SAP Enterprise Core (R/3) Applications OverviewThe classical R/3 applications are usually categorized in three core functional areas:financial, human resources, and logistics. Additionally, SAP actively develops specialsoftware packages complementing the Core R/3, targeted to specialized verticalindustries. These packages are known as SAP Solutions for Industries. Also, there is aspecial set of modules, known as the cross-application (CA) modules, which is positionedbetween the technical and functional areas of the system and covers such things as thebusiness workflow, CAD integration, and document system. Since customizing is also aprocess that must be done for all areas of the system, SAP also refers to it as a CAmodule.The core areas include hundreds of business processes to address all the needs of modernbusiness applications. There are many modules within these areas that work equally wellwhen deployed as stand-alone products. For instance, there are companies that mightdecide to use only certain modules of the SAP R/3 Core application suitesales anddistribution, manufacturing, and accounting.The following sections include brief descriptions of the main module groups and listingsof the modules for each group. SAP includes new modules as new versions are released,so these listings may not be completely up-to-date.Financial ApplicationsSAP financial modules give customers the whole picture of the accounting functions,with extensive report facilities to allow for fast decision-making support. They are alsoperfectly suited for international corporations with multiple subsidiaries, includingsupport for foreign currencies and multilingual capabilities.The financial area contains the following module groups: FI. Financial accounting CO. Controlling EC. Enterprise controlling IM. Capital investment management TR. TreasuryLatest additions within the financial application of the SAP Enterprise Core includeCorporate Finance Management (CFM), mySAP Banking, Real Estate Management,Public Sector, and others. Please refer to the SAP Web site for the latest information. Thefollowing sections briefly describe the traditional and main components of SAPapplication modules.SAP R/3 Handbook, Third Edition