This document outlines the process flow for work clearance management (WCM) using the enhanced model in SAP. Key steps include: 1) Creating a PM work order, then a work approval (WAP) linked to the order 2) Creating a work clearance application (WCA) and any other relevant applications (like for hot work) linked to the WAP 3) Creating an operational work clearance document (WCD) linked to the WCA 4) Performing tagging by switching the WCD status, then approving permits at the WAP and WCA levels 5) Releasing the PM order for execution once permits are approved

1. 1. Purpose: This document highlights the basic process flow for a PM – WCM (Work
Clearance Management) scenario using an Enhanced Model.
2. Inclusions in this document: Primarily the WCM – enhanced process flow details with
touch points with PM order processing
3. Exclusions from this document: PM Order processing steps in details particularly post
Release processing like Time confirmation, Material Issue, Service entry, TECO, Settlement
etc. These are current ongoing processes and it is understood that end users are experts in
such process steps. Just the touch points have been mentioned in this document.
4. WCM Process and terminologies:
There are 2 WCM models that SAP supports: Standard Model and Enhanced Model
At Planning Plant level only 1 model can be activated.
Enhanced model was chosen for the prototype over the standard model as it provides the flexibility
of ensuring multiple Work Applications (like Hot work, Hazardous Chemicals, etc) apart from a
standard WCA (Work clearance application) supported by Standard model. In Enhanced model,
there is an additional object called Work Approval which binds together PM orders to WCA and
WA„s. A snapshot of the basic linkages in the Enhanced model is as shown below:

2. The enhanced model follows the following rules:
- An application can be assigned to several work approvals and vice versa
- A work approval can only be assigned to one application of an application type (WCA, WA of
different types have a different application type)
- A WCA can be assigned to several Operational WCDs and vice versa.
In Enhanced model, PM Order is linked to WCM Objects as below:
PM Order --> WAP (Work Approval) --> WCA & WA --> WCD (Work Clearance documents- Linked
to WCA)
In Standard model, PM Order is linked to WCM Objects as below:
PM Order --> WCA --> WCD (Work Clearance documents- Linked to WCA)
5. Terminologies:
Work approvalis an Umbrella Object in WCM which can have under it WCA, other Work applications
(WA) including Hot work Approvals, Chemical environment approvals, Hazardous Gas approvals
etc. Work approval links PM Maintenance Orders to WCA and other applications in an Enhanced
WCM scenario. In a standard scenario, it is the WCA which links PM Order to WCD‟s.
Work Clearance application (WCA) is a WCM Object which represents a Safety certificate in
particular for Lockout/Tagout. It is used to control maintenance processing and groups together
Operational WCD‟s. A Work clearance Application can be assigned to several Operational WCD‟s
and vice versa.. In the Enhanced model (as configured), a WCA is used to control communication
between work approvals and Operational WCD‟s. The term WCD will be elaborated in next step
Work applications are additional specific work related certificates. For example Hot work application,
Hazardous Chemical/Gas/Particulate work certificate etc. The Hot work application, for instance, is
to protect a maintenance personnel from a hot working environment before entering the actual
maintenance site.
Operational WCDis a WCM Object that is actually meant for executing the Operational cycle. The
default operational cycle is Tagging with Temporary Untagging phase. It would consist of 3 key
phases namely Tagging phase, Temporary Untagging phase (To test when work has been done
before making a system fully operational) and Untagging phase.It is in the WCD that we define
Lockout/Tagout operations for Technical Objects which need to be isolated temporarily from
Technical system.
Operational WCDshould be assigned to WCA and its status will affect the status of WCA. Here the
status of WCD will be transferred to the linked WCA. For example, once the Tagging operation is
finished, the Tagged status will be assigned to WCD and transferred to WCA.
The various system statuses that the Operational WCD goes through owing to these phases
include:
Tagging Phase:

3. ITG: Initial status
BTG: Tag
PTAG: Print Tag
ETG: Tagged
Temporary Untagging Phase:
BTUG: Untag Temporarily
PTST: Test Tag Printed
ETUG: Temporarily Untagged
Untagging Phase:
BUG: Untag
EUG: Untagged
The diagram below illustrates the switching stages in Operational cycle.
6. Configuration considerations
All configuration settings have been done in Sandbox (SAN) environment and the process has been
set up to provide the users with a brief view on the process for future process improvement keeping
in view stringent work safety requirements in maintenance work. The SAN environment is based on
ECC 6.0, EHP4.

4. Only the Mid-West Mining 0011 plant has been activated for Work Clearance Management in SAN
(Sandbox) environment.
As an example a High Voltage Distribution unit at Mid-West Mining 0011 planning plant.
7. Master Data used in this document
Planning Plant: 0011
Functional Location:EN24-E01-006 – High Voltage Distribution
Equipment:10026639 - Elect Switch ABS#2-SSC Supply
Planner Group: 101
Main WorkCtr: MWM3
Plant: 0011
8. Process Flow in SAP
8.1 PM Work Order is created – Planned or Immediate
In this document PM Work Order type PM02 – Manually Generated Work Order is used.
Also Linkage to Notifications is not considered. That can be done separately as per current
process. In that case a Notification would be created first followed by and Order
In planned scenario, Order would be generated through scheduling of a Maintenance plan
Tcode: IW31

6. While planning Order Operation for WCM relevant operations - use Control Key WCM.
This will introduce a Valuation tab on the Icon bar at top.
Also in System status, a new status WCM would automatically get added
Go to -> Permits and assign a relevant permit indicating that it is a WCM work

8. Enter other necessary details in the order like Component, Service details etc and save the Order

9. Define Valuation in PM Order – Valuation means which applications would be included for WCM purpose
while performing the Maintenance work
You must define explicitly for each application whether or not it is necessary.
For valuation Click on the Valuation Tab on top and select the applications required. In this case we have
selected WCA and Hot work
Status changes to WCM VAL REL MACM PRC SETC

10. Click on the + sign to add the valuations

11. Click on the Green tick and Save the Order details
Outcome - Order saved with number 2296521
8.2 Create a Work Approval (WAP) and Link it to Maintenance Order
Transaction code: WCR8 – With reference to a Maintenance Order
<Or> WCTA if created without reference
WCTB (Change)/ WCTC (Display)

12. A popup will come as to what to copy into the WAP from a maintenance order. Select all and click on the
Green check.

13. Most of data gets copied from Maintenance order. A few good to have field values like Overall condition
(Operating condition of Technical object) can be maintained. In the currently configured scenario it is a
reporting field only (for information purpose) but this filed can be used for automatic switching in
Operational Cycle in Mode dependant tagging (not activated).
Please Note: Here Order is only being used as a Template to create the WAP. However, assigning the
Order No to the WAP is a separate activity within the same transaction detailed below.
Mode dependant tagging is a feature available EHP 4 version.
You can also maintain value for the fieldRevision phase(defines the time when plant is shut down
temporarily due to maintenance work)

14. Link the Order by Clicking on Orders -> Search List Opens -> Enter Order No – Execute der into a Link with
the WAP -> Select the order and assign it to the WAP by clicking on the green Tick -> Continue

16. The planning data of the WAP can be updated with Basic/Scheduled Start/End date and time

17. Partners Like Department responsible, User Responsible, Vendor, Person responsible can be assigned to
the WAP by clicking on the Partner icon on top
After having maintained necessary entries in the WAP, Save the WAP
Outcome - Work Approval was saved with number
8.3 Create a Work Clearance Application (WCA) and Work Applications (WA) for other
relevant work such as Hot Work, Hazardous Chemical/Gaseous/Particulate environment
clearance
a. For WCA - Transaction code: WCTK (Create)/ WCTL (Change)/ WCTM (Display)/
WCR6 (Create with Template – Work Approval)or The easiest way is to create it in
Work Approval – Change transaction WCTB

18. Create with template with reference to Work approval No

19. Enter Planning Plant, Work Approval No., and press enter
In Data Transfer popup that comes up -> Select all and continue

20. Most of data gets copied like in step 6.2. You need to just update the Date and times specific to the WCA (if
required), assign Partners (if necessary – like Person responsible, User responsible etc.), Assign the
Work approval to the WCA (Click on Link Work Approval)

21. Click on Multiple selection Option .
A report opens up. As the Work approval No is known from step 6.2, you can directly enter the work
approval no in selection criteria. Select and assign the WAN no. to the WCA

22. Save the WCA
Outcome:WC Application was saved with number
b. For Work Application (WA) – Optional – as per work environment requirement
Transaction code: WCTH (Create)/ WCTI (Change)/ WCTJ (Display)
WCRK (Create with approval)or the easiest way is to create it in Work Approval –
Change transaction WCTB

24. In the field Object Type – select the relevant application you want to create. Please note that by
default Object type WC Application (is displayed). Change it from dropdown to relevant application
to be created. Here in example, we are creating a Hot Work application
Enter Planning Plant, Work Approval No., Object Type and press enter
In Data Transfer popup that comes up -> Select all and continue

25. Most of fields get copied as in case of WCA. Make changes/additions to relevant fields such as
Description, Dates, Partner etc. and assign the Work approval No. as was done in case of WCA in
step 6.3 a

26. Save the Work Application. A work application No would be generated
Example: Hot work application was saved with number 100000000001
8.4 Create an Operational Work Clearance Document (O-WCD) for the WCA created
In Step 6.3a
Transaction code: WCT6 (create)/ WCR3 (Create with Template – Application)/Can also be
created in WCA Change (transaction WCTL)
Creating in WCTL as below

27. Enter the WCA Application no. and press enter

28. Click on the Link Operational WCD
In the Popup that comes up click the Create icon

29. It again gives a pop up detailing what all details to copy from WCA -> Operational WCD. Select all and
continue

30. Maintain details as required.

31. Click on the icon for Maintenance screen
Enter the following details
Item category: F (Functional Location) or E (Equipment) if you want to be more specific
Technical Object: In example we have used F and Functional Location EN24-E01-006
Press enter
Operation Type: E (Electrical)
Tagging condition: OFF
Tagging Type: RDT (Red Danger Tag)
Tagging Format: XXXX
Comments: As required
Save the WCD.

32. Outcome: WCD created and assigned to the WCA. Save the WCA document
This completes the entire linkage for Enhanced Model:
Order -> WAP -> WCA, WA -> WCD
This can be viewed in click sequence inside Maintenance Order, Tcode: IW32
6.5. Setting WAP, WCA, WA to prepared
Transaction code: These steps can be done through a single transaction as all Objects are linked
Use Transaction code WCL9 - List editing of Work Approval
In selection criteria, select Status of work approval = Created, Validity period

34. Select the WAP and click on Hierarchy icon
A Hierarchical display of connected objects will come up

35. Double click on object numbers in sequence WAP --> WCA --> WA and set them as Prepared by clicking
on Prepare icon in individual objects
On clicking on this icon system will ask for a confirmation. Confirm the same.
Save each object after making changes

37. 6.6. Approve the WA (Ex Hot work) first
Any work approval ensures a safe work environment before users go in to perform tagging of the
Technical object. Hence work approvals are to be approved first.
Transaction – WCTL (WCA Change) or to keep it simple use Transaction code WCL9 as above, to
have a single point access to it

38. Double click on WA No.
On the Change WA screen, click on Approval icon

39. Save the WA after approving the Work permit in it. You will see that the Traffic Light against the WA
document in this case Hot work changes to Green Light
Note: There is a Hierarchy of approval functionality within WCM with which sequence of approvals of
WCM object can be controlled. For ex. Work approval permits to be cleared before Tagging approval
permit can be cleared. In this case it has not been activated.
6.7. Approve the Tagging approval
Transaction – WCTL (WCA Change) or to keep it simple use Transaction code WCL9 as above, to have a
single point access to it
Double click on WCA No.
On the Change WC Application screen, click on Approval icon
Approve the Permit relevant for Tagging approval, in example below WCM
_TAGAPR. Select the permit and click on Issue tab.
Save the WCA. As we have 3 approvals assigned for Tagging approval, Test Untagging, Untagging
approval, the Traffic light will change to yellow – At least one approval is issued.

40. 6.8. Set WCD to prepared to start Tagging
Repeat Step 6.5 for WCD documents also listed in List report (Tcode: WCL9)
Operational WCD status updated to PREP ITG (Initial status)
6.8. Perform Tagging
Transaction code: WCT7 (Change Operational WCD) or WCL9 (as used in steps above)

42. Double click on WCD No.

43. Click on the icon
Switching screen

44. In the switching screen select the Line entry and click on simulate Check
It will give you a message
Then click on the Tab “Tag” and then click on Print tag
The Tag will be printed and system status of the WCD will be changed to PTAG (Tag Printed)
I tested printing out the Tag. It printed out successfully in a standard format which can be changed if
required.
Also you will find that within the WCD some of the assigned permits will automatically get approved by
the system

45. 6.9. After physically tagging the object, perform switching to Tagged
Transaction code: WCT7 (Change Operational WCD) or WCL9 (as used in steps above)

47. Click on the icon
Switching screen
Select the Line and Click on the Tab “Tagged” – this will mean that Tagging has been done on the object
System will generate a message “Approvals were issued/revoked
automatically”
Also the system status of WCD will include “ETG “implying that the object has been tagged
In the switching screen of the WCD you will find the operational cycle status progress to ETG as active status

48. This marks the end of the Tagging phase
In addition – an option exists to Set protection for Tagging – after setting protection in any operational WCD,
the Tagging condition cannot be changed in any other operational WCD except the original WCD.
Extras --> Protection --> Set
6.10. Approving Safety Measurement in WAP level
After tagging is finished, maintenance planner need to approve if all the safety action is proper, if
everything is Ok and then issue the Safety approval permit in WAP
Use the same transaction WCL9 -> Double click on WCA number
Please note: in certain cases, Safety approval permit is applied at WCA level. In that case
clearance is to be issued at WCA level. Here we have assigned it to WAP level.

50. Select the approvals relevant and issue the same.
In this example we have considered primarily Hot work and Safety approval permits
Save the WAP
6.11. Issue the Permit at PM Order Level and Release PM Order
Transaction code: IW32 Change Order

51. Without issuing the Order permit system will not allow Releasing the PM Order
Please note: Auto issue of Permits up the hierarchy after permits at lower level (WAP) have been issued is
possible. In this case just to keep the scenario simple and to demonstrate manual control, automation has
not been done.
After issuing the permit, Planner can release the PM order.
Order is Released for execution (New Tab to be clicked in PM Order in IW32) giving it the Status WCM
EXEC REL CNF MACM PRC SETC
Status updated as per screenshot below

52. All status as indicated above will be activated. Save the Order.
6.12. Maintenance work carried out on Object
As usual
6.13. Test Untagging cycle – Optional but recommended
After the maintenance work has been completed, it is often required to Test the system first and only
if it has been successfully found to be running bring it back on Line.
For this reason, in WCM functionality, SAP has provided an option for Test Untagging i.e. Untagging
the Technical Object temporarily for Testing
Please note: Test Untagging is an Optional process which can be deactivated based on
configuration. It has been kept active in this scenario just to show full scope available.
Transaction code: WCL9

53. Double click on the WCA no.
In WCA, click on Icon Permit (to permit Test Cycle for Untagging) and save WCA
The status would change to PREP TENT
Next click on WCD Document No

54. 1. Click on the Switching screen icon and switch Operational cycle to Untag Temporarily,. Print a Test tag if
required by clicking on the next tab that comes up on Test Tag

55. Status of WCD changes to PREP PROC TEST UNT PTST
Test Tag would have been printed
Save the WCD
After physically Untagging temporarily, click on switching condition Temporarily Untagged in WCD again and
save WCD
Status would have updated to PREP PROC TEST UNT ETUG
6.14. After Test Untagging is complete, Tagging condition is switched back
It‟s just a repeat of step 6.8. This step is not requiredin the Operation cycle which does not
require Test Untagging
Once the WCD is Tagged back status of WCD changes to
PREP PROC TEST UNT ETG

56. 6.15. Complete the maintenance work and all posting in SAP
Includes Time confirmation of Labour, Material postings (can be done earlier as well post Release of
order), Service entries etc.
Above steps are parts of Business as usual process for Cost booking in maintenance orders and
have not been elaborated.
6.16. Perform Untagging before taking the Technical object Online
Untagging needs to be done before the Technical object can be made fully functional
Tcode: WCL9
a. Clear the Untagging permit at the level of WCA
Run report -> click on WCD No. -> In WCD screen open up the switching screen -> Select
the Technical Object -> Click on Untag

57. After having issued the Permits, click on Permit tab and save the WCA, so that its status
changes to PREP TENT
b. Untag at WCD level
Run report -> click on WCD No. -> In WCD screen open up the switching screen -> Select the
Technical Object -> Click on Untag

58. Click on Untagged and the Technical object is defined as Untagged and ready to go for operation.

59. Status changes to PREP PROC TEST UNT EUGand pending permits (if any are automatically
issued)
6.17. In PM Order mark Work Completed and Technically close order
Transaction code: IW32 Change Order
In PM Order Click on Tab
Status of PM Order will next show as WCMWOCO REL CNF MACM PRC SETC
Until and unless this is done PM Order cannot be Technically Completed (TECO Flag comes
appears in screen only after Work completed is marked in Order)
WOCO signifies work completion taking into account all WCM activities (Till Untagging)

60. 6.18. Close WCM Objects
Transaction code: WCL9
Close WAP, Close WCA, Close WA (Hot work in this case), Close WCD
Once PM Order has been marked as WOCO, and saved, on clicking on the WAP, WA, WCA, WCD, system
will automatically prompt user to confirm their closure.
Status of WAP, WCA, WA (if any), and WCD will now be appended with CLSD status marking the Objects
as closed.
6.19. PM Order Technically completed and Settlement carried out
Transaction codes: IW32/IW38 (For TECO), KO88 (For settlement)
As per normal Business procedure in current SAP system