiscal years 

• Electronic entry of advance VAT return and permanent time limit extension 

via Elster 

• PDF output of advance VAT return 

• Verification of advance VAT return 

• Amendments are always integrated quickly 

• Plausible display of tax issues 

3.14.3 Multiple sets of books 

Up to five sets of books can be configured in order to carry out the reporting according 

to different financial reporting criteria within one abas ERP client. These 

can be independently posted and evaluated. Entries that are valid in multiple 

sets of books only have to be entered once. 

With the introduction of the mandatory accounting for capital market corporate 

groups according to IFRS/IAS on January 1st, 2005, and its indirect effects 

on all subsidiaries of the corporate group, companies now have to create their 

reporting according to two different financial reporting regulations: 1. national 

legal regulations for the tax authorities and 2. IFRS for the capital market consolidation 

parent. 

3.14.4 Financial entries 

Because of the integration into the abas system, most of the financial entries 

are generated automatically, e.g. purchasing and sales entries, payment 

entries, fixed asset entries, and material entries. Manually creating entries is 

supported by the automatic default setting of data, copy functions and cancel 

functions.


2011 

The monthly values of the accounts are automatically updated when posted and 

are then available for evaluation. The balances carried forward from the balance 

sheet accounts of the following years are updated without having to carry out 

other “annual balances carried forward“ actions. 

3.14.5 Recurring entries 

Create recurring entries in define intervals and repeating financial entries. For 

example, select whether the entry process is carried out monthly, quarterly or 

annually using available templates and rules. It is possible to change the contents 

and move the entry date or due date from entry to entry. 

Overview of postings 

• Automatic posting of incoming invoices from the invoice 

verification 

• Automatic posting of outgoing invoices from the invoicing 

• Automatic posting of material withdrawals from the materials management 

• Automatic posting of incoming and outgoing payments 

• Automatic posting of the bank account statements 

• Automatic posting from the fixed asset accounting 

• Automatic updating of exchange rate differences 

• Configurable posting of rounding differences 

• Individual postings/Collective postings 

• Postings in any entry currency 

• Postings with the option to allocate them to cost centers/cost objects 

• Direct posting in the dialog 

• Clearing 

• Simple cancellation options 

• Direct access to multiple fiscal years 

• Comparison of any fiscal years 

• Multiple sets of books 

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3.14.6 Cash book 

abas ERP supports the management of cash books in domestic and foreign currency. 

The cash documents of a month can be entered in any time intervals and 

can be posted automatically. The user is supported by the consecutive document 

numbering and the automatic cash balance update. Printing individual 

documents is possible, as is printing all monthly receipts and expenditure. 

Purchasing and sales cash invoices are connected. When clearing outstanding 

items, the cash book can be updated. It is also possible to manage cash books 

in foreign currencies. 

3.14.7 Cash management 

The “Outstanding items accounting“ is also integrated in the financial accounting. 

It is available for AP, AR, employees and general ledger accounts. Outstanding 

items can be managed in foreign currencies, down payments, guarantees 

of payment, other accounts receivable and accounts payable can also be 

managed. Outstanding items are evaluated according to various selection and 

sorting criteria. 

When posting invoices and generating manual entries, the system automatically 

generates outstanding items for the customers, vendors, employees and 

the OI relevant G/L accounts. 

By doing so, both the standard default setting as well as the differing processrelated 

default setting of data (e.g. payment due dates, bank details, purpose 

of use) will be taken into account. One or more partial payments can be scheduled 

when entering the invoice. 

In the AR/AP cash management you can select between different methods of 

payment such as bank transfer, direct debit, check or bill of exchange. Diverse 

selection options help to find the relevant outstanding items. 

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Outstanding items - processing options 

2011 

abas ERP displays all processes such as payments, reminders or revaluations 

which have been created for an outstanding item. It is also possible to relateto 

existing outstanding items when creating new processes. 

Examples: 

When invoices or credit notes are created, the user can refer to a customer’s 

outstanding items and settle them immediately. For example, if a payment is 

canceled, the system opens the original outstanding item. 

Outgoing payment/Incoming payment 

Outstanding items can be prepared for an outgoing or incoming payment in one 

or several steps. The selection can be made using selection criteria. The system 

suggests a fixed value date, payment due dates and cash discount amounts, 

which are adopted or can be replaced if required, on the basis of terms of payment. 

In the case of outgoing and ingoing payments, the different methods of 

payment, such as bank transfer, direct debit, check, bill of exchange or other, 

are supported. The infosystem Create payment file creates export files for the 

outgoing cash management. 

The following payment formats are supported: 

• DTAZV, Version 2004 (German foreign bank transfers) 

• DTAUS0 (domestic bank transfers and debit notes in Germany) 

• Edifact PAYMUL, Version D.96A according to ZKA01 

(domestic and foreign bank transfers) 

• Edifact PAYMUL, Version D.96A according to FAT01G 

(domestic and foreign bank transfers) 

• Edifact DIRDEB, Version D.96A according to ZKA01 (domestic direct 

debits) 

• Edifact DIRDEB, Version D.96A according to FAT01G (domestic direct 

debits) 

• DTA, Version 06/04 with all transaction types 

(domestic and foreign bank transfers in Switzerland) 

• LSV, Version 06/04 (Swiss domestic direct debits) 

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• CBI Bonifici, Version 5.01 (Italian domestic bank transfers) 

• CBI RiBa, Version 5.01 (Italian domestic direct debits) 

• ABB Payment Orders v5 (domestic bank transfers in Belgium): The Cash 

Management Program ISABEL, which has been implemented in Belgium, 

is capable of importing this format. In order to be able to select this 

format, the banks involved must be located in Belgium and a domestic 

payment must be used. 

• ABB Foreign Payment Orders v3.1 (Belgian foreign bank transfers) 

The results are reportet in a payment log and payment advice note. 

Payment suggestions 

If required, abas ERP creates payment suggestion lists for outgoing and incoming 

payments. There are diverse selection options available to the user for 

determining the affected AP or AR and outstanding items. 

The following representations and options are available from the payment sug- 

gestion list: 

• Simple and clear display of the invoices to be paid 

• The payment suggestions list is displayed and archived in the database 

• The date of the next planned payment is taken into consideration 

• Flexible selection: vendors, customers, employees and OIs 

• Only cash discount payments/Only net payments 

• Allocation to several banks 

• Selection criteria can be adopted from a model 

Outgoing checks 

Outgoing checks can be generated in the check book screen for the checks received 

by the bank. These will be used automatically when the payments are 

transferred. The outstanding items which were cleared with a check are documented 

in “Check“. The respective statistics (printed, bank entry complete) are 

stored. 

It is possible to make a cancelation through the check. Then all 

affected postings are reversed and the old outstanding invoice items are restored. 

The check book provides an overview of the use of checks. 

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Incoming checks 

2011 

Incoming checks are entered with a check number, check issuer or due date. 

They can be used when transfer posting incoming payments. In the table of 

checks, the outstanding items paid by the incoming check are adopted. The reference 

to the payment entry is stored in the check and later on the reference 

to the bank posting is also stored (if available). A simple cancelation from the 

incoming check is possible. Incoming checks can be used as outgoing checks. 

No new outgoing checks are printed in this case. 

Method of payment: „Other“ for incoming and outgoing payments 

In addition to the methods of payment “Transfer“, “Direct debit“, “Check“ and 

“Bill of exchange“, the method of payment “Other“ is also supported by abas 

ERP. 

Negative collective payment slips are allowed for this method of payment when 

transfer posting the outstanding items. 

Application examples: 

• Factoring 

• Direct payments within a group 

• Transfer postings which are not connected to the payment methods 

“Transfer“, “Direct debit“, “Check“, “Bill of exchange“ 

Editing bank account statements 

The bank file can be imported in the SWIFT format, Edifact format FINSTA, or 

the DTAUS format and filed in the abas ERP database. 

Automatic allocation 

Within abas financial accounting there is a general configuration record in which 

criteria for the automatic allocation of payments can be defined for the automatic 

processing of account statements. The user can specify in which area 

the customer and invoice numbers are stored, which data are relevant for the 

allocation and which consistencies are to be verified. 

The term of payment is evaluated in the automatic processing of account 

statements and if the payment date matches, a suggestion for a cash discount 

amount of the payment will be made. 

Manual allocation 

The user has several selection options available for the manual allocation. The 

user can search via the customer account or display all outstanding items and 

then make a selection. The payment can be posted to the customer without 

allocation or it can be excluded completely. 

Posting 

Bank down payments are automatically posted after allocating and confirming 

the bank account statement. 

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Revaluating outstanding items 

Outstanding items in a foreign currency can be revaluated. Individual outstanding 

items can be excluded from the revaluation. The following takes place 

when revaluating outstanding items in foreign currency: 

The outstanding item is updated, i.e. the invoice exchange rate is set to default 

with the revaluation exchange rate, and the amount in domestic currency is 

recalculated. 

• A financial entry with exchange rate difference account and exchange rate 

difference amount is created. 

• The posted revaluation can be viewed in the revaluation history and in 

the complete history of an outstanding item. 

Settling outstanding items 

Whether an entry is to be made or not to settle the outstanding items can be 

decided on a case by case in abas ERP. The settled outstanding items are documented 

in the history of the outstanding items, and can be viewed there. Any 

number of OIs of the same account can be settled and closed without using the 

financial accounting. This is also possible with a financial entry, if preferred. 

3.14.8 Reminders 

In the “Reminders“ there are multiple reminder levels with individual reminder 

texts. The reminder texts can be created and printed in several foreign 

languages. The time at which the reminders are due, whether it be reminder 

fees, interest on arrears or minimum payment amounts, can be determined 

individually. The reminders can be locked for specific customers or outstanding 

items. The reminders suggestion list provides information on all outstanding 

payments. 

Reminders and the reminders suggestions list are output in the dialog. The 

archiving of reminders and reminder processes is done automatically after the 

last reminder level and the reminder date have been updated in the affected 

outstanding items. The status of the reminder and the reminder process provides 

information about the current processing status of the reminder. 

3.14.9 Monthly closing 

The closing of a fiscal period can be executed separately depending on the 

function range. 

The system differentiates between: 

• Purchasing 

• Sales 

• Material valuation 


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2011 

Closings of fiscal periods and fiscal years can be reversed using special 

permissions. 

Overview of cash management 

Cash management 

Payment transactions AR 

• Payment suggestion list 

• Partial and collective payments 

• Check payments and payments by bill of exchange 

• Direct debit procedure 

• SEPA direct debit procedure in Germany and also abroad 

• Cash book 

• Downpayments 

• Payments in foreign currencies 

• Management of outstanding items in foreign currency 

• Monitoring of cash discount periods and deductions 

• Settlement of outstanding items 

• Importing and automatically posting bank account statements 

Payment transactions AP 

• Payment suggestion list 

• Monitoring of cash discount periods and deductions 

• Settlement of credit notes 

• Bank transfers, checks, bills of exchange 

• Electronic banking 

• SEPA payments (17 European states and in all 10 additional 

EU member countries) 

• Downpayments 

• Settlement of outstanding items 

• Foreign payments 

• Payment history, settlement history, revaluation history 

• The current status and condition for a key date can be called and 

traced at any time 

• Check book management and check print 

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Outstanding items 

• Outstanding items accounting for AP, AR, employees, and 

G/L accounts, even for any past key dates 

• Outstanding items from invoices and entries 

• Downpayment management 

• Securities 

• Other receivables and payables 

• Settling outstanding items 

• Outstanding items in foreign currencies 

• Outstanding items lists according to different selection and sorting criteria 

• Revaluation of outstanding items in foreign currency 

• History of an outstanding item: invoice, posting, payment, settlement, 

revaluation, reminder 

• Determining the payment due dates according to the terms of payment 

• Taking the fixed value date into account 

• Defining different terms of payment for different invoice data in terms of 

payment codes 

• Balances confirmation also in foreign currency 

Reminders 

• Reminders suggestion list 

• Customizable reminder texts 

• Reminder locks for customers and individual items 

• Interest on arrears, reminder fees 

Monthly closing 

• Closing of a fiscal period for individual function ranges 


Financial accounting evaluations (FinAcc) 

abas ERP creates FinAcc evaluations on the basis of financial entries and 

account transaction figures (monthly values). Planned data can also be entered. 

Annual comparisons and actual/planned comparisons are contained in the 

evaluations. 

Standard lists/Standard evaluations in financial accounting 


• Totals and balances 

• Entries 

• Account range form 

• Corridor Controlling 

• Account report form according to free fiscal years 

• Revenue entry report 

• Accounts 

• Profit and loss with account report 

• Entry journals 

• Permanent time limit extension 

• Cash book receipts/expenditure 

• Account consolidation structure 

• Account statement


• Account evaluations 

• Planned/Actual comparison of profits and losses 

• Planned/Actual comparison of balance sheet 

• EC sales list 

• Account transaction postings 

• Analysis of VAT differences 

• Cost statistics I + II 

• Account report 

• Business evaluation 

• Account report balance sheet 

Outstanding items 

• Payment plan 

• Outstanding items 

• Payments 

• Revaluation of outstanding items 

• Goods directory in foreign trade 

• Payment file creation 

• Payment log 

• Payment data required for reporting according to the GFTR (German 

Foreign Trade Regulations) 

• Bank statement import 

• Check print 

• Reminder log 

• Reminder history 

• Payment history 

• Reminder print 

2011 

3.14.11 Principles for data access and the verifiability of digital documents 

abas ERP exports tax relevant data in an electronic format to the tax office 

according to the principles for data access and the verifiability of digital documents. 

In the standard release you will find an extendable data model for the 

data output according to the XML description standard which is recommended 

by the German Federal Ministry. The tax audits can be carried out in abas ERP 

using the “AIS TaxAudit“ software. 

The financial accounting of abas Business Software accounting has inter- 

faces to: 

• Payroll accounting 

• DATEV financial accounting 

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2011 Cost accounting 

3.15 Cost accounting 

As part of the internal accounting, the cost and service calculation in abas ERP 

supports planned cost accounting. It allows planned costs to be adjusted in all 

actual relations which have changed for planning. Unacceptable differences 

from the target/actual comparison can be corrected. 

Cost accounting structure 

The subareas of the abas ERP cost accounting 

• Cost type accounting 

• Cost center accounting 

• Cost object accounting 

can be used individually (e.g. the cost type accounting) or combined (e.g. cost 

type accounting and cost center accounting). 

It is structured according to the principle of an integrated accounting system. 

In the system the data is entered and processed in a closed allocation group. 

In the case of actual data, cost accounting accesses the financial accounting 

data. In an additional statistical journal, only cost accounting postings can be 

posted. Using abas ERP cost accounting, many solutions ranging from simple 

cost accounting to flexible standard cost accounting can be displayed. 

Examples: 

• Actual cost type accounting and actual cost center accounting limited to 

the primary costs (“cost accounting for newcomers”) 

• Actual cost center accounting with internal account activity allocation 

• Actual and planned cost center accounting with planned/actual comparison 

and internal account activity allocation. 

• Cost center accounting according to flexible standard costing with target/ 

actualcomparison 

Cost accounting values 

Cost accounting generally uses actual and planned values. However, it can also 

be operated as a purely actual or actual and planned accounting. 

Integration into financial accounting 

The actual values of cost accounting are taken from financial accounting. The 

imputed actual values which are created in cost accounting by statistical entries 

are an exception. Financial accounting and cost accounting are linked via the 

cost types. 

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Cost accounting 

3.15.1 Cost type accounting 

2011 

Cost type accounting groups and presents costs according to cost types. In 

order to also use costs which are posted in the financial accounting in the cost 

accounting, the cost types are allocated to P&L accounts. When posting to accounts 

in financial accounting, abas ERP automatically forms values on the cost 

types. 

3.15.2 Cost center accounting EDS 

Cost center accounting collects costs on individual cost centers. Cost center 

costs (and cost objects) are displayed in the EDS. 

EDS offers the following functions: 

Display of actual costs 

• Execution of planning (differentiation between fixed and proportional 

planned costs) 

• Drill down functions, e.g. entry report, account report and document 

report 

• Calculating the target costs and determining relative and absolute 

variances 

• Displaying evaluations in tables such as contribution margin accounting 

or surcharge calculation. 

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Planned/actual comparison 

The planned/actual comparison can be implemented for the cost efficiency 

check. It can be used if no activity bases are used for planned costs, and if no 

target costs are to be used. 

Target/Actual comparison 

Alternative to the planned/actual comparison, the target/actual comparison is 

available. This comparison requires actual and planned activity base values. 

Only then can target costs be calculated and a target/actual comparison can be 

generated. 

3.15.3 Cost accounting unit 

The activity base determines the cost accounting unit. It specifies the unit of 

activity which is represented within an activity base. 

3.15.4 Activity base 

In cost center accounting the activity of the individual cost center is defined. It 

is documented in the activity bases. 

The planned activity can be recorded in addition to the actual activity for the 

execution of a target cost calculation. This means that one activity base can be 

used for multiple cost centers. 

3.15.5 Computation rule 

The computation rule calculates cost type values and outputs them. Computation 

rules can also be used to generate evaluations or within EDS forms. Different 

calculation types are provided in the computation rules. The actual, planned, 

and target transaction figures of each cost type are contained in a computation 

rule. 

Transaction figures are determined as soon as the screen is opened and are recalculated 

after each amendment of the time period, or the cost center (i.e the 

cost object). This means they are always up-to-date. In addition to cost types, 

computation rules can also be contained in a computation rule. The structure of 

a computation rule can be completely or partially opened and closed. 

In order to evaluate values of different cost centers or objects, a computation 

rule can also be used simultaneously by multiple users. 

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3.15.6 Cost center assessment 

2011 

Cost center assessments control the activity exchange between the cost centers 

and are entered for each issuing service cost center. 

3.15.7 Internal Account Activity Allocation (IAAA) 

The internal account activity allocation (IAAA) displays the activity exchange (in 

value) between the cost centers, by crediting and debiting the concerned cost 

center, and generates entries in the statistical journal. Then the IAAA is run and 

uses a mathematical formula to solve linear equations. 

There are many options of running the internal account activity allocation: 

• Preview or entry mode 

• Actual, planned, or actual and planned data types 

• Monthly or annual entry period 

After running the IAAA, the cost centers of different cost rates are available. 

The primary cost centers then have the up-to-date overhead surcharge rates. 

The IAAA calculates the following values for each cost center: 

• Full, marginal, and fixed cost rate 

• Fixed cost variance rate 

• Usage variance rate 

• Capacity usage variance rate 

• Primary costs 

• Total costs 

• Overhead surcharge rate for direct cost centers 

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Transfer posting of overheads from primary cost centers to cost 

objects 

Primary cost centers can be automatically credited to cost objects in different 

ways. Therefore, individual primary cost centers are excluded from the automatic 

transfer posting. 

The following variants of the automatic transfer posting of overheads from primary 

cost centers to cost objects are possible: 

• No transfer posting 

• Transfer posting with overhead surcharge rates 

• Transfer posting with customized overhead surcharge rates 

• Transfer posting according to cost object assessments 

Cost object monthly assessment and cost object annual assessment 

The cost object monthly assessment and the cost object annual assessment determines 

which overheads are transferred from the primary cost centers to the 

cost objects. When transferring overheads to a primary cost center, a primary 

cost center and the cost objects are entered. 

Cost center accounting - Contribution margin accounting 

A contribution margin can be displayed for each cost object in the EDS. For 

example, the revenue of a cost object can be compared to the direct material 

and production costs. This is where the contribution margin I results from. The 

direct costs are automatically posted with the help of the material valuation and 

valuation of the production activity. 

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2011 

The contribution margin II is calculated by displaying the material overhead 

surcharge rate of the material primary cost center and the production overhead 

rate from the production primary cost center in the EDS and then are 

subtracted from the contribution margin I. This allows a contribution margin 

accounting at the cost object level with the overhead surcharge rate from the 

cost center accounting to be represented in the EDS. 

3.15.8 Valuation of production activity 

This function allows the valuation of personnel and machine times from the 

completion confirmations and uses them to determine the production costs 

differentiated according to the individual cost objects. Wage groups are 

available for the valuation of personnel times. Machine times are valued using 

hourly rates. As long as the completion confirmations have not yet been posted, 

fixed and variable machine hourly rates, personnel hourly rates, overhead rates 

and special costs can be edited. The production costs which result from the 

valuation are posted using the statistical entries. abas ERP automatically runs 

the automatic valuation and also the posting of the production activity. 

3.15.9 Statistical entry journal 

Only statistical accounts which cannot be posted in the financial accounting 

journal can be posted in this statistical entry journal. The following processes 

are displayed: 

• Transfer of values between service and primary cost centers 

• Transfer of values between primary cost centers and cost objects 

• Posting of all imputed costs, e.g. the imputed depreciations 

• Posting of the production activity (direct costs of production) 

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The cost accounting area provides many evaluations, for example, the display 

of master files. The connection between the P&L accounts of financial accounting 

and the cost types of cost accounting, or of the consolidation structures in 

cost centers and cost objects, can be displayed. 

There are also many evaluations for data analysis: 

• The expense distribution sheet (EDS) displays the amount of the costs 

of specific cost types which are incurred in cost centers and cost objects. 

It is possible to do a comparison with the previous year. Furthermore, 

different transaction figure types (actual costs, fixed planned costs, proportional 

planned costs, target costs, absolute and relative target/actual 

variance) can also be displayed. 

• In addition to the EDS, there are also infosystems available for the evaluation 

of individual or multiple cost centers and cost objects such as a cost 

center/cost object sheet. 

• A secondary cost report provides information on the secondary costs. It 

is possible to see how the activity exchange between the cost centers 

looked in a specific time period. 

• The infosystem Overheads report is used for the clearing of the primary 

cost centers and cost objects. The posted overheads and the direct costs 

are displayed. 

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Group accounting 

Overview of cost accounting 

2011 

• Cost accounting as actual and standard costing 

• Cost accounting as absorption and marginal 

• Cost type accounting 

- Grouping of P&L accounts by cost types in the financial accounting 

• Cost center accounting 

Possible variants: 

- Actual cost type accounting and actual cost center accounting limited to 

the primary costs (“cost accounting for newcomers”) 

- Actual cost center accounting with internal account activity allocation 

- Actual and planned cost center accounting with planned/actual comparison 

and internal account activity allocation. 

- Cost center accounting according to flexible standard with 

target/actual comparison 

• Transfer posting of overheads from primary cost centers to cost objects 

• Cost object accounting 

- Displaying contribution margin accounting 

• Prompt valuation and automatic posting of completion confirmation times 

with the aid of the valuation of the production activity 

• Statistical entry journal 

• Evaluations 

3.16 Group accounting 

Group accounting consists of activities and organizational measures to create 

and publish a financial statement according to the general accounting regulati- 

ons. Company internal processes from the individual closings of the companies 

in the group must be eliminated. A consolidation of the advance VAT return of 

companies or branches is possible. 

3.16.1 Introduction 

If the group accounting is activated in abas ERP, it recognizes group internal 

and external processes in the single client by the defined group structures. 

Through the different account assignment of processes in the accounting, abas 

ERP ensures a strict separation of company internal and external processes. 

The consolidation of several companies takes place when the monthly accumulated 

amounts (debit and credit values) from the single clients are transferred 

to a special consolidation client. This consolidation client represents a consolidation 

group. In this consolidation client the actual consolidation is carried out 

which, in the end, leads to the consolidated financial statement including the 

group balance sheet and the group profit and loss calculation. 

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2011 Group accounting 

Note: 

In the following explanation of the structures to be defined, it is important to 

know in which client the data definition is made. A group structure is the same 

for all affiliated companies. However, the definition of the structure in the single 

client or the consolidation client is not the same. In the single client, the structure 

will be considered from the view of the respective company which runs 

the client. But, affiliated companies to which no relation exists do not have to 

be created there. In the consolidation client, the structure must be completely 

defined because the data from all the single clients are collected and consolidated 

here. 

3.16.2 Group structure 

In order to separate group internal and external processes, abas Business Software 

must recognize the group structures in the single clients. 

Affiliated company 

If group internal and external processes are to be separate, the customer and 

vendor relations within a group must be familiar. Such relations and their duration 

can be defined for each affiliated company in abas ERP. A taxable entity 

which influences the future process of VAT calculation in invoices or financial 

entries can be recorded within the group structure. Data is defined in the master 

files object as “Affiliated company“. 

Consolidation group 

The companies whose individual closings are to be consolidated is set in the 

master files object “Consolidation group“ in abas ERP. The master files of the 

“Affiliated company“ are collected here for a defined time period. A currency 

can be defined for the affiliated company and also the consolidation groups. 

Consolidation groups can be formed by companies with different currencies. A 

conversion into the reporting currency of the consolidation group will be carried 

out when the balances are exported. 

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Group data history 

2011 

This group data history is a master files object in which variable data of an 

affiliated company are recorded, spot exchange rates or average exchange 

rates This group data history can be used for the allocation of the “Affiliated 

company“ to “Consolidation groups“. The different currencies of affiliated companies 

and the consolidation group can then be converted. 

Grouping mapping 

The account ranges are not necessarily identically numbered in the individual 

companies or in the consolidation client. The “Grouping mapping“ is used to 

display different enumerations. The group account number in the single client 

differs from the account number of the consolidation client. A grouping mapping 

can be allocated to a consolidation group. When transferring data in the 

consolidation client, the account numbers are created according to the grouping 

mapping. Affiliated companies can use different charts of accounts. 

3.16.3 Group internal and external processes 

Using the time defined customer and vendor relations, it is possible to make a 

statement for all customers and vendors whether or not they are part of group 

internal or external processes. This information then determines if the process 

is group internal or external. Entry data and invoice customers are fixed in the 

sales invoices. 

Intercompany account assignment 

The separation of the group internal and external processes on a value basis 

is achieved using the intercompany account assignment which is allocated 

to a customer or vendor relation. abas ERP determines the defined account 

assignment in a group internal process. Nothing changes for group external 

processes. Different account assignments post group internal processes to 

other financial accounts as group external processes. 

The differentiated account assignment can be found in the whole financial 

accounting and the payment transactions. 

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2011 Group accounting 

3.16.4 Data exchange of financial data 

The financial accounting data from the single client must be transferred into the 

consolidation client. For example, the totals and balances list, or the balance 

sheet and the profit and loss statement, can be the basis of the consolidation. 

abas ERP transfers the monthly debit and credit amounts of each account into 

the consolidation client. 

The export and import data are controlled using the master files object „Group 

data exchange“, and the range of data to be exported is fixed. Part of this data 

is, for example, the time period and the type of entry accounts (financial accounts, 

AR, AP) itemized according to VAT item. Export data can be determined 

quickly and can be entered in a data exchange file. This file can be transferred 

to the consolidation client using any transfer method, e.g. per Email. In the 

consolidation client, abas ERP generates a group data exchange of the type 

“Import“ using the data exchange file. Data can be checked in the import object. 

In order to transfer the monthly debit and credit amounts, the import data 

must be posted by clicking a button. 

Not only financial data from other abas ERP systems, but also data such as a 

totals and balances list can be manually transferred within the software. 

Client identification 

Financial data can always be found in the consolidation client using the unique 

client ID of import data of the single clients. 

Consolidation of the advance VAT return 

Group accounting makes it possible to consolidate the advance VAT return of 

multiple single clients. For example, this is required in companies with different 

branches. Each branch is managed by a separate ERP system. In order to 

consolidate the advance VAT return of the single clients, the monthly debit and 

credit amounts of the accounts are transferred to the consolidation client per 

VAT item. 

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3.17 Accounting evaluations 

3.17.1 Account ranges - account range form 

2011 

In an account range you can combine general ledger accounts, cost centers, 

cost objects, subledger accounts, and also cost types, cost type EDS, and computation 

rule transaction figures in different ways. 

Account ranges can be depicted by an enumeration of accounts or through a 

dynamic selection. When using the dynamic selection, newly created accounts 

which correspond to the criteria, are automatically adopted into the account 

range. 

In the account range form you define the basic structure of any account evaluation. 

You can create target-actual comparisons and plan transaction figures, 

and also carry out various types of evaluations and analyses. 

Entire account range forms can be duplicated as a template for new evaluations. 

Another form of copying deletes dynamic selections and defines the account 

ranges. This ensures reproducible evaluations. 

Account range form data is determined dynamically from the entries. This data 

can also be saved in another form of account range forms. 

Customer, vendor and employee revenue 

Using the calculation method “Revenue“ in the account range form, the actual 

revenue for individually formed groups (customers/vendors/employees) can be 

determined and evaluated, also on the basis of statistical values and legacy 

data. Revenue can be planned and monitored for individually formed groups. 

The revenue can be evaluated using the following infosystems: 

• Revenue amounts for account range forms 

• Graphical display of planned revenue 

• Revenue entry report 

Clear data selection for account ranges 

Clarity and transparency are essential in the accounting area. In abas Business 

Software, accounts, such as G/L accounts, cost cen ers or cost objects can be 

combined in an account range. Data selections are necessary here to maintain 

an overview. The ERP system supports users with effective tools for a dynamic 

data selection in account ranges. Dynamic selections can be generated with 

each evaluation for account ranges and subledger account ranges automatically, 

if the respective presetting is used. This has the advantage that the data 

of the account ranges is kept up-to-date per selection and reproducible evaluations 

are created on key dates. 

Moreover, common evaluations of cost centers, cost objects and accounts for 

e.g. profit centers and range evaluations, cash flow, cost of sales accounting 

and more can be created. 

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2011 Fixed asset accounting 

3.18 Fixed asset accounting 

As a part of the financial accounting and the cost and service calculation, the 

fixed asset accounting records and manages long-lived assets of the fixed as- 

sets. Besides the valuation and posting of receipts and issues of the fixed as- 

sets, it also determines and posts the depreciation. In abas ERP, the fixed asset 

accounting manages the fixed assets of the company flexibly and sector-inde- 

pendently on an inventory basis. All evaluations required for a year-end closing 

are available, such as the asset history sheet. 

Besides the taxable depreciation, imputed depreciation can also be carried out 

in the abas ERP fixed asset accounting. 

For example, as part of the financial accounting and the cost accounting, it 

posts fixed assets directly through financial entries. Also the imputed depreciation 

flows into the cost accounting through statistical entries. Many relevant 

data and figures which can always be used to create a quantitative and qualitative 

overview of the fixed assets, can be easily and quickly generated within 

the system. abas ERP fixed asset accounting orientates itself according to the 

German tax law. Whether or not it is possible to be used with other legal norms 

must be verified in advance. 

3.18.1 Fixed asset 

Fixed assets are the key element of fixed asset accounting. Using the “Fixed 

asset“ records, fixed assets are defined and evaluations are prepared and generated 

(all evaluations are generated using fixed assets). Besides the general 

properties, the fixed asset displays and manages the fixed asset procurement 

data, depreciation data, retirement data and transaction figures. 

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Fixed asset accounting 

Different depreciation models for each set of books 

2011 

When creating the reporting according to different accounting regulations, such 

as, for example HGB or IAS/IFRS, a client uses multiple sets of books. The 

fixed assets can be depreciated differently according to different accounting 

regulations. Therefore it is. This makes it possible to define a different depreciation 

model in each fixed asset per set of books. 

Depreciation method, useful life or depreciation start can be defined for each 

depreciation model. Acquisition costs and costs of goods manufactured can be 

adopted and posted in different ways for each set of books. The account assignment 

for a fixed asset is the same for all sets of books. 

3.18.2 Fixed asset category 

Fixed assets can be grouped hierarchically using fixed asset categories. 

Specific evaluations (fixed asset movement schedule and depreciation movement 

schedule) can be output as consolidated values on the basis of fixed asset 

groups (and consolidated fixed asset categories). Some fields of the fixed asset 

categories will be adopted into the fixed asset as suggested values. 

3.18.3 Depreciation 

Method of depreciation 

The “Method of depreciation“ defines suitable depreciation methods for a fixed 

asset. The process of a method of depreciation can be selected according to the 

commonly used methods of depreciation (straight-line depreciation, decliningbalance 

depreciation, and immediate depreciation). 

The following calculation methods are available: 

• Immediate depreciation 

• Net book value through remaining life 

• Depreciation rate of the acquisition value 

• Depreciation rate of net book value 

• Acquisition value through useful life of the fixed asset 

• Acquisition value per remaining life of the fixed asset 

• Net book value per useful life of the fixed asset 

• Using the depreciation calculation it is possible to define any number of 

depreciation runs for each fixed asset in the main set of books. This applies 

to the taxable and the imputed depreciation model. 

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In the method of depreciation it can be specified if a reduced assessment basis 

(acquisition costs minus memo value) is to be used for depreciation. If a declining-balance 

method of depreciation is used, it is possible to specify an upper 

limit to show by how much the declining-balance depreciation value can exceed 

the linear depreciation value. 

Depreciation suggestion 

Using the depreciation suggestions, depreciation suggestions for the fixed assets 

are automatically created. 

Depreciation runs can be carried out via fixed assets, fixed asset groups, balance 

sheet accounts or cost centers. They are calculated and posted for all 

fixed assets of a set of books. Fixed asset transactions such as retirements and 

transfer postings can be carried out for individual sets of books. 

Depreciation calculation 

Depreciation can be calculated for any time periods. The depreciation calculat 

When creating the reporting according to different accounting regulations, such 

as HGB or IAS/IFRS, a client uses multiple sets of books. The fixed assets can 

be depreciated differently according to different accounting regulations. This 

makes it possible to define a different depreciation model in each fixed asset 

per set of books. 

Depreciation to the day 

It is possible to use the monthly or “to the day“ depreciation procedure (accepted 

in Spain and Hungary) in a client. In the depreciation procedure to the day 

all processes (acquisitions, retirements, transfer postings) of a fixed asset are 

taken into consideration for the entry date. 

Imputed fixed assets 

In addition to tax depreciation, you can also work with imputed depreciation in 

abas ERP. For example, this would make sense if part of the internal products 

are manufactured on machines which have already been depreciated. Imputed 

depreciation is an important part of product costing. It can be continuously posted 

using the imputed depreciation model and planned depreciation amounts, 

even if the net book value is negatively affected. 

A tax and an imputed model can be created and managed separately from one 

another, for each fixed asset and for all 5 sets of books. If the tax depreciation 

model mainly mirrors the imputed model, it can be used as a template for the 

automatic creation of the imputed depreciation model. 

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Fixed asset accounting 

Index series 

2011 

The calculation of dynamic values such as replacement values can be executed 

in tax or imputed depreciation models with index series. 

The trend of relative and absolute value changes in relation to a specified base 

year can be recorded in the index series of a fixed asset. The calculated value 

can also be used as the basis for the depreciation calculation. This is required in 

taxable depreciation models if the depreciation is carried out to the fair value, 

i.e. the replacement value, as is done in the U.S. GAAP, for example. This is 

an advantage in the imputed fixed asset accounting if the acquisition costs and 

costs of goods manufactured are not identical to the actual value of the fixed 

asset, and if the value of the fixed asset varies widely. 

Calculation of imputed interest 

If the calculated replacement values are not used for the imputed depreciation, 

any number of value changes, such as inflation or internal interest rates, can 

be recorded in the index series‘. This means that changes in the annual replacement 

values of a fixed asset and imputed interest rates can be displayed. 

Fixed asset transaction 

The automatic fixed asset transaction can be used to carry out fixed asset retirements 

and transfers supported by the system. 

These transaction types can be selected: 

• Complete retirement 

• Partial retirement 

• Full transfer 

• Partial transfer 

• Balance sheet account exchange 

The relevant entry information can be recorded for all of these transaction types 

and then the corresponding entries can be generated from the screen. 


The following lists/evaluations for the fixed asset accounting are available in 

abas ERP: 

• Asset history sheet 

• The asset history sheet shows the development of acquisition costs 

and costs of goods manufactured, the book values, and the depreciation 

throughout a financial year. It can also be created and output on a 

monthly basis, i.e. with current monthly transaction figures. 

• Fixed asset history 

• The fixed asset history displays the individual postings which have been 

posted to the fixed asset within the specified period 

• Depreciation movement schedule 

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• Using the depreciation movement schedule it is possible to output development 

of the depreciations for a previously selected time period in a 

previously selected output currency. 

• Depreciation schedule 

• Projection of the scheduled depreciations for the next seven fiscal years 

• List of retirements 

• List of acquisitions 

• Development of fixed assets 

• Asset history sheet (imputed) 

• Fixed asset history (imputed) 

• Depreciation movement schedule (imputed) 

It is also possible to evaluate the fixed assets of each individual set of books so 

that the asset history sheet, the development of the fixed assets, or the projected 

depreciations for each accounting regulation can be created. 

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Overview of fixed asset accounting 

• Management of company specific fixed assets 

• Tax-based depreciation 

• Imputed depreciation 

• The fixed asset accounting is an integrative module of abas ERP financial 

accounting and cost accounting 

• Creating fixed assets 

• In addition to the general properties, the following are also administrated: 

- Acquisition data 

- Depreciation data 

- Retirement data 

- Transaction figures 

• Hierarchical grouping of fixed assets 

• Various depreciation types for fixed assets 

• Various depreciation suggestions 

• Depreciation calculation through depreciation suggestions or unscheduled 

depreciation 

• Depreciation to the day 

• Impairment of assets 

• Different depreciation models for each set of books 

• Recording relative and absolute value changes 

• Implementation of fixed asset retirements and transfers using fixed asset 

procedure 

• The fixed asset history sheet can be structured according to various criteria

Corridor Controlling 

3.19 Corridor Controlling 

2011 

The Corridor Controlling integrated into abas Business Software is an analysis 

and management tool for planning financial figures. It is implemented in the 

profit and loss statement (P&L), the balance sheet and the cost accounting. 

You can plan the revenue, profit and cost objects using the Corridor Control- 

ling. It supports a consistent, result-oriented form of business management 

and provides key figures for business planning and control of the fiscal year. 

Because the complete accounting is fully integrated into abas ERP, all of the actual 

data from the P&L account and the balance sheet is available in the client. 

Budgets and planned data are generated using this actual data. Revenue from 

cost objects, the valuation of the production performance in the cost center, or 

both in one profit center, can be planned in the Corridor Controlling for fixed 

and also variable costs. When the Corridor Controlling has been set up in the 

client, highly informative charts are available to support result-oriented company 

controlling. Based on the background of a planned scenario which is graphically 

displayed in three corridors, the development of actual figures can be 

tracked. The charts supplied by Corridor Controlling enable the quick creation 

of a risk report. 

Three corridors result from using the 4 curves “Best Case“ for an optimistic 

planning, “Possible Case“ for a realistic planning, “Break Even“ and “Worst Case“ 

for a crisis scenario. The current values form the actual curves in a corridor. 

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2011 Corridor Controlling 

Further functions can be called from the chart curves. For example, the underlying 

budget data in other detailed evaluations or charts can be accessed via a 

detailed drill-down function. 

Example: 

If your business results range in the corridor between “Possible Case” and “Best 

Case”, your fiscal year is developing perfectly. If these results range between 

“Break Even” and “Worst Case”, you can take the necessary action. 

Support from three central areas: 

abas Corridor Controlling supports your business in three central areas: 

• the secure planning of the monthly development of liquidity during the 

fiscal year, 

• the generation of an early warning system according to § 317 paragraph 

4 of the German Commercial Code (HGB) and § 71 paragraph 2 of the 

German Stock Corporation Act, 

• and as a report system for the auditor which supports him when issuing 

the auditor‘s report. 

The Corridor Controlling collects data and consolidates them in partly 

automatically created account forms, cost type forms and cost element 

ranges. The consolidated data are adopted in separate planned ranges. 

Therefore there is no intervention in the running accounting nor in the 

existing structures. The actual figures used to form the basis can be selected 

freely. Planned figures and influencing factors can be freely determined. The 

different scenarios can be generated by the click of a button. The info systems 

provide graphical and tabular evaluation. 

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Overview of Corridor Controlling 

• Quick overview using significant values in the balance sheet 

• Support of business planning and control 

• Budget data and planned data can be generated based on the actual data 

• The development of actual figures can be tracked 

• Creating a risk report


4. EDI 

2011 

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) means the automatic exchange of business 

documents between business applications of multiple partners. Implementati- 

on of EDI provides full control of the entire goods, data and money flow, crea- 

ting a fully controllable partner network. 

Using EDI, the purchase order data of the ERP/PPC system of the customer is 

directly transferred to the ERP/PPC system of the vendor. The following messages 

are included in the standard release of abas Business Software: 

EDI business processes in overview 

Business processes 

Data exchange formats 

EDIFACT ANSI X.12 

Purchase order / Sales order ORDERS 850 

Order confirmation ORDRSP 855 

Sales order change ORDCHG 860 

Packing slip DESADV 856 

Product price list PRICAT 832 

Payment advice note REMADV 820 

Invoice INVOIC 810 

Credit note CREADV 812 

Automotive-relevant messages require a license 

(See the separate “Features and Functions document: abas Automotive Solution“.) 

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2011 Corridor Controlling 

EDI processing and EDI database 

In the case of incoming and outgoing inhouse files, the EDI database is the 

central position in the system for EDI processing. It provides a troubleshooting 

function, but it is also an archiving system for all incoming and outgoing files. 

EDI center 

The EDI center is an EDI monitoring tool which checks your database for a defined 

period and then displays the results. 

The EDI center infosystem provides an overview of events in the EDI area. 

Due to this monitoring tool, the user is provided with more transparency of 

the processes in the EDI area. The visualization of incoming and outgoing EDI 

messages helps when correcting errors. 

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2011 

The user is able to print out the original messages and logs and can easily 

configure the EDI import and export by clicking on a button. The display of the 

current results or of historical data means information is easy to find. 

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2011 Automotive (optional) 

5. Automotive (optional) 

abas ERP is a complete solution for midsize businesses which flexibly ad- 

justs to current market demands. As an ad-on function, the abas Automotive 

Solution is now available specifically for automotive component suppliers. 

(See the separate “Features and Functions document: abas Automotive Solution“.) 

The business processes of automotive manufacturers make high demands on 

their supplier’s readiness to deliver, reliability, quality and flexibility. The abas 

Automotive Solution supports companies in management of complex supply 

chains and coordinates logistical processes between the supplier and the manufacturer. 

The online integration of standardized EDI processes provides a 

significant competitive advantage. 

The Automotive & Supply solution simplifies standard processes in the automotive 

and automotive supply industry, such as administration of blanket orders, 

forecast delivery schedules, JIT delivery schedules. The Automotive and Supply 

solution also handles controlling cumulative quantities, storage means and returnable 

packaging management or management of lot and serial numbers, 

various EDI formats according to VDA, ODETTE, EDIFACT or ANSI X12. 

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abas eB (optional) 

6. abas eB (optional) 

2011 

By using abas eB you have all of the advantages of a flexible, eBusiness solu- 

tion suited to midsize businesses. abas eB combines many years of ERP know- 

how with the most modern Internet technology. 

The eBusiness solution, abas eB, makes it possible to access business-critical 

information worldwide. Business data and knowledge, is transported over the 

web. By expanding your field of business with web-based services you can 

realize shorter processing times, thereby reducing transaction costs. This benefits 

employees in-house and externally, as well as subsidiaries, vendors and 

customers. 

Varied application options 

eBusiness provides an external and logistics connection of your internal business 

processes. The manifold application options range from webshop to external 

sales force connection, logistics solutions, customer and vendor portals, to 

ERP operation and more. With every new function expansion of abas ERP and 

the ambition to increase internal business productivity, the requirements of a 

highly-integrated and efficient eBusiness solution are increasing. 

abas eB application options: 

• Webshop • Mobile Sales 

• Product catalog • Mobile Service 

• Spare parts catalog • Scanner solutions 

• Sales order information • External sales force connection 

• Customer information system • ERP operation 

(See the “abas eB product brochure“ for further information.) 

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2011 Interfaces 

7. Interfaces 

An open IT environment offers more flexibility 

Using interfaces, you can connect abas Business Software to other applications 

or add-on solutions such as data warehousing, OLAP databases, CAD, CAQ, 

PDC, EDI systems, order time recording and personnel time recording, as well 

as archiving systems, word-processing programs, and spreadsheet programs. 

You can create secure, easy-to-use connections by using the 

following: 

• DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) 

• ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) and JEBC (Java Database Connectivity), 

optional, requires a license 

• MultiSite 

• EDP (ERP Data Access Protocol) 

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- ActiveX 

- Java API 

- Data export/import 

• Object-oriented database interface for FOPs 

7.1 DDE - Dynamic Data Exchange 

abas Business Software offers a program interface for DDE-compatible Windows 

programs (MS Excel, MS Word). This interface can be used by ERP standard 

functions or your own applications. User programs can dynamically exchange 

data using the DDE technology. abas ERP can be used both as a server and also 

a client in a DDE connection. 

7.2 ODBC - Open Database Connectivity 

The standard interface ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) is provided as an 

option, but requires a license. Many of the tools on the market for generating 

evaluations or for processing database data use this interface. You can integrate 

archiving systems, word-processing programs, spreadsheets, OLAP databases 

or report generators using ODBC. 

The ODBC interface supports abas ERP keys so that the sorting and selection 

of data can be carried out quickly and efficiently. As the interface enables 

communication via the standardized database language SQL (Structured Query 

Language), many IT environments are available, such as Microsoft applications: 

for example, create standard letters using the selection options in MS Word or 

enter abas ERP data into an Excel spreadsheet.

Interfaces 

Examples of use for the ODBC interface: 

• Standard letters in MS Word 

• Statistics in MS Excel 

• Queries in MS Access 

• Lists and forms with additional solutions such as Crystal Reports 

• Information system with Visual Basic 

7.3 SQL interface 

2011 

Using the SQL interface, data from abas ERP are exported into a relational database. 

The export is mainly used for the connection of external software or for 

filling the data warehouse. 

The relational export of ERP data is possible using the EDI configuration. The 

following export methods are available: 

CSV 

Data are written into a CSV file. 

SQL SCRIPT 

Generated SQL statements are written into a file. The Database Management 

System (DBMS). 

can collect these files and import them. Depending on the selected mode, statements 

for the commands “delete“, “edit“ and “Create New“ are generated from 

data records. 

SQL DB 

The data are written directly into an SQL database. This is done using a JDBC 

driver from the respective DBMS manufacturer. 

7.4 Multi-Site 

MultiSite is used for the configurable data exchange between abas ERP clients 

when importing and exporting data. 

• Central data administration with allocation to different clients 

• Exchange of transaction data: 

sales order is exported from client 1 and imported into client 2 as purchase 

order. 

• External sales force connection: 

The sales representatives have a copy of the company‘s central client, 

possibly without sensitive data, on their laptops. The data which the sales 

representatives enter via their laptops is transferred to the central company 

client via the configurable data exchange. The copies on the laptops 

for the sales representatives are updated from time to time by using the 

shadow client. 

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2011 Interfaces 

7.5 EDP - ERP Data Access Protocol 

EDP stands for abas ERP Data Access Protocol. While interfaces such as ODBC 

can be used for complex and standardized interconnections, the EDP interface 

can be used for direct, individual ”Program-to-Program communication”. 

The EDP interface supports all functions of data selection in abas ERP, both 

via pre-defined selection bars and the automatically available standard tables. 

Almost all types of data in abas ERP can be created and edited using the 

EDP interface. Data output is possible in many different formats. UTF-8 and 

other character codes are also supported. EDP interfaces can be used with shell 

scripts for data import and export and also with the programming interfaces 

JEDP (Java interface) and ActiveX. 

EDP provides the following upon request: 

• Available data tables and their properties 

• Fields and the keys of a specific table 

• Metadata about the database and different data types (enumerations, 

references) 

Here are some of the uses of EDP: 

• Quick creation of simple evaluations 

• Data queryingies from other clients 

• Enabling external programs to have easy data access 

• Running infosystems and exporting data 

• Exporting data in HTML and XML 

• Editing any master files 

• Editing business transactions 

• Reading and translating message texts 

• Creation of any number of individual programs which have read and write 

access to abas ERP via the programming interfaces ActiveX and JEDP 

ActiveX 

Read and edit data objects in abas ERP via the ActiveX interface. Read and 

write access to the abas database is possible from any MS Windows workstation 

(for example, from MS Office). Furthermore, the features designed for the EDP 

interface can also be used for the ActiveX interface. 

Java API JEDP 

A Java API is available as an additional programming interface for read and 

write access to the abas database via EDP. This provides the same functions as 

the ActiveX interface, but can be run in every Java environment regardless of 

the platform. 

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Interfaces 

Data export/import 

2011 

Using a special abas tool, access data from abas ERP even more quickly, e.g. 

edit data from an ASCII file using an external program. It is used for the direct 

and simple output of data in text files using EDP. 

Another program which is based on the EDP interface offers all of the selection 

options available in the abas core or the EDP interface. Export all data from 

abas ERP and also multi-faceted metadata. You can run infosystems and export 

their results using a special program. Both programs allow formatting the 

exported data in many ways in order to simplify the further processing in other 

applications. 

One program which is also based on the EDP interface enables you to edit any 

data in abas ERP in a batch-controlled manner and also process most of the 

business transactions in the batch operation. 

Because to the connection between two programs it is very easy to copy data 

within a client or between two different clients. 

7.6 Object-oriented database interface for FOPs 

abas Business Software provides an object-oriented database interface for FOP 

programs in the programming language Java. It enables an object-oriented 

view of all records, type-safe access to fields in the record and offers all of the 

advantages of object-oriented programming including the verifiability of programs 

using a compiler. 

7.7 abas Java Objects 

Program adjustments can be made using the FO language or Java. Complex 

and individual requirements can be realized even more efficiently on the basis 

of the most modern, worldwide applied standards using Java. Library modules 

and ready-made Java components, available on the Internet, can be integrated 

into the abas Business Software 

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2011 eLearning und eDocumentation Interfaces (optional) 

8. eLearning and eDocumentation (optional) * 

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*Limited function included in the standard release version. 

With eLearning and eDocumentation, ABAS provides the option to access know- 

ledge directly, flexibly and at a low price. 

In the abas Knowledge Center on the abas customer website, various documents 

are available which support the daily working with abas Business Software. 

Those documents, categorized by “Courses“ and “Processes“, are available 

centrally and dynamically. 

Classroom training by ABAS offers an important foundation. Additionally, eLearning 

provides up-to-date and target-oriented training which is independent of 

time and location, without travel time and expenses. 

Optionally, the user can get the abas Edition, which is based on the TT Knowledge 

Force. Included are the usage rights to create content for applications 

which are a direct component of an abas solution (e.g. the abas Business Software, 

DMS integration, Excel, Word, Internet Explorer). 

Due to current methods and tools of documentation, processes can be documented 

effectively, individually and quickly. Various formats can be created 

from one source: from the process-oriented handbook to the interactive simulation 

of abas Business Software, to didactic preparation of web-based training, 

i.e. tutorials based on Internet technology.

Solutions of cooperation partners 

9. Solutions of cooperation partners 

2011 

Implement several additional IT solutions to supplement your abas Business 

Software. 

The abas cooperation partners provide you with a broad spectrum of practical 

solutions which work efficiently and profitably when used in connection with 

abas ERP. The abas website provides a current overview of these products. 

Solutions of 

cooperation partners 

Additional solutions of cooperation partners you find on our homepage: 

Partner - cooperation partners 

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2011 Integrated Solutions 

10. Integrated Solutions 

10.1 DMS - Document Management System (optional) 

abas Business Software offers an integration to HABEL’s document manage- 

ment system (DMS). DMS archives, manages and organizesall paper, MS of- 

fice, email and abas Business Software documents, as well as other company 

information 

Integrated DMS functions: 

Documents created in abas ERP are automatically archived and are accessible 

directly from abas ERP. Access from the DMS to the abas Business Software 

process is also possible. Paper documents are scanned and linked with the processes 

created in abas ERP via barcode, so no duplicate entries must be made. 

Additionally, when indexing archived documents, customer/vendor and product 

master files from the abas Business Software can be used. A comprehensive 

MS Office integration, i.e. archiving of email, MS Word and MS Excel files 

in their original format, is included, as well as numerous other functions which 

make working with DMS comfortable and easy. 

In addition, when indexing the documents to be archived you can use customer/vendor 

and product master files from the abas Business Software. A comprehensive 

Office integration, i.e. archiving of Email, MS Word and MS Excel 

files in their original format, is also integrated and also numerous additional 

functions which make working with DMS comfortable and easy. 

Document types 

• A total of 23 document types from sales, purchasing, financial accounting 

and production. 

Search criteria 

• Many common search criteria from master files, purchasing, sales, Email, 

etc., as well as full text search. 

(Additional information is available in the “Features and Functions document: 

DMS-Integration-Standard“.) 

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Integrated Solutions 

10.2 ATLAS - customs and export processing 

2011 

ATLAS is an IT procedure of the German customs authority for the automation 

and fast processing of the customs procedure. Written documents for customs 

processing will be replaced by electronic messages in EDIFACT format. 

abas Business Software supports the ATLAS simplified export declaration procedure. 

The required data is managed in abas ERP. Data is collected in an infosystem 

and can be amended or corrected, if required. It can then be made 

available for transmission similar to EDI messages. 

The conversion into EDIFACT messages, the electronic transmission to the respective 

customs office, and the archiving of the export declaration is carried out 

by certified export and shipping processing software by various providers. This 

software is used to convert and transmit messages to the customs office and is 

not a part of the abas ERP software. 

10.3 Business Intelligence 

The integration of Business Intelligence (BI), powered by Palo allows for the 

evaluation of valuable data created from daily transactions within abas ERP. 

These evaulations can identify new trends early and real decisions can be made 

on the basis of these evaluations. 

The function ranges “Sales“, “Purchasing“ and abas eB BI standard reports 

have been integrated into abas Business Software. In sales, the standard reports 

“Quotation and sales order level“ (not stored), “Revenue“ and “Top 10 

revenue“ are available. Analysis and visualization are the foundation for making 

good business decisions. 

Customization requires a license and is available from Palo as an add-on. 

Customization requires a license and is optionally available from Palo as an addon. 

Your software partner can provide further information. 

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2011 Integrated Solutions 

10.3.1 Sales BI standard reports 

Sales BI standard reports enable the early recognition of trends. The standard 

reports in sales include opportunities, quotations and sales order levels (not in 

historical sequence), revenue and top 10 revenue. 

10.3.2 Purchasing BI standard reports 

Purchasing BI standard reports enable you to optimize purchasing potential. 

The profitability and long-term competitiveness of your company is also optimized. 

In purchasing, the price development, delivery reliability, purchasing 

statistics and purchase order level (not in sequential order) are included in the 

standard reports. 

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Service 

11. Service 

2011 

Our customers are supported by ABAS and authorized abas software partners. 

All have the business know-how and experience, with all of the most up-to- 

date IT technology, and an extensive knowledge of many different industries. 

11.1 On-site service by the software partners 

ABAS is represented by over 50 software partners in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, 

Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, 

Russia, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, Iran, Indonesia, India, 

Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Australia, 

Brazil and the USA. The partner network is continually being expanded. 

ABAS Software AG has established a qualified partner network of IT organizational 

and application consultants in order to provide support to their customers. 

abas software partners provide on-site support and a range of services including 

implementation, hardware and network support, and even customization 

and helpdesk services. abas software partners ensure quick reaction times and 

high-quality service throughout the world. 

On-site service: 

• Organizational consulting 

• Project management and processing 

• Customization 

• Software implementation 

• Installation 

• Helpdesk service 

• Software maintenance 

• Hardware, networks, and more 

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2011 Service 

11.2 Keeping up to date with ABAS 

Up-to-date information about abas Business Software is always available From 

the customer website, mailing lists, the abas newsletter, user groups, at the 

annual abas customer forum, or via social networks. Tell ABAS what you think: 

we are always open to your requests and suggestions! 

Your on-site contact people are the authorized abas software partners, but access 

to the software manufacturer ABAS Software AG is still available. Access 

detailed information concerning abas Business Software through any of these 

several communication channels 

abas Newsletter 

ABAS news: the abas Newsletter provides information about business news, 

trade fair participation, forums for prospects, new orders, user reports and 

much more. 

The customer website 

Always stay up-to-date with our password-protected customer website: 

• Service and support 

Questions and answers about abas Business Software, as well as up-todate 

information, innovations, upgrade versions and important notes on 

the execution of upgrades. Also found here is the development schedule, 

dates of training courses and the contents of the training courses, discussion 

forums on important customer information and information from other 

customers on abas Business Software, a FOP & infosystem pool for abas 

users, and ERP user groups. 

• Product 

Planned innovations, system administration, abas ERP functions, information 

about abas eB and the abas Portal as well as the access to the customer 

portal, interfaces, printing and log database, solutions from partners, and 

up-to-date Online Help 

• Download 

Presentation slides, information texts, training documents, and much more 

about abas Business Software can be downloaded. 

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Service 

The mailing lists 

There are various mailing lists available to you on the abas server: 

2011 

• kd_aktuell 

Mailing list for quick customer information, e.g. newly discovered errors, 

notes on upgrades, etc. 

• kd_web 

Up-to-date information about what’s new on the abas website. 

• kd_eks-users 

abas ERP discussion forum. Customers, software partners, and ABAS Software 

AG exchange their experiences, suggestions, ideas, and tips. 

• eug-eks 

Discussion forum for members of the ERP user group (EUG). 

• kd_erp-users-en 

abas Business Software discussion forum in English. 

You will find further information on subscribing to the mailing lists on the abas 

customer website. 

ABAS in social networks 

• Facebook 

Become a fan on Facebook! As part of the leading social network you will 

receive information about the abas Business Software and you can be part 

of the community - together with many other abas users, software partners 

and employees from all over the world. 

• Twitter 

Twitter works just like writing text messages, just online. When you register 

on www.twitter.com and become a follower of another Twitter user, you 

will regularly receive short messages from this user. Follow ABAS on Twitter 

and you will receive short update messages (Tweets). 

• YouTube 

Get to know ABAS live and in color! Short films will give you an exciting 

insight into the activities of the software company. Starting from user reports, 

to the customer forum, right up to the company history. 

• LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is the largest online business network worldwide. It has over 120 

million members in over 20 countries and regions. Meet the global abas 

partner network at LinkedIn. 

• XING 

XING is the social network for business contacts. Over 11 million members 

use the Internet platform for business, jobs and careers. ABAS is also represented 

- this is a way to regularly receive business news, for example. 

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2011 Service 

ERP user group (EUG) 

The ERP user group (EUG) is a group of abas Business Software users. The EUG 

unites employees and partners of the ABAS Software AG and the focus is on 

abas Business Software. Thanks to this teamwork and the animated exchange 

of ideas between the users, abas Business Software queries can be aired and 

clarified. 

The EUG has a website for its members where users can find information on 

things such as meetings, member information, and the minutes of the meetings. 

Downloads from customers for customers: 

Flexible user interface programs (FOPs) and infosystems are provided free of 

charge for exchange in a pool. Each customer can place programs in the pool 

or download programs from the pool. The advantage: programs which are not 

available in the standard release version of the abas Business Software but are 

required by different companies do not have to be programmed again in each 

company. 

The abas customer event, abas 360° 

Once a year, users, software partners, and employees of the ABAS Software AG 

meet in order to exchange information, ideas, and visions. 

Talks, presentations, workshops, and one-to-one meetings keep you up to date 

with new developments and expansions of the abas Business Software. 

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Contact 

12. Contact 

ABAS Software AG 

Südendstraße 42 

76135 Karlsruhe 

GERMANY 

Tel. +49 7 21 / 9 67 23-0 

Fax +49 7 21 / 9 67 23-100 

info@abas-software.com 

www.abas-software.com 

2011 

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Features and functions abas ERP for production ... - SRKK.com

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