In an SAP S/4HANA service order, the reference object at the item level specifies the asset for which a service is being performed. You can assign a specific component from an Installed Base (IBase), which represents the hierarchical structure of objects at a customer's site. Alternatively, you can assign a specific piece of equipment, which is uniquely identified by its Serial Number. Both options allow for the precise identification of the customer asset that requires service, enabling detailed tracking and history.

A. Counter: A counter is a measuring point used to record consumption or wear (e.g., mileage) on a technical object; it is not a reference object itself.

D. Product: A product is the generic material master record. The reference object is the specific, unique instance of that product, not the generic product definition.

1. SAP S/4HANA Help Portal

Service Order Management

"Reference Objects for Service Order Items": "You can specify a reference object for a service order item. The reference object is the object for which a service is to be performed. You can use an equipment

a functional location

or an installed base component as a reference object." A serial number is the primary identifier for a piece of equipment.

2. SAP S/4HANA Product Assistance

Service

"Managing Service Orders": The documentation on creating service order items explicitly details the assignment of reference objects

including installed base components and equipment (which are managed with serial numbers). This is found in the section describing the "Items" assignment block in the service order UI.

3. Official SAP Courseware S4700 (Service in SAP S/4HANA): Unit 3

"Service Order Processing

" details the structure of the service order. It confirms that the main reference objects at the item level are technical objects (Equipment

Functional Location) and Installed Base components. Equipment is directly linked to and managed by serial numbers.