IMG Activities

Implementation Guide (IMG) activities are configuration steps used during SAP implementation. They guide users through the process of customizing SAP systems to meet specific business requirements.

Understanding IMG Activities

IMG activities are:

• Configuration tasks organized in a hierarchical structure
• Used to customize SAP systems during implementation
• Linked to specific customizing tables
• Accessed through the Implementation Guide (Transaction SPRO)
• Part of the SAP customizing framework

IMG Structure

The IMG is organized in a hierarchical structure:

1. IMG Root: The top level of the IMG hierarchy
2. Enterprise Structure: Organizational units and their relationships
3. Functional Areas: Modules such as FI, MM, SD, etc.
4. Activity Groups: Related configuration activities
5. Activities: Individual configuration tasks

Types of IMG Activities

IMG activities can be categorized into several types:

Documentation Activities

• Provide information and guidance
• Do not directly modify configuration data
• Help users understand configuration concepts

Table Maintenance Activities

• Allow direct editing of customizing tables
• Use standard table maintenance transactions (SM30, SM31)
• Modify configuration data in the system

Transaction Activities

• Launch specific transactions for complex configuration
• May involve multiple steps or tables
• Often include guided procedures

Report Activities

• Execute reports to analyze or modify configuration data
• Generate lists or statistics
• Perform mass updates or checks

Common IMG Activities by Module

Financial Accounting (FI)

Materials Management (MM)

Sales and Distribution (SD)

Human Resources (HR)

Accessing IMG Activities

IMG activities can be accessed through several methods:

Transaction SPRO

The primary method to access the IMG:

1. Execute Transaction SPRO
2. Select "SAP Reference IMG" or "Project IMG"
3. Navigate through the hierarchy to find the desired activity
4. Double-click the activity to execute it

Transaction Code

Many IMG activities have direct transaction codes:

• OX02: Define Company Code
• OX10: Define Plant
• OVXM: Define Sales Organization
• OOPK: Define Personnel Areas

IMG Search

Search for IMG activities by:

1. Execute Transaction SPRO
2. Click "Edit" → "Find" (or press Ctrl+F)
3. Enter search terms
4. Select from the search results

IMG Projects

IMG projects help manage configuration activities during implementation:

Project Types

• SAP Reference IMG: Complete set of all configuration activities
• Project IMG: Subset of activities relevant to a specific implementation project
• Enterprise IMG: Consolidated view across multiple systems

Project Creation

1. Execute Transaction SPRO
2. Select "Project" → "Create Project"
3. Enter project details
4. Select relevant activities from the Reference IMG
5. Save the project

Best Practices for IMG Activities

Documentation

• Document all configuration decisions
• Capture screenshots of key settings
• Maintain a configuration guide for future reference
• Document the business rationale for configuration choices

Change Management

• Use transport requests for all configuration changes
• Test configuration changes in development and quality assurance systems
• Follow a structured approval process for configuration changes
• Maintain version control for configuration documentation

Implementation Approach

• Follow a logical sequence for configuration activities
• Complete prerequisite activities before dependent ones
• Validate configuration through testing
• Consider business process requirements when configuring

Custom IMG Activities

Organizations can create custom IMG activities for:

• Custom developments
• Extensions to standard functionality
• Industry-specific solutions

Custom IMG activities typically:

• Are created using Transaction SIMGH
• Are integrated into the standard IMG structure
• Follow SAP naming conventions (Z or Y prefix)
• Include comprehensive documentation

IMG Activity Documentation

Each IMG activity includes documentation:

• Purpose: What the activity accomplishes
• Prerequisites: Activities that must be completed first
• Procedure: Step-by-step instructions
• Example: Sample configuration
• Notes: Additional information and tips

IMG Activity Relationships

IMG activities are related to other SAP objects:

• Customizing Tables: Store configuration data
• Transactions: Execute configuration tasks
• Business Processes: Affected by configuration settings
• Authorization Objects: Control access to configuration activities

Understanding these relationships is crucial for effective system configuration.

IMG Activity Status

IMG activities can have different status indicators:

• Not Processed: Activity has not been executed
• In Process: Activity has been started but not completed
• Completed: Activity has been successfully completed
• Not Relevant: Activity is not applicable to the implementation

These status indicators help track progress during implementation projects.