To use functional elements

In Service, you use the item breakdown (as a template) to create a physical breakdown. To list several exchangeable items for a specific position in the item breakdown you can use functional elements.

A functional element enables you to define, for example, more generalized activities for a non-physical, generic item, rather than for a specific item. This eliminates the need for multiple, identical reference activities for items that share the same properties and usage characteristics. As a result, there can be a reference activity, which describes the removal of a fan instead of the removal of item Fan-54576787. When the reference activity is linked to a work order, the real item that is placed in the physical breakdown, can be specified.