Custom Fact Sheet Types

Introduction

In the standard meta model configuration, there are predefined fact sheet types and subtypes. For more information, see Meta Model.

Creating custom fact sheet types allows for more flexibility and specificity in presenting and managing information about various aspects of an organization's architecture. However, this can also increase complexity for users. Before proceeding, assess the benefits and potential implications.

Best Practices

When creating custom fact sheet types, follow these best practices:

• Consider implications: Introducing a new fact sheet type can increase complexity for users. Ensure that its benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks. Also, consider alternative solutions, such as configuring a custom field or tag, to address your use case more simply.
• Define the purpose: Clearly define what information the custom fact sheet type will capture, how it will be used, and how it will relate to other fact sheets. Provide necessary training to users to ensure that they understand the purpose of the custom fact sheet type and know how to use it.
• Avoid redundancy: Custom fact sheet types should not duplicate information captured in predefined fact sheets. They should provide unique value and capture information that cannot be effectively captured elsewhere.

Creating a Custom Fact Sheet Type

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Note

Depending on the configuration of your workspace, you may need to submit a ticket to SAP LeanIX Support to create custom fact sheet types. If you’re an SAP customer, submit a request from the SAP for Me portal.

To create a custom fact sheet type, follow these steps:

1. In the administration area, navigate to the Meta Model Configuration section.
2. Click New Fact Sheet Type.
3. In the Internal Name field, enter a unique key for the fact sheet type, which is also referred to as the technical name. This key is used in APIs, the fact sheet URL, the Excel import/export feature, and more. Once set, the key cannot be changed later.
4. Enter a name for the fact sheet type in both singular and plural forms in your selected language. Optionally, enter a description. We recommend adding translations to any other languages relevant to workspace users.
5. Click Create.

A new fact sheet type is created. You land on the fact sheet configuration page where you can configure fact sheet fields, relations, permissions, and more.

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Note

When you create a custom fact sheet type, it becomes immediately available to all workspace users after you click Create, even if it’s not fully configured yet. Therefore, consider creating new fact sheet types outside of regular business hours to prevent any disruptions or negative experiences for workspace users.

Deleting a Custom Fact Sheet Type

If a custom fact sheet type no longer meets your organization’s modeling requirements, you can delete it. Before proceeding, ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the potential impacts. Do the following:

• Identify dependencies: Check if there are any dependencies on this fact sheet type. This could include other fact sheets, reports, or workflows that rely on the information contained in this fact sheet type.
• Create a backup: Before deletion, make sure to create a backup of your inventory data by exporting it. This will allow you to restore the fact sheet type if you realize later that it was needed. You can export inventory data to an Excel file. For more information, see Exporting Fact Sheet Data as Excel File.
• Plan for data migration: If the data from the fact sheet type will need to be retained, plan how and where this data will be migrated. This could involve creating a new fact sheet type or modifying an existing one to accommodate the data.
• Communicate with stakeholders: Inform relevant stakeholders about your plans to delete the fact sheet type. This could include teams or individuals who regularly use or rely on the fact sheet type.

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Caution

Deleting a custom fact sheet type is irreversible. All fact sheets of this type and related data will be permanently deleted. Always proceed with caution and ensure that you've fully assessed the potential impacts before proceeding.

To delete a custom fact sheet type, follow these steps:

1. In the administration area, navigate to the Meta Model Configuration section.
2. Hover over the fact sheet type that you want to delete, then click the trash bin icon that appears on the right side.
3. In the dialog that appears, review the data that will be deleted, then confirm your action and click Delete.

When a fact sheet type is deleted, the following occurs:

• All fact sheets of this type and their relations are deleted.
• Reports specific to this fact sheet type are deleted.

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Tip

To prevent any potential disruptions or negative experiences for workspace users, consider making significant changes to the meta model configuration, such as deleting custom fact sheet types, outside of regular business hours.