BCS Solution Configuration FAQs
Answers to common questions regarding detailed configuration information to support our network of certified BCP and BCG consultants.
Can we print lists of QuantityWare BCP measurement standards calculation results?
Yes.
In the Petroleum Measurement Cockpit, tab strip “Print Standards Lists”, you display and print lists of volume correction factors (CTL & CPL) and density (“in air” and “in vacuo”) conversion factors of all measurement standards that are implemented by QuantityWare.
Business practice typically requires printed versions of correction factors for inspectors and surveyors during custody transfer of bulk petroleum quantities. Although modern standard implementations are not based on tables anymore, such lists still need to be available to document the quantity calculation procedure and to support custody transfer procedures.
Example: API MPMS Chapter 11.2.4 List:
All lists may be downloaded as PDF documents:
How are the additional quantity values calculated for a specific conversion group?
You perform a test calculation utilizing transaction O3QCITEST, and you want to manually confirm (e.g. via an XLS) the calculation results:
For each conversion group, exactly one calculation model is defined/configured. Details for all models can be found in the BCP Documentation Reference Manual, Chapter 6.4 .
The calculation of the L15, L20, LB, … quantity values is performed sequentially, i.e. for each UoM a defined model calculation sequence is executed.
The fundamental concept is, that each conversion group is defined to perform the calculations via a set of so-called Base Conversion Units of Measure.
Can we calculate masses and weights in parallel with QuantityWare BCP?
Yes.
All QuantityWare BCP MQCI conversion groups are configured such that masses and weights can be calculated in parallel. By default, UoM of SAP dimension MASS are calculated as masses, UoM of SAP dimension WGHTA are calculated as weights:
The LB value is the calculated mass, the LBA value the calculated weight of your product. Certified consultants can configure your conversion groups such that SAP dimension “MASS” UoM are calculated as weights and e.g. dimension “VMASS” UoM are calculated as masses.
SAP QCI conversion groups calculate either the mass (air buoyancy indicator not set) or the weight (air buoyancy indicator set);
Can we calculate our crude oil and products weights via Table 13M (Chile)?
Yes.
In Chile, a modified ASTM D1250-80 Table 13, called Table 13M, is in use within the oil industry.
At a base temperature of 60°F, for a given API gravity at 60 °F (density in vacuo) – in the range 0 to 85 °API, the table provides the density in air in kg/L (kg/dm³) for weight calculations.
This Table is part of the QuantityWare BCP delivery:
With note 000115, a GCD (Generic Customer Development) is made available to fulfill the requirement, such that for crude oil and products,
I require UoM gigawatt hours for my natural gas calculations, how do I define it?
Gigawatt hour is an energy UoM. As part of the QuantityWare configuration template (BC sets), 30 energy UoM are delivered:
Gigawatt hour and terawatt hour are not defined in historic templates. However, these UoM can be added easily to the template and then distributed through your system landscape. Simply copy e.g. UoM MWH (megawatt hour):
to GWH and TWH, and adjust the exponent in the details from 6 to 9 (GWH) / 12 (TWH). Check with business experts if a combustion condition set is required – typically natural gas quantity conversions do require specification of a combustion reference temperature:
With BCS 30A CSP03 / BCS 30B CSP02 four new energy UoM,
Why are there no chemical components for i-butane and i-pentane defined in the gas component analysis?
You enter the chemical composition data for a material or conversion group into the gas component analysis. However, there are no fields for i-butane (isobutane) and i-pentane (isopentane). Why?
i-butane and i-pentane are synonyms for the components 2-methylpropane and 2-methylbutane (the preferred IUPAC name), i.e. i-butane is 2-methylpropane and i-pentane is 2-methylbutane.
Some template conversion groups contain this mapping in the reading group parameter description, e.g. QVK0:
I receive an error message stating that my UoM does not carry the correct dimension - what can I do?
If such a message is raised via a QuantityWare message class, support staff will guide you to a solution for this issue or explain in detail why such a limitation is required. This may e.g. be the case for a net calculation model, which does not support gross volume UoM.
If the message is raised by a standard SAP program and SAP message class, the following must be considered:
Units of Measure (UoM) are defined in SAP via one central transaction, transaction CUNI.
Historically, the UoM are defined per dimension;
We have extended the ranges of our ASTM D1250-04 conversion group and receive a short dump - how can we prevent such a dump?
Answer: You need to define technical ranges for your conversion group observed density value.
Example: You have extended the ranges for conversion group Q210:
You perform a trial calculation with a density of 0 and a UoM (here KGV) and hit “Return”:
An ABAP short dump happens:
The zero density value leads to a division by zero error. In order to prevent this, you must define a technical range check for the observed density:
In the Petroleum Measurement Cockpit (PMC), you navigate to the range group customizing settings via “Goto ->
We receive error message /QTYW/BCG 114 - Heating value class is initial. How can we resolve this issue?
You perform quantity conversion calculations utilizing MQCI natural gas or LNG conversion groups. You receive error message /QTYW/BCG 114 – Heating value class is initial, enter a valid heating value class.
This message does not explain why the calculation is not completing. It actually appears, if the transaction UoM or any target UoM is not of an allowed SAP dimension ID – Energy, Volume, Mass (or Volume(Liquid, LNG)) for LNG and natural gas.
Example: Test calculation for high pressure natural gas:
The calculation is executed successfully. Now change the transaction UoM to M3L,
The system displays a volume correction factor (VCF) of 1 for any observed temperature. Why is that?
MQCI conversion groups can be configured to display the volume correction factor (VCF / CTL / CTPL) from observed temperature to base temperature. The observed temperature (also known as material temperature) is associated with the transaction quantity of the product.
If you enter a transaction quantity with a UoM that has a temperature value assigned (GSV or NSV), the VCF is always calculated taking that temperature as observed temperature. By design, you are allowed to enter such a transaction quantity UoM.
Example 1 – 100 000 L15 :
The 15 °C assigned to L15 “overwrite”
My rounding settings for the density values for an MQCI conversion group are not considered for the calculation. How can I fix this?
You have copied e.g. template conversion group Q1A1 to Z1A1. For the density UoM PPG (pounds per gallon – lb/ugl) you have maintained a rounding to 4 decimals; business requires that the rounded value is utilized for the calculation of masses.
A simple test calculation with Q1A1 shows the issue: The expected value for UoM LB is 620 540.00 LB; however, the value is calculated using the non-rounded density (while the rounded value is displayed):
This is due to the fact, that the density rounding function /QTYW/MQCI_ROUND_DENSITIES_UOM is processed after the quantity conversion model function /QTYW/MPMS_OBS_TO_ALT_QUAN:
If you position the rounding function before the quantity conversion model function:
the calculation is happening as expected:
The Q*** template conversion groups are configured to round the density values for reporting purposes,
What options do we have for ISO 6578 LNG density calculations from composition?
QuantityWare BCG supports the ISO 6578 (Version 1991 and 2017) density calculations for LNG. As described in Note 000076, the main difference between these two versions is the definition of configuration data, i.e. the k1 and k2 factors and orthobaric molar volumes. Customers may wish to utilize their own, contractually defined, calculation data sets.
NOTE: This is a critical task for any LNG implementation, thus a certified BCG consultant is required to support this task.
You have three options to define the density calculations:
- Utilize ISO 6578:1991 data –
We perform an upgrade from BCS 1.0B to BCS 3.0 and receive configuration error messages during the installation test run. How can we resolve this?
You receive the following detailed error messages from the BCP configuration check test, which is part of the BCP installation test, when you execute it in your client 045:
Reason:
Your new client 045 contained all or some of the BCP 1.0B configuration template data. This data was overwritten during the new BCP 3.0 BC set activation run. However, obsolete 1.0B configuration template entries were not deleted. This is a non-critical issue.
Issue Resolution:
Launch the PMC and navigate to “Environment ->
How do I convert SAP legacy conversion groups from C to ABAP?
The installation of BCS into a legacy-configured system will not effect any existing quantity conversions. Once BCS has been installed, the conversion of SAP legacy conversion groups from C to ABAP is supported with an easy-to-use conversion tool, which is available in the Petroleum Measurement Cockpit:
A detailed project guideline manual for a C to ABAP conversion project is available in the QuantityWare Knowledge Base.
- For LPG conversion group migrations, read the LPG migration FAQ.
- For Asphalt conversion group migrations, read the Asphalt migration FAQ.
How can I find out if a conversion group is a SAP QCI or MQCI conversion group?
In the PMC or GMC, go to tab strip “QCI Configuration” and display your conversion group(s):
Column QCI displays either “SAP” for SAP QCI conversion groups or “QTYW” for MQCI conversion groups.
If you click on the “Description” column, the conversion group analysis documentation is displayed and the header contains the information as well:
Which conversion group should I use for my high pressure pipeline natural gas project?
For high pressure natural gas projects, an MQCI conversion group should be selected. A certified BCG consultant can access the Gas Measurement Cockpit (GMC) and will follow the PAIG Methodology in order to create a selection of template conversion groups. The correct choice then depends on the detailed calculation scenario requirements which you will discuss with the certified consultant.
Example:
Template selection of high pressure conversion groups for AGA Report No. 8 / ISO 6976 calculations:
Which conversion group should I use for my LNG project?
For LNG projects, an MQCI conversion group should be selected. A certified BCG consultant can access the Gas Measurement Cockpit (GMC) and will follow the PAIG Methodology in order to create a selection of template conversion groups. The correct choice then depends on the detailed calculation scenario requirements which you will discuss with the certified consultant.
Example:
Template selection of LNG conversion groups for detailed ISO 6578 LNG calculations:
During IDOC processing, we receive "divide by zero" error message /QTYW/BCP105. This is not happening in online business transaction processing. How can this be?
You are utilizing a SAP QCI conversion group, which is configured to utilize ASTM D1250-80 implementations.
Example:
You use a copy of template conversion group Q202.
During IDOC processing, you receive error message /QTYW/BCP105 – Arithmetic error – divide by zero in function ” XXXX” .
In online processing, the calculations are working fine:
The error is caused if during IDOC processing the test density is passed with a value of 0 to the SAP QCI, which can be demonstrated in an online test calculation as well:
You should maintain valid range data for your conversion groups,
What is the difference between "test temperature" and "material temperature"?
Via the PMC, you may print the relevant “Tables” that are assigned to a conversion group. Note that these “Tables” are online-calculated values using the relevant measurement standard algorithm implementations (e.g. ASTM D1250-80) delivered by QuantityWare BCP:
1. Base density determination via “test density” and “test temperature”:
2. VCF determination via material/observed temperature and base density:
Can I change a UoM key to business user requirements w/o changing the technical UoM key (and dimension assignment)?
Yes.
In general, this is possible. A UoM is defined with a technical key and a commercial key. The commercial key (as the technical key) has to be unique but can differ from the technical key.
Example:
Business users require UoM LTA (Long ton, in air) and TOA (ton, in air) to be displayed as LNT and MT.
Go to UoM customizing transaction CUNI and select the appropriate dimension ID (Here: WGHTA, weight NSW):
Change the commercial keys as required:
The new keys are displayed in the calculations:
How are the two reading group indicators defined, that control the LPG vapor space calculations?
LPG quantity conversions support two vapor space scenarios. For each scenario, one indicator is relevant.
Scenario A: You perform an opening and a closing dip measurement (e.g. for a loading process shore-to-ship) to determine the transferred mass of LPG (e.g. by using SAP Tank Management and implementing your delta calculation logic in a SAP Tank Management BAdI):
Summary: In this scenario, you perform two calculations (opening and closing dip calculation) with the “Apply vapor corr. (tank dip)” indicator set. The transferred mass is calculated by subtraction.
For our crude oil conversion group, the S&W % value increases the product mass and weight instead of decreasing it. How can this be?
Enter a transaction quantity of 10 000 m³ (SAP UoM M3):
Apparently, the gross ton value (UoM GT) is lager than expected, also the net ton (UoM TO) and the gross and net weights (UoM GTA and TOA) for a S&W fraction of 0.1 %. How can this be?
Answer: For S&W calculations, it is important to select the correct UoM for gross observed or gross standard volumes (GOV, GSV), which are typically the transaction quantities. By design, M3 is a NOV (Net Observed Volume) UoM. Thus, the calculation is performed “backwards”
Our LPG conversion group does not allow entry of a test temperature to correct the LPG density to base. How can we solve this requirement?
Many of the MQCI LPG Q7** template conversion groups (as well as many crude oil and product Q2**/ Q1** and some linear DCF conversion groups, e.g. Q0A9) are configured such that the product base density (in vacuo or for DCF calculations – in air) can be entered directly without a need to enter a second so-called test temperature to correct a test density to base. This is described in more detail in the BCP Reference Manual, Chapter 6.10.
Example:
If required, you can extend your LPG reading group and add the test temperature (technical name OBSTSTMETT) and then also change the name of the input parameter OBSTSTDENS from base density to e.g.
Can we enter the density for one product in different density types (°API, relative density, absolute density)?
Yes.
All BCP MQCI conversion groups can be configured in such a manner.
Example: BCP Template Conversion Group Q210:
Absolute Density:
Relative Density:
API Gravity:
In order to enable this flexible density type data entry, you simply add MQCI function module
/QTYW/MQCI_CON_TDICH_VAC_DNTYP with FMTYP 7to the conversion group function module sequence:
We directly want to enter the base density of our products, w/o having to enter a test temperature. Is this possible?
Yes.
All BCP MQCI conversion groups can be configured in such a manner.
Example: BCP Template Conversion Group Q2A1:
Here you only enter the observed product temperature and the base density as input parameters. Then, the VCF and all densities in air values are calculated, as well as all quantity values.
Technically, this is achieved by adding MQCI Function Module
/QTYW/MQCI_BCP_PROD_DEFAULT with FMTYP 9 or /QTYW/MQCI_BCP_CHEM_DEFAULT with FMTYP 9 (for linear DCF conversion groups)to the Function Module Sequence (FSQ) in the configuration settings:
Then you simply remove the test temperature parameter from the reading group,
We do not require the hydrometer correction. Can we remove it from our conversion group configuration?
Yes.
The hydrometer correction may only be required, if you enter an observed density that is determined with a glass hydrometer. If you utilize an ASTM D1250-04 implementation, you may simply remove the hydrometer function (and also remove the hydrometer indicator from the reading group):
ASTM D1250-80 implementations contain a built-in (by measurement standard definition) hydrometer correction logic, which requires that you actively turn the correction off if it is not required – read note 000026 for all important details.
I want to create a TSW nomination with a gross volume UoM and receive an error message. What can I do?
For the quantities gross mass (GSM), gross volume (GSV/GOV), net weight (NSW), gross weight (GSW) and Volume LNG – Liquid, QuantityWare delivers new UoM . These are linked to new SAP dimension IDs – DIMIDs. Quantity values with UoM belonging to such new dimensions are valid Nomination scheduling quantity values. However, TSW Nomination carries out a standard UoM validation check which allows SAP DIMID MASS or VOLUME only.
You can disable this check (or write a custom code check): To disable the check, go to the SAP IMG and change the UoM Check Message Type:
Read the FAQ UoM dimension check for more details.
I have set my quantity value UoM L15 and KG to be rounded to zero decimals, but it is not working. What can I do?
The UoM real rounding settings are considered for all MQCI conversion groups (where rounding function
/QTYW/MQCI_ROUND_ALT_QUANTITYis assigned). To define the real rounding for a UoM, go to the PMC or GMC and navigate to: ( More -> ) Goto -> UoM Rounding:
and maintain the number of decimals for each UoM that shall be rounded.
NOTE: In the main UoM transaction CUNI, you define the number of display decimals for your UoM only – Read FAQ Display UoM for additional details.
My customer requires ASTM Table 1 UoM conversion factors. What are the configuration steps?
For MQCI conversion groups, you simply activate the ASTM Table 1 conversion factors and ASTM Table 1 version in the conversion group detail settings:
With the QuantityWare BCS configuration templates, ASTM Table 1 conversion factors are delivered, which are accessible in your client 045 after activation of the relevant Business Configuration (BC) set. Read Note 000055 for all important additional configuration details.
My client wants to use MQCI conversion groups, where UoM KG, LB, TO, STO ... are calculated as weights - is this possible?
Yes.
The BCS configuration template provides example MQCI conversion groups that are configured such that UoM of SAP dimension ID MASS are calculated as weights (which is also the case for SAP QCI conversion groups if the air buoyancy indicator is set):
The LB value is the weight of the 10 000 gallons of product. The configuration to achieve this requires 2 (plus 1) steps:
You assign the SAP Dimension IDs for weight (and mass) DIMID:
You assign marker function /QTYW/MQCI_WEIGHT_MASS to the MQCI model function sequence:
Depending on the MQCI calculation model,
Can I change the UoM group in the material master?
- In SAP ECC systems, you cannot change the UoM group or add or delete UoM to an existing UoM group, once stock has been posted for such a material.
- In SAP S/4HANA systems, the UoM group can be extended with new UoM, also in production. However, this requires usage of dedicated extension report tools provided by SAP. Thus, such a UoM group extension (adding a new UoM to an existing UoM group) should always be performed by an experienced HPM consultant.
Read the FAQ for a conversion group change for more information.
How do I define a new SAP dimension?
Quantities in SAP are defined as dimensions. These are maintained in SAP transaction CUNI: Dimensions ->
Units of Measure (UoM) are then defined per dimension. With the QuantityWare BCS template, more than 60 dimensions are delivered. Thus, it should not be necessary to define a new dimension.
If you cannot find the UoM with the appropriate dimension in the configuration template client 045, you should contact QuantityWare Support to discuss this requirement.
Reason:
New dimension definitions may require a specific configuration and global function module enhancement,
Our conversion group calculates the base density at 15 °C. We also need to report the base API gravity at 60 °F. Is this possible?
Yes.
API MPMS Chapter 11.5 2009 provides the calculation logic for such calculations. It replaces the historical tables 3, 21 and 51 of ASTM D1250-80 Volume XI/XII.
This new logic has been implemented in an ABAP function for MQCI conversion groups, which requires a base temperature of either 15 °C or 60 °F. Template MQCI conversion group Q22A provides the configuration example:
We need to report our product density in absolute density, relative density and API gravity. Is this possible?
Yes.
All MQCI conversion groups support such calculations. BCP configuration template conversion group Q210 can be used as a reference:
To achieve this, you simply add the function
/QTYW/MQCI_CALC_BDICH_ALLto the MQCI function module sequence:
and add the six density result parameters to the reading group:
Note: If you require calculation of e.g. the API gravity at 60 °F for a conversion group with base temperature 15 °C (or vice versa), read this FAQ.
How can I extend the density and temperature range for my product?
If you have a product which has a base density beyond the supported measurement standard range, or if temperature values are beyond the standard ranges, it is possible to extend the calculation range with one click:
This is possible for QuantityWare BCP ASTM D1250-80 and ASTM D1250-04 implementations, as well as for other standards – if the algorithm defined in the measurement standards allows so.
Then, you simply extend the range for densities, pressures and temperatures by selecting the “Extend range of standard implementation” indicator in the conversion group details screen:
Read Annex D: Standard Range Limit Extensions in the BCP Supported Standards Manual for additional information.
