Characteristics are used in SAP as attributes, for example to specify the configuration of products or the properties of batches. In many industries, such as engineering, automotive, mill, pharmaceutical and foods, supply chain planning has to consider these characteristics. APO offers many different functionalities for planning with characteristics. This book offers help and advice for the basic design of the implementation by explaining the processes and scenarios (process chains) for planning with characteristics, from the business case down to the implementation level.