Difference between idoc and .txt

What would be the main difference between managing an interface with txt files and creating idocs to make a connection on SAP and an external system.

Refer this thread -
what are the advantages of idoc compare to flat file. how data is secure
Regards,
Amit

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Difference between idoc and rfc

what is the difference between idoc and rfc? when and where it is used? when there is idoc, why rfc vice versa?

IDoc (for intermediate document) is a standard data structure for electronic data interchange (EDI) between application programs written for the popular SAP business system or between an SAP application and an external program. IDocs serve as the vehicle for data transfer in SAP's Application Link Enabling (ALE) system.
IDocs are used for asynchronous transactions: Each IDoc generated exists as a self-contained text file that can then be transmitted to the requesting workstation without connecting to the central database.
Another SAP mechanism, the Business Application Programming Interface (BAPI) is used for synchronous transactions.
A large enterprise's networked computing environment is likely to connect many geographically distributed computers to the main database. These computers are likely to use different hardware and/or operating system platforms. An IDoc encapsulates data so that it can be exchanged between different systems without conversion from one format to another.
IDoc types define different categories of data, such as purchase orders or invoices, which may then be broken down into more specific categories called message types. Greater specificity means that an IDoc type is capable of storing only the data required for a particular transaction, which increases efficiency and decreases resource demands.
An IDoc can be generated at any point in a transaction process. For example, during a shipping transaction process, an IDoc may be generated that includes the data fields required to print a shipping manifest. After a user performs an SAP transaction, one or more IDocs are generated in the sending database and passed to the ALE communication layer. The communication
layer performs a Remote Function Call (RFC), using the port definition and RFC destination specified by the customer model.
The IDoc is transmitted to the receiver, which may be an R/3, R/2, or some external system
RFC
Remote Function Calls (RFC) and data exchange through IDoc message documents. RFC makes direct and synchronous calls of a program in the remote system. If the caller is an external program it will call an RFC-enabled function in R/3 and if the calling program is the R/3 system it will call an RFC-function in another R/3-system or it will call a non-R/3 program through a gateway-proxy (usually rfcexec.exe). BAPIs are a subset of the RFC-enabled function modules, especially designed as Application Programming Interface (API) to the SAP business object, or in other words: are function modules officially released by SAP to be called from external programs.
note:reward points if solution found helpfull.....
regards
chandrakanth.k

What is the difference between rfc and idoc

hi,
My name is rambabu.can anyone of u please tell me the main differences between idoc and rfc??
Thanks in Advance

hi Ramesh,
Remote Function Calls (RFC) and data exchange through IDoc
message documents. RFC makes direct and synchronous calls of a program in
the remote system. If the caller is an external program it will call an
RFC-enabled function in R/3 and if the calling program is the R/3 system
it will call an RFC-function in another R/3-system or it will call a
non-R/3 program through a gateway-proxy (usually rfcexec.exe). BAPIs are
a subset of the RFC-enabled function modules, especially designed as
Application Programming Interface (API) to the SAP business object, or in
other words: are function modules officially released by SAP to be called
from external programs.
IDocs are text encoded documents with a rigid structure that are used to
exchange data between R/3 and a foreign system. Instead of calling a
program in the destination system directly, the data is first packed into
an IDoc and then sent to the receiving system, where it is analyzed and
properly processed. Therefore an IDoc data exchange is always an
asynchronous process. The significant difference between simple RFC-calls
and IDoc data exchange is the fact, that every action performed on IDocs
are protocolled by R/3 and IDocs can be reprocessed if an error occurred
in one of the message steps.
While IDocs have to be understood as a data exchange protocol, EDI and ALE
are typical use cases for IDocs. R/3 uses IDocs for both EDI and ALE to
deliver data to the receiving system. ALE is basically the scheduling
mechanism that defines when and between which partners and what kind of
data will be exchanged on a regular or event triggered basis. Such a
set-up is called an ALE-scenario.
Regards
Sreeram.G.Reddy

Difference between BAPI and IDocs

hello all
what is difference between BAPI and IDocs

Hi,
BAPI
One of the big plusses for BAPIs is that the interface and function are not supposed to change. This is a big plus when you do upgrades or hot packs because the transaction can change (format, required inputs etc) which means you then need to update the call transaction.
Some of the BAPIs are better documented and easier to use than others. You usually need to perform the BAPI that actually does the COMMIT after you call your BAPI.
The Program coding for calling a BAPI is usually cleaner than setting up the screen flow etc for the Call Transaction.
You don't need to worry about special data circumstances interrupting the normal data flow of the screens and causing errors because of that.
BAPIs probably have better performance since they don't do the screen flow processing.
In general if the BAPI exists for the transaction you want to perform and you can figure out how to use it the BAPI is probably the best way to go.
BAPIs are a subset of the RFC-enabled function modules, especially designed as Application Programming Interface (API) to the SAP business object, or in other words: are function modules officially released by SAP to be called from external programs.
IDOC
IDocs are text encoded documents with a rigid structure that are used to exchange data between R/3 and a foreign system. Instead of calling a program in the destination system directly, the data is first packed into an IDoc and then sent to the receiving system, where it is analyzed and properly processed. Therefore an IDoc data exchange is always an
asynchronous process. The significant difference between simple RFC-calls and IDoc data exchange is the fact, that every action performed on IDocs are protocolled by R/3 and IDocs can be reprocessed if an error occurred in one of the message steps.
While IDocs have to be understood as a data exchange protocol, EDI and ALE are typical use cases for IDocs. R/3 uses IDocs for both EDI and ALE to deliver data to the receiving system. ALE is basically the scheduling mechanism that defines when and between which partners and what kind of data will be exchanged on a regular or event triggered basis. Such a set-up is called an ALE-scenario.
The philosophical difference between EDI and ALE can be pinned as follows: If we send data to an external partner, we generally speak of EDI, while ALE is a mechanism to reliable replicate data between trusting systems to store a redundant copy of the IDoc data. The difference is made clear, when we think of a purchase order that is sent as an IDoc. If we send the purchase order to a supplier then the supplier will store the purchase order as a sales order. However, if we send the purchase order via ALE to another R/3 system, then the receiving system will store the purchase order also as a purchase order.
Regards,
Bhaskar

Differences between rfc and ale/idoc.

hi ..
       will u please send the differences between rfc and ale/idoc's.

Hi,
Please reward with points if helpful................
ALE is SAP proprietary technology that enables data communications between two or more SAP R/3 systems and/or R/3 and external systems. There are three layers in ALE system: application services, distribution services, and communication services.
For communication services, ALE performs a Remote Function Call (RFC) using the port definition and RFC destination specified by the customer model. RFC is used to communicate between applications of different systems in the SAP environment includes connections between SAP systems as well as between SAP systems and non-SAP systems. Remote Function Call (RFC) is the standard SAP interface for communication between SAP systems. The RFC calls a function to be executed in a remote system.
Means of creating and operating distributed applications.
The purpose of Application Line Enabling is to guarantee a distributed, but integrated, R/3 installation. This involves business-controlled message exchange with consistent data across loosely linked SAP applications.
Application integration is achieved not via a central database, but via synchronous and asynchronous communication.
Application Link Enabling comprises the following three layers:
application services
distribution services
communication services
Two Development Models
     Distribution using BAPIs
     Distribution using Message type
The programming model "Distribution using message types" contains the definitions of message types and IDoc types and the ABAP code for processing inbound and outbound IDocs.
Defining message types and IDoc types:
If you want to create message type enhancements for master data distribution, you also have to create a new message type for each enhancement.
The ALE interface does not allow you to create different segment data for different IDoc types for the same message type.
Writing ABAP code:
         Outbound Processing
           Inbound Processing
You can find information on other ALE functions under:
                               Master Data Distribution
                              Communicating with Non-R/3 Systems
1. The Remote Function Call facility allows you to call an R/3 Function module on a remote machine.
2. To communicate between two R/3 Systems and also with an External System. External Application program also can call these function module for integration.
3. RFC or sRFC - Synchronous RFC
                 aRFC - Asynchronous RFC
                  tRFC - Transactional RFC
                  qRFC - Queued RFC (I.e. Serialization of tRFC)
Types of RFC Call
Synchronous
CALL FUNCTION Func Destination Dest
CALL FUNCTION func DESTINATION 'NONE' ...
CALL FUNCTION func DESTINATION BACK' ...
Asynchronous
CALL FUNCTION func STARTING NEW TASK taskname
PERFORMING form ON END OF TASK
RECEIVE RESULTS FROM FUNCTION func
Thanks
sivaparvathi

Difference between scripts and idocs

In real time why we are using scripts and idocs?what is the difference between scripts and idocs?pls tell me where we r using scripts and idocs?

Hi,
IDocs are simple ASCII data streams. When they are stored to a disk file, the IDocs are simple flat files with lines of text, where the lines are structured into data fields. The typical structured file has records, each record starting with a leading string that identifies the record type. Their specification is stored in the data dictionary.
Electronic Interchange Document
IDocs is the acronym for Interchange Document. This indicates a set of (electronic) information which builds a logical entity. An IDoc is e.g. all the data of a single customer in your customer master data file, or the IDoc is all the data of a single invoice.
Data Is transmitted in ASCII format, i.e. human readable form
IDoc data is usually exchanged between systems and partners that are completely independent. Therefore, the data should be transmitted in a format that can easily be corrected by the computer operators. It is therefore mandatory to post the data in a human readable form.
Nowadays, this means that data is coded in ASCII format, including numbers which are sent as a string of figures 0 to 9. Such data can easily be read with any text editor on any computer, be it a PC, Macintosh, UNIX System, S/390 or any internet browser.
IDocs exchange messages
The information which is exchanged by IDocs is called a message and the IDoc is the physical representation of such a message. The name messages for the information sent via IDocs is used in the same ways as other EDI standards. .
Scrpits...
If the user wants to print documents such as invoices, purchase order, all such documents are printed with the use of forms. SAP allows the user to define these forms by using layout sets. SAP script is the tool used to create the layout set.
In order to print the document, the SAP system runs a program that collects the data for the document and feeds it into the layout set. This is called as Print Program.
SAP Provides a standard layout set for every printable document and usually there is no need to create layout sets as such. User just modifies the existing layout sets as per requirement of client.
Regards,
Sam

Difference between IDOC Bundling and IDOC Packaging

Hi,
Can anybody please explain the difference between IDOC bundling and IDOC packaging?
Thanks,
Loveena.

Hi,
IDoc Bundling is the changing the occurance of IDoc.
In a scenario If there is a necessitity for changing the Occurance of some segment of the IDOC u have to perform this steps
1.Import the IDoc to XI.
2.Export the IDoc(i.e XSD format) and save it to the local machine.
3.Make changes to the IDoc structure by modifying the XSD file in the local machine.
4.Save it as an XSD file Itself.
5.Import the XSD file in the IR under the External Defination.
6.Use this XSD in your Message Interface/Mapping which is same as IDoc structure but with some changes that u have made.
Go Thru this Blog <a href="/people/michal.krawczyk2/blog/2005/12/04/xi-idoc-bundling--the-trick-with-the-occurance-change Bundling - Trick without BPM</a> BY Michal Krawczyk where the Occurance of the IDoc is changed to 1...Unbounded from 1...999999999 by using the XSD.
IDoc Packing is collecting of IDoc
<a href="/people/pooja.pandey/blog/2005/07/27/idocs-multiple-types-collection-in-bpm of Multiple type IDOCs in BPM</a> BY Pooja
Regards
Santhosh
Remember to set the thread to solved when you have received a solution
[url=Use a Good Subject Line, One Question Per Posting - Award Points; Use a Good Subject Line, One Question Per Posting - Award Points[/url]

Difference between IDOC segments starting with E1 and E2

Hi all,
What is the difference between IDOC segments starting with E1 and E2
Thanks

Hi Kajol,
A segment in SAP system is technically implemented as three physically separate pieces.
1. Segment type u2013 the version-independent name of the segment. Standard SAP names begin with E1.
2. Segment definition u2013 contains the fields which represent the data. Its maximum size is 1000 bytes. Standard SAP definitions start with E2 with the last 3 characters implying the version of the segment.
3. Segment documentation u2013 represents the data dictionary documentation for each field in the segment definition. It begins with E3 for SAP provided segments.
For example, E1EDP01 will be your segment type and E2EDP01003 will be your segment definition with 003 indicating its version.By default, the segment type points to the latest segment definition.
Kindly do reward points if you find this as useful.
Regards,
Aswin

Difference between IDOC Type WBBDLD06 and WP_PLU03

Hello Friends,
Can you please suggest me the difference between IDOC Types WBBDLD06 and WP_PLU03.
Regards,
Narendra Goyal

No Answer

Difference between Idoc Adapter and Proxies..

HI XI Guru's,
I am new to XI, I wanted to know what is the difference between Idoc adpater and proxies. When and what should be preffered ?
Warm Regards,
- Priya R

idocs which mean - (intermediate documents) are standard document formats which sap systems use to store as well send data from one system to another. If this is the format in which data has to received by R/3 then you will use idoc adapter in XI. idoc adapter can be used to communicate between systems is with SAP release higher than 3.1.X. Communication using idoc adapter is always asynchronous.
proxies are available for communication between SAP systems with version WAS 6.20 and above. They support both synchronous as well as asynchronous modes of communication. Generally when you are looking at developing new application using WAS 6.20 and above then you can design the interfaces for this new applications in SAP XI and generate the required code for these interfaces automatically in SAP systems using transaction code - SPROXY in the case of ABAP Proxy and in the case of Java proxies the code is generated by SAP XI system itself. You only have to implement these interfaces in your new application. So, basically you have to only worry about building the application and the interface part is taken care by XI itself. you can also look at using proxies when data has to be inserted or fetched from custom/standard tables in R/3 using XI.
,idoc adapter can be used for commuincation between ABAP stacks only but Proxy can be used for both ABAP as well JAVA stack.

Difference between IDOC Type and Message Type

Hi, please let me know the difference between IDOC type and Message Type?
Thanks

Hi,
Message type is business name for IDOC you are sending hiding all technical details of the IDOC.
IDOC type gives more technical information about structure of the IDOC.
You will be linking IDOC type to message type while processing IDOC in runtime. You will be specifying message type and IDOC type in WE20 trasaction which says which message will go to which partner whether it is outbound or inbound.
Best Regards,
Krishna

Difference between LSMW and CATT

Hi all,
Can anybody tell me the difference between LSMW and CATT?

CATT
SAP users use CATT frequently to upload master data or to
make changes to master data records. SAP Consultants and
Abapers tend to use it for creating test data. The
transactions run without user interaction. You can check
system messages and test database changes. All tests are
logged. The CATT records your keystrokes while performing
the actual transaction. You then identify the fields that
you wish to change in that view. Then export this data to a
spreadsheet to populate with the data required. This is
uploaded and executed saving you keying in the data
manually.
To perform CATT, it has to be enabled in your production
environment (your systems administrator should be able to
do this - SCC4). You will also need access to your
development system to create the CATT script.
The process of uploading data with a CATT:
Activate CATT in your client
In transaction code SCC4 - click the change button
Double click on the client number
In the Restriction section, tick Allows CATT processes to
be started.
Upload data using CATT
1. Create Import variant for the fields you need
Transaction SCAT
Goto Parameters
Create Import Variant
Goto Variant -> Edit
Goto Variant -> Fast entry or F9
Duplicate 01
2. To change the MRP Group for a list of Material
Assuming that I want to change the MRP Group for a list of
Material.
My text files should look something like this:
[Variant ID] [Variant Text] &ZDISGR &ZMATNR
--> Parameter texts MRP group Material
--> Default Values M1 A001
Changes to the default values displayed above not
effective
#01 M1 A001
#02 ''     A002
#03 M1 A003
Note : '' denotes a blank in the field. e.g. Material A002
MRP group will be replaced by a blank.
3. Configure the recorded entry fields to read from the
imported text file data
In the CATT : Maintain functions test case Screen
Double click on the Object Name
Double click on the screen number with your desired fields
Park the cursor on the fields
Click Edit -> Details
Fill in the Parameters Name and Field Contents
Finish Save it.
Assign your text file data.
In the CATT : Execute test case Screen
Click External from file and choose your text file
CATT will now read from your text file and update whatever
data you have specified.
LSMW
Using LSMW you can update any kind of data but no changes to database are allowed, where as CATT tool can update only master data, which also allows changes to the master data and also a significant testing of data is possible. LSMW is a tool that offers you 4 ways to import data into SAP, they are BDC, Direct Input, BAPI(BO), IDOC.It is used for migrating the data b/w the Non-SAP and SAP application to do for that we can take the Non-SAP application data and Converts the data into the Legacy data. After the Legacy data creation convert the data in to the "Flat file". That flat file is in the form of text file or excel format.If the file is in the form of text format
we can create the ".txt" file ("ABC.txt")and in the form of
excel ".xls" file is created. flat file for dos and .xls
file for IBM. The converted file (.txt/.xls)is either upload or download. The Upload functionality if used for .txt file to SAP and where as Downloading is the concept while SAP to .txt/.xls file.
Execute the transaction LSMW to start transfer of data,Before using the LSMW we should have good knowledge about the business object and the fields that will be transferred.
There are 14 steps that are normally used and these are :
1)   Maintain Object Attributes.
2)   Maintain Source Structures.
3)   Maintain Source Fields.
4)   Maintain Structure Relations
5)   Maintain Field Mapping and conversion rules .
6)   Maintain Fixed Values,translations ,user defined routines.
7)   Specify Files .
8)   Assign Files .
9)   Read DATA.
10) Display Read Data.
11) Convert Data.
12) Display Converted Data.
13) Create Batch Input Session.
14) Run Batch Input Sesion.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BAPI AND ALE

HI
COULD ANYBODY TEL ME
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BAPI AND ALE

Hi Kalyan
ALE is a SAP specific method how to distribute data from and to SAP. It uses the asynchronous calls based on IDOC structures.
However in the distribution modell of ALE can also be used BAPIs. They will then automatically converted into IDOC structures. After creating the IDOCs they will be passed over to the receiver using the tRFC protocol.
Wheras the BAPIs are using the sRFC protocol.
fir more information please check this:
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/ale-bapi.htm
regards
Srinivas

Differences between LSMW and BDC

Hi All
Please can you give me the few points about the differences between LSMW and BDC?
Awaiting for your Responce
Praveen

Hai Check with the following document
GOOD
THERE IS THREE TYPE OF METHOD IN BDC
BDC SESSION
CALL TRANSACTION
CALL DIALOG
What is BDC or batch input
The Batch Input is a SAP technic that allows automating the input in transactions. It lies on a BDC (Batch Data Commands) scenario.
BDC functions:
· BDC_OPEN_GROUP : Opens a session group
· BDC_CLOSE_GROUP : Closes a session
· BDC_INSERT : Insert a BDC scenario in the session
· The ABAP statement "CALL TRANSACTION" is also called to run directly a transaction from its BDC table.
It runs the program RSBDCSUB in order to launch automatically the session. The session management is done through the transaction code SM35.
The object itself is maintanable through the transaction SE24.
BDC methods:
Method
Description
Parameters
OPEN_SESSION
Opens a session
SUBRC (Return Code 0 OK)
SESSIONNAME (Session to be created)
CLOSE_SESSION
Closes a session
None
RESET_BDCDATA
Resets the BDC Internal Table...
None. Normally, for internal purpose
BDC_DYNPRO
Handles a new screen
PROGNAME (Name of the program)
DYNPRONR (Screen Number)
BDC_FIELD
Puts a value on the screen
FIELDNAME (Name of the field)
FIELDVALUE (Value to be passed)
CONSTRUCTOR
Constructor - Initializes NO_DATA
NODATA (No data character). The constructor is called automatically when the object is created.
RUN_SESSION
Launches a session with RSBDCBTC
None
CALL_TRANSACTION
Calls a transaction with the current BDC Data
MODE (Display Mode)
UPDATE (Update Mode)
TCODE (Transaction to be called)
BDC_INSERT
Inserts the BDC scenario in the session
TCODE (Transaction to be called)
BDC techniques used in programs:
1) Building a BDC table and calling a transaction,
2) Building a session and a set of BDC scenarios and keeping the session available in SM35,
3) Building a session and lauching the transaction right after closing the session.
BDC using Call Transaction
BDC using Call transaction involves calling an SAP transaction in back ground from within the ABAP
program. The process involves building an Internal BDC table containing the screen information needed to
execute the required transaction and then passing this to the Call transaction command (See code example).
The full procedure for creating a BDC program is as follows:
What is the difference between batch input and call transaction in BDC?
Session method.
1) synchronous processing.
2) can tranfer large amount of data.
3) processing is slower.
4) error log is created
5) data is not updated until session is processed.
Call transaction.
1) asynchronous processing
2) can transfer small amount of data
3) processing is faster.
4) errors need to be handled explicitly
5) data is updated automatically
BATINPUT/DIRECT INPUT
A: Batch-inputs can not be used to fill the "delivery due list" screen because it is not a dynpro. This is a standard SAP report. A SAP report (check with "System -> Status") may be called using SUBMIT sentence with the appropriate options . It is preferred to call a report than create a Batch-input program.
GO THROUGH THIS LINK
http://www.guidancetech.com/people/holland/sap/abap/zzsni001.htm
The LSM Workbench is an SAP R/3 based tool that supports the one-time or periodic transfer of data from non-SAP systems ("legacy systems") to SAP systems.
The LSM Workbench helps you to organize your data migration project and guides you through the process by using a clear sequence of steps.
The most common conversion rules are predefined. Reusable conversion rules assure consistent data conversion for different data objects.
LSMW vs DX Workbench
The LSM Workbench covers the following steps:
Read the legacy data from one or several files (e.g. spreadsheet tables, sequential files).
Convert the data from source format to target format.
Import the data using standard interfaces (Batch Input, Direct Input, BAPI, IDoc).
Experiences made in successful implementation projects have shown that using the LSM Workbench significantly contributes to accelerating data migration.
SAP provides this tool along with documentation to customers and partners free of charge.
Users of the LSM Workbench receive the usual support via SAP Net - R/3 Frontend (component BC-SRV-DX-LSM).
Releases:
Version 1.7.2 of the LSM Workbench ("LSMW 1.7.2") available
Attention : LSMW 1.7.2 requires an SAP R/3 system with SAP R/3 4.0 or SAP R/3 4.5.
Version 1.8.0 of the LSM Workbench (1.21mb) ("LSMW 1.8.0") available
Attention : LSMW 1.8.0 requires an SAP R/3 system with SAP R/3 4.6.
Version 3.0 of the LSM Workbench (1.89mb) ("LSMW 3.0") available for Web Application Server 6.10
Attention : LSMW 3.0 requires a SAP WAS 6.10. Functionality of version 1.7.2 and 3.0 are identical !
Version 4.0 of the LSM Workbench ("LSMW 4.0") integrated in Web Application Server 6.20
Attention : LSMW 4.0 is an integrated part of SAP WAS 6.20.
Thanks & regards
Sreenivasulu P
Message was edited by: Sreenivasulu Ponnadi

Difference between IDOC & RFC

1. Can someone explain the difference between IDOC & RFC
2. from processing point of view which one would be the best performance

IDOC      BAPI
IDocs are text encoded documents with a rigid structure that are used to exchange data between R/3 and a foreign system.
BAPIs are a subset of the RFC-enabled function modules, especially designed as Application Programming Interface (API) to the SAP business object, or in other words: are function modules officially released by SAP to be called from external programs.
Idocs are processed asynchronously and no information whatsoever is returned to the client,
BAPIs are called synchronously and (usually) return information
The target system need not be always online. The IDOC would be created and would send the IDOC once the target system is available (tRFC concept). Hence supports guaranteed delivery
whereas for BAPIs the client code needs to do the appropriate error handling.
With asynchronous links the sub-process on the client can be finished even if the communication line or the server is not available. In this case the message is stored in the database and the communication can be done later
Problems with synchronous links occur if the communication line or the server is temporarily not available. If this happens, the sub-process on the client cannot be finished (otherwise there would be data inconsistencies).
The disadvantage of asynchronous links is that the sub-process on the server cannot return information to the calling sub-process on the client. A special way for sending information back to the client is required. In addition, a special error handling mechanism is required to handle errors on the receiving side.
Synchronous links have the advantage that the sub-process on the server can return values to the sub-process on the client that has started the link.
IDOCs may
be more changeable from release to release.
BAPIs are not totally immune to upgrades
IDOCs are poorly documented
BAPIs are reasonably well documented.

Difference between idoc and .txt

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