A virtual item with its end-function can only be identified in the context of an overall end-item, e.g.:

• The Hydraulic System of Aircraft XYZ, or
• The Supplier Order Placement Process of Company ABC.

The context (or end-item) within which a virtual item's function is identified, is termed the Virtual Item Group. In the examples above, Aircraft XYZ and Company ABC are Virtual Item Groups.

The term Hat is also used as an alternative to Virtual Item Group.

See also VIRTUAL ITEM and VIRTUAL ITEM BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE.