Variant Configuration – SSC Stand Alone Installation

As promised, I finally figured out how to get the Solution Sales Configurator modeling environment installed (how’s that for a mouthful).  First off, I recommend getting the following document from Service.SAP.com.  IG_Soln_Sales_Config_102.pdf.  The SSC Stand alone installation can be a bit overwhelming at first, but if you follow the steps, it’s not too bad.  Of course, operating systems may cause issues (one of my colleagues using windows 8 had a lot of headaches)

this guide will help, but I’ll give you some inside scoops on how to get everything to work together.  So, you’ll need to download some stuff in order to make it all work.

Eclipse:  http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/I downloaded 4.2.2 Classic

SQL Server Express
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/get-sql-server/try-it.aspx
I downloaded the Microsoft SQL Server2008 R2 RTM – Express with Advanced Services (but pretty much any version should work).

Next up, you’ll need the patches for Eclipse to turn it into the modeling environment.  Here’s what you looking for:  com.sap.custdev.projects.fbs.slc.updatesite-1.2.4.201304111120-assembly (SME patch for locked changes) .  I believe it can be found on Service.SAP.Com.  Also, don’t forget to following the installation guide.  It gives you several other websites to add into the update path.  These include:
http://download.eclipse.org/modeling/tmf/updates/ (TMF Project Update Site),
which is required for Eclipse releases newer than version 3.6
http://download.eclipse.org/modeling/emf/updates/
Various emft sites (…/modeling/emft…), for example,
http://download.eclipse.org/modeling/emft/mwe/updates/ and
http://download.eclipse.org/modeling/emft/updates/
o Main update site of your Eclipse release (for example,
http://download.eclipse.org/releases/helios or
http://download.eclipse.org/releases/indigo)
o http://download.eclipse.org/eclipse/updates/3.7 (The Eclipse Project Updates)

Finally, you’ll need a Java SDK.  Go to website:  http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
I downloaded the  Java SE Development Kit 7u21

So, start simple, install the Java SDK.

Next install sql server.  For the most part, it’s pretty straightforward, but remember when it comes to authentication, select SQL Server Authentication.  If not, you’ll never be able to connect.  Tomorrow’s post will talk more about the SQL installation and configuration steps you need to make it work.

Then install eclipse.  I use this term lightly, since all you need to do is unzip the downloaded file and extract it to whatever location you like.  Next open eclipse.exe.

Once it opens, you’ll need to install the SAP extensions.  To do this, use the menu:  help–>install new software
Add in the location of wherever you put the SAP Eclipse modeling environment. (remember, if it’s zipped, you’ll need to unpack it).  Select the resulting SAP extensions shown and install.

Finally, connect Eclipse to the your newly created database.  Use the menu window–>preferences, then expand SAP Solution Sales Configurator and select connections.  Add a new entry, be sure to select database, and set the client to 000 since this is for a local installation.

Finally, copy the SSC tables to the database by using the menu:  SAP Modeling –> Create Tables.  If you don’t see the menu, be sure to open the perspective for SAP Modeling (it’s the button in the upper right next to Java).

And Voila…  you have the SSC modeling environment.  If you’re lucky enough to have a sample SSC configuration (like from the CWG), you can import it into the modeling environment using File–>Import.  Then select General–>Existing Project into Workspace.

And I just found one more step.  Be sure to Download the KB (SAP Modeling –> Download).  This will move the imported models into your database so that you can actually execute them.

More tomorrow, but I’ve rambled enough for one post =)

 

As always, thanks for reading and don't forget to check out our SAP Service Management Products at my other company JaveLLin Solutions,
Mike