Flex Master Data (FMD) is the standard SAP Ariba framework designed specifically for creating custom master data objects that are not native to the system. This approach allows an administrator to define a new "Storage Location" template with necessary attributes like name and address. Data can then be loaded from the external system into this FMD object. When a custom field is created and its type is set to this new FMD object, it provides users with a rich, searchable chooser, fulfilling all aspects of the customer's requirement for a scalable and user-friendly solution.

A. A text field with a custom validation list is not scalable for data loaded from an external system and provides a poor user search experience.

B. Enumerations are intended for simple, relatively static lists of values, not for complex master data with multiple attributes (like an address) that require searching.

C. A Date field is functionally inappropriate for storing and searching location data; its purpose is to handle calendar dates, not structured master data.

1. SAP Ariba Help Portal

"Common data import and administration guide for SAP Ariba Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management solutions": In the section "Flexible master data

" the documentation states

"Flexible master data allows you to define custom master data objects with their own fields

import data for them

and refer to them in other business objects... For example

you can create a custom master data object for cost centers and then create a custom field in sourcing projects that refers to it." This directly supports using FMD for custom objects like "Storage Locations."

2. SAP Ariba Help Portal

"Contract Management configuration guide": The section on "Custom fields" details the process of creating custom fields in contract workspaces. It specifies that the "Data Type" for a field can be set to a custom flexible master data object. This enables the creation of a field that links to and allows searching within the custom "Storage Location" data created via an FMD template.