One other setting helps manage information in the installed base. Each service item can have an item type code in Service Item Maintenance. Set up the codes in Generalized Codes Maintenance for field pt_sys_type. In Service Management Control, the System Level field designates a code indicating a system-level item.

Normally, system level refers to the parent or top-level item in a configured product structure. However, you can use this attribute in any way that is meaningful to your organization.

Select System Level Only in the Installed Base Report (11.3.3) to view only system-level installed base items.

Call Management can handle system-level items differently. When System Level on Calls in Call Management Control is Yes, using Next/Previous in the Item Number field in Call Management displays only items with a system type that matches the value in System Level in the control program.

Use this feature if your service department takes calls only for certain kinds of items, or to ensure that calls always refer to top-level parent items, not components.