Reference Values
Definition
Reference Values in SAP Utilities represent hardcoded, unmetered physical metrics (like wattage, surface area, or population count) statically bound to an Installation to enable accurate flat-rate billing without utilizing any physical measurement devices.
Business Purpose and Architecture
It is financially absurd to install, maintain, and manually read physical meters on 5,000 independent streetlights inside a single city if they all turn on identically at sunset. Architecturally, standard devices are bypassed. Instead, Reference Values are logged into the Installation Facts mapping a static metric (e.g. 500 Watts) and a Repetition Factor (e.g. 5000 identical bulbs). When billed against a dedicated Burning Hour Calendar, the variant programs derive massive consumptions purely mathematically, significantly bypassing extensive Plant Maintenance overhead.