Consistent set of interfaces derived from a business object model

• US 20080120129A1
• Filed: 05/11/2007
• Published: 05/22/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SAP SE
• Original Assignee: SAP SE
• Inventors: Jung, Michael, Hermes, Martin, Kimme, Karsten, Kind, Jaakob, Pluemper, Andrea, Grande, Oliver, Schmitt, Matthias, Grunewald, Kristina, Goetting, Joerg, Geipel, Hendrik, Lindqvist, Frank, Pannicke, Danny, Krems, Boris, Fuchs, Antje, Dopf, Georg, Richtsteiger, Dirk, Schauerte, Christiane, Banerjee, Arunava, Leukert-Knapp, Andreas, Hartel, Michael, Gaub, Martin, Roesner, Kai-Michael, Pfitzner, Ingo, Wagner, Andre, Meincke, Olaf, Heinrichs, Matthias, Schlappner, Klaus, Steinbach, Jochen, Berger, Heike, Krueger, Frank, Zimmermann, Daniel, Eike, Bjoern, Wolber, Andreas, Pacher, Galina, Henrich, Dirk, Cramer, Christiane, Butucel, Artur, Huppert, Andreas, Conrad, Michael, Juchem, Markus, Schmidt-Kluegmann, Julian, Bruss, Ingo, Wachholz-Prill, Andre, Kalyoncu, Naci, Asal, Matthias, Reinelt, Klaus, Puteick, Joachim, Liebich, Gunther, Hastrich, Frank, Bock, Daniel, Schmitt, Bernd, Reccius, Andreas, Reinemuth, Frank, Nowotny, Dietmar, Fuhlbruegge, Christian, Eifel, Arno, Brossler, Andreas, Bauer, Michael, Sara, Levente, Bechtold, Johannes, Schaude, Horst, Doerfler, Andre, Sylvester, Michael, Schoenecker, Mathias, Herter, Klaus, Liebler, Joachim, Zhang, Guimei, Damaschke, Frank, Theil, Damian, Klehr, Benjamin, Poth, Andreas, Milpetz, Frank, Krisch, Dieter, Auth, Christian, Gross, Antonia, Bold, Andreas, Mark, Alexandra, Segler, Michael, Schorr, Martin, Nos, Kathrin, Richert, Jan, Deledda, Giovanni, Karbach, Doris, Buchholz, Cristina, Kuehl, Axel, Neumann, Andreas, Zaichenko, Alexander, Schier, Michael, Rogge, Martin, Koetter, Karsten, Hrastnik, Jan, Podhajsky, Georg, Schindewolf, Dirk, Engler, Christopher, Yeddula, Ashwin, Morsch, Andreas, Adam, Alexander, Polly, Adam, Heger, Achim, Seubert, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 8,924,269 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/35
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/20 Administration of product repair or maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0222 During e-commerce, i.e. online transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0283 Price estimation or determination
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/00 Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/12 Accounting
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/123 Tax preparation or submission
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/125 Finance or payroll

Abstract

A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Customer Invoice Request business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for requesting the creation of one or more customer invoices for the underlying business object, or to take the data into account when creating a customer invoice and comprises;

a Customer Invoice Request root node, wherein the Customer Invoice Request business object further comprises at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Business Process Variant Type subordinate node;

a Party subordinate node and wherein the Party node contains a reference to a Party Address dependent object;

a Location subordinate node and wherein the Location node contains a reference to a Location Address dependent object;

a Sales and Service Business Area subordinate node;

a Delivery Terms subordinate node;

a Pricing Terms subordinate node;

a reference to a Price and Tax Calculation dependent object;

a reference to a Cash Discount Terms dependent object;

a reference to an Attachment Folder dependent object;

a reference to a Text Collection dependent object; and

an Item subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in a service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Customer Invoice Request business object, wherein the message comprises a customer invoice request package containing;

a customer invoice request entity including a base business transaction document ID and a base business document type code;

a business process variant package;

a location package;

a sales and service business area package;

a delivery information package;

a payment information package;

a price information package;

an attachment folder package;

a text collection package; and

an item package.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the Customer Invoice Request root node further contains one or more of the data elements located at the root node:

an internally assigned universally unique identifier of a Customer Invoice Request on which other business objects can define foreign keys;

a unique identifier for a business document that is used as a basis for a Customer Invoice Request;

a universally unique identifier for a business document that is used as a basis for a Customer Invoice Request;

a coded representation of the business document type used as a basis for a Customer Invoice Request;

a coded representation of whether a Customer Invoice based on this request would increases or decreases receivables;

a set of administrative data recorded by the system including system user and times changes made;

a coded representation of the overview status of the process-relevant aspects of all items of the Customer Invoice Request derived from all status variables in element Status; and

the current step in the life cycle of Customer Invoice Request.

3. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Opportunity business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for uniquely identifying an opportunity, a set of business-specific data relating to the opportunity, and a set of parties related to the opportunity, and comprises;

an Opportunity root node, the root node comprising one or ore of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier of an Opportunity, assigned by the user, an internally assigned universally unique identifier for an Opportunity, for which other business objects can define foreign keys, a set of administrative data recorded by the system including system users and change dates and times, a coded representation of the type of Opportunity, and a coded representation of the processing of an Opportunity within the process component, and the Opportunity business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Sales Forecast subordinate node;

a Sales Cycle subordinate node;

a Party subordinate node;

an Item subordinate node;

a Milestone subordinate node;

a reference to an Attachment Folder dependent object; and

a Business Transaction Documents Reference subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Opportunity business object.

4. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Due Clearing business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the group of receivables and payables for clearing and comprises;

a Due Clearing root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier of Due Clearing, a universally unique identifier of the Trade Receivable Payable account for which clearing takes place, an identifier of the company responsible for the clearing transaction, a universally unique identifier of the company responsible for the clearing transaction, a set of administrative data that is stored in a system including system users and change dates and times, a coded representation of the business process variant, a document date for the business transaction document clearing receivables and payables, a currency with which the business transaction clearing of receivables and payables is processed, a total of all invoiced amounts in transaction currency, a total of all clearing amounts corrected by the total of all deductions in transaction currency, a total of all clearing amounts in transaction currency, a total of all deductions due to cash discount in transaction currency, a total of all other deductions in transaction currency, a total of all withholding tax amounts in transaction currency, a balance of all totals in transaction currency, and a universally unique identifier of the Due Clearing root node and alternative key, and the Due Clearing business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Explanation Item subordinate node;

an Item subordinate node;

a reference to Financial Audit Trail Documentation dependent object;

a Business Process Variant Type subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Due Clearing business object.

5. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Due Payment business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for payment requests or payment confirmations for receivables and payables and comprises;

a Due Payment root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier of Due Payment, a universally unique identifier of Due Payment, a set of administrative data recorded by the system including system users and change dates and times, a coded representation of the business process variant, a document date of Due Payment, a coded representation of the currency in which the payment of the receivables or payables is made, an execution date of Due Payment, and a status of Due Payment, and the Due Payment business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node;

a Clearing Explanation Item subordinate node;

a Business Process Variant Type subordinate node;

a Difference Explanation Item subordinate node;

a Summary subordinate node;

a reference to Payment Explanation dependent object;

a reference to Payment Control dependent object;

a reference to Financial Audit Trail Documentation dependent object; and

a reference to Access Control List dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Due Payment business object.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is:

only one Summary node;

only one reference to Payment Control dependent object; and

only one reference to Access Control List dependent object.

7. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Dunning business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the company'"'"'s demand upon the business partner for payment and comprises;

a Dunning root node, wherein the Dunning business object further comprises at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node;

a reference to Financial Audit Trail Documentation dependent object; and

a reference to Controlled Output Request dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Dunning business object, wherein the message comprises a dunning package containing;

a dunning entity including a company formatted address, a business partner formatted address, a document date, and a business partner internal ID; and

a dunning item package.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the Dunning root node further contains one or more of the data elements located at the root node:

a universally unique identifier of dunning;

an identifier of the dunning;

a Trade Receivables Payables Account for which the dunning was created;

a company of the Trade Receivables Payables Account;

a company of the Trade Receivables Payables Account semantic key;

an identifier of the business partner of the Trade Receivables Payables Account;

an identifier of the business partner of the Trade Receivables Payables Account semantic key;

a coded representation of the type of dunning procedure;

a set of administrative data including when and by whom the dunning was created and last changed;

a date when the dunning was released;

a number of Dunning Items for which the business partner will actually be dunned;

a number of Dunning Items which are excluded from dunning but not blocked;

a number of Dunning Items that cannot be dunned because they are blocked for dunning;

a number of all Dunning Items, irrespective of their status;

a total amount of all relevant Dunning Items;

a total amount of all Dunning Items excluded but not blocked;

a total amount of all blocked Dunning Items;

a total amount of all Dunning Items including those that cannot be dunned;

a highest dunning level of all relevant Dunning Items;

a maximum number of days the Dunning Items have been overdue;

a medium to be used for communicating the information to the debtor; and

a dunning fee for this dunning, dependent on the maximum dunning level and given by the procedure.

9. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Tax Receivables Payables Register business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the tax receivables and payables of a company from or to the relevant tax authorities, including the increases and decreases to the tax receivables and payables, and their totals, and comprises;

a Tax Receivables Payables Register root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier of the company to which the tax receivable or payable belongs, and a universally unique identifier of the company to which the tax receivable or payable belongs, and the Tax Receivables Payables Register business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node; and

a Company Balance subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Tax Receivables Payables Register business object.

10. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Trade Receivables Payables Account business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for data entry and reporting of trade receivables or trade payables of the company from or to the business partner and comprises a Trade Receivables Payables Account root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of Trade Receivables Payables Account, an identifier of the company, a universally unique identifier of the company, an identifier of the business partner involved, and a universally unique identifier of the business partner involved; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Trade Receivables Payables Account business object.

11. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Trade Receivables Payables Account Statement business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the list of the increases or decreases to trade receivables or payables of a company from or to a business partner within a certain time period and comprises;

a Trade Receivables Payables Account Statement root node, wherein the Trade Receivables Payables Account Statement business object further comprises at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a reference to Controlled Output Request dependent object; and

a Start End Balance Per Currency subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Trade Receivables Payables Account Statement business object, wherein the message comprises a trade receivables payables account statement package containing a trade receivables payables account statement entity including a trade receivables payables account balance confirmation procedure code.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the Trade Receivables Payables Account Statement root node further contains one or more of the data elements located at the root node:

a universally unique identifier of the list of increases and decreases of trade receivables or payables of a company from or to a business partner;

a universally unique identifier of the business account; and

a coded representation of the procedure that confirms the list.

13. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Trade Receivables Payables Register business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the trade receivables and payables from goods and services of a company from or to the business partners and comprises;

a Trade Receivables Payables Register root node, wherein the Trade Receivables Payables Register business object further comprises at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node and wherein the Item node contains Item Split Item subordinate node;

an Account Balance subordinate node;

a Company Balance subordinate node; and

a Liquidity Information Item subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Trade Receivables Payables Register business object, wherein the message comprises a receivables payable package containing;

a receivables payables entity including a base business transaction document reference, a cancelled business transaction document reference, and a company ID;

a party package;

a business transaction document reference; and

an item package.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the Trade Receivables Payables Register root node further contains one or more of the data elements located at the root node:

a unique identifier of the company to which this trade receivable/payable belongs; and

a universally unique identifier of the company to which this trade receivable/payable belongs.

15. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Accounting Clearing Object History business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a chronological record of creation and clearing information relating to a clearing object in accounting and comprises;

an Accounting Clearing Object History root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a global unique identifier of the subledger account to which the clearing object in accounting belongs, a global unique identifier of the company to which the subledger account is assigned, a global unique identifier of the clearing object in accounting, and a coded representation of the subledger account type to which the clearing object in accounting belongs, and the Accounting Clearing Object History business object further comprising a Set of Books Clearing Information subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Accounting Clearing Object History business object.

16. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Accounting Document business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the representation of changes to values of general ledger and subledger accounts resulting from a business transaction and relating to a company and a set of books and comprises;

an Accounting Document root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identification of the Accounting Document, a human readable, numerical identifier of Accounting Document, which is unique within the company, set of books and fiscal year, a reference to the object that contains the Original Entry Document of the business transaction which caused the accounting document, a reference to the Original Entry Document of the business transaction which caused the accounting document, a universally unique identification of the Company for which the Account Document is posted, a set of system administrative data containing administrative data, a coded representation of the type of the Accounting document, a unique identification of the Set of Books according to whose specifications the Accounting Document was posted, a date at which the business transaction took place applying the criteria of Accounting, a date with which the business transaction is effectively recorded in Accounting, a coded representation of the Fiscal Year Variant according to whose fiscal year definition the Fiscal Year ID and the Accounting Period ID are derived, an identification of the fiscal year, in which the Accounting Document was posted, an identification of the posting period of the accounting document within the fiscal year, and a structured business key of the accounting document, and the Accounting Document business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node;

a reference to Text Collection dependent object;

a reference to Access Control List dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Accounting Document business object.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is:

only one reference to the Text Collection dependent object; and

only one reference to the Access Control List dependent object.

18. A computer-implemented for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Accounting Document Report business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the record of postings in the context of accounting documents that may display important data from the document header and line items together, and comprises;

an Accounting Document Report root node, wherein the Accounting Document Report business object further comprises at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Description subordinate node;

a Selection subordinate node;

a Selection By Document Type subordinate node;

a Period Total subordinate node;

a reference to Controlled Output Request dependent object; and

a reference to Access Control List dependent object;

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Accounting Document Report business object, wherein the message comprises a form accounting document report package containing;

a form accounting document report entity including an Account Document Report Output Format Code, Company ID, and Organization Name;

a selection package,

a description package, and

a period total package.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the Accounting Document Report root node further contains one or more of the data elements located at the root node:

a universal unique identification of Accounting Document Report;

a short description of an Accounting Document Report;

a universally unique identification of the company for which the Report is created;

an identifier of the company for which the report is created;

an identifier of the country for which the report is created;

a coded representation of the output format of accounting document report; and

a set of administrative data of the Accounting Document Report as recorded by the system.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one reference to the Access Control List dependent object.

21. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Accounting Entry business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the capture of a value change in the asset and equity structure of a company following a business transaction, and comprises;

an Accounting Entry root node, wherein the Accounting Entry business object further comprises at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node;

a Set of Books subordinate node;

a Cancelled Accounting Entry subordinate node;

a reference to Text Collection dependent object;

a reference to Attachments dependent object;

a reference to Access Control List dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Accounting Entry business object, wherein the message comprises an accounting account balance migrate request package containing;

an accounting account balance migrate request entity including company ID and posting date; and

an item package.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the Accounting Entry root node further contains one or more of the data elements located at the root node:

a universally unique identifier of an Accounting Entry;

a unique identifier of an Accounting Entry;

a universally unique identifier of the company for which an accounting transaction is entered;

a date with which the accounting document is entered in accounting and from which the fiscal year and the accounting period are derived;

a classification of the entered accounting transaction according to the type of business transaction it relates to;

a set of administrative data; and

a unique semantic key for the Accounting Entry.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one reference to Access Control List dependent object.

24. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Resource Valuation Data business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for cost rates for valuation of business transactions in a company and cost estimates and comprises;

a Resource Valuation Data root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Resource Valuation Data, a universally unique identification of a resource to which the Resource Valuation Data refers, and a universally unique identification of the company to which the Resource Valuation Data applies, and the Resource Valuation Data business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Cost Rate subordinate node; and

a reference to Access Control List dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Resource Valuation Data business object.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the Resource Valuation Data root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one reference to Access Control List dependent object.

26. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Sales Ledger Account business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for records for a company based on double-entry bookkeeping that shows effects of business transactions on revenues and cost of sales and comprises;

a Sales Ledger Account root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally valid identifier for the Sales Ledger Account and a universally unique identifier to denote the company to which a record relates, and the Sales Ledger Account business object further comprising at least one of the following data elements located at the root node;

a Sales Object Sales Ledger Account subordinate node;

a Market Segment Sales Ledger Account subordinate node;

a Time Based Accruals subordinate node; and

a Line Item subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Sales Ledger Account business object.

27. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Service Product Valuation Data business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for information on account determination and cost rates for valuating business transactions in a company and for cost estimates and comprises;

a Service Product Valuation Data root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Service Product Valuation Data, a universally unique identification of the service product to which the Service Product Valuation Data refers, a universally unique identification of the company to which the Service Product Valuation Data refers, and an indication of when and by whom the Resource Valuation Data was created or was changed, and the Service Product Valuation Data business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Account Determination Specification subordinate node;

a Cost Rate subordinate node; and

a reference to Access Control List dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Service Product Valuation Data business object.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the Service Product Valuation Data root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Access Control List and only one Account Determination Specification node.

29. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Tax Ledger Account business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for records for a company based on double-entry bookkeeping that reflects effects of business transactions on a restricted part of a valuated balance of payables and receivables from sales tax and excise duty with regard to tax authorities and comprises;

a Tax Ledger Account root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identification of the Tax Ledger Account, a universally unique identification of the company for which the Tax Ledger Account is carried, an identifier that specifies a tax reporting country to which recorded data relates, an identifier that specifies a tax type to which recorded data relates, an identifier that specifies a category of a tax due to which recorded data relates, and an identifier that specifies a type of tax rate to which recorded data relates, and the Tax Ledger Account business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a reference to Access Control List dependent object;

a Period Balance subordinate node;

a Period Total subordinate node;

a Line Item subordinate node;

a Deferred Tax Item subordinate node and wherein the Deferred Tax Item node contains Deferred Tax Item History; and

an Aggregated Line Items subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Tax Ledger Account business object.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the Tax Ledger Account root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one reference to Access Control List dependent object.

31. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Access Control List business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for access control entries that specify restrictions regarding access to a business object instance in their specific access context and comprises an Access Control List root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Access Control List, and the Access Control List business object further comprising an Entry subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Access Control List business object.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the Access Control List root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Entry node.

33. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Access Group business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for processing groups of identities for which access control is specified in a certain context and comprises;

an Access Group root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier for a object used for grouping the identities, a coded representation of access context used for grouping the identities, at least one of a business function, management function, or employee self-service activity with specific rules for instance-based access control, a name of the Access Group, an indication whether a hierarchical structure of a grouping object is relevant for access control, a unique identifier for the access group, a coded representation of the access context used for grouping the identities, and a unique identifier for the object used for grouping the identities, and the Access Group business object further comprising a Description subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Access Group business object.

34. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Activity business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for information about one or more parties involved and a date on which one or more interactions take place, and comprises;

an Activity root node, and the Activity business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Party subordinate node, wherein the Party node contains a reference to a Party Contact Party dependent object;

a Location subordinate node;

a Time Point subordinate node;

a Period subordinate node;

a Duration subordinate node;

an Attachment Folder subordinate node; and

a Text Collection subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Activity business object, wherein the message comprises an Activity Visit Report containing;

an Activity Visit Report entity including a UUID, ID, Action Code, Type Code, Processing Type Code, Processing Type Code Name, and Processing Type Code Description;

a Party package;

a Location package;

a Period package;

a Text Collection package; and

an Item package.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the Activity root node contains one or more of the following data elements located at the root node:

a universally unique identifier of the Activity on which other business objects can define foreign keys;

an identifier for the Activity assigned by a user;

a coded representation of a type of the Activity or a business object projected of the Activity;

a coded representation of a processing of the Activity within a process component; and

administrative system data containing, in part, information on system users and points of alteration time.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the Activity root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Party node.

37. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Address business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for details on the addressee, postal address, physical location, and communication address and comprises;

an Address root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a type of the Address, a group of the Address, and a name of a carrier node of a host business object where the Address is included, and the Address business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Organization Party subordinate node;

a Person Name subordinate node;

a Workplace subordinate node;

a Postal Address subordinate node;

a Note subordinate node;

a Communication Preference subordinate node;

a Telephone subordinate node;

a Facsimile subordinate node;

an E-mail subordinate node; and

a Web subordinate node;

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Address business object.

38. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Attachment Folder business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the collection of documents attached to the business object or the part of the business object and comprises;

an Attachment Folder root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a global unique identifier for an Attachment Folder, a value defining the absolute path name of the Attachment Folder in the Document Management System, a set of administrative data stored by the system, a value indicating whether an attachment exists in the Attachment Folder, a name and reference of a Business Object to which the Attachment Folder is related to, and a configuration profile for the Attachment Folder, and the Attachment Folder business object further comprising a Document subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Attachment Folder business object.

39. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Bank Directory Entry business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the entry with the main information on the bank in the classified directory of banks and comprises;

a Bank Directory Entry root node, wherein the Bank Directory Entity business object comprises at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a reference to Address dependent object;

a National Bank Identification subordinate node;

a reference to Access Control List dependent object; and

a Branch subordinate node and wherein the Branch node contains Branch Address subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Bank Directory Entry business object, wherein the message comprises a bank directory entry package containing;

a bank directory entry entity including a Country Code and a bank catalogue ID;

a National Bank Identification package; and

an Address package.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the Bank Directory Entry root node further contains one or more of the data elements located directly at the root node:

a universally unique identifier for the Bank Directory Entry;

a unique identifier for the Bank Directory Entry; and

a coded representation of the country where the bank has its registered office.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is:

only one reference to Address dependent object; and

only one reference to Access Control List dependent object.

42. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Cash Discount Terms business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the modalities agreed on by business partners for the payment of goods delivered or services provided, and comprises a Cash Discount Terms root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of Cash Discount Terms; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Cash Discount Terms business object.

43. A computer-implemented method of processing a record of changes made to an object instance in a transaction, the method comprising:

generating a Change Document business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the record of changes made to an object instance in a transaction and comprises;

Root root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a unique identifier of a Change Document, a code of the object for which the Change Document is created, a technical node identifier of the root node of the object for which the Change Document is created, a universally unique identifier of the user who changed the object instance, a timestamp of the change in UTC format, and a unique identifier of the logical work unit transaction during which the object instance was changed, and the Change Document business object further comprising an Item subordinate node;

a Change Document Record subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Change Document business object.

44. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Business Partner business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for whether the Business Partner is a person, organization, or a group of persons or organizations, and comprises;

a Business Partner root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the business partner, an internal number of the business partner, a value specifying whether the business partner is a person, organization or a group, a value determining the number range interval from which the number is drawn, a value indicating whether the business partner can act as a organizational centre, a value indicating whether the business partner was created from a organizational centre, a set of administrative data of a business partner, and a status of the business partner, and the Business Partner business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Common subordinate node;

a Role subordinate node;

a Regulatory Compliance subordinate node;

a Current Business Characters subordinate node;

an Employee Workplace Address Information subordinate node and wherein the Employee Workplace Address Information node contains Employee Workplace Address Workplace Address;

an Address Information subordinate node and wherein the Address Information node contains Address;

a Communication Data subordinate node;

a Relationship subordinate node;

a Bank Details subordinate node;

a Payment Card Details subordinate node;

an Industry Sector subordinate node;

an Identification subordinate node;

a Tax Number subordinate node;

a General Product Tax Exemption subordinate node;

an Operating Hours Information subordinate node and wherein the Operating Hours Information node contains a reference to Operating Hours dependent object;

a reference to Text Collection dependent object;

a reference to Attachment Folder dependent object;

an Employee Type subordinate node;

a Bidding Characteristic subordinate node;

a Quality Management subordinate node;

a Product Category subordinate node;

a Procurement subordinate node;

a Marketing subordinate node;

a Payment Order Working Day Calendar subordinate node;

a Bank Directory Entry Assignment subordinate node;

an Allowed Payment Medium Formats subordinate node;

a Uniform Address Information subordinate node;

a reference to Access Control List dependent object;

an ABC Classification subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Business Partner business object.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one reference to Access Control List dependent object.

46. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Company Tax Arrangement business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the mutual arrangement between the Company and the Tax Authority regarding the declaration and payment of taxes, and comprises;

a Company Tax Arrangement root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Company Tax Arrangement, a unique identifier of the company for which the Company Tax Arrangement is valid, a universally unique identifier of the company for which the Company Tax Arrangement is valid, a unique identifier of the tax authority with which the Company Tax Arrangement was agreed upon, a universally unique identifier of the tax authority with which the Company Tax Arrangement was agreed upon, a value for the country in which the tax authority is situated, and a value for the time period during which the Company Tax Arrangement is valid, and the Company Tax Arrangement business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Tax Declaration Arrangement subordinate node;

a Tax Identification Number subordinate node;

a Permanent Establishment Assignment subordinate node;

a Company Assignment subordinate node;

a reference to Access Control List dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Company Tax Arrangement business object.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one reference to Access Control List dependent object.

48. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Compensation Component Type business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the description of the employee compensation components in the context of Human Resources and comprises;

a Compensation Component Type root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a unique identifier of a Compensation Component Type, a unique identifier of a Compensation Component Type, a coded representation of a categorization of employee'"'"'s compensation components, a validity period of a Compensation Component Type, a coded representation of the occurrence type of a compensation component, a code of the country for which a Compensation Component Type is valid, an indicator for whether a Compensation Component Type is active or inactive, an indicator for whether a different entry is allowed in the Amount field of the Item Compensation Component Detail Rate of the business object Employee Compensation Agreement, an indicator for whether or not bank details can be specified in the field Business Partner Bank Details UUID of the business object Employee Compensation Agreement, an indicator for whether a Compensation Component Type is relevant for the calculation of the Key Figure Compa-Ratio, an indicator for whether a Compensation Component Type is relevant for the calculation of the Key Figure Estimated Gross Earnings, and an indicator for whether a Compensation Component Type is relevant for the calculation of the Key Figure Estimated Deductions, and the Compensation Component Type business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Name subordinate node;

a Compensation Details subordinate node;

a Payroll Category Assignment subordinate node;

an Employee Type Item Time Assignment subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Compensation Component Type business object.

49. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Controlled Output Request business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the controller of output requests and output history entries related to the Hosting Business Object, and comprises;

a Controlled Output Request root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a reference of the current hosting business object node, and the Controlled Output Request business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node;

a Processed Item subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Controlled Output Request business object.

50. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Cross Product Catalogue Search business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the search across product catalogs including the search condition and the result and comprises;

a Cross Product Catalogue Search root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a globally unique identifier for the Cross Product Catalogue Search, and the Cross Product Catalogue Search business object further comprising a Result subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Cross Product Catalogue Search business object.

51. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Document business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the carrier of unstructured information and additional control and monitoring information and comprises;

a Document root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of a document, a set of administrative data that is stored in a system, a value specifying whether a link is an internal link or not, a value specifying whether a document has been checked out and is being edited by someone locally or not, a value specifying whether a document is visible or not, a value specifying whether versioning has been activated for the document or not, a value specifying whether an internal link is a link to a folder or not, a value specifying whether a document is a folder, a link or a file, a value specifying the MIMECode for a document, the complete name of the folder in which the document is stored and the name of the document itself, and the name of a document that identifies the document within its higher-level folder, and the Document business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Property subordinate node;

a Lock subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Document business object.

52. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Employment business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the relationship between the company and the employee which takes in all related work agreements and comprises;

an Employment root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a unique ID that identifies exactly one employment, a unique ID that identifies exactly one company, a unique ID that identifies exactly one employee, a coded representation of a country defined by either national or administrative/political borders, and a set of administrative data that describes who has created or changed an instance of Employment and when, and the Employment business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Work Permit subordinate node;

a Disability subordinate node;

a Regulatory Compliance subordinate node;

a reference to Attachment Folder dependent object;

an Employee Details subordinate node;

a reference to Access Control List dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Employment business object.

53. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Engineering Change Order business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the set of instructions to make changes to the number of objects from the areas of engineering or production and comprises;

an Engineering Change Order root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of an engineering change order, a unique identifier of an engineering change order, a coded representation of the type of a change order, a status of the engineering change order, and a set of administrative data including the person who last changed the Engineering Change Order and the time at which it was last changed, and the Engineering Change Order business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Change Group subordinate node;

a Validity subordinate node;

a Description subordinate node;

a reference to Text Collection dependent object;

a reference to Attachment Folder dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Engineering Change Order business object.

54. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Exchange Rate business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the relationship in which one currency can be exchanged for another currency at a specified time with associated details such as exchange rate type, date and time of entry into the system, and category and status of the exchange rate and comprises;

an Exchange Rate root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of an Exchange Rate, and a structure containing the exchange rate between a currency pair and the date from which it is valid; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Exchange Rate business object.

55. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Financial Audit Trail Documentation business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the uniform documentation of the changes to receivables and payables and financial transactions linked to a business transaction for audit purposes and comprises;

a Financial Audit Trail Documentation root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of Financial Audit Trail Documentation, a unique identifier of the Financial Audit Trail Documentation, a universally unique identifier of the superordinate business transaction document in which the business transaction is documented from an operative perspective, a unique identifier of the superordinate business transaction document in which the business transaction is documented from an operative perspective, a coded representation of the type of the superordinate business transaction document in which the business transaction is documented from an operative perspective, a universally unique identifier of the company for whom the changes to receivables and payables and financial transactions linked to a business transaction are documented, a unique identifier of the company for whom the changes to receivables and payables and financial transactions linked to a business transaction are documented, a set of administrative data stored in the system including system users and change dates and times, a date on the basis of which the posting date in Financial Accounting is determined, an issue date of the Financial Audit Trail Documentation, and a currency key of the transaction currency in the business transaction, and the Financial Audit Trail Documentation business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Payment Register Item subordinate node;

a Payment Register Allocation Item subordinate node;

a Trade Receivables Payable Register Item subordinate node;

a Trade Receivables Payable Register Clearing Item subordinate node;

an Expense and Income Item subordinate node;

a Product Tax Item subordinate node;

a Withholding Tax Item subordinate node;

a Tax Allocation Item subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Financial Audit Trail Documentation business object.

56. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Identified Stock business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the subset of the material that shares the set of common characteristics, is logistically handled separately from other subsets of the same material and is uniquely identified and comprises;

an Identified Stock root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Identified Stock for referencing purposes, a unique identifier of the Identified Stock, in the context of a material number, a universally unique identifier of the Material, which is assigned in order to reference the specific Material, a sub-quantity of which is identified by the Identified Stock, a readable alternative identifier of a Material, a sub-quantity of which is identified by the Identified Stock, a set of administrative data that is stored in a system including system users and change dates and times, a coded representation of the type of an Identified Stock, an indicator for whether or not Identified Stock is restricted for use by business processes, a specification of the current status of an Identified Stock, and an alternative key for the Identified Stock node, and the Identified Stock business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a reference to Attachment Folder dependent object; and

a reference to Text Collection dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Identified Stock business object.

57. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Identity business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the aggregation of user accounts of a person in a system landscape and the settings required for system access and the associated user rights and restrictions and comprises;

an Identity root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the identity, a unique identifier of an Identity used for logging on to the system, and a set of administrative data of an Identity including creation and change dates and times, and the Identity business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a User Account subordinate node;

a Role Assignment subordinate node; and

a Basic Settings subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Identity business object.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one User Account node and only one Basic Settings node.

59. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Installation Point business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the location of a business object within an installation and comprises;

an Installation Point root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a globally unique identifier for the business object, a unique identifier for an Installation Point, a set of administrative data that is stored in a system including system users and change dates and times, and an identifier of the current step in the life cycle of an Installation Point, and the Installation Point business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Hierarchy Relationship subordinate node;

an Installed Base Assignment subordinate node;

an Installed Object subordinate node;

a Description subordinate node;

an Address Information subordinate node and wherein the Address Information node contains a reference to Address Dependent Object; and

a Party Information subordinate node and wherein the Party Information node contains Party Information Party subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Installation Point business object.

60. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Installed Base business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the business context of different installation points which logically belong to an installed base and comprises;

an Installed Base root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located directly at the root node;

a globally unique identifier for the business object, a unique identifier for an installed base;

a set of administrative data that is stored in a system including system users and change dates and times, and the current step in the life cycle of the Installed Base, and the Installed Base business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Description subordinate node;

an Address Information subordinate node and wherein the Address Information node contains a reference to Address dependent object; and

a Party Information subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Installed Base business object.

61. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Job business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a time dependent name and description of task profiles, competencies, responsibilities, qualifications and skill profile, and comprises;

a Job root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the job, an identifier of the job, and a period during which the job exists, and the Job business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Name subordinate node; and

a reference to an Attachment Folder dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Job business object.

62. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Location business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for communicating location information in business processes and comprises;

a Location root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier for the location, a universally unique identifier of the location, general system administrative data on the location, an indication whether the location is logistics unit managed, an indication whether the location is of a type Site, an indication whether the location list used to manage stock, an indication whether the location is of a type Service Point, an indication whether the location is of a type Ship To Location, an indication whether the location is of a type Ship From Location, and an indication of the status of the location, and the Location business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Alternative Identification subordinate node;

a Business Partner subordinate node;

a Geographical Information subordinate node and wherein the Geographical Information node contains a reference to an Address dependent object and a reference to a Text Collection dependent object;

a Time Information subordinate node; and

a Description subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Location business object.

63. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Logistics Area business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for describing a logistics facility from a physical and functional perspective for business processes, and comprises;

a Logistics Area root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universal unique identifier for the Logistics Area, a unique identifier for the Logistics Area, a unique identifier for an inventory managed location, a universal unique identifier for the inventory managed location, a unique identifier for a site where the Logistics Area is located, a universal unique identifier for the site where the Logistics Area is located, administrative system data containing the system users and time of change, a coded representation of a type of the Logistics Area within a storage or production facility, an indication of a status of the Logistics Area, and an alternative key of the Logistics Area, and the Logistics Area business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Logistics Area Assignment subordinate node;

a Physical Aspects subordinate node;

an Operational Aspects subordinate node;

a Shipping Location Assignment subordinate node;

a Resource Assignment subordinate node;

a Default Supply and Output Area Assignment subordinate node;

a Description subordinate node; and

a reference to a Storage Control dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Logistics Area business object.

64. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Logistics Shift business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a period of working time in supply chain processes that can be interrupted by breaks, and comprises;

a Logistics Shift root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Logistics Shift, a unique identifier of the Logistics Shift, and a start time and an end time of the Logistics Shift as a time period, and the Logistics Shift business object further comprising a Description subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Logistics Shift business object.

65. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Logistic Unit business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a representation of physical units handled in a substantially similar manner during logistic operations, and comprises;

a Logistic Unit root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier of the Logistic Unit for referencing purposes, a universally unique identifier of the Logistic Unit for referencing purposes, administrative system data including system users and change dates and/or times, an indication that uniform material is required for packing, an indication that standard content is required for packing, and a status variable that describes a current state of the Logistic Unit, and the Logistic Unit business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Group Assignment subordinate node;

a Standard Material Content subordinate node;

a Description subordinate node; and

a reference to a Text Collection dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Logistic Unit business object.

66. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Organizational Centre business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a business unit within an organizational structure and that can assume one or more business roles, and comprises;

an Organizational Centre root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier of the Organizational Centre, a semantic key of the Organizational Centre, a period in which the Organizational Centre exists, an indication that the Organizational Centre can also act in a Business Partner role, and an indication that the Organizational Centre was created from a Business Partner that represents an organization, and the Organizational Centre business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Name subordinate node;

a Type subordinate node;

an Address Usage subordinate node; and

an Address Information subordinate node, wherein the Address Information node contains a reference to an Address dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Organizational Centre business object.

67. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Market Segment business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a sector of a overall market that is characterized by a constellation of supply and demand and that exhibits specific classification characteristics, and comprises a Market Segment root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier for identifying the Market Segment; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Market Segment business object.

68. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Operating Hours business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for time periods based on a recurrence pattern, during which operations are performed, and comprises;

an Operating Hours root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Operating Hours, a validity period for the Operating Hours, and administrative data containing, in part, information about Operating Hours creation and change times, and the Operating Hours business object further comprising a Recurring Day Programme subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Operating Hours business object.

69. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Party business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for entity information in business processes and comprises;

a Party root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Party, an identifier of the Party, and a validity period for the Party, and the Party business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Name subordinate node;

an Identification subordinate node; and

an Address Information subordinate node and wherein the Address Information node includes a reference to an Address dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Party business object.

70. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Payment Agreement business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for entries on possible payment information, and comprises;

a Payment Agreement root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique key of the Payment Agreement, a universally unique identifier of a Business Partner with which a company has the Payment Agreement, a unique internal identifier of a Business Partner with which a company has the Payment Agreement, a universally unique identifier of a company with which a Business Partner has the Payment Agreement, a unique identifier of a company with which a Business Partner has the Payment Agreement, administrative system data containing, in part, information on systems users and change dates, an indication that payments by direct debit are possible for a Business Partner since at least one Direct Debit Details exists, an indication that payments by payment card are possible for a Business Partner since at least one Payment Card Details exists, an indication that there is a current Payment Block for a Business Partner, and an alternative key for accessing the Payment Agreement between a Business Partner and a company with technical keys, and the Payment Agreement business, object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Payment Form subordinate node;

a Payment Card Details subordinate node;

a Direct Debit Details subordinate node; and

a Payment Block subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Payment Agreement business object.

71. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Payment Control business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for information about a paying and receiving party, a payment amount, and a selected type of payment, and comprises;

a Payment Control root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Payment Control, a company that is involved in a payment, an internal identification of a company that is involved in a payment, a Business Partner that is involved in a payment, a unique identifier for a Business Partner that is involved in a payment, administrative system data containing, in part, information on system users and change dates and/or times, and a coded representation of a property change type from the view of a company, and the Payment Control business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Bank Transfer subordinate node;

a Cheque Payment subordinate node;

a Credit Card Payment subordinate node; and

a Cash Payment subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Payment Control business object.

72. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Payment Explanation business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the one or more reasons for a payment with reference to one or more business documents, and comprises;

a Payment Explanation root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Payment Explanation and a payment amount, and the Payment Explanation business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node; and

a Note to Payee subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Payment Explanation business object.

73. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Position business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a combination of employee task, competency, and responsibility, and comprises;

a Position root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Position, a semantic key of the Position, and a validity period for the Position, and the Position business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Description subordinate node;

a Position Staging Area subordinate node;

a Full Time Equivalent Working Time subordinate node;

a Target Headcount subordinate node;

an Open Headcount subordinate node;

a Staffed Organizational Centre Assignment subordinate node;

an Employee Assignment subordinate node;

a Job Assignment subordinate node;

an Organizational Centre Assignment subordinate node; and

a Reporting Line Unit With Staffed Managing Position Assignment subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Position business object.

74. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Price and Tax Calculation business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a summary of determined price and tax components for a business case, and comprises;

a Price and Tax Calculation root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier for the Price and Tax Calculation, a property definition class for a specification of a general procedure for price and tax calculation, a calculation procedure for price calculation, a currency in which a price and tax determination and valuation takes place, and a description of a status and of possible actions of the Price and Tax Calculation, and the Price and Tax Calculation business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node;

a Product Tax Details subordinate node;

a Withholding Tax Details subordinate node;

a Price Component subordinate node; and

a Taxation Terms subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Price and Tax Calculation business object.

75. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Procurement Arrangement business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for information about an arrangement used to control procurement transactions, and comprises;

a Procurement Arrangement root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universal unique identifier of one or more suppliers for which the Procurement Arrangement exists and a status of the Procurement Arrangement, and the Procurement Arrangement business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Purchasing Terms subordinate node;

a Document Exchange Terms subordinate node; and

an Access Control List subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Procurement Arrangement business object.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Access Control List node.

77. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Product Category Hierarchy business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a hierarchical arrangement of product categories according to particular business aspects, and comprises;

a Product Category Hierarchy root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier for the Product Category Hierarchy and a unique identifier for the Product Category Hierarchy, and the Product Category Hierarchy business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Product Category subordinate node and wherein the Product Category node contains a Product Category Description subordinate node;

a Description subordinate node; and

a Usage subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Product Category Hierarchy business object.

78. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Production Segment business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a part of a production process that is determined, at least in part, by a network of operations and one or more materials assigned to the network of operations for the production of a material, and comprises;

a Production Segment root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier and alternative key of the Production Segment and a unique identifier of the Production Segment, and the Production Segment business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Production Bill of Material Item Activity Assignment subordinate node;

a Product Activity Assignment subordinate node;

a Description subordinate node;

a Planning Consistency Status subordinate node;

an Execution Consistency Status subordinate node;

a Hierarchical View Element subordinate node;

a reference to an Attachment Folder dependent object; and

a reference to a Text Collection dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Production Segment business object.

79. The method of claim 78, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is:

only one Planning Consistency Status node; and

only one Execution Consistency Status node.

80. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Released Execution Production Model business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a released version of a production model that contains a production bill of operations and production bill of material data for execution of a production process, and comprises;

a Released Execution Production Model root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Released Execution Production Model, an identifier of the Released Execution Production Model, a version counter for a generated version of the Released Execution Production Model, a universally unique identifier of a Production Model from which the Released Execution Production Model was generated, a specification of a main product material of a production process as described by the Released Execution Production Model, a universally unique identifier of a corresponding Released Planning Production Model, a date stamp of a last change to a Production Model, and administrative system data containing, in part, information on a system user who created the Released Execution Production Model and a time of creation, and the Released Execution Production Model business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Production Segment subordinate node, wherein the Production Segment node contains;

a Production Segment Material Output subordinate node, wherein the Production Segment Material Output node contains a Production Segment Material Output Change State subordinate node;

a Production Segment Planning Operation subordinate node, wherein the Production Segment Planning Operation node contains a Production Segment Planning Operation Alternative subordinate node;

a Production Segment Operation subordinate node, wherein the Production Segment Operation node contains;

a Production Segment Operation Activity subordinate node, wherein the Production Segment Operation Activity node contains a Production Segment Operation Activity Change State subordinate node, wherein the Production Segment Operation Activity Change State node contains a Production Segment Operation Activity Change State Resource Requirement subordinate node; and

a Production Segment Operation Change State subordinate node; and

a Production Segment Internal Material Flow subordinate node;

a Description subordinate node;

a Hierarchical View Filter Condition subordinate node; and

a Hierarchical View Element subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Released Execution Production Model business object.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Hierarchical View Filter Condition node.

82. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Released Planning Production Model business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a structure that provides information on bills of material and production bill of operations in an integrated format for production planning, and comprises;

a Released Planning Production Model root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier of a Production Model from which the Released Planning Production Model was generated, a universally unique identifier of the Released Planning Production Model, a unique identifier for a generated version of the Released Planning Production Model, a universally unique identifier of a Production Model from which the Released Planning Production Model was generated, a date stamp of a last change to a Production Model, and administrative system data containing, in part, information on a system user who created the Released Planning Production Model and a time of creation, and the Released Planning Production Model business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Production Segment subordinate node and wherein the Production Segment node contains a Production Segment Material Output subordinate node, wherein the Production Segment Material Output node contains a Production Segment Material Output Change State subordinate node;

a Supply Planning Area subordinate node;

a Hierarchical View Filter Condition subordinate node;

a Planning Operation subordinate node;

a Planning Operation Relationship subordinate node; and

a Hierarchical View Element subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Released Planning Production Model business object.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Hierarchical View Filter Condition.

84. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Resource business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for an entity that has capacity to contribute to a production or delivery of goods and services, and comprises;

a Resource root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universal unique identifier for the Resource, a unique identifier for the Resource, a unique identifier for the Resource Operating Time Template, a universal unique identifier for the Resource Operating Time Template, administrative system data containing, in part, system users and time of change, a coded representation of a category of the Resource, an indication of the status of the Resource, an indication that the Resource is relevant for financials, an indication that the Resource is relevant for supply planning, and an indication that the Resource is relevant for production scheduling, and the Resource business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Description subordinate node;

a Position Assignment subordinate node;

a Resource Assignment subordinate node;

a Capacity and Scheduling Specification subordinate node;

an Overtime subordinate node;

a Downtime subordinate node;

a Provided Service subordinate node;

an Individual Material Assignment subordinate node;

a Cost Centre Assignment subordinate node;

a Reporting Point subordinate node;

a Logistics Execution Resource Activation Information subordinate node; and

a Job Assignment subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Resource business object.

85. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Released Site Logistics Process Model business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a site logistics process model that contains elements for defining and describing the execution of a site logistics process, and comprises;

a Released Site Logistics Process Model root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier of the Released Site Logistics Process Model, a universal unique identifier of the Released Site Logistics Process Model, a universal unique identifier of a site logistics process model from which the Released Site Logistics Process Model was created, a universal unique identifier of a business rule used for selecting the Released Site Logistics Process Model, administrative system data containing, in part, system users and change dates and/or times, a coded representation of a type of the Released Site Logistics Process Model, a numeric identifier of a particular form of the Released Site Logistics Process Model, and a lifecycle status of the Released Site Logistics Process Model, and the Released Site Logistics Process Model business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Process Segment subordinate node and wherein the Process Segment node contains;

a Process Segment Operation subordinate node, wherein the Process Segment Operation node contains a Process Segment Operation Activity subordinate node; and

a Process Segment Internal Material Flow subordinate node;

a Description subordinate node;

a reference to a Text Collection dependent object; and

a reference to an Attachment Folder dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Released Site Logistics Process Model business object.

86. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Responsibility business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for assignment of a responsible agent to a certain responsibility category, and comprises;

a Responsibility root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

an agent that is assigned to one or more tasks, a description of a responsible agent, an external identifier specifying a responsibility category, a description of a responsibility category, and an indication whether the Responsibility is used as fallback for other responsibility instances within a given category, and the Responsibility business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Usage Type subordinate node;

a Parameter Type subordinate node; and

a Single Responsibility subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Responsibility business object.

87. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Sales Arrangement business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for an agreement for regulating one or more sales transactions, and comprises;

a Sales Arrangement root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Sales Agreement and a status of the Sales Arrangement, and the Sales Arrangement business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Delivery Terms subordinate node;

a Transportation Terms subordinate node;

a Pricing Terms subordinate node;

a Payment Terms subordinate node;

a Blocking Reasons subordinate node; and

an Access Control List subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Sales Arrangement business object.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is:

only one Delivery Terms node;

only one Transportation Terms node;

only one Pricing Terms node;

only one Payment Terms node; and

only one Access Control List node.

89. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Sales Price List business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a combination of specifications for one or more prices, discounts, or surcharges in sales and services, and comprises;

a Sales Price List root node, and the Sales Price List business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Property Valuation subordinate node;

a Description subordinate node;

a Default Values subordinate node; and

a Price Specification subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Sales Price List business object, wherein the message comprises a Sales Price List Replicate Request package containing;

a Sales Price List Replicate Request entity including a Sales Price List; and

a Price Specification package.

90. The method of claim 89, wherein the Sales Price List root node contains one or more of the following data elements located at the root node:

a unique identifier of the Sales Price List;

a log report with a highest severity;

an identification of a property definition class that exists within a framework of a business configuration;

a type of the Sales Price List;

a validity time period of the Sales Price List;

administrative system data for the Sales Price List; and

information on whether the Sales Price List is released and free of errors.

91. The method of claim 89, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Default Values node.

92. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Sales Price Specification business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a specification of a price, a discount, or a surcharge for sales and services defined for a combination of properties and valid for a specific period, and comprises;

a Sales Price Specification root node, and the Sales Price Specification business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Property Valuation subordinate node;

a Scale Line subordinate node; and

an Access Control List subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Sales Price Specification business object, wherein the message comprises a Sales Price Specification Replicate Request package containing a Sales Price Specification Replicate Request entity including a Sales Price Specification.

93. The method of claim 92, wherein the Sales Price Specification root node contains one or more of the following data elements located at the root node:

a universally unique identifier of the Sales Price Specification on which other business objects can define one or more external keys;

a code for a property definition class that defines a maximal possible properties for the Sales Price Specification;

a worst log message severity that occurs for the Sales Price Specification;

information on whether a price, discount, or surcharge specification is released;

information on whether errors on the Sales Price Specification have occurred;

a type of the Sales Price Specification for a price, discount, or surcharge;

a validity period of the Sales Price Specification;

administrative system data; and

information on whether sales exist for the Sales Price Specification.

94. The method of claim 92, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Access Control List node.

95. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Service Issue Category Catalogue business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a structured directory of issue categories that group business transactions in Customer Service from an objective or a subjective point of view, and comprises;

a Service Issue Category Catalogue root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Service Issue Category Catalogue and its version, an identifier of the Service Issue Category Catalogue, an identifier of a version of the Service Issue Category Catalogue, a validity period of a version of the Service Issue Category Catalogue, a status of a version of the Service Issue Category Catalogue, a coded representation of a type of the Service Issue Category Catalogue that indicates a semantic relationship of one or more categories included in the Service Issue Category Catalogue, a coded representation of a profile of the Service Issue Category Catalogue that contains one or more control parameters for a maintenance and usage of the Service Issue Category Catalogue, administrative system data relating to a version of the Service Issue Category Catalogue, and a structured key for unique identification of the Service Issue Category Catalogue and its version, and the Service Issue Category Catalogue business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Name subordinate node;

a Usage subordinate node;

a Description subordinate node; and

a Category subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Service Issue Category Catalogue business object.

96. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Site Logistics Process Model business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a model of logistics process containing, in part, information about a type of the process represented by the model, and comprises;

a Site Logistics Process Model root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier of the Site Logistics Process Model, a universal unique identifier of the Site Logistics Process Model for referencing purposes, an indication of a system user and one or more points of alteration time of the Site Logistics Process Model, and a coded representation of a type of a process described by the Site Logistics Process Model, and the Site Logistics Process Model business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Process Segment subordinate node;

a Hierarchical View Element subordinate node;

a Description subordinate node;

a Status subordinate node;

a reference to an Attachment Folder dependent object; and

a reference to a Text Collection dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Site Logistics Process Model business object.

97. The method of claim 96, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Status node.

98. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Site Logistics Process Segment business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a part of a logistic process specified by a net of operations for packing, moving, or checking of goods, and comprises;

a Site Logistics Process Segment root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier of the Site Logistics Process Segment, a universally unique identifier of the Site Logistics Process Segment, and administrative system data containing, in part information of system users and change dates and/or times, and the Site Logistics Process Segment business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Description subordinate node;

a Consistency Status subordinate node;

a reference to an Attachment Folder dependent object; and

a reference to a Text Collection dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Site Logistics Process Segment business object.

99. The method of claim 98, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Consistency Status node.

100. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Source of Supply business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for, in part, a business relationship between partners concerning a material, and comprises;

a Source of Supply root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universal identifier of the Source of Supply, administrative system data containing, in part, information on system users and change dates and/or times, a universal reference of an object from which the Source of Supply was replicated, a coded representation of a type of a specification level of a product to be procured, a coded representation of a procurement category, a validity period of the Source of Supply, an indication of whether a Planned Delivery Duration has to be considered, and a current status of the Source of Supply, and the Source of Supply business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Logistic Relationship subordinate node; and

a Reference Collection subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Source of Supply business object.

101. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Sourcing List business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a procurement option defining a source of supply, and comprises;

a Sourcing List root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a reference to a hosting business object node and a context in which a source of supply determination takes place, and the Sourcing List business object further comprising an Item subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Sourcing List business object.

102. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Transportation Lane business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for specifying materials that can be transported between two transportation zones and comprises;

a Transportation Lane root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a first identifier, wherein the first identifier is a universal identifier of the Transportation Lane, a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is an identifier of the Transportation Lane, an indicator that specifies whether the Transportation Lane is relevant for ATP, a system administrative datum, an alternative key of the Transportation Lane, and a status of the Transportation Lane, and the Transportation Lane business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Reference Collection subordinate node;

a Valid Transportation Means subordinate node; and

a Valid Materials subordinate node, wherein the Valid Materials node contains a Valid Materials Reference Collection subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Transportation Lane business object.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Reference Collection node.

104. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Storage Behaviour Method business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for managing storage location and comprises;

a Storage Behaviour Method root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a first identifier, wherein the first identifier is a universally unique identifier of the Storage Behaviour Method, a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is a unique identifier within the Storage Behaviour Method, a system administrative datum, and a coded representation of the current step in the life cycle of the Storage Behaviour Method, and the Storage Behaviour Method business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Allowed Logistics Area Type subordinate node;

a reference to a Storage Control dependent object;

a Description subordinate node; and

a reference to an Access Control List dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Storage Behaviour Method business object.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one reference to the Access Control List dependent object and only one reference to the Storage Control dependent object.

106. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Storage Control business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for specifying actions applied to inventory items in a storage location and comprises;

a Storage Control root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universal unique identifier of the Storage Control, an indication of whether the Storage Control is a copy of the Storage Behaviour Method, a reference to the hosting object of the Storage Control, a system administrative datum, an indication of whether inventory is managed in the storage location, an indication of whether inventory is allowed to record a negative inventory quantity in the storage location, an indication of whether a replenishment rule is relevant for the storage location, an indication of whether a cleanup rule is relevant for the storage location, an indication of whether an inventory item constraint is relevant for the storage location, an indication of whether an allocation rule is relevant for the storage location, a coded representation for the management of the storage location in regards to Logistic Unit, and a status of the Storage Control, and the Storage Control business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Location Logistics Usage subordinate node;

a Last Count Date subordinate node;

an Inventory Level Control Requirement subordinate node;

an Inventory Level Control Rule subordinate node;

an Inventory Allocation Rule subordinate node;

a Uniformity Criteria subordinate node;

an Inventory Item Constraint subordinate node;

a Physical Capacity subordinate node; and

a Designated Material subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Storage Control business object.

107. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Supply Planning Area business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for planning for on-time availability of products and comprises;

a Supply Planning Area root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a unique identifier of the Supply Planning Area, a universally unique identifier of the Supply Planning Area, a system administrative datum, and a status of the Supply Planning Area, and the Supply Planning Area business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a reference to a Text Collection dependent object;

a Location subordinate node; and

a Description subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Supply Planning Area business object.

108. The method of claim 107, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Location node.

109. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Supply Quota Arrangement business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for processing distribution of material requirements or material issues to different sources and comprises;

a Supply Quota Arrangement root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universal identifier of the Supply Quota Arrangement, a unique identifier of the Supply Quota Arrangement, a system administrative datum, a coded representation of the level of detail for specifying materials, a code specifying whether this is an incoming or outgoing Supply Quota Arrangement, a validity period of the Supply Quota Arrangement, a status of the Supply Quota Arrangement, and an alternative key of the Supply Quota Arrangement, and the Supply Quota Arrangement business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node, wherein the Item node contains an Item Reference Collection subordinate node; and

a Reference Collection subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Supply Quota Arrangement business object.

110. The method of claim 109, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one Reference Collection node.

111. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Text Collection business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for processing a collection of textual descriptions related to a second business object and comprises;

a Text Collection root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Text Collection, a reference to the business object to which the Text Collection relates, a text configuration profile for the Text Collection, and an indicator that specifies whether a text exists in the Text Collection, and the Text Collection business object further comprising a Text subordinate node, wherein the Text node contains a Text Content subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Text Collection business object.

112. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Purchase Order Confirmation business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a confirmation from an external supplier to a request of a purchaser to deliver a specified quantity of material, or perform a specified service, at a specified price within a specified time, and comprises;

a Purchase Order Confirmation root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

administrative system data, a universally unique alternative identifier of the Purchase Order Confirmation, an identifier for the Purchase Order Confirmation assigned by a Buyer Party, a coded representation of a type of an acceptance from a supplier regarding a Purchase Order that has been sent to the supplier, a coded representation for a processing type of the Purchase Order Confirmation, and one or more individual status variables that are relevant for and describe a current state in a life cycle of a Purchase Order Confirmation, and the Purchase Order Confirmation business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node, wherein the Item node contains an Item Schedule Line subordinate node;

a Party subordinate node;

a Delivery Terms subordinate node;

a BTD Reference subordinate node;

a reference to an Attachment Folder dependent object; and

a reference to a Text Collection dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Purchase Order Confirmation business object.

113. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Purchase Request business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a request or instruction to a purchasing department to purchase specified goods or services in specified quantities at a specified price within a specified time, and comprises;

a Purchase Request root node, and the Purchase Request business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node, wherein the Item node contains an Item Business Transaction Document Reference subordinate node;

a Business Transaction Document Reference subordinate node;

a reference to a Price Calculation dependent object; and

a reference to a Tax Collection dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Purchase Request business object, wherein the message comprises a Purchase Request package containing;

a Purchase Request entity including a Base Business Transaction Document ID;

a Party package;

a Location package; and

an Item package.

114. The method of claim 113, wherein the Purchase Request root node contains one or more of the following data elements located at the root node:

a universally unique identifier for the Purchase Request;

an identifier for the Purchase Request assigned by a Buyer Party; and

a coded representation for a processing type of the Purchase Request.

115. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Supplier Quote business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a response to a request from a bidder in which the bidder offers to sell goods and services to a buyer according to one or more requested criteria, and comprises;

a Supplier Quote root node, and the Supplier Quote business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Party subordinate node;

a Location subordinate node;

a Delivery Terms subordinate node;

a Bidding Criteria Assessment subordinate node;

a Bidder Party Question subordinate node;

a Business Transaction Document Reference subordinate node;

a Bidding Rules subordinate node;

a Bidding Currency subordinate node;

a Evaluation subordinate node;

an Item subordinate node;

a reference to a Cash Discount Terms dependent object;

a reference to a Price Specification dependent object;

a reference to a Attachment Folder dependent object; and

a reference to a Text Collection dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Supplier Quote business object, wherein the message comprises a Supplier Quote package containing;

a Supplier Quote entity including an ID;

a Party package;

a Location package;

a Delivery Information package;

a Payment Information package;

an Attachment package;

a Description package; and

an Item package.

116. The method of claim 115, wherein the Supplier Quote root node contains one or more of the following data elements located at the root node:

administrative system data containing, in part, information on system users and a time of change;

a universally unique alternative identifier of the Supplier Quote;

an identifier for the Supplier Quote assigned by a Buyer Party;

a coded representation for a processing type of the Supplier Quote; and

a status about a lifecycle of the Supplier Quote and one or more results and prerequisites of the Supplier Quote processing steps.

117. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Request For Quote business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the request from the purchaser to external bidders or to the public portal to submit the quote for the material or the service and comprises;

a Request For Quote root node, wherein the Request For Quote business object further comprises at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node;

a Party subordinate node;

a Location subordinate node;

a reference to Price Specification dependent object;

a Business Transaction Document Reference subordinate node;

a Bidding Rules subordinate node;

a Bidding Currency subordinate node;

a Bidding Criteria Assessment subordinate node;

a Bidder Party Question subordinate node;

a reference to Attachment Folder dependent object;

a reference to Text Collection dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Request For Quote business object, wherein the message comprises an RFQ result package containing;

an RFQ result entity including an ID;

a party package;

a description package; and

an item package.

118. The method of claim 117, wherein the Request For Quote root node further contains one or more of the data elements located at the root node:

a set of administrative data stored within the system including system users and time of change;

a universal unique identifier of the Request For Quote for referencing purposes;

an identifier for the Request For Quote which can either be entered manually or is determined by the system;

a coded representation of the Request For Quote type;

a coded representation of a negotiation type of a Request For Quote;

a coded representation of the processing type of the Request For Quote;

a value indicating whether the Request For Quote is a template or not;

an indicator specifying whether the Request For Quote is restricted or public;

a set of status information about the lifecycle of the Request For Quote and the results and prerequisites of its processing steps.

119. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a General Ledger Account business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a record of quantities and values of a company that are relevant to valuation and that relate to a functional grouping item of a chart of accounts, and comprises;

a General Ledger Account root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identification of a company for which the General Ledger Account is carried, a Chart of Accounts of a field Chart of Accounts Item Code, an item of a Chart of Accounts for which data is recorded, administrative system data containing, in part, information on a system user and change time, and a unique semantic key for the General Ledger Account, and the General Ledger Account business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Period Total subordinate node;

a Period Balance subordinate node;

a Line Item subordinate node; and

a reference to an Access Control List dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the General Ledger Account business object.

120. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Employee Time business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for a document of one or more working times of an internal or external employee, and comprises;

an Employee Time root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Employee Time, a universally unique identifier of an Employee Time Agreement Item to which Employee Time refers, a universally unique identifier of an Employee for whom the Employee Time is valid, a unique identifier of a version of the Employee Time, and information about a life cycle of the Employee Time, and the Employee Time business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node;

a reference to a Text Collection dependent object; and

a reference to an Attachment Folder dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Employee Time business object.

121. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Liquidity Forecast business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the forecast of the medium- to long-term development of the liquidity situation of the company or the group of companies and comprises;

a Liquidity Forecast root node, wherein the Liquidity Forecast business object further comprises at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node; and

a Source subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Liquidity Forecast business object, wherein the message comprises a liquidity information package containing;

a liquidity information entity including a liquidity forecast profile code; and

a liquidity status item package.

122. The method of claim 121, wherein the Liquidity Forecast root node further contains one or more of the data elements located at the root node:

a universally unique identifier of a Liquidity Forecast;

a unique identifier of a Liquidity Forecast;

a set of administrative data recorded by the system including system users and change dates and times; and

a specification of the template used to create the Liquidity Forecast.

123. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Inventory business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the quantity of all the materials in a certain location including the material reservations at this location and comprises;

an Inventory root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of an Inventory, a coded display of the type of an inventory, and an alternative key for the node Inventory, and the Inventory business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node;

a Logistic Package subordinate node;

an Expected Inventory Change subordinate node;

an Availability subordinate node;

an Expected Storage Capacity Change subordinate node; and

an Available Storage Capacity subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Inventory business object.

124. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Project Purchase Request business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the request to purchasing to procure products that are required during a project and comprises;

a Project Purchase Request root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

a universally unique identifier of the Project Purchase Request, an identifier of the Project Purchase Request, a coded representation of the type of Project Purchase Request, a set of information about when and by whom the Project Purchase Request was created, and the current step in the life cycle of the Project Purchase Request, and the Project Purchase Request business object further comprising an Item subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Project Purchase Request business object.

125. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Purchase Order business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the request from a purchaser to an external supplier to deliver a specified quantity of goods or perform a specified service at a specified price within a specified time, and comprises;

a Purchase Order root node, wherein the Purchase Order business object further comprises at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node;

a Party subordinate node;

a Location subordinate node;

a Delivery Terms subordinate node;

a reference to Cash Discount Terms dependent object;

a reference to Price Calculation dependent object;

a reference to Tax Calculation dependent object;

a Business Transaction Document Reference subordinate node;

a reference to Attachment Folder dependent object;

a reference to Text Collection dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Purchase Order business object, wherein the message comprises a purchase order cancellation package containing;

a purchase order cancellation entity including an ID.

126. The method of claim 125, wherein the Purchase Order root node further contains one or more of the data elements located at the root node:

a set of administrative data stored within the system including system users and time of change;

a universally unique identifier for the Purchase Order for referencing purposes;

an identifier for the Purchase Order assigned by the Buyer Party;

a coded representation for the processing type of the Purchase Order; and

a set of individual status variables describing the current state in the life cycle of a Purchase Order.

127. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating an Internal Request business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the request for the procurement of goods and services and comprises;

an Internal Request root node, the root node comprising one or more of the following data elements located at the root node;

an identifier for the Internal Request assigned by the Buyer Party, a universal unique alternative identifier of the Internal Request for referencing purposes, a set of administrative data stored within the system including system users and time of change, and a coded representation for the processing type of the Internal Request, the Internal Request business object further comprising at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node;

a Party subordinate node;

a reference to Price Calculation dependent object;

a reference to Tax Calculation dependent object;

a reference to Text Collection dependent object;

a reference to Access Control List dependent object;

an Approval subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Internal Request business object.

128. The method of claim 127, wherein the root node includes composition relationships to the subordinate nodes such that for the root node there is only one reference to Access Control List dependent object.

129. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or more consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Supplier Invoice business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for detail information about claims or liabilities for delivered goods and rendered services between the Bill From Party and the Bill To Party and comprises;

a Supplier Invoice root node, wherein the Supplier Invoice business object further comprises at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

an Item subordinate node;

a Party subordinate node;

Location subordinate node;

a reference to Cash Discount Terms dependent object;

a reference to Payment Control dependent object;

an Exchange Rate subordinate node;

a reference to Price Calculation dependent object;

a reference to Tax Calculation dependent object;

a Business Transaction Document Reference subordinate node;

a reference to Attachment Folder dependent object;

a reference to Text Collection dependent object; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Supplier Invoice business object, wherein the message comprises a supplier invoice package containing;

a supplier invoice entity; and

an item package.

130. The method of claim 129, wherein the Supplier Invoice root node further contains one or more of the data elements located directly at the root node:

a set of administrative data stored within the system including system users and time of change;

a universal unique alternative identifier of the Supplier Invoice for referencing purposes;

an identifier for the Supplier Invoice assigned by the Bill To Party;

a coded representation of the Supplier Invoice type;

a coded representation for the processing type of the Supplier Invoice;

a value indicating the way the Supplier Invoice was created;

a set of status information including individual status variables relevant to and describing the current state in the life cycle of a Supplier Invoice.

131. A computer-implemented method for implementing a service-oriented architecture utilizing one or ore consistent interfaces, the method comprising:

generating a Demand Forecast business object by a first application, the first application executing in a landscape of computer systems providing message-based services, wherein the business object is a semantically disjointed object for the forecast from demand planning of a material demand in a particular supply planning area and comprises;

a Demand Forecast root node, wherein the Demand Forecast business object further comprises at least one of the following hierarchical subordinate nodes;

a Demand Planning Time Series Item subordinate node; and

a Processed Time Series Item subordinate node; and

initiating transmission of a message via a service in the service-oriented architecture to a second application, executing in the environment of computer systems providing message-based services, based, at least in part, on data in the Demand Forecast business object, wherein the message comprises a demand forecast package containing;

a demand forecast entity;

a location package;

a product package; and

an item package.

132. The method of claim 131, wherein the Demand Forecast root node further contains one or more of the data elements located directly at the root node:

a universally unique identifier of a Demand Forecast;

a universally unique identifier of the material for which forecasting was performed;

a unique identifier of the material for which forecasting was performed;

a universally unique identifier of the supply planning area for which forecasting was performed;

a universally unique identifier of the supply planning area for which forecasting was performed;

a set of status information grouping the status codes.