Restart Blades in Batch
When our production BI instance is brought down or up for maintenance, we would like to also restart our BIA blades within the same batch processes. I was wondering if anyone was doing this via a program running on thier BI instance.
We have an outside scheduling program that can manage jobs on BI. We would like to use this same program take down and bring up our blades. We would issue the commands directly to the blades, but SAP has not responded to our inquiries about loading the necessary utilities to permit this to happen directly on the BIA. Therefore, we are looking for a batch solution through our BI instance.
Any ideas?
Mitchell
Hi Mitchell,
the communication between BI and BIA requires a working RFC connection. If BIA is down then there is no connection. Therefore BI can not call the (re-)start functions for TREX.
As long as the tools do not influence system performance and stability, feel free to install them directly on the blades.
Regards,
Marc
SAP NetWeaver RIG
Similar Messages
-
Question 2: Is it possible to start (restart after error) in te Batch!
Hi,
Imagine then - I have a huge BPM (IP) with many loops, waits, transformation, forks etc... - And at a certain moment, some services are not available, and since I have connected an exception - the total process is ending in error, which is possible to restart manually with the monitor workbench. However - I would like to set a mechanism to restart in the batch (after 4 hours for example...) ... to avoid too much manual monitoring work.
Can this be done? - And are all the "memory" details still kept - and would the message start completely or take off where it stopped?
Maybe someone has an idea about it...
Thanks very much!
Kind Regards,
Doron.Hi Doron,
Dit is niet bedoeld als reply op deze vraag, maar een poging tot reconnect.
Bij Heineken ben je reeds weg, opmakend uit deze en andere vragen op
forums.
Bij deze het verzoek om op Linked In in contact te komen.
Mocht je Linked In nog niet kennen : Linked In
Als dat allemaal niet lukt, reply je gewoon weer op deze post.
Cor Gabriëls -
Batch Rename Malfunction, Force Quit to fix.
Hey guys.
I use Bridge quite often to manage assets at my studio, and I'm very happy with it's performance to date. I have one issue that I only learned about yesterday and was wondering if anyone else has encountered the same thing;
I had about 1200 assets I was partially renaming with the string substitution command in the batch rename. (Just replacing number codes with the color that corresponded to it)
I was working with subfolders, 2 folders deep, and had the view options set to hide folders and show all subfolders. (So I had all assets lined up)
I selected all and then opened the batch rename dialogue. I did a string subsitution, ok'ed it and it worked like a charm.
This is where I ran into problems. Doing this process again, but changing the string sub variables, hit rename..... nothing.
The strangest part is that Bridge would still function, except for the batch changes, and the quit command. I had to force quit, restart, and highlight, batch rename a bunch of times to get what i needed done.
Anyone experience anything similar to this?
Cheers,
EricThe strangest part is that Bridge would still function, except for the batch changes, and the quit command. I had to force quit, restart, and highlight, batch rename a bunch of times to get what i needed done.
Anyone experience anything similar to this?
Did try a string substitution on 100 files and after it had finished changed it back again with a new substitution without problems.
1200 is a large number, did you wait for Bridge to finish the job completely? because if not it might be that this caused your problem. And maybe resetting prefs may help you also ( restart Bridge holding down option key and choose reset prefs. This resets all prefs to factory default including File type associations. Normally not a big deal but you need to reset your custom settings again after this). -
How to terminate/restart a execution?
I am using simple user interface(LabView) to develop a new custom UI.
But I find the Terminate/Restart Button doesn't work: After I use it to terminate one execution, not able to restart it anymore.
How to restart a terminated execution when run TestUUTs?
I'm appreciate any help on this.
Attachments:
Simple UI Restart not work.JPG 59 KBThere are a couple of possibilities for the cause of the issue you are seeing.
1) Terminate is asynchronous, so if you are programmatically terminating the execution and restarting it, the restart might be getting done before the termination is complete. Wait for the execution to complete before restarting it. You can use Execution.WaitEx, UIMessages, or polling with GetStates to tell when the execution is really complete.
2) Executions can be marked as not restartable. The batch model uses this setting (on the new execution sequence call) in order to keep you from incorrectly restarting the socket executions. For the batch model, only the controlling execution should be restarted. Restarting the controlling execution restarts the socket executions automatically.
-Doug -
Dear Gurus,
Can help me with the issues on Maintenance Plans? May we know how is the Restart of Maintenance Plan being triggered?
We are running a daily batch job of IP30, and we have a Maintenance Plan that was restarted by the batch job. We are trying to investigate why this Maintenance Plan was restarted by the job run.
Please help me with my issue.
Thank you,Hi Pete,
That would be a great help!
I have checked the change logs for the Maintenance Plan, but can you help me on how to identify what is the indicator that the Maintenance Plan was restarted? I could not see anything unusual in the change logs.
Thank you very much. -
Monitor de lote não traz informações
Boa tarde.
O monitor de lote não está trazendo as informações existentes para o período selecionado.
Os monitores NFe e Status do serviço estão funcionando OK.
Quando selecionamos um período em que NÃO HÁ lotes, é retornada a mensagem "Nenhum valor encontrado para seleção" e não é mostrado o GRID/Tabela (local onde as informações de lotes seriam mostradas).
Quando selecionamos um período em que HÁ lotes, não dá nenhuma mensagem de erro, e é mostrado o GRID/Tabela, mas sem informações.
A consulta do lote via monitor NFE funciona (quando selecionamos um intervalo de notas e clicamos sobre o lote).
Foi assinalado a role /XNFE/TAXNUMBER com ACTVT (03) e /XNFE/CNPJ (* e também foi tentado com os CNPJs). O usuário que está sendo utilizado possui SAP_ALL, além do /XNFE/TAXNUMBER.
Há mais algum profile/role que é necessário para acessar as informações via monitor de lote ? Alguém já passou por essa situação ?
Estamos com o support package NFE 9 instalado e estava apresentando o problema.
Apliquei as seguintes notas e ainda continuamos com o problema:
Support Package SAPK-10010INSLLNFE
Support Package: 13 Notes
SLL Global Trade Services / Logistics Services (13 Notes)
SLL-NFE Nota Fiscal Electronica (NFe) (13 Notes)
Note 1326691: BAdI for controlling the RFC call of external systems
Note 1327465: The program /xnfe/update_erp_status is not updating R/3
Note 1328031: History check and enqueue for restart in the batch monitor
Note 1331864: calculation of the batch status request time based on TMED
Note 1333136: Prevent simultaneous click on buttons in NF-e monitor
Note 1333742: NF-e got the status 218
Note 1337830: exception handling during resending to ERP
Note 1348832: Issuing type is not taken into account
Note 1350587: NFe Status after "Reset Rejected NF-e"
Note 1353070: Not possible to select row on batch-settings and -monitor
Note 1354192: Validation rules: correction for fields TPLACA and T_UF1
Note 1362025: Error while sending Bacen Code EX with 0 on begining
Note 1363402: Archivierung in SAP GRC NFE
Muito obrigado.Fernando, segue abaixo o que pude observar:
- ele faz o "SELECT * FROM /xnfe/batsta" (leu 11 lotes - do 63 ao 73 - todos com statcode 104)
- entra no LOOP * determine Batchstatus and Errorstatus* - LOOP AT lt_batch INTO ls_batch.
- é normal ele ler vários registros para um mesmo BATCHID em "SELECT * FROM /xnfe/bat_hist" ? Ele leu 55 registros com ocorrências repetidas para os lotes de 63 a 73.
- Classificou os 55 registros por "batchid ertime DESCENDING" e carregou o primeiro registro de cada lote dentro da tabela ET_AKT_BATSTATUS.
- Montou a tabela "et_batch_data" com as informações dos lotes, como por ex.: descrição dos códigos ("Resultado recebido" , "Lote processado" , icon "~Icon/GreenLed") para os lotes 63 ao 73.
Só que mostra o GRID/Tabela vazia no Browser.
Temos um PI (SID: PID) com GRC para DEV e QAS. Começamos a gerar informações no GRC (PID) a partir do QAS neste início de semana. Até então, somente tinhamos gerado informações a partir do DEV. Agora temos 2 sistemas (DV2 e QAS) gerando informações no PID.
Tem mais alguma função que poderia fazer alguma consistência nas informações da tabela "et_batch_data" antes de mostrá-la no browser ?
Muito obrigado. -
What are the parameters in Call transaction method?
Hi ABAPER'S,
Please give me what are the parameters in call transaction method?
Thanks,
PrakashProcessing batch input data with CALL TRANSACTION USING is the faster of the two recommended data transfer methods. In this method, legacy data is processed inline in your data transfer program.
Syntax:
CALL TRANSACTION <tcode>
USING <bdc_tab>
MODE <mode>
UPDATE <update>
<tcode> : Transaction code
<bdc_tab> : Internal table of structure BDCDATA.
<mode> : Display mode:
A
Display all
E
Display errors only
N
No display
<update> : Update mode:
S
Synchronous
A
Asynchronous
L
Local update
A program that uses CALL TRANSACTION USING to process legacy data should execute the following steps:
Prepare a BDCDATA structure for the transaction that you wish to run.
With a CALL TRANSACTION USING statement, call the transaction and prepare the BDCDATA structure. For example:
CALL TRANSACTION 'TFCA' USING BDCDATA
MODE 'A'
UPDATE 'S'.
MESSAGES INTO MESSTAB.
IF SY-SUBRC <> 0.
<Error_handling>.
ENDIF.
The MODE Parameter
You can use the MODE parameter to specify whether data transfer processing should be displayed as it happens. You can choose between three modes:
A Display all. All screens and the data that goes in them appear when you run your program.
N No display. All screens are processed invisibly, regardless of whether there are errors or not. Control returns to your program as soon as transaction processing is finished.
E Display errors only. The transaction goes into display mode as soon as an error in one of the screens is detected. You can then correct the error.
The display modes are the same as those that are available for processing batch input sessions.
The UPDATE Parameter
You use the UPDATE parameter to specify how updates produced by a transaction should be processed. You can select between these modes:
A Asynchronous updating. In this mode, the called transaction does not wait for any updates it produces to be completed. It simply passes the updates to the SAP update service. Asynchronous processing therefore usually results in faster execution of your data transfer program.
Asynchronous processing is NOT recommended for processing any larger amount of data. This is because the called transaction receives no completion message from the update module in asynchronous updating. The calling data transfer program, in turn, cannot determine whether a called transaction ended with a successful update of the database or not.
If you use asynchronous updating, then you will need to use the update management facility (Transaction SM12) to check whether updates have been terminated abnormally during session processing. Error analysis and recovery is less convenient than with synchronous updating.
S Synchronous updating. In this mode, the called transaction waits for any updates that it produces to be completed. Execution is slower than with asynchronous updating because called transactions wait for updating to be completed. However, the called transaction is able to return any update error message that occurs to your program. It is much easier for you to analyze and recover from errors.
L Local updating. If you update data locally, the update of the database will not be processed in a separate process, but in the process of the calling program. (See the ABAP keyword documentation on SET UPDATE TASK LOCAL for more information.)
The MESSAGES Parameter
The MESSAGES specification indicates that all system messages issued during a CALL TRANSACTION USING are written into the internal table <MESSTAB> . The internal table must have the structure BDCMSGCOLL .
You can record the messages issued by Transaction TFCA in table MESSTAB with the following coding:
(This example uses a flight connection that does not exist to trigger an error in the transaction.)
DATA: BEGIN OF BDCDATA OCCURS 100.
INCLUDE STRUCTURE BDCDATA.
DATA: END OF BDCDATA.
DATA: BEGIN OF MESSTAB OCCURS 10.
INCLUDE STRUCTURE BDCMSGCOLL.
DATA: END OF MESSTAB.
BDCDATA-PROGRAM = 'SAPMTFCA'.
BDCDATA-DYNPRO = '0100'.
BDCDATA-DYNBEGIN = 'X'.
APPEND BDCDATA.
CLEAR BDCDATA.
BDCDATA-FNAM = 'SFLIGHT-CARRID'.
BDCDATA-FVAL = 'XX'.
APPEND BDCDATA.
BDCDATA-FNAM = 'SFLIGHT-CONNID'.
BDCDATA-FVAL = '0400'.
APPEND BDCDATA.
CALL TRANSACTION 'TFCA' USING BDCDATA MODE 'N'
MESSAGES INTO MESSTAB.
LOOP AT MESSTAB.
WRITE: / MESSTAB-TCODE,
MESSTAB-DYNAME,
MESSTAB-DYNUMB,
MESSTAB-MSGTYP,
MESSTAB-MSGSPRA,
MESSTAB-MSGID,
MESSTAB-MSGNR.
ENDLOOP.
The following figures show the return codes from CALL TRANSACTION USING and the system fields that contain message information from the called transaction. As the return code chart shows, return codes above 1000 are reserved for data transfer. If you use the MESSAGES INTO <table> option, then you do not need to query the system fields shown below; their contents are automatically written into the message table. You can loop over the message table to write out any messages that were entered into it.
Return codes:
Value
Explanation
0
Successful
<=1000
Error in dialog program
> 1000
Batch input error
System fields:
Name:
Explanation:
SY-MSGID
Message-ID
SY-MSGTY
Message type (E,I,W,S,A,X)
SY-MSGNO
Message number
SY-MSGV1
Message variable 1
SY-MSGV2
Message variable 2
SY-MSGV3
Message variable 3
SY-MSGV4
Message variable 4
Error Analysis and Restart Capability
Unlike batch input methods using sessions, CALL TRANSACTION USING processing does not provide any special handling for incorrect transactions. There is no restart capability for transactions that contain errors or produce update failures.
You can handle incorrect transactions by using update mode S (synchronous updating) and checking the return code from CALL TRANSACTION USING. If the return code is anything other than 0, then you should do the following:
write out or save the message table
use the BDCDATA table that you generated for the CALL TRANSACTION USING to generate a batch input session for the faulty transaction. You can then analyze the faulty transaction and correct the error using the tools provided in the batch input management facility. -
What are the major process to transfer the data from legacy to sap system.
What are the major process to transfer the data from legacy to sap system using BDC at Real Time only?
hi,
BATCH DATA COMMUNICATION
main methods are:
1. SESSION METHOD
2. CALL TRANSACTION
3. DIRECT INPUT
Advantages offered by BATCH INPUT method:
1. Can process large data volumes in batch.
2. Can be planned and submitted in the background.
3. No manual interaction is required when data is transferred.
4. Data integrity is maintained as whatever data is transferred to the table is through transaction. Hence batch input data is submitted to all the checks and validations.
To implement one of the supported data transfers, you must often write the program that exports the data from your non-SAP system. This program, known as a data transfer program must map the data from the external system into the data structure required by the SAP batch input program.
The batch input program must build all of the input to execute the SAP transaction.
Two main steps are required:
To build an internal table containing every screen and every field to be filled in during the execution of an SAP transaction.
To pass the table to SAP for processing.
Prerequisite for Data Transfer Program
Writing a Data Transfer Program involves following prerequisites:
Analyzing data from local file
Analyzing transaction
Analyzing transaction involves following steps:
The transaction code, if you do not already know it.
Which fields require input i.e., mandatory.
Which fields can you allow to default to standard values.
The names, types, and lengths of the fields that are used by a transaction.
Screen number and Name of module pool program behind a particular transaction.
To analyze a transaction::
Start the transaction by menu or by entering the transaction code in the command box.
(You can determine the transaction name by choosing System Status.)
Step through the transaction, entering the data will be required for processing your batch input data.
On each screen, note the program name and screen (dynpro) number.
(dynpro = dyn + pro. Dyn = screen, pro = number)
Display these by choosing System Status. The relevant fields are Program (dynpro) and Dynpro number. If pop-up windows occur during execution, you can get the program name and screen number by pressing F1 on any field or button on the screen.
The technical info pop-up shows not only the field information but also the program and screen.
For each field, check box, and radio button on each screen, press F1 (help) and then choose Technical Info.
Note the following information:
- The field name for batch input, which youll find in its own box.
- The length and data type of the field. You can display this information by double clicking on the Data Element field.
Find out the identification code for each function (button or menu) that you must execute to process the batch-input data (or to go to new screen).
Place the cursor on the button or menu entry while holding down the left mouse button. Then press F1.
In the pop-up window that follows, choose Technical info and note the code that is shown in the Function field.
You can also run any function that is assigned to a function key by way of the function key number. To display the list of available function keys, click on the right mouse button. Note the key number that is assigned to the functions you want to run.
Once you have program name, screen number, field name (screen field name), you can start writing.
DATA TRANSFER program.
Declaring internal table
First Integral Table similar to structure like local file.
Declaring internal table like BDCDATA
The data from internal table is not transferred directly to database table, it has to go through transaction. You need to pass data to particular screen and to particular screen-field. Data is passed to transaction in particular format, hence there is a need for batch input structure.
The batch input structure stores the data that is to be entered into SAP system and the actions that are necessary to process the data. The batch input structure is used by all of the batch input methods. You can use the same structure for all types of batch input, regardless of whether you are creating a session in the batch input queue or using CALL TRANSACTION.
This structure is BDCDATA, which can contain the batch input data for only a single run of a transaction. The typical processing loop in a program is as follows:
Create a BDCDATA structure
Write the structure out to a session or process it with CALL TRANSACTION USING; and then
Create a BDCDATA structure for the next transaction that is to be processed.
Within a BDCDATA structure, organize the data of screens in a transaction. Each screen that is processed in the course of a transaction must be identified with a BDCDATA record. This record uses the Program, Dynpro, and Dynbegin fields of the structure.
The screen identifier record is followed by a separate BDCDATA record for each value, to be entered into a field. These records use the FNAM and FVAL fields of the BDCDATA structure. Values to be entered in a field can be any of the following:
Data that is entered into screen fields.
Function codes that are entered into the command field. Such function codes execute functions in a transaction, such as Save or Enter.
The BDCDATA structure contains the following fields:
PROGRAM: Name of module pool program associated with the screen. Set this field only for the first record for the screen.
DYNPRO: Screen Number. Set this field only in the first record for the screen.
DYNBEGIN: Indicates the first record for the screen. Set this field to X, only for the first record for the screen. (Reset to (blank) for all other records.)
FNAM: Field Name. The FNAM field is not case-sensitive.
FVAL: Value for the field named in FNAM. The FVAL field is case-sensitive. Values assigned to this field are always padded on the right, if they are less than 132 characters. Values must be in character format.
Transferring data from local file to internal table
Data is uploaded to internal table by UPLOAD of WS_UPLOAD function.
Population of BDCDATA
For each record of internal table, you need to populate Internal table, which is similar to BDCDATA structure.
All these five initial steps are necessary for any type of BDC interface.
DATA TRANSFER program can call SESSION METHOD or CALL TRANSACTION. The initial steps for both the methods are same.
First step for both the methods is to upload the data to internal table. From Internal Table, the data is transferred to database table by two ways i.e., Session method and Call transaction.
SESSION METHOD
About Session method
In this method you transfer data from internal table to database table through sessions.
In this method, an ABAP/4 program reads the external data that is to be entered in the SAP System and stores the data in session. A session stores the actions that are required to enter your data using normal SAP transaction i.e., Data is transferred to session which in turn transfers data to database table.
Session is intermediate step between internal table and database table. Data along with its action is stored in session i.e., data for screen fields, to which screen it is passed, the program name behind it, and how the next screen is processed.
When the program has finished generating the session, you can run the session to execute the SAP transactions in it. You can either explicitly start and monitor a session or have the session run in the background processing system.
Unless session is processed, the data is not transferred to database table.
BDC_OPEN_GROUP
You create the session through program by BDC_OPEN_GROUP function.
Parameters to this function are:
User Name: User name
Group: Name of the session
Lock Date: The date on which you want to process the session.
Keep: This parameter is passed as X when you want to retain session after
processing it or to delete it after processing.
BDC_INSERT
This function creates the session & data is transferred to Session.
Parameters to this function are:
Tcode: Transaction Name
Dynprotab: BDC Data
BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
This function closes the BDC Group. No Parameters.
Some additional information for session processing
When the session is generated using the KEEP option within the BDC_OPEN_GROUP, the system always keeps the sessions in the queue, whether it has been processed successfully or not.
However, if the session is processed, you have to delete it manually. When session processing is completed successfully while KEEP option was not set, it will be removed automatically from the session queue. Log is not removed for that session.
If the batch-input session is terminated with errors, then it appears in the list of INCORRECT session and it can be processed again. To correct incorrect session, you can analyze the session. The Analysis function allows to determine which screen and value has produced the error. If you find small errors in data, you can correct them interactively, otherwise you need to modify batch input program, which has generated the session or many times even the data file.
CALL TRANSACTION
About CALL TRANSACTION
A technique similar to SESSION method, while batch input is a two-step procedure, Call Transaction does both steps online, one after the other. In this method, you call a transaction from your program by
Call transaction <tcode> using <BDCTAB>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>
Messages into <MSGTAB>.
Parameter 1 is transaction code.
Parameter 2 is name of BDCTAB table.
Parameter 3 here you are specifying mode in which you execute transaction
A is all screen mode. All the screen of transaction are displayed.
N is no screen mode. No screen is displayed when you execute the transaction.
E is error screen. Only those screens are displayed wherein you have error record.
Parameter 4 here you are specifying update type by which database table is updated.
S is for Synchronous update in which if you change data of one table then all the related Tables gets updated. And sy-subrc is returned i.e., sy-subrc is returned for once and all.
A is for Asynchronous update. When you change data of one table, the sy-subrc is returned. And then updating of other affected tables takes place. So if system fails to update other tables, still sy-subrc returned is 0 (i.e., when first table gets updated).
Parameter 5 when you update database table, operation is either successful or unsuccessful or operation is successful with some warning. These messages are stored in internal table, which you specify along with MESSAGE statement. This internal table should be declared like BDCMSGCOLL, a structure available in ABAP/4. It contains the following fields:
1. Tcode: Transaction code
2. Dyname: Batch point module name
3. Dynumb: Batch input Dyn number
4. Msgtyp: Batch input message type (A/E/W/I/S)
5. Msgspra: Batch input Lang, id of message
6. Msgid: Message id
7. MsgvN: Message variables (N = 1 - 4)
For each entry, which is updated in database, table message is available in BDCMSGCOLL. As BDCMSGCOLL is structure, you need to declare a internal table which can contain multiple records (unlike structure).
Steps for CALL TRANSACTION method
1. Internal table for the data (structure similar to your local file)
2. BDCTAB like BDCDATA
3. UPLOAD or WS_UPLOAD function to upload the data from local file to itab. (Considering file is local file)
4. Loop at itab.
Populate BDCTAB table.
Call transaction <tcode> using <BDCTAB>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>.
Refresh BDCTAB.
Endloop.
(To populate BDCTAB, You need to transfer each and every field)
The major differences between Session method and Call transaction are as follows:
SESSION METHOD CALL TRANSACTION
1. Data is not updated in database table unless Session is processed. Immediate updation in database table.
2. No sy-subrc is returned. Sy-subrc is returned.
3. Error log is created for error records. Errors need to be handled explicitly
4. Updation in database table is always synchronous Updation in database table can be synchronous Or Asynchronous.
Error Handling in CALL TRANSACTION
When Session Method updates the records in database table, error records are stored in the log file. In Call transaction there is no such log file available and error record is lost unless handled. Usually you need to give report of all the error records i.e., records which are not inserted or updated in the database table. This can be done by the following method:
Steps for the error handling in CALL TRANSACTION
1. Internal table for the data (structure similar to your local file)
2. BDCTAB like BDCDATA
3. Internal table BDCMSG like BDCMSGCOLL
4. Internal table similar to Ist internal table
(Third and fourth steps are for error handling)
5. UPLOAD or WS_UPLOAD function to upload the data from the local file to itab. (Considering file is local file)
6. Loop at itab.
Populate BDCTAB table.
Call transaction <tr.code> using <Bdctab>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>
Messages <BDCMSG>.
Perform check.
Refresh BDCTAB.
Endloop.
7 Form check.
IF sy-subrc <> 0. (Call transaction returns the sy-subrc if updating is not successful).
Call function Format_message.
(This function is called to store the message given by system and to display it along with record)
Append itab2.
Display the record and message.
DIRECT INPUT
About Direct Input
In contrast to batch input, this technique does not create sessions, but stores the data directly. It does not simulate the online transaction. To enter the data into the corresponding database tables directly, the system calls a number of function modules that execute any necessary checks. In case of errors, the direct input technique provides a restart mechanism. However, to be able to activate the restart mechanism, direct input programs must be executed in the background only. Direct input checks the data thoroughly and then updates the database directly.
You can start a Direct Input program in two ways;
Start the program directly
This is the quickest way to see if the program works with your flat file. This option is possible with all direct input programs. If the program ends abnormally, you will not have any logs telling you what has or has not been posted. To minimize the chance of this happening, always use the check file option for the first run with your flat file. This allows you to detect format errors before transfer.
Starting the program via the DI administration transaction
This transaction restarts the processing, if the data transfer program aborts. Since DI document are immediately posted into the SAP D/B, the restart option prevents the duplicate document posting that occurs during a program restart (i.e., without adjusting your flat file).
Direct input is usually done for standard data like material master, FI accounting document, SD sales order and Classification for which SAP has provided standard programs.
First time you work with the Direct Input administration program, you will need to do some preparation before you can transfer data:
- Create variant
- Define job
- Start job
- Restart job
Common batch input errors
- The batch input BDCDATA structure tries to assign values to fields which do not exist in the current transaction screen.
- The screen in the BDCDATA structure does not match the right sequence, or an intermediate screen is missing.
- On exceptional occasions, the logic flow of batch input session does not exactly match that of manual online processing. Testing the sessions online can discover by this.
- The BDCDATA structure contains fields, which are longer than the actual definition.
- Authorization problems.
RECORDING A BATCH INPUT
A B recording allows you to record a R/3 transaction and generate a program that contains all screens and field information in the required BDC-DATA format.
You can either use SHDB transaction for recording or
SYSTEM ? SERVICES ? BATCH INPUT ? EDIT
And from here click recording.
Enter name for the recording.
(Dates are optional)
Click recording.
Enter transaction code.
Enter.
Click Save button.
You finally come to a screen where, you have all the information for each screen including BDC_OKCODE.
Click Get Transaction.
Return to BI.
Click overview.
Position the cursor on the just recorded entry and click generate program.
Enter program name.
Click enter
The program is generated for the particular transaction.
BACKGROUND PROCESSING
Need for Background processing
When a large volume of data is involved, usually all batch inputs are done in background.
The R/3 system includes functions that allow users to work non-interactively or offline. The background processing systems handle these functions.
Non-interactively means that instead of executing the ABAP/4 programs and waiting for an answer, user can submit those programs for execution at a more convenient planned time.
There are several reasons to submit programs for background execution.
The maximum time allowed for online execution should not exceed 300 seconds. User gets TIMEOUT error and an aborted transaction, if time for execution exceeds 300 seconds. To avoid these types of error, you can submit jobs for background processing.
You can use the system while your program is executing.
This does not mean that interactive or online work is not useful. Both type of processing have their own purposes. Online work is the most common one entering business data, displaying information, printing small reports, managing the system and so on. Background jobs are mainly used for the following tasks; to process large amount of data, to execute periodic jobs without human intervention, to run program at a more convenient, planned time other than during normal working hours i.e., Nights or weekends.
The transaction for background processing is SM36.
Or
Tools ? Administration ? Jobs ? Define jobs
Or
System ? services ? Jobs
Components of the background jobs
A job in Background processing is a series of steps that can be scheduled and step is a program for background processing.
Job name. Define the name of assigned to the job. It identifies the job. You can specify up to 32 characters for the name.
Job class. Indicates the type of background processing priority assigned to the job.
The job class determines the priority of a job. The background system admits three types of job classes: A B & C, which correspond to job priority.
Job steps. Parameters to be passed for this screen are as follows:
Program name.
Variant if it is report program
Start criteria for the job: Option available for this are as follows:
Immediate - allows you to start a job immediately.
Date/Time - allows you to start a job at a specific name.
After job - you can start a job after a particular job.
After event - allows you to start a job after a particular event.
At operation mode - allows you to start a job when the system switches to a particular operation mode.
Defining Background jobs
It is two step process: Firstly, you define the job and then release it.
When users define a job and save it, they are actually scheduling the report i.e., specifying the job components, the steps, the start time.
When users schedule program for background processing, they are instructing the system to execute an ABAP/4 report or an external program in the background. Scheduled jobs are not executed until they are released. When jobs are released, they are sent for execution to the background processing system at the specified start time. Both scheduling and releasing of jobs require authorizations.
HANDLING OF POP UP SCREEN IN BDC
Many times in transaction pop up screen appears and for this screen you dont pass any record but some indication to system telling it to proceed further. For example: The following screen
To handle such screen, system has provided a variable called BDC_CURSOR. You pass this variable to BDCDATA and process the screen.
Usually such screen appears in many transactions, in this case you are just passing information, that YES you want to save the information, that means YES should be clicked. So you are transferring this information to BDCDATA i.e., field name of YES which is usually SPOT_OPTION. Instead of BDC_OKCODE, you are passing BDC_CURSOR.
BDC_CURSOR is also used to place cursor on particular field.
A simple transaction where you are entering customer number on first screen and on next screen data is displayed for the particular customer number. Field, which we are changing here, are name and city. When you click on save, the changed record gets saved.
Prerequisite to write this BDC interface as indicated earlier is:
1. To find screen number
2. To find screen field names, type of the field and length of the field.
3. To find BDC_OKCODE for each screen
4. Create flat file.
generally Batch Input usually are used to transfer large amount of data. For example you are implementing a new SAP project, and of course you will need some data transfer from legacy system to SAP system.
CALL TRANSACTION is used especially for integration actions between two SAP systems or between different modules. Users sometimes wish to do something like that click a button or an item then SAP would inserts or changes data automatically. Here CALL TRANSACTION should be considered.
2. Transfer data for multiple transactions usually the Batch Input method is used.
check these sites for step by step process:
For BDC:
http://myweb.dal.ca/hchinni/sap/bdc_home.htm
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/wiki?path=/display/home/bdc&
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/learning-bdc-programming.htm
http://www.sapdevelopment.co.uk/bdc/bdchome.htm
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/difference-between-batch-input-and-call-transaction-in-bdc.htm
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_47x200/helpdata/en/69/c250684ba111d189750000e8322d00/frameset.htm
http://www.sapbrain.com/TUTORIALS/TECHNICAL/BDC_tutorial.html
Check these link:
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/difference-between-batch-input-and-call-transaction-in-bdc.htm
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/question-about-bdc-program.htm
http://www.itcserver.com/blog/2006/06/30/batch-input-vs-call-transaction/
http://www.planetsap.com/bdc_main_page.htm
call Transaction or session method ?
null -
What are the major responsibilites of abaper in implementation?
Hi gurus,
tell me abapers full role in implementation.
Thanks in advance...Hi,
it may help u
BATCH DATA COMMUNICATION
About Data Transfer In R/3 System
When a company decides to implement the SAP R/3 to manage business-critical data, it usually does not start from a no-data situation. Normally, a SAP R/3 project comes into replace or complement existing application.
In the process of replacing current applications and transferring application data, two situations might occur:
The first is when application data to be replaced is transferred at once, and only once.
The second situation is to transfer data periodically from external systems to SAP and vice versa.
There is a period of time when information has to be transferred from existing application, to SAP R/3, and often this process will be repetitive.
The SAP system offers two primary methods for transferring data into SAP systems. From non-SAP systems or legacy system. These two methods are collectively called batch input or batch data communication.
1. SESSION METHOD
2. CALL TRANSACTION
3. DIRECT INPUT
Advantages offered by BATCH INPUT method:
1. Can process large data volumes in batch.
2. Can be planned and submitted in the background.
3. No manual interaction is required when data is transferred.
4. Data integrity is maintained as whatever data is transferred to the table is through transaction. Hence batch input data is submitted to all the checks and validations.
To implement one of the supported data transfers, you must often write the program that exports the data from your non-SAP system. This program, known as a data transfer program must map the data from the external system into the data structure required by the SAP batch input program.
The batch input program must build all of the input to execute the SAP transaction.
Two main steps are required:
To build an internal table containing every screen and every field to be filled in during the execution of an SAP transaction.
To pass the table to SAP for processing.
Prerequisite for Data Transfer Program
Writing a Data Transfer Program involves following prerequisites:
Analyzing data from local file
Analyzing transaction
Analyzing transaction involves following steps:
The transaction code, if you do not already know it.
Which fields require input i.e., mandatory.
Which fields can you allow to default to standard values.
The names, types, and lengths of the fields that are used by a transaction.
Screen number and Name of module pool program behind a particular transaction.
To analyze a transaction::
Start the transaction by menu or by entering the transaction code in the command box.
(You can determine the transaction name by choosing System Status.)
Step through the transaction, entering the data will be required for processing your batch input data.
On each screen, note the program name and screen (dynpro) number.
(dynpro = dyn + pro. Dyn = screen, pro = number)
Display these by choosing System Status. The relevant fields are Program (dynpro) and Dynpro number. If pop-up windows occur during execution, you can get the program name and screen number by pressing F1 on any field or button on the screen.
The technical info pop-up shows not only the field information but also the program and screen.
For each field, check box, and radio button on each screen, press F1 (help) and then choose Technical Info.
Note the following information:
- The field name for batch input, which youll find in its own box.
- The length and data type of the field. You can display this information by double clicking on the Data Element field.
Find out the identification code for each function (button or menu) that you must execute to process the batch-input data (or to go to new screen).
Place the cursor on the button or menu entry while holding down the left mouse button. Then press F1.
In the pop-up window that follows, choose Technical info and note the code that is shown in the Function field.
You can also run any function that is assigned to a function key by way of the function key number. To display the list of available function keys, click on the right mouse button. Note the key number that is assigned to the functions you want to run.
Once you have program name, screen number, field name (screen field name), you can start writing.
DATA TRANSFER program.
Declaring internal table
First Integral Table similar to structure like local file.
Declaring internal table like BDCDATA
The data from internal table is not transferred directly to database table, it has to go through transaction. You need to pass data to particular screen and to particular screen-field. Data is passed to transaction in particular format, hence there is a need for batch input structure.
The batch input structure stores the data that is to be entered into SAP system and the actions that are necessary to process the data. The batch input structure is used by all of the batch input methods. You can use the same structure for all types of batch input, regardless of whether you are creating a session in the batch input queue or using CALL TRANSACTION.
This structure is BDCDATA, which can contain the batch input data for only a single run of a transaction. The typical processing loop in a program is as follows:
Create a BDCDATA structure
Write the structure out to a session or process it with CALL TRANSACTION USING; and then
Create a BDCDATA structure for the next transaction that is to be processed.
Within a BDCDATA structure, organize the data of screens in a transaction. Each screen that is processed in the course of a transaction must be identified with a BDCDATA record. This record uses the Program, Dynpro, and Dynbegin fields of the structure.
The screen identifier record is followed by a separate BDCDATA record for each value, to be entered into a field. These records use the FNAM and FVAL fields of the BDCDATA structure. Values to be entered in a field can be any of the following:
Data that is entered into screen fields.
Function codes that are entered into the command field. Such function codes execute functions in a transaction, such as Save or Enter.
The BDCDATA structure contains the following fields:
PROGRAM: Name of module pool program associated with the screen. Set this field only for the first record for the screen.
DYNPRO: Screen Number. Set this field only in the first record for the screen.
DYNBEGIN: Indicates the first record for the screen. Set this field to X, only for the first record for the screen. (Reset to (blank) for all other records.)
FNAM: Field Name. The FNAM field is not case-sensitive.
FVAL: Value for the field named in FNAM. The FVAL field is case-sensitive. Values assigned to this field are always padded on the right, if they are less than 132 characters. Values must be in character format.
Transferring data from local file to internal table
Data is uploaded to internal table by UPLOAD of WS_UPLOAD function.
Population of BDCDATA
For each record of internal table, you need to populate Internal table, which is similar to BDCDATA structure.
All these five initial steps are necessary for any type of BDC interface.
DATA TRANSFER program can call SESSION METHOD or CALL TRANSACTION. The initial steps for both the methods are same.
First step for both the methods is to upload the data to internal table. From Internal Table, the data is transferred to database table by two ways i.e., Session method and Call transaction.
SESSION METHOD
About Session method
In this method you transfer data from internal table to database table through sessions.
In this method, an ABAP/4 program reads the external data that is to be entered in the SAP System and stores the data in session. A session stores the actions that are required to enter your data using normal SAP transaction i.e., Data is transferred to session which in turn transfers data to database table.
Session is intermediate step between internal table and database table. Data along with its action is stored in session i.e., data for screen fields, to which screen it is passed, the program name behind it, and how the next screen is processed.
When the program has finished generating the session, you can run the session to execute the SAP transactions in it. You can either explicitly start and monitor a session or have the session run in the background processing system.
Unless session is processed, the data is not transferred to database table.
BDC_OPEN_GROUP
You create the session through program by BDC_OPEN_GROUP function.
Parameters to this function are:
User Name: User name
Group: Name of the session
Lock Date: The date on which you want to process the session.
Keep: This parameter is passed as X when you want to retain session after
processing it or to delete it after processing.
BDC_INSERT
This function creates the session & data is transferred to Session.
Parameters to this function are:
Tcode: Transaction Name
Dynprotab: BDC Data
BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
This function closes the BDC Group. No Parameters.
Some additional information for session processing
When the session is generated using the KEEP option within the BDC_OPEN_GROUP, the system always keeps the sessions in the queue, whether it has been processed successfully or not.
However, if the session is processed, you have to delete it manually. When session processing is completed successfully while KEEP option was not set, it will be removed automatically from the session queue. Log is not removed for that session.
If the batch-input session is terminated with errors, then it appears in the list of INCORRECT session and it can be processed again. To correct incorrect session, you can analyze the session. The Analysis function allows to determine which screen and value has produced the error. If you find small errors in data, you can correct them interactively, otherwise you need to modify batch input program, which has generated the session or many times even the data file.
CALL TRANSACTION
About CALL TRANSACTION
A technique similar to SESSION method, while batch input is a two-step procedure, Call Transaction does both steps online, one after the other. In this method, you call a transaction from your program by
Call transaction <tcode> using <BDCTAB>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>
Messages into <MSGTAB>.
Parameter 1 is transaction code.
Parameter 2 is name of BDCTAB table.
Parameter 3 here you are specifying mode in which you execute transaction
A is all screen mode. All the screen of transaction are displayed.
N is no screen mode. No screen is displayed when you execute the transaction.
E is error screen. Only those screens are displayed wherein you have error record.
Parameter 4 here you are specifying update type by which database table is updated.
S is for Synchronous update in which if you change data of one table then all the related Tables gets updated. And sy-subrc is returned i.e., sy-subrc is returned for once and all.
A is for Asynchronous update. When you change data of one table, the sy-subrc is returned. And then updating of other affected tables takes place. So if system fails to update other tables, still sy-subrc returned is 0 (i.e., when first table gets updated).
Parameter 5 when you update database table, operation is either successful or unsuccessful or operation is successful with some warning. These messages are stored in internal table, which you specify along with MESSAGE statement. This internal table should be declared like BDCMSGCOLL, a structure available in ABAP/4. It contains the following fields:
1. Tcode: Transaction code
2. Dyname: Batch point module name
3. Dynumb: Batch input Dyn number
4. Msgtyp: Batch input message type (A/E/W/I/S)
5. Msgspra: Batch input Lang, id of message
6. Msgid: Message id
7. MsgvN: Message variables (N = 1 - 4)
For each entry, which is updated in database, table message is available in BDCMSGCOLL. As BDCMSGCOLL is structure, you need to declare a internal table which can contain multiple records (unlike structure).
Steps for CALL TRANSACTION method
1. Internal table for the data (structure similar to your local file)
2. BDCTAB like BDCDATA
3. UPLOAD or WS_UPLOAD function to upload the data from local file to itab. (Considering file is local file)
4. Loop at itab.
Populate BDCTAB table.
Call transaction <tcode> using <BDCTAB>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>.
Refresh BDCTAB.
Endloop.
(To populate BDCTAB, You need to transfer each and every field)
The major differences between Session method and Call transaction are as follows:
SESSION METHOD CALL TRANSACTION
1. Data is not updated in database table unless Session is processed. Immediate updation in database table.
2. No sy-subrc is returned. Sy-subrc is returned.
3. Error log is created for error records. Errors need to be handled explicitly
4. Updation in database table is always synchronous Updation in database table can be synchronous Or Asynchronous.
Error Handling in CALL TRANSACTION
When Session Method updates the records in database table, error records are stored in the log file. In Call transaction there is no such log file available and error record is lost unless handled. Usually you need to give report of all the error records i.e., records which are not inserted or updated in the database table. This can be done by the following method:
Steps for the error handling in CALL TRANSACTION
1. Internal table for the data (structure similar to your local file)
2. BDCTAB like BDCDATA
3. Internal table BDCMSG like BDCMSGCOLL
4. Internal table similar to Ist internal table
(Third and fourth steps are for error handling)
5. UPLOAD or WS_UPLOAD function to upload the data from the local file to itab. (Considering file is local file)
6. Loop at itab.
Populate BDCTAB table.
Call transaction <tr.code> using <Bdctab>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>
Messages <BDCMSG>.
Perform check.
Refresh BDCTAB.
Endloop.
7 Form check.
IF sy-subrc <> 0. (Call transaction returns the sy-subrc if updating is not successful).
Call function Format_message.
(This function is called to store the message given by system and to display it along with record)
Append itab2.
Display the record and message.
DIRECT INPUT
About Direct Input
In contrast to batch input, this technique does not create sessions, but stores the data directly. It does not simulate the online transaction. To enter the data into the corresponding database tables directly, the system calls a number of function modules that execute any necessary checks. In case of errors, the direct input technique provides a restart mechanism. However, to be able to activate the restart mechanism, direct input programs must be executed in the background only. Direct input checks the data thoroughly and then updates the database directly.
You can start a Direct Input program in two ways;
Start the program directly
This is the quickest way to see if the program works with your flat file. This option is possible with all direct input programs. If the program ends abnormally, you will not have any logs telling you what has or has not been posted. To minimize the chance of this happening, always use the check file option for the first run with your flat file. This allows you to detect format errors before transfer.
Starting the program via the DI administration transaction
This transaction restarts the processing, if the data transfer program aborts. Since DI document are immediately posted into the SAP D/B, the restart option prevents the duplicate document posting that occurs during a program restart (i.e., without adjusting your flat file).
Direct input is usually done for standard data like material master, FI accounting document, SD sales order and Classification for which SAP has provided standard programs.
First time you work with the Direct Input administration program, you will need to do some preparation before you can transfer data:
- Create variant
- Define job
- Start job
- Restart job
Common batch input errors
- The batch input BDCDATA structure tries to assign values to fields which do not exist in the current transaction screen.
- The screen in the BDCDATA structure does not match the right sequence, or an intermediate screen is missing.
- On exceptional occasions, the logic flow of batch input session does not exactly match that of manual online processing. Testing the sessions online can discover by this.
- The BDCDATA structure contains fields, which are longer than the actual definition.
- Authorization problems.
RECORDING A BATCH INPUT
A B recording allows you to record a R/3 transaction and generate a program that contains all screens and field information in the required BDC-DATA format.
You can either use SHDB transaction for recording or
SYSTEM ? SERVICES ? BATCH INPUT ? EDIT
And from here click recording.
Enter name for the recording.
(Dates are optional)
Click recording.
Enter transaction code.
Enter.
Click Save button.
You finally come to a screen where, you have all the information for each screen including BDC_OKCODE.
Click Get Transaction.
Return to BI.
Click overview.
Position the cursor on the just recorded entry and click generate program.
Enter program name.
Click enter
The program is generated for the particular transaction.
BACKGROUND PROCESSING
Need for Background processing
When a large volume of data is involved, usually all batch inputs are done in background.
The R/3 system includes functions that allow users to work non-interactively or offline. The background processing systems handle these functions.
Non-interactively means that instead of executing the ABAP/4 programs and waiting for an answer, user can submit those programs for execution at a more convenient planned time.
There are several reasons to submit programs for background execution.
The maximum time allowed for online execution should not exceed 300 seconds. User gets TIMEOUT error and an aborted transaction, if time for execution exceeds 300 seconds. To avoid these types of error, you can submit jobs for background processing.
You can use the system while your program is executing.
This does not mean that interactive or online work is not useful. Both type of processing have their own purposes. Online work is the most common one entering business data, displaying information, printing small reports, managing the system and so on. Background jobs are mainly used for the following tasks; to process large amount of data, to execute periodic jobs without human intervention, to run program at a more convenient, planned time other than during normal working hours i.e., Nights or weekends.
The transaction for background processing is SM36.
Or
Tools ? Administration ? Jobs ? Define jobs
Or
System ? services ? Jobs
Components of the background jobs
A job in Background processing is a series of steps that can be scheduled and step is a program for background processing.
Job name. Define the name of assigned to the job. It identifies the job. You can specify up to 32 characters for the name.
Job class. Indicates the type of background processing priority assigned to the job.
The job class determines the priority of a job. The background system admits three types of job classes: A B & C, which correspond to job priority.
Job steps. Parameters to be passed for this screen are as follows:
Program name.
Variant if it is report program
Start criteria for the job: Option available for this are as follows:
Immediate - allows you to start a job immediately.
Date/Time - allows you to start a job at a specific name.
After job - you can start a job after a particular job.
After event - allows you to start a job after a particular event.
At operation mode - allows you to start a job when the system switches to a particular operation mode.
Defining Background jobs
It is two step process: Firstly, you define the job and then release it.
When users define a job and save it, they are actually scheduling the report i.e., specifying the job components, the steps, the start time.
When users schedule program for background processing, they are instructing the system to execute an ABAP/4 report or an external program in the background. Scheduled jobs are not executed until they are released. When jobs are released, they are sent for execution to the background processing system at the specified start time. Both scheduling and releasing of jobs require authorizations.
HANDLING OF POP UP SCREEN IN BDC
Many times in transaction pop up screen appears and for this screen you dont pass any record but some indication to system telling it to proceed further. For example: The following screen
To handle such screen, system has provided a variable called BDC_CURSOR. You pass this variable to BDCDATA and process the screen.
Usually such screen appears in many transactions, in this case you are just passing information, that YES you want to save the information, that means YES should be clicked. So you are transferring this information to BDCDATA i.e., field name of YES which is usually SPOT_OPTION. Instead of BDC_OKCODE, you are passing BDC_CURSOR.
BDC_CURSOR is also used to place cursor on particular field.
AN EXAMPLE WITH SESSION METHOD
Following program demonstrates how data is passed from flat file to SAP transaction and further to database table by using SESSION method.
The transaction is TFBA (to change customer).
A simple transaction where you are entering customer number on first screen and on next screen data is displayed for the particular customer number. Field, which we are changing here, are name and city. When you click on save, the changed record gets saved.
Prerequisite to write this BDC interface as indicated earlier is:
1. To find screen number
2. To find screen field names, type of the field and length of the field.
3. To find BDC_OKCODE for each screen
4. Create flat file.
Flat file can be created in your hard disk as follows:
1 Vinod Hyderabad
2 Kavitha Secunderabad
3 Kishore Hyderabad
(Where 1st character field is Customer number, 2nd field is Customer name and 3rd field is City.)
To transfer this data to database table SCUSTOM following interface can be used.
REPORT DEMO1.
Following internal table is to upload flat file.
DATA: BEGIN OF ITAB OCCURS 0,
ID(10),
NAME(25),
CITY(25),
END OF ITAB.
*Following internal table BDCDATA is to pass date from internal table to session.
DATA: BDCTAB LIKE BDCDATA OCCURS 0 WITH HEADER LINE.
Variables
DATA: DATE1 LIKE SY-DATUM. DATE1 = SY-DATUM - 1. This is for Hold Date
To upload flat file to internal table.
CALL FUNCTION UPLOAD
EXPORTING
FILE NAME = C:\FF.TXT
FILE TYPE = ASC
TABLES
DATA_TAB = ITAB
EXCEPTIONS
CONVERSION_ERROR = 1
INVALID_TABLE_WIDTH = 2
INVALID_TYPE = 3
NO_BATCH = 4
UNKNOWN_ERROR = 5
OTHERS = 6.
If sy-subrc = 0.
Calling Function to Create a Session
CALL FUNCTION BDC_OPEN_GROUP
EXPORTING
CLIENT = SY-MANDT
GROUP = POTHURI
HOLDDATE = DATE1
KEEP = X
USER = SY-UNAME
EXCEPTIONS
CLIENT_INVALID = 1
DESTINATION_INVALID = 2
GROUP_INVALID = 3
GROUP_IS_LOCKED = 4
HOLDDATE_INVALID = 5
INTERNAL_ERROR = 6
QUEUE_ERROR = 7
RUNNING = 8
SYSTEM_LOCK_ERROR = 9
USER_INVALID = 10
OTHERS = 11.
If sy-subrc = 0.
*-- MAIN Logic--
LOOP AT ITAB
PERFORM GENERATE_DATA. Populating BDCDATA Table
CALL FUNCTION BDC_INSERT
EXPORTING
TCODE = TFBA
TABLES
DYNPROTAB = BDCTAB
EXCEPTIONS
INTERNAL_ERROR = 1
NOT_OPEN = 2
QUEUE_ERROR = 3
TCODE_INVALID = 4
PRINTING_INVALID = 5
POSTING_INVALID = 6
OTHERS = 7.
REFRESH BDCTAB
ENDLOOP.
Calling function to close the session
CALL FUNCTION BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
EXCEPTIONS
NOT_OPEN = 1
QUEUE_ERROR = 2
OTHERS = 3.
Endif.
Endif.
*& Form GENERATE_DATA
Create BDC Data
FORM GENERATE_DATA
Passing information for 1st screen on BDCDATA
BDCTAB-PROGRAM = SAPMTFBA.
BDCTAX-DYNPRO = 100.
BDCTAP-DYNBEGIN = X.
APPEND BCDTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing field information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-ID
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-ID.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing BDC_OKCODE to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = BDC_OKCODE.
BDCTAB-FVAL = /5.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information for next screen to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-PROGRAM = SAPMTFBA.
BDCTAB-DYNPRO = 200.
BDCTAB-DYNBEGIN = X.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-NAME.
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-NAME.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-CITY.
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-CITY.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing BDC_OKCODE to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = BDC_OKCODE.
BDCTAB-FVAL = SAVE.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
ENDFORM. GENERATE_DATA
AN EXAMPLE WITH CALL TRANSACTION
Same steps to be repeated for CALL TRANSACTION
The only difference between the two types of interface is in Session method, you create session and store information about screen and data into session. When session is processed the data is transferred to database. While in CALL TRANSACTION, data is transferred directly to database table.
REPORT DEMO1.
Follow above Code till MAIN Logic. Even the Subroutine should be copied
LOOP AT ITAB
PERFORM GENERATE_DATA, Populating BDCDATA Table
Call transaction TFBA using BCDDATA Mode A Update S.
REFRESH BDCTAB
ENDLOOP.
with regards,
vasavi.
reward if helpful. -
hi,
I want to make bdc for any type of items ,plzz help me out by proving the easiest way of doing it,plzz provide such a tutorial for creating a bdc and help me out by providing excel file format for it.
as help will be definately rewarded.Hi
Hope it will help you.
Reward help.
BATCH DATA COMMUNICATION
About Data Transfer In R/3 System
When a company decides to implement the SAP R/3 to manage business-critical data, it usually does not start from a no-data situation. Normally, a SAP R/3 project comes into replace or complement existing application.
In the process of replacing current applications and transferring application data, two situations might occur:
The first is when application data to be replaced is transferred at once, and only once.
The second situation is to transfer data periodically from external systems to SAP and vice versa.
There is a period of time when information has to be transferred from existing application, to SAP R/3, and often this process will be repetitive.
The SAP system offers two primary methods for transferring data into SAP systems. From non-SAP systems or legacy system. These two methods are collectively called batch input or batch data communication.
1. SESSION METHOD
2. CALL TRANSACTION
3. DIRECT INPUT
Advantages offered by BATCH INPUT method:
1. Can process large data volumes in batch.
2. Can be planned and submitted in the background.
3. No manual interaction is required when data is transferred.
4. Data integrity is maintained as whatever data is transferred to the table is through transaction. Hence batch input data is submitted to all the checks and validations.
To implement one of the supported data transfers, you must often write the program that exports the data from your non-SAP system. This program, known as a data transfer program must map the data from the external system into the data structure required by the SAP batch input program.
The batch input program must build all of the input to execute the SAP transaction.
Two main steps are required:
To build an internal table containing every screen and every field to be filled in during the execution of an SAP transaction.
To pass the table to SAP for processing.
Prerequisite for Data Transfer Program
Writing a Data Transfer Program involves following prerequisites:
Analyzing data from local file
Analyzing transaction
Analyzing transaction involves following steps:
The transaction code, if you do not already know it.
Which fields require input i.e., mandatory.
Which fields can you allow to default to standard values.
The names, types, and lengths of the fields that are used by a transaction.
Screen number and Name of module pool program behind a particular transaction.
To analyze a transaction::
Start the transaction by menu or by entering the transaction code in the command box.
(You can determine the transaction name by choosing System Status.)
Step through the transaction, entering the data will be required for processing your batch input data.
On each screen, note the program name and screen (dynpro) number.
(dynpro = dyn + pro. Dyn = screen, pro = number)
Display these by choosing System Status. The relevant fields are Program (dynpro) and Dynpro number. If pop-up windows occur during execution, you can get the program name and screen number by pressing F1 on any field or button on the screen.
The technical info pop-up shows not only the field information but also the program and screen.
For each field, check box, and radio button on each screen, press F1 (help) and then choose Technical Info.
Note the following information:
- The field name for batch input, which youll find in its own box.
- The length and data type of the field. You can display this information by double clicking on the Data Element field.
Find out the identification code for each function (button or menu) that you must execute to process the batch-input data (or to go to new screen).
Place the cursor on the button or menu entry while holding down the left mouse button. Then press F1.
In the pop-up window that follows, choose Technical info and note the code that is shown in the Function field.
You can also run any function that is assigned to a function key by way of the function key number. To display the list of available function keys, click on the right mouse button. Note the key number that is assigned to the functions you want to run.
Once you have program name, screen number, field name (screen field name), you can start writing.
DATA TRANSFER program.
Declaring internal table
First Integral Table similar to structure like local file.
Declaring internal table like BDCDATA
The data from internal table is not transferred directly to database table, it has to go through transaction. You need to pass data to particular screen and to particular screen-field. Data is passed to transaction in particular format, hence there is a need for batch input structure.
The batch input structure stores the data that is to be entered into SAP system and the actions that are necessary to process the data. The batch input structure is used by all of the batch input methods. You can use the same structure for all types of batch input, regardless of whether you are creating a session in the batch input queue or using CALL TRANSACTION.
This structure is BDCDATA, which can contain the batch input data for only a single run of a transaction. The typical processing loop in a program is as follows:
Create a BDCDATA structure
Write the structure out to a session or process it with CALL TRANSACTION USING; and then
Create a BDCDATA structure for the next transaction that is to be processed.
Within a BDCDATA structure, organize the data of screens in a transaction. Each screen that is processed in the course of a transaction must be identified with a BDCDATA record. This record uses the Program, Dynpro, and Dynbegin fields of the structure.
The screen identifier record is followed by a separate BDCDATA record for each value, to be entered into a field. These records use the FNAM and FVAL fields of the BDCDATA structure. Values to be entered in a field can be any of the following:
Data that is entered into screen fields.
Function codes that are entered into the command field. Such function codes execute functions in a transaction, such as Save or Enter.
The BDCDATA structure contains the following fields:
PROGRAM: Name of module pool program associated with the screen. Set this field only for the first record for the screen.
DYNPRO: Screen Number. Set this field only in the first record for the screen.
DYNBEGIN: Indicates the first record for the screen. Set this field to X, only for the first record for the screen. (Reset to (blank) for all other records.)
FNAM: Field Name. The FNAM field is not case-sensitive.
FVAL: Value for the field named in FNAM. The FVAL field is case-sensitive. Values assigned to this field are always padded on the right, if they are less than 132 characters. Values must be in character format.
Transferring data from local file to internal table
Data is uploaded to internal table by UPLOAD of WS_UPLOAD function.
Population of BDCDATA
For each record of internal table, you need to populate Internal table, which is similar to BDCDATA structure.
All these five initial steps are necessary for any type of BDC interface.
DATA TRANSFER program can call SESSION METHOD or CALL TRANSACTION. The initial steps for both the methods are same.
First step for both the methods is to upload the data to internal table. From Internal Table, the data is transferred to database table by two ways i.e., Session method and Call transaction.
SESSION METHOD
About Session method
In this method you transfer data from internal table to database table through sessions.
In this method, an ABAP/4 program reads the external data that is to be entered in the SAP System and stores the data in session. A session stores the actions that are required to enter your data using normal SAP transaction i.e., Data is transferred to session which in turn transfers data to database table.
Session is intermediate step between internal table and database table. Data along with its action is stored in session i.e., data for screen fields, to which screen it is passed, the program name behind it, and how the next screen is processed.
When the program has finished generating the session, you can run the session to execute the SAP transactions in it. You can either explicitly start and monitor a session or have the session run in the background processing system.
Unless session is processed, the data is not transferred to database table.
BDC_OPEN_GROUP
You create the session through program by BDC_OPEN_GROUP function.
Parameters to this function are:
User Name: User name
Group: Name of the session
Lock Date: The date on which you want to process the session.
Keep: This parameter is passed as X when you want to retain session after
processing it or to delete it after processing.
BDC_INSERT
This function creates the session & data is transferred to Session.
Parameters to this function are:
Tcode: Transaction Name
Dynprotab: BDC Data
BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
This function closes the BDC Group. No Parameters.
Some additional information for session processing
When the session is generated using the KEEP option within the BDC_OPEN_GROUP, the system always keeps the sessions in the queue, whether it has been processed successfully or not.
However, if the session is processed, you have to delete it manually. When session processing is completed successfully while KEEP option was not set, it will be removed automatically from the session queue. Log is not removed for that session.
If the batch-input session is terminated with errors, then it appears in the list of INCORRECT session and it can be processed again. To correct incorrect session, you can analyze the session. The Analysis function allows to determine which screen and value has produced the error. If you find small errors in data, you can correct them interactively, otherwise you need to modify batch input program, which has generated the session or many times even the data file.
CALL TRANSACTION
About CALL TRANSACTION
A technique similar to SESSION method, while batch input is a two-step procedure, Call Transaction does both steps online, one after the other. In this method, you call a transaction from your program by
Call transaction <tcode> using <BDCTAB>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>
Messages into <MSGTAB>.
Parameter 1 is transaction code.
Parameter 2 is name of BDCTAB table.
Parameter 3 here you are specifying mode in which you execute transaction
A is all screen mode. All the screen of transaction are displayed.
N is no screen mode. No screen is displayed when you execute the transaction.
E is error screen. Only those screens are displayed wherein you have error record.
Parameter 4 here you are specifying update type by which database table is updated.
S is for Synchronous update in which if you change data of one table then all the related Tables gets updated. And sy-subrc is returned i.e., sy-subrc is returned for once and all.
A is for Asynchronous update. When you change data of one table, the sy-subrc is returned. And then updating of other affected tables takes place. So if system fails to update other tables, still sy-subrc returned is 0 (i.e., when first table gets updated).
Parameter 5 when you update database table, operation is either successful or unsuccessful or operation is successful with some warning. These messages are stored in internal table, which you specify along with MESSAGE statement. This internal table should be declared like BDCMSGCOLL, a structure available in ABAP/4. It contains the following fields:
1. Tcode: Transaction code
2. Dyname: Batch point module name
3. Dynumb: Batch input Dyn number
4. Msgtyp: Batch input message type (A/E/W/I/S)
5. Msgspra: Batch input Lang, id of message
6. Msgid: Message id
7. MsgvN: Message variables (N = 1 - 4)
For each entry, which is updated in database, table message is available in BDCMSGCOLL. As BDCMSGCOLL is structure, you need to declare a internal table which can contain multiple records (unlike structure).
Steps for CALL TRANSACTION method
1. Internal table for the data (structure similar to your local file)
2. BDCTAB like BDCDATA
3. UPLOAD or WS_UPLOAD function to upload the data from local file to itab. (Considering file is local file)
4. Loop at itab.
Populate BDCTAB table.
Call transaction <tcode> using <BDCTAB>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>.
Refresh BDCTAB.
Endloop.
(To populate BDCTAB, You need to transfer each and every field)
The major differences between Session method and Call transaction are as follows:
SESSION METHOD CALL TRANSACTION
1. Data is not updated in database table unless Session is processed. Immediate updation in database table.
2. No sy-subrc is returned. Sy-subrc is returned.
3. Error log is created for error records. Errors need to be handled explicitly
4. Updation in database table is always synchronous Updation in database table can be synchronous Or Asynchronous.
Error Handling in CALL TRANSACTION
When Session Method updates the records in database table, error records are stored in the log file. In Call transaction there is no such log file available and error record is lost unless handled. Usually you need to give report of all the error records i.e., records which are not inserted or updated in the database table. This can be done by the following method:
Steps for the error handling in CALL TRANSACTION
1. Internal table for the data (structure similar to your local file)
2. BDCTAB like BDCDATA
3. Internal table BDCMSG like BDCMSGCOLL
4. Internal table similar to Ist internal table
(Third and fourth steps are for error handling)
5. UPLOAD or WS_UPLOAD function to upload the data from the local file to itab. (Considering file is local file)
6. Loop at itab.
Populate BDCTAB table.
Call transaction <tr.code> using <Bdctab>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>
Messages <BDCMSG>.
Perform check.
Refresh BDCTAB.
Endloop.
7 Form check.
IF sy-subrc <> 0. (Call transaction returns the sy-subrc if updating is not successful).
Call function Format_message.
(This function is called to store the message given by system and to display it along with record)
Append itab2.
Display the record and message.
DIRECT INPUT
About Direct Input
In contrast to batch input, this technique does not create sessions, but stores the data directly. It does not simulate the online transaction. To enter the data into the corresponding database tables directly, the system calls a number of function modules that execute any necessary checks. In case of errors, the direct input technique provides a restart mechanism. However, to be able to activate the restart mechanism, direct input programs must be executed in the background only. Direct input checks the data thoroughly and then updates the database directly.
You can start a Direct Input program in two ways;
Start the program directly
This is the quickest way to see if the program works with your flat file. This option is possible with all direct input programs. If the program ends abnormally, you will not have any logs telling you what has or has not been posted. To minimize the chance of this happening, always use the check file option for the first run with your flat file. This allows you to detect format errors before transfer.
Starting the program via the DI administration transaction
This transaction restarts the processing, if the data transfer program aborts. Since DI document are immediately posted into the SAP D/B, the restart option prevents the duplicate document posting that occurs during a program restart (i.e., without adjusting your flat file).
Direct input is usually done for standard data like material master, FI accounting document, SD sales order and Classification for which SAP has provided standard programs.
First time you work with the Direct Input administration program, you will need to do some preparation before you can transfer data:
- Create variant
- Define job
- Start job
- Restart job
Common batch input errors
- The batch input BDCDATA structure tries to assign values to fields which do not exist in the current transaction screen.
- The screen in the BDCDATA structure does not match the right sequence, or an intermediate screen is missing.
- On exceptional occasions, the logic flow of batch input session does not exactly match that of manual online processing. Testing the sessions online can discover by this.
- The BDCDATA structure contains fields, which are longer than the actual definition.
- Authorization problems.
RECORDING A BATCH INPUT
A B recording allows you to record a R/3 transaction and generate a program that contains all screens and field information in the required BDC-DATA format.
You can either use SHDB transaction for recording or
SYSTEM ? SERVICES ? BATCH INPUT ? EDIT
And from here click recording.
Enter name for the recording.
(Dates are optional)
Click recording.
Enter transaction code.
Enter.
Click Save button.
You finally come to a screen where, you have all the information for each screen including BDC_OKCODE.
Click Get Transaction.
Return to BI.
Click overview.
Position the cursor on the just recorded entry and click generate program.
Enter program name.
Click enter
The program is generated for the particular transaction.
BACKGROUND PROCESSING
Need for Background processing
When a large volume of data is involved, usually all batch inputs are done in background.
The R/3 system includes functions that allow users to work non-interactively or offline. The background processing systems handle these functions.
Non-interactively means that instead of executing the ABAP/4 programs and waiting for an answer, user can submit those programs for execution at a more convenient planned time.
There are several reasons to submit programs for background execution.
The maximum time allowed for online execution should not exceed 300 seconds. User gets TIMEOUT error and an aborted transaction, if time for execution exceeds 300 seconds. To avoid these types of error, you can submit jobs for background processing.
You can use the system while your program is executing.
This does not mean that interactive or online work is not useful. Both type of processing have their own purposes. Online work is the most common one entering business data, displaying information, printing small reports, managing the system and so on. Background jobs are mainly used for the following tasks; to process large amount of data, to execute periodic jobs without human intervention, to run program at a more convenient, planned time other than during normal working hours i.e., Nights or weekends.
The transaction for background processing is SM36.
Or
Tools ? Administration ? Jobs ? Define jobs
Or
System ? services ? Jobs
Components of the background jobs
A job in Background processing is a series of steps that can be scheduled and step is a program for background processing.
Job name. Define the name of assigned to the job. It identifies the job. You can specify up to 32 characters for the name.
Job class. Indicates the type of background processing priority assigned to the job.
The job class determines the priority of a job. The background system admits three types of job classes: A B & C, which correspond to job priority.
Job steps. Parameters to be passed for this screen are as follows:
Program name.
Variant if it is report program
Start criteria for the job: Option available for this are as follows:
Immediate - allows you to start a job immediately.
Date/Time - allows you to start a job at a specific name.
After job - you can start a job after a particular job.
After event - allows you to start a job after a particular event.
At operation mode - allows you to start a job when the system switches to a particular operation mode.
Defining Background jobs
It is two step process: Firstly, you define the job and then release it.
When users define a job and save it, they are actually scheduling the report i.e., specifying the job components, the steps, the start time.
When users schedule program for background processing, they are instructing the system to execute an ABAP/4 report or an external program in the background. Scheduled jobs are not executed until they are released. When jobs are released, they are sent for execution to the background processing system at the specified start time. Both scheduling and releasing of jobs require authorizations.
HANDLING OF POP UP SCREEN IN BDC
Many times in transaction pop up screen appears and for this screen you dont pass any record but some indication to system telling it to proceed further. For example: The following screen
To handle such screen, system has provided a variable called BDC_CURSOR. You pass this variable to BDCDATA and process the screen.
Usually such screen appears in many transactions, in this case you are just passing information, that YES you want to save the information, that means YES should be clicked. So you are transferring this information to BDCDATA i.e., field name of YES which is usually SPOT_OPTION. Instead of BDC_OKCODE, you are passing BDC_CURSOR.
BDC_CURSOR is also used to place cursor on particular field.
AN EXAMPLE WITH SESSION METHOD
Following program demonstrates how data is passed from flat file to SAP transaction and further to database table by using SESSION method.
The transaction is TFBA (to change customer).
A simple transaction where you are entering customer number on first screen and on next screen data is displayed for the particular customer number. Field, which we are changing here, are name and city. When you click on save, the changed record gets saved.
Prerequisite to write this BDC interface as indicated earlier is:
1. To find screen number
2. To find screen field names, type of the field and length of the field.
3. To find BDC_OKCODE for each screen
4. Create flat file.
Flat file can be created in your hard disk as follows:
1 Vinod Hyderabad
2 Kavitha Secunderabad
3 Kishore Hyderabad
(Where 1st character field is Customer number, 2nd field is Customer name and 3rd field is City.)
To transfer this data to database table SCUSTOM following interface can be used.
REPORT DEMO1.
Following internal table is to upload flat file.
DATA: BEGIN OF ITAB OCCURS 0,
ID(10),
NAME(25),
CITY(25),
END OF ITAB.
*Following internal table BDCDATA is to pass date from internal table to session.
DATA: BDCTAB LIKE BDCDATA OCCURS 0 WITH HEADER LINE.
Variables
DATA: DATE1 LIKE SY-DATUM. DATE1 = SY-DATUM - 1. This is for Hold Date
To upload flat file to internal table.
CALL FUNCTION UPLOAD
EXPORTING
FILE NAME = C:\FF.TXT
FILE TYPE = ASC
TABLES
DATA_TAB = ITAB
EXCEPTIONS
CONVERSION_ERROR = 1
INVALID_TABLE_WIDTH = 2
INVALID_TYPE = 3
NO_BATCH = 4
UNKNOWN_ERROR = 5
OTHERS = 6.
If sy-subrc = 0.
Calling Function to Create a Session
CALL FUNCTION BDC_OPEN_GROUP
EXPORTING
CLIENT = SY-MANDT
GROUP = POTHURI
HOLDDATE = DATE1
KEEP = X
USER = SY-UNAME
EXCEPTIONS
CLIENT_INVALID = 1
DESTINATION_INVALID = 2
GROUP_INVALID = 3
GROUP_IS_LOCKED = 4
HOLDDATE_INVALID = 5
INTERNAL_ERROR = 6
QUEUE_ERROR = 7
RUNNING = 8
SYSTEM_LOCK_ERROR = 9
USER_INVALID = 10
OTHERS = 11.
If sy-subrc = 0.
*-- MAIN Logic--
LOOP AT ITAB
PERFORM GENERATE_DATA. Populating BDCDATA Table
CALL FUNCTION BDC_INSERT
EXPORTING
TCODE = TFBA
TABLES
DYNPROTAB = BDCTAB
EXCEPTIONS
INTERNAL_ERROR = 1
NOT_OPEN = 2
QUEUE_ERROR = 3
TCODE_INVALID = 4
PRINTING_INVALID = 5
POSTING_INVALID = 6
OTHERS = 7.
REFRESH BDCTAB
ENDLOOP.
Calling function to close the session
CALL FUNCTION BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
EXCEPTIONS
NOT_OPEN = 1
QUEUE_ERROR = 2
OTHERS = 3.
Endif.
Endif.
*& Form GENERATE_DATA
Create BDC Data
FORM GENERATE_DATA
Passing information for 1st screen on BDCDATA
BDCTAB-PROGRAM = SAPMTFBA.
BDCTAX-DYNPRO = 100.
BDCTAP-DYNBEGIN = X.
APPEND BCDTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing field information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-ID
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-ID.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing BDC_OKCODE to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = BDC_OKCODE.
BDCTAB-FVAL = /5.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information for next screen to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-PROGRAM = SAPMTFBA.
BDCTAB-DYNPRO = 200.
BDCTAB-DYNBEGIN = X.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-NAME.
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-NAME.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-CITY.
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-CITY.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing BDC_OKCODE to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = BDC_OKCODE.
BDCTAB-FVAL = SAVE.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
ENDFORM. GENERATE_DATA
AN EXAMPLE WITH CALL TRANSACTION
Same steps to be repeated for CALL TRANSACTION
The only difference between the two types of interface is in Session method, you create session and store information about screen and data into session. When session is processed the data is transferred to database. While in CALL TRANSACTION, data is transferred directly to database table.
REPORT DEMO1.
Follow above Code till MAIN Logic. Even the Subroutine should be copied
LOOP AT ITAB
PERFORM GENERATE_DATA, Populating BDCDATA Table
Call transaction TFBA using BCDDATA Mode A Update S.
REFRESH BDCTAB
ENDLOOP. -
Uploading data from Legacy system
Hi
i am shorthly going to work on data migration project. I have never worked on a data migration project and want to know the answers for the following questions.
1] which technique i must first consider in data upload ( both master data and transaction data )
2] What steps are involved?
3] I know we can use LSMW, BAPI's , BDC , Direct Input , IDOC etc but want to know which one choose and when?
4] What care must be taken in each data migration
5] is there is std list of programs or a good document on when to choose what?
~SRHi,
Data migration can be done by the follwoing methods:
LSMW : for master data migartion or small data migartion
BAPI : its just like a FM , thru which u can create master aswell as Transactional data.
u have to import some paremetre as well as tables if required, and Bapi will RETURN the message saying so and so material/delievry had cretaed.
BDC : in BDC we got 2 methods.
CAll transaction and session.
CAll transacton : using this u can uplaod transcational data as well as master data.
the updation can be synchronus or asynchronus updates.
Session: using this u can uplaod transcational data as well as master data.
The updation in session is synchronus, so its time taking process.
Most of the time we go for Call transcation In real situations.
Dircet input method: its out dated.no longer it is being used.
in all the above cases, data is alraedy existing in flat file and u r going to migrate the data in one shot but IDOC is used where the dynamical data migration is necessary.
suppose say ones the material is craeted in legacy sytem , that particulat matreial shud be migarted to R/3.this can be handled thru IDOC.
Idoc: master data as well as Trnascational data is migarted thru IDOC( matmas, orders).
Idoc uses ALE technology in migartion of idoc.
Revert back if any issues.
Check these links.
SAP Data Migration with LSMW
http://www.sap-img.com/sap-data-migration.htm
For BDC:
http://myweb.dal.ca/hchinni/sap/bdc_home.htm
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/wiki?path=/display/home/bdc&
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/learning-bdc-programming.htm
http://www.sapdevelopment.co.uk/bdc/bdchome.htm
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/difference-between-batch-input-and-call-transaction-in-bdc.htm
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_47x200/helpdata/en/69/c250684ba111d189750000e8322d00/frameset.htm
http://www.sapbrain.com/TUTORIALS/TECHNICAL/BDC_tutorial.html
LSMW
No ABAP effort are required for the SAP data migration. However, effort are required to map the data into the structure according to the pre-determined format as specified by the pre-written ABAP upload program of the LSMW.
The Legacy System Migration Workbench (LSMW) is a tool recommended by SAP that you can use to transfer data once only or periodically from legacy systems into an R/3 System.
More and more medium-sized firms are implementing SAP solutions, and many of them have their legacy data in desktop programs. In this case, the data is exported in a format that can be read by PC spreadsheet systems. As a result, the data transfer is mere child's play: Simply enter the field names in the first line of the table, and the LSM Workbench's import routine automatically generates the input file for your conversion program.
The LSM Workbench lets you check the data for migration against the current settings of your customizing. The check is performed after the data migration, but before the update in your database.
So although it was designed for uploading of legacy data it is not restricted to this use.
We use it for mass changes, i.e. uploading new/replacement data and it is great, but there are limits on its functionality, depending on the complexity of the transaction you are trying to replicate.
The SAP transaction code is 'LSMW' for SAP version 4.6x.
For those with the older SAP version (4.7 and below), the data migration programs might not have been pre-loaded.
You can download the LSMW at no cost from SAPNet under Services, SAP Methodology and Tools, category Tools.
If you are an existing SAP customer with an OSS ID, you can access the SAP Service Marketplace to download the LSWM for your Basis teams to install to your SAP system: http://service.sap.com/lsmw
The LSM Workbench carries out the following tasks:
Reads the transfer data from one or more files (for example, spreadsheets, sequential files etc.)
Converts the data from the source format into the target format
Note that with background processing, the input file must not be located in the presentation server. Access to presentation server files is only possible when you are working onlineUpload Condition Pricing
LSMW STEPS
Data Cleansing
Data cleansing allows you to compare, include and merge redundant business partner master records (potential duplicates) in data cleansing cases. Following the data cleansing process you can remove data records from the system using archiving.
Integration
Before you can carry out data cleansing, you must determine the redundant data in your system and include it in data cleansing cases.
You have the following options for duplicate recognition and creation of data cleansing cases.
The Business Address Services (BAS) provide interfaces for integrating the relevant external software (search machines).
User-defined programs
Services of data providers, who check their data for possible duplicates.
In the options described above, the data cleansing cases are created via the system and put into the data cleansing worklist for further processing.
In individual cases you can find potential business partner duplicates in the hitlist of the business partner search and create a separate data cleansing case.
After connecting the non-SAP software (search engines), the system starts duplicate recognition (Delta Scan) with every change to or new entry of a business partner for this specific individual record. You should do a full scan through the complete dataset at the beginning of the consolidation process using the non-SAP software, this registers all potential duplicates in data cleansing cases and makes them available or further processing.
Within the application basis, the referencing objects, which are taken into account by the data cleansing, are limited to the sub-objects of the business partner. You have the possibility to make modification-free enhancements to the referencing objects.
Prerequisites
You must have determined the redundant data records in your system.
To use the interface of the Business Address Services, make the following Customizing settings: SAP Implementation Guide -> Basis -> Basis Services -> Address Management -> Activate Duplicate Check Index Pool
Make the following system settings in the IMG of the SAP Business Partner: Basic Settings -> Data Cleansing -> Maintain Number Range / Define Priorities / Activate Data Cleansing.
Activities
Register data cleansing cases via BAPIs or create them in the dialog for business partner maintenance from the worklist or the business partner search.
Process the created data cleansing cases in a separate process step afterwards.
BATCH DATA COMMUNICATION
About Data Transfer In R/3 System
When a company decides to implement the SAP R/3 to manage business-critical data, it usually does not start from a no-data situation. Normally, a SAP R/3 project comes into replace or complement existing application.
In the process of replacing current applications and transferring application data, two situations might occur:
The first is when application data to be replaced is transferred at once, and only once.
The second situation is to transfer data periodically from external systems to SAP and vice versa.
There is a period of time when information has to be transferred from existing application, to SAP R/3, and often this process will be repetitive.
The SAP system offers two primary methods for transferring data into SAP systems. From non-SAP systems or legacy system. These two methods are collectively called batch input or batch data communication.
1. SESSION METHOD
2. CALL TRANSACTION
3. DIRECT INPUT
Advantages offered by BATCH INPUT method:
1. Can process large data volumes in batch.
2. Can be planned and submitted in the background.
3. No manual interaction is required when data is transferred.
4. Data integrity is maintained as whatever data is transferred to the table is through transaction. Hence batch input data is submitted to all the checks and validations.
To implement one of the supported data transfers, you must often write the program that exports the data from your non-SAP system. This program, known as a data transfer program must map the data from the external system into the data structure required by the SAP batch input program.
The batch input program must build all of the input to execute the SAP transaction.
Two main steps are required:
To build an internal table containing every screen and every field to be filled in during the execution of an SAP transaction.
To pass the table to SAP for processing.
Prerequisite for Data Transfer Program
Writing a Data Transfer Program involves following prerequisites:
Analyzing data from local file
Analyzing transaction
Analyzing transaction involves following steps:
The transaction code, if you do not already know it.
Which fields require input i.e., mandatory.
Which fields can you allow to default to standard values.
The names, types, and lengths of the fields that are used by a transaction.
Screen number and Name of module pool program behind a particular transaction.
To analyze a transaction::
Start the transaction by menu or by entering the transaction code in the command box.
(You can determine the transaction name by choosing System Status.)
Step through the transaction, entering the data will be required for processing your batch input data.
On each screen, note the program name and screen (dynpro) number.
(dynpro = dyn + pro. Dyn = screen, pro = number)
Display these by choosing System Status. The relevant fields are Program (dynpro) and Dynpro number. If pop-up windows occur during execution, you can get the program name and screen number by pressing F1 on any field or button on the screen.
The technical info pop-up shows not only the field information but also the program and screen.
For each field, check box, and radio button on each screen, press F1 (help) and then choose Technical Info.
Note the following information:
- The field name for batch input, which youll find in its own box.
The length and data type of the field. You can display this information by double clicking on the Data Element field.
Find out the identification code for each function (button or menu) that you must execute to process the batch-input data (or to go to new screen).
Place the cursor on the button or menu entry while holding down the left mouse button. Then press F1.
In the pop-up window that follows, choose Technical info and note the code that is shown in the Function field.
You can also run any function that is assigned to a function key by way of the function key number. To display the list of available function keys, click on the right mouse button. Note the key number that is assigned to the functions you want to run.
Once you have program name, screen number, field name (screen field name), you can start writing.
DATA TRANSFER program.
Declaring internal table
First Integral Table similar to structure like local file.
Declaring internal table like BDCDATA
The data from internal table is not transferred directly to database table, it has to go through transaction. You need to pass data to particular screen and to particular screen-field. Data is passed to transaction in particular format, hence there is a need for batch input structure.
The batch input structure stores the data that is to be entered into SAP system and the actions that are necessary to process the data. The batch input structure is used by all of the batch input methods. You can use the same structure for all types of batch input, regardless of whether you are creating a session in the batch input queue or using CALL TRANSACTION.
This structure is BDCDATA, which can contain the batch input data for only a single run of a transaction. The typical processing loop in a program is as follows:
Create a BDCDATA structure
Write the structure out to a session or process it with CALL TRANSACTION USING; and then
Create a BDCDATA structure for the next transaction that is to be processed.
Within a BDCDATA structure, organize the data of screens in a transaction. Each screen that is processed in the course of a transaction must be identified with a BDCDATA record. This record uses the Program, Dynpro, and Dynbegin fields of the structure.
The screen identifier record is followed by a separate BDCDATA record for each value, to be entered into a field. These records use the FNAM and FVAL fields of the BDCDATA structure. Values to be entered in a field can be any of the following:
Data that is entered into screen fields.
Function codes that are entered into the command field. Such function codes execute functions in a transaction, such as Save or Enter.
The BDCDATA structure contains the following fields:
PROGRAM: Name of module pool program associated with the screen. Set this field only for the first record for the screen.
DYNPRO: Screen Number. Set this field only in the first record for the screen.
DYNBEGIN: Indicates the first record for the screen. Set this field to X, only for the first record for the screen. (Reset to (blank) for all other records.)
FNAM: Field Name. The FNAM field is not case-sensitive.
FVAL: Value for the field named in FNAM. The FVAL field is case-sensitive. Values assigned to this field are always padded on the right, if they are less than 132 characters. Values must be in character format.
Transferring data from local file to internal table
Data is uploaded to internal table by UPLOAD of WS_UPLOAD function.
Population of BDCDATA
For each record of internal table, you need to populate Internal table, which is similar to BDCDATA structure.
All these five initial steps are necessary for any type of BDC interface.
DATA TRANSFER program can call SESSION METHOD or CALL TRANSACTION. The initial steps for both the methods are same.
First step for both the methods is to upload the data to internal table. From Internal Table, the data is transferred to database table by two ways i.e., Session method and Call transaction.
SESSION METHOD
About Session method
In this method you transfer data from internal table to database table through sessions.
In this method, an ABAP/4 program reads the external data that is to be entered in the SAP System and stores the data in session. A session stores the actions that are required to enter your data using normal SAP transaction i.e., Data is transferred to session which in turn transfers data to database table.
Session is intermediate step between internal table and database table. Data along with its action is stored in session i.e., data for screen fields, to which screen it is passed, the program name behind it, and how the next screen is processed.
When the program has finished generating the session, you can run the session to execute the SAP transactions in it. You can either explicitly start and monitor a session or have the session run in the background processing system.
Unless session is processed, the data is not transferred to database table.
BDC_OPEN_GROUP
You create the session through program by BDC_OPEN_GROUP function.
Parameters to this function are:
User Name: User name
Group: Name of the session
Lock Date: The date on which you want to process the session.
Keep: This parameter is passed as X when you want to retain session after
processing it or to delete it after processing.
BDC_INSERT
This function creates the session & data is transferred to Session.
Parameters to this function are:
Tcode: Transaction Name
Dynprotab: BDC Data
BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
This function closes the BDC Group. No Parameters.
Some additional information for session processing
When the session is generated using the KEEP option within the BDC_OPEN_GROUP, the system always keeps the sessions in the queue, whether it has been processed successfully or not.
However, if the session is processed, you have to delete it manually. When session processing is completed successfully while KEEP option was not set, it will be removed automatically from the session queue. Log is not removed for that session.
If the batch-input session is terminated with errors, then it appears in the list of INCORRECT session and it can be processed again. To correct incorrect session, you can analyze the session. The Analysis function allows to determine which screen and value has produced the error. If you find small errors in data, you can correct them interactively, otherwise you need to modify batch input program, which has generated the session or many times even the data file.
CALL TRANSACTION
About CALL TRANSACTION
A technique similar to SESSION method, while batch input is a two-step procedure, Call Transaction does both steps online, one after the other. In this method, you call a transaction from your program by
Call transaction <tcode> using <BDCTAB>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>
Messages into <MSGTAB>.
Parameter 1 is transaction code.
Parameter 2 is name of BDCTAB table.
Parameter 3 here you are specifying mode in which you execute transaction
A is all screen mode. All the screen of transaction are displayed.
N is no screen mode. No screen is displayed when you execute the transaction.
E is error screen. Only those screens are displayed wherein you have error record.
Parameter 4 here you are specifying update type by which database table is updated.
S is for Synchronous update in which if you change data of one table then all the related Tables gets updated. And sy-subrc is returned i.e., sy-subrc is returned for once and all.
A is for Asynchronous update. When you change data of one table, the sy-subrc is returned. And then updating of other affected tables takes place. So if system fails to update other tables, still sy-subrc returned is 0 (i.e., when first table gets updated).
Parameter 5 when you update database table, operation is either successful or unsuccessful or operation is successful with some warning. These messages are stored in internal table, which you specify along with MESSAGE statement. This internal table should be declared like BDCMSGCOLL, a structure available in ABAP/4. It contains the following fields:
1. Tcode: Transaction code
2. Dyname: Batch point module name
3. Dynumb: Batch input Dyn number
4. Msgtyp: Batch input message type (A/E/W/I/S)
5. Msgspra: Batch input Lang, id of message
6. Msgid: Message id
7. MsgvN: Message variables (N = 1 - 4)
For each entry, which is updated in database, table message is available in BDCMSGCOLL. As BDCMSGCOLL is structure, you need to declare a internal table which can contain multiple records (unlike structure).
Steps for CALL TRANSACTION method
1. Internal table for the data (structure similar to your local file)
2. BDCTAB like BDCDATA
3. UPLOAD or WS_UPLOAD function to upload the data from local file to itab. (Considering file is local file)
4. Loop at itab.
Populate BDCTAB table.
Call transaction <tcode> using <BDCTAB>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>.
Refresh BDCTAB.
Endloop.
(To populate BDCTAB, You need to transfer each and every field)
The major differences between Session method and Call transaction are as follows:
SESSION METHOD CALL TRANSACTION
1. Data is not updated in database table unless Session is processed. Immediate updation in database table.
2. No sy-subrc is returned. Sy-subrc is returned.
3. Error log is created for error records. Errors need to be handled explicitly
4. Updation in database table is always synchronous Updation in database table can be synchronous Or Asynchronous.
Error Handling in CALL TRANSACTION
When Session Method updates the records in database table, error records are stored in the log file. In Call transaction there is no such log file available and error record is lost unless handled. Usually you need to give report of all the error records i.e., records which are not inserted or updated in the database table. This can be done by the following method:
Steps for the error handling in CALL TRANSACTION
1. Internal table for the data (structure similar to your local file)
2. BDCTAB like BDCDATA
3. Internal table BDCMSG like BDCMSGCOLL
4. Internal table similar to Ist internal table
(Third and fourth steps are for error handling)
5. UPLOAD or WS_UPLOAD function to upload the data from the local file to itab. (Considering file is local file)
6. Loop at itab.
Populate BDCTAB table.
Call transaction <tr.code> using <Bdctab>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>
Messages <BDCMSG>.
Perform check.
Refresh BDCTAB.
Endloop.
7 Form check.
IF sy-subrc 0. (Call transaction returns the sy-subrc if updating is not successful).
Call function Format_message.
(This function is called to store the message given by system and to display it along with record)
Append itab2.
Display the record and message.
DIRECT INPUT
About Direct Input
In contrast to batch input, this technique does not create sessions, but stores the data directly. It does not simulate the online transaction. To enter the data into the corresponding database tables directly, the system calls a number of function modules that execute any necessary checks. In case of errors, the direct input technique provides a restart mechanism. However, to be able to activate the restart mechanism, direct input programs must be executed in the background only. Direct input checks the data thoroughly and then updates the database directly.
You can start a Direct Input program in two ways;
Start the program directly
This is the quickest way to see if the program works with your flat file. This option is possible with all direct input programs. If the program ends abnormally, you will not have any logs telling you what has or has not been posted. To minimize the chance of this happening, always use the check file option for the first run with your flat file. This allows you to detect format errors before transfer.
Starting the program via the DI administration transaction
This transaction restarts the processing, if the data transfer program aborts. Since DI document are immediately posted into the SAP D/B, the restart option prevents the duplicate document posting that occurs during a program restart (i.e., without adjusting your flat file).
Direct input is usually done for standard data like material master, FI accounting document, SD sales order and Classification for which SAP has provided standard programs.
First time you work with the Direct Input administration program, you will need to do some preparation before you can transfer data:
- Create variant
Define job
Start job
Restart job
Common batch input errors
- The batch input BDCDATA structure tries to assign values to fields which do not exist in the current transaction screen.
The screen in the BDCDATA structure does not match the right sequence, or an intermediate screen is missing.
On exceptional occasions, the logic flow of batch input session does not exactly match that of manual online processing. Testing the sessions online can discover by this.
The BDCDATA structure contains fields, which are longer than the actual definition.
Authorization problems.
RECORDING A BATCH INPUT
A B recording allows you to record a R/3 transaction and generate a program that contains all screens and field information in the required BDC-DATA format.
You can either use SHDB transaction for recording or
EDIT BATCH INPUT  SERVICES SYSTEM
And from here click recording.
Enter name for the recording.
(Dates are optional)
Click recording.
Enter transaction code.
Enter.
Click Save button.
You finally come to a screen where, you have all the information for each screen including BDC_OKCODE.
Click Get Transaction.
Return to BI.
Click overview.
Position the cursor on the just recorded entry and click generate program.
Enter program name.
Click enter
The program is generated for the particular transaction.
BACKGROUND PROCESSING
Need for Background processing
When a large volume of data is involved, usually all batch inputs are done in background.
The R/3 system includes functions that allow users to work non-interactively or offline. The background processing systems handle these functions.
Non-interactively means that instead of executing the ABAP/4 programs and waiting for an answer, user can submit those programs for execution at a more convenient planned time.
There are several reasons to submit programs for background execution.
The maximum time allowed for online execution should not exceed 300 seconds. User gets TIMEOUT error and an aborted transaction, if time for execution exceeds 300 seconds. To avoid these types of error, you can submit jobs for background processing.
You can use the system while your program is executing.
This does not mean that interactive or online work is not useful. Both type of processing have their own purposes. Online work is the most common one entering business data, displaying information, printing small reports, managing the system and so on. Background jobs are mainly used for the following tasks; to process large amount of data, to execute periodic jobs without human intervention, to run program at a more convenient, planned time other than during normal working hours i.e., Nights or weekends.
The transaction for background processing is SM36.
Or
Define jobs Jobs  Administration Tools
Or
System Jobsservices
Components of the background jobs
A job in Background processing is a series of steps that can be scheduled and step is a program for background processing.
Job name. Define the name of assigned to the job. It identifies the job. You can specify up to 32 characters for the name.
Job class. Indicates the type of background processing priority assigned to the job.
The job class determines the priority of a job. The background system admits three types of job classes: A B & C, which correspond to job priority.
Job steps. Parameters to be passed for this screen are as follows:
Program name.
Variant if it is report program
Start criteria for the job: Option available for this are as follows:
Immediate - allows you to start a job immediately.
Date/Time - allows you to start a job at a specific name.
After job - you can start a job after a particular job.
After event - allows you to start a job after a particular event.
At operation mode - allows you to start a job when the system switches to a particular operation mode.
Defining Background jobs
It is two step process: Firstly, you define the job and then release it.
When users define a job and save it, they are actually scheduling the report i.e., specifying the job components, the steps, the start time.
When users schedule program for background processing, they are instructing the system to execute an ABAP/4 report or an external program in the background. Scheduled jobs are not executed until they are released. When jobs are released, they are sent for execution to the background processing system at the specified start time. Both scheduling and releasing of jobs require authorizations.
HANDLING OF POP UP SCREEN IN BDC
Many times in transaction pop up screen appears and for this screen you dont pass any record but some indication to system telling it to proceed further. For example: The following screen
To handle such screen, system has provided a variable called BDC_CURSOR. You pass this variable to BDCDATA and process the screen.
Usually such screen appears in many transactions, in this case you are just passing information, that YES you want to save the information, that means YES should be clicked. So you are transferring this information to BDCDATA i.e., field name of YES which is usually SPOT_OPTION. Instead of BDC_OKCODE, you are passing BDC_CURSOR.
BDC_CURSOR is also used to place cursor on particular field.
AN EXAMPLE WITH SESSION METHOD
Following program demonstrates how data is passed from flat file to SAP transaction and further to database table by using SESSION method.
The transaction is TFBA (to change customer).
A simple transaction where you are entering customer number on first screen and on next screen data is displayed for the particular customer number. Field, which we are changing here, are name and city. When you click on save, the changed record gets saved.
Prerequisite to write this BDC interface as indicated earlier is:
1. To find screen number
2. To find screen field names, type of the field and length of the field.
3. To find BDC_OKCODE for each screen
4. Create flat file.
Flat file can be created in your hard disk as follows:
1 Vinod Krishna Hyderabad
2 Kavitha Secunderabad
3 Kishore Hyderabad
(Where 1st character field is Customer number, 2nd field is Customer name and 3rd field is City.)
To transfer this data to database table SCUSTOM following interface can be used.
REPORT DEMO1.
Following internal table is to upload flat file.
DATA: BEGIN OF ITAB OCCURS 0,
ID(10),
NAME(25),
CITY(25),
END OF ITAB.
*Following internal table BDCDATA is to pass date from internal table to session.
DATA: BDCTAB LIKE BDCDATA OCCURS 0 WITH HEADER LINE.
Variables
DATA: DATE1 LIKE SY-DATUM. DATE1 = SY-DATUM - 1. This is for Hold Date
To upload flat file to internal table.
CALL FUNCTION UPLOAD
EXPORTING
FILE NAME = C:FF.TXT
FILE TYPE = ASC
TABLES
DATA_TAB = ITAB
EXCEPTIONS
CONVERSION_ERROR = 1
INVALID_TABLE_WIDTH = 2
INVALID_TYPE = 3
NO_BATCH = 4
UNKNOWN_ERROR = 5
OTHERS = 6.
If sy-subrc = 0.
Calling Function to Create a Session
CALL FUNCTION BDC_OPEN_GROUP
EXPORTING
CLIENT = SY-MANDT
GROUP = POTHURI
HOLDDATE = DATE1
KEEP = X
USER = SY-UNAME
EXCEPTIONS
CLIENT_INVALID = 1
DESTINATION_INVALID = 2
GROUP_INVALID = 3
GROUP_IS_LOCKED = 4
HOLDDATE_INVALID = 5
INTERNAL_ERROR = 6
QUEUE_ERROR = 7
RUNNING = 8
SYSTEM_LOCK_ERROR = 9
USER_INVALID = 10
OTHERS = 11.
If sy-subrc = 0.
*-- MAIN Logic--
LOOP AT ITAB
PERFORM GENERATE_DATA. Populating BDCDATA Table
CALL FUNCTION BDC_INSERT
EXPORTING
TCODE = TFBA
TABLES
DYNPROTAB = BDCTAB
EXCEPTIONS
INTERNAL_ERROR = 1
NOT_OPEN = 2
QUEUE_ERROR = 3
TCODE_INVALID = 4
PRINTING_INVALID = 5
POSTING_INVALID = 6
OTHERS = 7.
REFRESH BDCTAB
ENDLOOP.
Calling function to close the session
CALL FUNCTION BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
EXCEPTIONS
NOT_OPEN = 1
QUEUE_ERROR = 2
OTHERS = 3.
Endif.
Endif.
*& Form GENERATE_DATA
Create BDC Data
FORM GENERATE_DATA
Passing information for 1st screen on BDCDATA
BDCTAB-PROGRAM = SAPMTFBA.
BDCTAX-DYNPRO = 100.
BDCTAP-DYNBEGIN = X.
APPEND BCDTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing field information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-ID
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-ID.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing BDC_OKCODE to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = BDC_OKCODE.
BDCTAB-FVAL = /5.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information for next screen to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-PROGRAM = SAPMTFBA.
BDCTAB-DYNPRO = 200.
BDCTAB-DYNBEGIN = X.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-NAME.
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-NAME.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-CITY.
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-CITY.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing BDC_OKCODE to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = BDC_OKCODE.
BDCTAB-FVAL = SAVE.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
ENDFORM. GENERATE_DATA
AN EXAMPLE WITH CALL TRANSACTION
Same steps to be repeated for CALL TRANSACTION
The only difference between the two types of interface is in Session method, you create session and store information about screen and data into session. When session is processed the data is transferred to database. While in CALL TRANSACTION, data is transferred directly to database table.
REPORT DEMO1.
Follow above Code till MAIN Logic. Even the Subroutine should be copied
LOOP AT ITAB
PERFORM GENERATE_DATA, Populating BDCDATA Table
Call transaction TFBA using BCDDATA Mode A Update S.
REFRESH BDCTAB
ENDLOOP.
check this link:
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/learning-bdc-programming.htm
http://www.sap-img.com/bdc.htm
www.sappoint.com/abap/bdcconcept.pdf
www.sap-img.com/abap/learning-bdc-programming.htm
www.sap-img.com/abap/question-about-bdc-program.htm
www.sapdevelopment.co.uk/bdc/bdchome.htm
www.planetsap.com/bdc_main_page.htm
Re: bdc mm01
http://www.sapbrain.com/TUTORIALS/TECHNICAL/BDC_tutorial.html
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/bdc-example-using-table-control-in-bdc.htm
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_erp2005/helpdata/en/fa/097119543b11d1898e0000e8322d00/frameset.htm
http://myweb.dal.ca/hchinni/sap/bdc_home.htm
IDOC
What is IDOC ?
IDoc
Standard SAP format for electronic data interchange between systems (Intermediate Document). Different message types (such as delivery confirmations or purchase orders) normally represent different specific formats, the IDoc types. However, multiple message types with related content can be assigned to one IDoc type: For example, the IDoc type ORDERS01 transfers the logical message types ORDERS (purchase order) and ORDRSP (order confirmation).
Also check these link it will help you.
idoc information
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw2004s/helpdata/en/78/21785851ce11d189570000e829fbbd/frameset.htm
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/wiki?path=/display/xi/sapR3%28Idocs%29ToXI--Steps+Summarized&
/people/prateek.shah/blog/2005/06/08/introduction-to-idoc-xi-file-scenario-and-complete-walk-through-for-starters
ALE/ IDOC/ XML
Troubleshooting of ALE Process - /people/raja.thangamani/blog/2007/07/19/troubleshooting-of-ale-process
http://www.sapgenie.com/sapgenie/docs/ale_scenario_development_procedure.doc
http://www.thespot4sap.com/Articles/SAP_XML_Business_Integration.asp
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_srm30/helpdata/en/72/0fe1385bed2815e10000000a114084/content.htm
IDOC Convertion
/people/kevin.wilson2/blog/2005/12/07/changing-fields-in-an-idoc-segment
Please check this online document for ALE and IDoc.
http://help.sap.com/printdocu/core/Print46c/en/data/pdf/BCMIDALEIO/BCMIDALEIO.pdf
http://help.sap.com/printdocu/core/Print46c/en/data/pdf/BCMIDALEPRO/BCMIDALEPRO.pdf
http://help.sap.com/printdocu/core/Print46c/en/data/pdf/CABFAALEQS/CABFAALEQS.pdf
http://help.sap.com/printdocu/core/Print46c/en/data/pdf/BCSRVEDISC/CAEDISCAP_STC.pdf
http://help.sap.com/printdocu/core/Print46c/en/data/pdf/BCSRVEDI/CAEDI.pdf
Also check this links for additional information.
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_erp2004/helpdata/en/dc/6b835943d711d1893e0000e8323c4f/content.htm
http://www.sapgenie.com/sapgenie/docs/ale_scenario_development_procedure.doc
http://edocs.bea.com/elink/adapter/r3/userhtm/ale.htm#1008419
http://www.netweaverguru.com/EDI/HTML/IDocBook.htm
http://www.sapgenie.com/sapedi/index.htm
serialization /people/alessandro.guarneri/blog/2006/11/26/content-based-serialization-dynamic-queue-name-in-xi
/people/prateek.shah/blog/2005/06/08/introduction-to-idoc-xi-file-scenario-and-complete-walk-through-for-starters - IDoc to File
IDOc testing - /people/suraj.sr/blog/2005/12/29/generate-test-case-for-an-idoc-scenario
/people/ravikumar.allampallam/blog/2005/06/24/convert-any-flat-file-to-any-idoc-java-mapping - Any flat file to any Idoc
/people/pooja.pandey/blog/2005/07/27/idocs-multiple-types-collection-in-bpm - Collection of IDoc to Single File
/people/stefan.grube/blog/2006/09/18/collecting-idocs-without-using-bpm - collecting IDocs without BPM
/people/prateek.shah/blog/2005/06/08/introduction-to-idoc-xi-file-scenario-and-complete-walk-through-for-starters - IDoc to File
Hope it will be useful to u....plz don't forget to reward points...!!!!
Regards
Vasu -
i wanna know the concept of BDC with simple examples... also CA
BATCH DATA COMMUNICATION
About Data Transfer In R/3 System
When a company decides to implement the SAP R/3 to manage business-critical data, it usually does not start from a no-data situation. Normally, a SAP R/3 project comes into replace or complement existing application.
In the process of replacing current applications and transferring application data, two situations might occur:
The first is when application data to be replaced is transferred at once, and only once.
The second situation is to transfer data periodically from external systems to SAP and vice versa.
There is a period of time when information has to be transferred from existing application, to SAP R/3, and often this process will be repetitive.
The SAP system offers two primary methods for transferring data into SAP systems. From non-SAP systems or legacy system. These two methods are collectively called batch input or batch data communication.
1. SESSION METHOD
2. CALL TRANSACTION
3. DIRECT INPUT
Advantages offered by BATCH INPUT method:
1. Can process large data volumes in batch.
2. Can be planned and submitted in the background.
3. No manual interaction is required when data is transferred.
4. Data integrity is maintained as whatever data is transferred to the table is through transaction. Hence batch input data is submitted to all the checks and validations.
To implement one of the supported data transfers, you must often write the program that exports the data from your non-SAP system. This program, known as a data transfer program must map the data from the external system into the data structure required by the SAP batch input program.
The batch input program must build all of the input to execute the SAP transaction.
Two main steps are required:
To build an internal table containing every screen and every field to be filled in during the execution of an SAP transaction.
To pass the table to SAP for processing.
Prerequisite for Data Transfer Program
Writing a Data Transfer Program involves following prerequisites:
Analyzing data from local file
Analyzing transaction
Analyzing transaction involves following steps:
The transaction code, if you do not already know it.
Which fields require input i.e., mandatory.
Which fields can you allow to default to standard values.
The names, types, and lengths of the fields that are used by a transaction.
Screen number and Name of module pool program behind a particular transaction.
To analyze a transaction::
Start the transaction by menu or by entering the transaction code in the command box.
(You can determine the transaction name by choosing System Status.)
Step through the transaction, entering the data will be required for processing your batch input data.
On each screen, note the program name and screen (dynpro) number.
(dynpro = dyn + pro. Dyn = screen, pro = number)
Display these by choosing System Status. The relevant fields are Program (dynpro) and Dynpro number. If pop-up windows occur during execution, you can get the program name and screen number by pressing F1 on any field or button on the screen.
The technical info pop-up shows not only the field information but also the program and screen.
For each field, check box, and radio button on each screen, press F1 (help) and then choose Technical Info.
Note the following information:
- The field name for batch input, which youll find in its own box.
- The length and data type of the field. You can display this information by double clicking on the Data Element field.
Find out the identification code for each function (button or menu) that you must execute to process the batch-input data (or to go to new screen).
Place the cursor on the button or menu entry while holding down the left mouse button. Then press F1.
In the pop-up window that follows, choose Technical info and note the code that is shown in the Function field.
You can also run any function that is assigned to a function key by way of the function key number. To display the list of available function keys, click on the right mouse button. Note the key number that is assigned to the functions you want to run.
Once you have program name, screen number, field name (screen field name), you can start writing.
DATA TRANSFER program.
Declaring internal table
First Integral Table similar to structure like local file.
Declaring internal table like BDCDATA
The data from internal table is not transferred directly to database table, it has to go through transaction. You need to pass data to particular screen and to particular screen-field. Data is passed to transaction in particular format, hence there is a need for batch input structure.
The batch input structure stores the data that is to be entered into SAP system and the actions that are necessary to process the data. The batch input structure is used by all of the batch input methods. You can use the same structure for all types of batch input, regardless of whether you are creating a session in the batch input queue or using CALL TRANSACTION.
This structure is BDCDATA, which can contain the batch input data for only a single run of a transaction. The typical processing loop in a program is as follows:
Create a BDCDATA structure
Write the structure out to a session or process it with CALL TRANSACTION USING; and then
Create a BDCDATA structure for the next transaction that is to be processed.
Within a BDCDATA structure, organize the data of screens in a transaction. Each screen that is processed in the course of a transaction must be identified with a BDCDATA record. This record uses the Program, Dynpro, and Dynbegin fields of the structure.
The screen identifier record is followed by a separate BDCDATA record for each value, to be entered into a field. These records use the FNAM and FVAL fields of the BDCDATA structure. Values to be entered in a field can be any of the following:
Data that is entered into screen fields.
Function codes that are entered into the command field. Such function codes execute functions in a transaction, such as Save or Enter.
The BDCDATA structure contains the following fields:
PROGRAM: Name of module pool program associated with the screen. Set this field only for the first record for the screen.
DYNPRO: Screen Number. Set this field only in the first record for the screen.
DYNBEGIN: Indicates the first record for the screen. Set this field to X, only for the first record for the screen. (Reset to (blank) for all other records.)
FNAM: Field Name. The FNAM field is not case-sensitive.
FVAL: Value for the field named in FNAM. The FVAL field is case-sensitive. Values assigned to this field are always padded on the right, if they are less than 132 characters. Values must be in character format.
Transferring data from local file to internal table
Data is uploaded to internal table by UPLOAD of WS_UPLOAD function.
Population of BDCDATA
For each record of internal table, you need to populate Internal table, which is similar to BDCDATA structure.
All these five initial steps are necessary for any type of BDC interface.
DATA TRANSFER program can call SESSION METHOD or CALL TRANSACTION. The initial steps for both the methods are same.
First step for both the methods is to upload the data to internal table. From Internal Table, the data is transferred to database table by two ways i.e., Session method and Call transaction.
SESSION METHOD
About Session method
In this method you transfer data from internal table to database table through sessions.
In this method, an ABAP/4 program reads the external data that is to be entered in the SAP System and stores the data in session. A session stores the actions that are required to enter your data using normal SAP transaction i.e., Data is transferred to session which in turn transfers data to database table.
Session is intermediate step between internal table and database table. Data along with its action is stored in session i.e., data for screen fields, to which screen it is passed, the program name behind it, and how the next screen is processed.
When the program has finished generating the session, you can run the session to execute the SAP transactions in it. You can either explicitly start and monitor a session or have the session run in the background processing system.
Unless session is processed, the data is not transferred to database table.
BDC_OPEN_GROUP
You create the session through program by BDC_OPEN_GROUP function.
Parameters to this function are:
User Name: User name
Group: Name of the session
Lock Date: The date on which you want to process the session.
Keep: This parameter is passed as X when you want to retain session after
processing it or to delete it after processing.
BDC_INSERT
This function creates the session & data is transferred to Session.
Parameters to this function are:
Tcode: Transaction Name
Dynprotab: BDC Data
BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
This function closes the BDC Group. No Parameters.
Some additional information for session processing
When the session is generated using the KEEP option within the BDC_OPEN_GROUP, the system always keeps the sessions in the queue, whether it has been processed successfully or not.
However, if the session is processed, you have to delete it manually. When session processing is completed successfully while KEEP option was not set, it will be removed automatically from the session queue. Log is not removed for that session.
If the batch-input session is terminated with errors, then it appears in the list of INCORRECT session and it can be processed again. To correct incorrect session, you can analyze the session. The Analysis function allows to determine which screen and value has produced the error. If you find small errors in data, you can correct them interactively, otherwise you need to modify batch input program, which has generated the session or many times even the data file.
CALL TRANSACTION
About CALL TRANSACTION
A technique similar to SESSION method, while batch input is a two-step procedure, Call Transaction does both steps online, one after the other. In this method, you call a transaction from your program by
Call transaction <tcode> using <BDCTAB>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>
Messages into <MSGTAB>.
Parameter 1 is transaction code.
Parameter 2 is name of BDCTAB table.
Parameter 3 here you are specifying mode in which you execute transaction
A is all screen mode. All the screen of transaction are displayed.
N is no screen mode. No screen is displayed when you execute the transaction.
E is error screen. Only those screens are displayed wherein you have error record.
Parameter 4 here you are specifying update type by which database table is updated.
S is for Synchronous update in which if you change data of one table then all the related Tables gets updated. And sy-subrc is returned i.e., sy-subrc is returned for once and all.
A is for Asynchronous update. When you change data of one table, the sy-subrc is returned. And then updating of other affected tables takes place. So if system fails to update other tables, still sy-subrc returned is 0 (i.e., when first table gets updated).
Parameter 5 when you update database table, operation is either successful or unsuccessful or operation is successful with some warning. These messages are stored in internal table, which you specify along with MESSAGE statement. This internal table should be declared like BDCMSGCOLL, a structure available in ABAP/4. It contains the following fields:
1. Tcode: Transaction code
2. Dyname: Batch point module name
3. Dynumb: Batch input Dyn number
4. Msgtyp: Batch input message type (A/E/W/I/S)
5. Msgspra: Batch input Lang, id of message
6. Msgid: Message id
7. MsgvN: Message variables (N = 1 - 4)
For each entry, which is updated in database, table message is available in BDCMSGCOLL. As BDCMSGCOLL is structure, you need to declare a internal table which can contain multiple records (unlike structure).
Steps for CALL TRANSACTION method
1. Internal table for the data (structure similar to your local file)
2. BDCTAB like BDCDATA
3. UPLOAD or WS_UPLOAD function to upload the data from local file to itab. (Considering file is local file)
4. Loop at itab.
Populate BDCTAB table.
Call transaction <tcode> using <BDCTAB>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>.
Refresh BDCTAB.
Endloop.
(To populate BDCTAB, You need to transfer each and every field)
The major differences between Session method and Call transaction are as follows:
SESSION METHOD CALL TRANSACTION
1. Data is not updated in database table unless Session is processed. Immediate updation in database table.
2. No sy-subrc is returned. Sy-subrc is returned.
3. Error log is created for error records. Errors need to be handled explicitly
4. Updation in database table is always synchronous Updation in database table can be synchronous Or Asynchronous.
Error Handling in CALL TRANSACTION
When Session Method updates the records in database table, error records are stored in the log file. In Call transaction there is no such log file available and error record is lost unless handled. Usually you need to give report of all the error records i.e., records which are not inserted or updated in the database table. This can be done by the following method:
Steps for the error handling in CALL TRANSACTION
1. Internal table for the data (structure similar to your local file)
2. BDCTAB like BDCDATA
3. Internal table BDCMSG like BDCMSGCOLL
4. Internal table similar to Ist internal table
(Third and fourth steps are for error handling)
5. UPLOAD or WS_UPLOAD function to upload the data from the local file to itab. (Considering file is local file)
6. Loop at itab.
Populate BDCTAB table.
Call transaction <tr.code> using <Bdctab>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>
Messages <BDCMSG>.
Perform check.
Refresh BDCTAB.
Endloop.
7 Form check.
IF sy-subrc <> 0. (Call transaction returns the sy-subrc if updating is not successful).
Call function Format_message.
(This function is called to store the message given by system and to display it along with record)
Append itab2.
Display the record and message.
DIRECT INPUT
About Direct Input
In contrast to batch input, this technique does not create sessions, but stores the data directly. It does not simulate the online transaction. To enter the data into the corresponding database tables directly, the system calls a number of function modules that execute any necessary checks. In case of errors, the direct input technique provides a restart mechanism. However, to be able to activate the restart mechanism, direct input programs must be executed in the background only. Direct input checks the data thoroughly and then updates the database directly.
You can start a Direct Input program in two ways;
Start the program directly
This is the quickest way to see if the program works with your flat file. This option is possible with all direct input programs. If the program ends abnormally, you will not have any logs telling you what has or has not been posted. To minimize the chance of this happening, always use the check file option for the first run with your flat file. This allows you to detect format errors before transfer.
Starting the program via the DI administration transaction
This transaction restarts the processing, if the data transfer program aborts. Since DI document are immediately posted into the SAP D/B, the restart option prevents the duplicate document posting that occurs during a program restart (i.e., without adjusting your flat file).
Direct input is usually done for standard data like material master, FI accounting document, SD sales order and Classification for which SAP has provided standard programs.
First time you work with the Direct Input administration program, you will need to do some preparation before you can transfer data:
- Create variant
- Define job
- Start job
- Restart job
Common batch input errors
- The batch input BDCDATA structure tries to assign values to fields which do not exist in the current transaction screen.
- The screen in the BDCDATA structure does not match the right sequence, or an intermediate screen is missing.
- On exceptional occasions, the logic flow of batch input session does not exactly match that of manual online processing. Testing the sessions online can discover by this.
- The BDCDATA structure contains fields, which are longer than the actual definition.
- Authorization problems.
RECORDING A BATCH INPUT
A B recording allows you to record a R/3 transaction and generate a program that contains all screens and field information in the required BDC-DATA format.
You can either use SHDB transaction for recording or
EDIT BATCH INPUT  SERVICES SYSTEM
And from here click recording.
Enter name for the recording.
(Dates are optional)
Click recording.
Enter transaction code.
Enter.
Click Save button.
You finally come to a screen where, you have all the information for each screen including BDC_OKCODE.
Click Get Transaction.
Return to BI.
Click overview.
Position the cursor on the just recorded entry and click generate program.
Enter program name.
Click enter
The program is generated for the particular transaction.
BACKGROUND PROCESSING
Need for Background processing
When a large volume of data is involved, usually all batch inputs are done in background.
The R/3 system includes functions that allow users to work non-interactively or offline. The background processing systems handle these functions.
Non-interactively means that instead of executing the ABAP/4 programs and waiting for an answer, user can submit those programs for execution at a more convenient planned time.
There are several reasons to submit programs for background execution.
The maximum time allowed for online execution should not exceed 300 seconds. User gets TIMEOUT error and an aborted transaction, if time for execution exceeds 300 seconds. To avoid these types of error, you can submit jobs for background processing.
You can use the system while your program is executing.
This does not mean that interactive or online work is not useful. Both type of processing have their own purposes. Online work is the most common one entering business data, displaying information, printing small reports, managing the system and so on. Background jobs are mainly used for the following tasks; to process large amount of data, to execute periodic jobs without human intervention, to run program at a more convenient, planned time other than during normal working hours i.e., Nights or weekends.
The transaction for background processing is SM36.
Or
Define jobs Jobs  Administration Tools
Or
Jobs services System
Components of the background jobs
A job in Background processing is a series of steps that can be scheduled and step is a program for background processing.
Job name. Define the name of assigned to the job. It identifies the job. You can specify up to 32 characters for the name.
Job class. Indicates the type of background processing priority assigned to the job.
The job class determines the priority of a job. The background system admits three types of job classes: A B & C, which correspond to job priority.
Job steps. Parameters to be passed for this screen are as follows:
Program name.
Variant if it is report program
Start criteria for the job: Option available for this are as follows:
Immediate - allows you to start a job immediately.
Date/Time - allows you to start a job at a specific name.
After job - you can start a job after a particular job.
After event - allows you to start a job after a particular event.
At operation mode - allows you to start a job when the system switches to a particular operation mode.
Defining Background jobs
It is two step process: Firstly, you define the job and then release it.
When users define a job and save it, they are actually scheduling the report i.e., specifying the job components, the steps, the start time.
When users schedule program for background processing, they are instructing the system to execute an ABAP/4 report or an external program in the background. Scheduled jobs are not executed until they are released. When jobs are released, they are sent for execution to the background processing system at the specified start time. Both scheduling and releasing of jobs require authorizations.
HANDLING OF POP UP SCREEN IN BDC
Many times in transaction pop up screen appears and for this screen you dont pass any record but some indication to system telling it to proceed further. For example: The following screen
To handle such screen, system has provided a variable called BDC_CURSOR. You pass this variable to BDCDATA and process the screen.
Usually such screen appears in many transactions, in this case you are just passing information, that YES you want to save the information, that means YES should be clicked. So you are transferring this information to BDCDATA i.e., field name of YES which is usually SPOT_OPTION. Instead of BDC_OKCODE, you are passing BDC_CURSOR.
BDC_CURSOR is also used to place cursor on particular field.
AN EXAMPLE WITH SESSION METHOD
Following program demonstrates how data is passed from flat file to SAP transaction and further to database table by using SESSION method.
The transaction is TFBA (to change customer).
A simple transaction where you are entering customer number on first screen and on next screen data is displayed for the particular customer number. Field, which we are changing here, are name and city. When you click on save, the changed record gets saved.
Prerequisite to write this BDC interface as indicated earlier is:
1. To find screen number
2. To find screen field names, type of the field and length of the field.
3. To find BDC_OKCODE for each screen
4. Create flat file.
Flat file can be created in your hard disk as follows:
1 Vinod Krishna Hyderabad
2 Kavitha Secunderabad
3 Kishore Hyderabad
(Where 1st character field is Customer number, 2nd field is Customer name and 3rd field is City.)
To transfer this data to database table SCUSTOM following interface can be used.
REPORT DEMO1.
Following internal table is to upload flat file.
DATA: BEGIN OF ITAB OCCURS 0,
ID(10),
NAME(25),
CITY(25),
END OF ITAB.
*Following internal table BDCDATA is to pass date from internal table to session.
DATA: BDCTAB LIKE BDCDATA OCCURS 0 WITH HEADER LINE.
Variables
DATA: DATE1 LIKE SY-DATUM. DATE1 = SY-DATUM - 1. This is for Hold Date
To upload flat file to internal table.
CALL FUNCTION UPLOAD
EXPORTING
FILE NAME = C:FF.TXT
FILE TYPE = ASC
TABLES
DATA_TAB = ITAB
EXCEPTIONS
CONVERSION_ERROR = 1
INVALID_TABLE_WIDTH = 2
INVALID_TYPE = 3
NO_BATCH = 4
UNKNOWN_ERROR = 5
OTHERS = 6.
If sy-subrc = 0.
Calling Function to Create a Session
CALL FUNCTION BDC_OPEN_GROUP
EXPORTING
CLIENT = SY-MANDT
GROUP = POTHURI
HOLDDATE = DATE1
KEEP = X
USER = SY-UNAME
EXCEPTIONS
CLIENT_INVALID = 1
DESTINATION_INVALID = 2
GROUP_INVALID = 3
GROUP_IS_LOCKED = 4
HOLDDATE_INVALID = 5
INTERNAL_ERROR = 6
QUEUE_ERROR = 7
RUNNING = 8
SYSTEM_LOCK_ERROR = 9
USER_INVALID = 10
OTHERS = 11.
If sy-subrc = 0.
*-- MAIN Logic--
LOOP AT ITAB
PERFORM GENERATE_DATA. Populating BDCDATA Table
CALL FUNCTION BDC_INSERT
EXPORTING
TCODE = TFBA
TABLES
DYNPROTAB = BDCTAB
EXCEPTIONS
INTERNAL_ERROR = 1
NOT_OPEN = 2
QUEUE_ERROR = 3
TCODE_INVALID = 4
PRINTING_INVALID = 5
POSTING_INVALID = 6
OTHERS = 7.
REFRESH BDCTAB
ENDLOOP.
Calling function to close the session
CALL FUNCTION BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
EXCEPTIONS
NOT_OPEN = 1
QUEUE_ERROR = 2
OTHERS = 3.
Endif.
Endif.
*& Form GENERATE_DATA
Create BDC Data
FORM GENERATE_DATA
Passing information for 1st screen on BDCDATA
BDCTAB-PROGRAM = SAPMTFBA.
BDCTAX-DYNPRO = 100.
BDCTAP-DYNBEGIN = X.
APPEND BCDTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing field information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-ID
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-ID.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing BDC_OKCODE to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = BDC_OKCODE.
BDCTAB-FVAL = /5.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information for next screen to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-PROGRAM = SAPMTFBA.
BDCTAB-DYNPRO = 200.
BDCTAB-DYNBEGIN = X.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-NAME.
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-NAME.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-CITY.
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-CITY.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing BDC_OKCODE to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = BDC_OKCODE.
BDCTAB-FVAL = SAVE.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
ENDFORM. GENERATE_DATA
AN EXAMPLE WITH CALL TRANSACTION
Same steps to be repeated for CALL TRANSACTION
The only difference between the two types of interface is in Session method, you create session and store information about screen and data into session. When session is processed the data is transferred to database. While in CALL TRANSACTION, data is transferred directly to database table.
REPORT DEMO1.
Follow above Code till MAIN Logic. Even the Subroutine should be copied
LOOP AT ITAB
PERFORM GENERATE_DATA, Populating BDCDATA Table
Call transaction TFBA using BCDDATA Mode A Update S.
REFRESH BDCTAB
ENDLOOP.
For BDC:
http://myweb.dal.ca/hchinni/sap/bdc_home.htm
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/wiki?path=/display/home/bdc&
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/learning-bdc-programming.htm
http://www.sapdevelopment.co.uk/bdc/bdchome.htm
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/difference-between-batch-input-and-call-transaction-in-bdc.htm
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_47x200/helpdata/en/69/c250684ba111d189750000e8322d00/frameset.htm
http://www.sapbrain.com/TUTORIALS/TECHNICAL/BDC_tutorial.html
Check these link:
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/difference-between-batch-input-and-call-transaction-in-bdc.htm
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/question-about-bdc-program.htm
http://www.itcserver.com/blog/2006/06/30/batch-input-vs-call-transaction/
http://www.planetsap.com/bdc_main_page.htm
call Transaction or session method ?
http://www.sapbrain.com/FAQs/TECHNICAL/SAP_ABAP_DATADICTIONARY_FAQ.html
http://www.****************/InterviewQ/interviewQ.htm
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_46c/helpdata/en/35/2cd77bd7705394e10000009b387c12/frameset.htm
regards,
srinivas
<b>*reward for useful answers*</b> -
Hi Experts,
can any one mail me step by step process of BDC for both (session and call transcation) with screen shots, I dont need links,
[email protected]Go to
http://www.****************/Tutorials/ABAP/ABAPMainPage.htm..its really help ful,here u will find what u need....Im sending doc for ur better understanding.
BATCH DATA COMMUNICATION
About Data Transfer In R/3 System
When a company decides to implement the SAP R/3 to manage business-critical data, it usually does not start from a no-data situation. Normally, a SAP R/3 project comes into replace or complement existing application.
In the process of replacing current applications and transferring application data, two situations might occur:
The first is when application data to be replaced is transferred at once, and only once.
The second situation is to transfer data periodically from external systems to SAP and vice versa.
There is a period of time when information has to be transferred from existing application, to SAP R/3, and often this process will be repetitive.
The SAP system offers two primary methods for transferring data into SAP systems. From non-SAP systems or legacy system. These two methods are collectively called batch input or batch data communication.
1. SESSION METHOD
2. CALL TRANSACTION
3. DIRECT INPUT
Advantages offered by BATCH INPUT method:
1. Can process large data volumes in batch.
2. Can be planned and submitted in the background.
3. No manual interaction is required when data is transferred.
4. Data integrity is maintained as whatever data is transferred to the table is through transaction. Hence batch input data is submitted to all the checks and validations.
To implement one of the supported data transfers, you must often write the program that exports the data from your non-SAP system. This program, known as a data transfer program must map the data from the external system into the data structure required by the SAP batch input program.
The batch input program must build all of the input to execute the SAP transaction.
Two main steps are required:
To build an internal table containing every screen and every field to be filled in during the execution of an SAP transaction.
To pass the table to SAP for processing.
Prerequisite for Data Transfer Program
Writing a Data Transfer Program involves following prerequisites:
Analyzing data from local file
Analyzing transaction
Analyzing transaction involves following steps:
The transaction code, if you do not already know it.
Which fields require input i.e., mandatory.
Which fields can you allow to default to standard values.
The names, types, and lengths of the fields that are used by a transaction.
Screen number and Name of module pool program behind a particular transaction.
To analyze a transaction::
Start the transaction by menu or by entering the transaction code in the command box.
(You can determine the transaction name by choosing System Status.)
Step through the transaction, entering the data will be required for processing your batch input data.
On each screen, note the program name and screen (dynpro) number.
(dynpro = dyn + pro. Dyn = screen, pro = number)
Display these by choosing System Status. The relevant fields are Program (dynpro) and Dynpro number. If pop-up windows occur during execution, you can get the program name and screen number by pressing F1 on any field or button on the screen.
The technical info pop-up shows not only the field information but also the program and screen.
For each field, check box, and radio button on each screen, press F1 (help) and then choose Technical Info.
Note the following information:
- The field name for batch input, which youll find in its own box.
- The length and data type of the field. You can display this information by double clicking on the Data Element field.
Find out the identification code for each function (button or menu) that you must execute to process the batch-input data (or to go to new screen).
Place the cursor on the button or menu entry while holding down the left mouse button. Then press F1.
In the pop-up window that follows, choose Technical info and note the code that is shown in the Function field.
You can also run any function that is assigned to a function key by way of the function key number. To display the list of available function keys, click on the right mouse button. Note the key number that is assigned to the functions you want to run.
Once you have program name, screen number, field name (screen field name), you can start writing.
DATA TRANSFER program.
Declaring internal table
First Integral Table similar to structure like local file.
Declaring internal table like BDCDATA
The data from internal table is not transferred directly to database table, it has to go through transaction. You need to pass data to particular screen and to particular screen-field. Data is passed to transaction in particular format, hence there is a need for batch input structure.
The batch input structure stores the data that is to be entered into SAP system and the actions that are necessary to process the data. The batch input structure is used by all of the batch input methods. You can use the same structure for all types of batch input, regardless of whether you are creating a session in the batch input queue or using CALL TRANSACTION.
This structure is BDCDATA, which can contain the batch input data for only a single run of a transaction. The typical processing loop in a program is as follows:
Create a BDCDATA structure
Write the structure out to a session or process it with CALL TRANSACTION USING; and then
Create a BDCDATA structure for the next transaction that is to be processed.
Within a BDCDATA structure, organize the data of screens in a transaction. Each screen that is processed in the course of a transaction must be identified with a BDCDATA record. This record uses the Program, Dynpro, and Dynbegin fields of the structure.
The screen identifier record is followed by a separate BDCDATA record for each value, to be entered into a field. These records use the FNAM and FVAL fields of the BDCDATA structure. Values to be entered in a field can be any of the following:
Data that is entered into screen fields.
Function codes that are entered into the command field. Such function codes execute functions in a transaction, such as Save or Enter.
The BDCDATA structure contains the following fields:
PROGRAM: Name of module pool program associated with the screen. Set this field only for the first record for the screen.
DYNPRO: Screen Number. Set this field only in the first record for the screen.
DYNBEGIN: Indicates the first record for the screen. Set this field to X, only for the first record for the screen. (Reset to (blank) for all other records.)
FNAM: Field Name. The FNAM field is not case-sensitive.
FVAL: Value for the field named in FNAM. The FVAL field is case-sensitive. Values assigned to this field are always padded on the right, if they are less than 132 characters. Values must be in character format.
Transferring data from local file to internal table
Data is uploaded to internal table by UPLOAD of WS_UPLOAD function.
Population of BDCDATA
For each record of internal table, you need to populate Internal table, which is similar to BDCDATA structure.
All these five initial steps are necessary for any type of BDC interface.
DATA TRANSFER program can call SESSION METHOD or CALL TRANSACTION. The initial steps for both the methods are same.
First step for both the methods is to upload the data to internal table. From Internal Table, the data is transferred to database table by two ways i.e., Session method and Call transaction.
SESSION METHOD
About Session method
In this method you transfer data from internal table to database table through sessions.
In this method, an ABAP/4 program reads the external data that is to be entered in the SAP System and stores the data in session. A session stores the actions that are required to enter your data using normal SAP transaction i.e., Data is transferred to session which in turn transfers data to database table.
Session is intermediate step between internal table and database table. Data along with its action is stored in session i.e., data for screen fields, to which screen it is passed, the program name behind it, and how the next screen is processed.
When the program has finished generating the session, you can run the session to execute the SAP transactions in it. You can either explicitly start and monitor a session or have the session run in the background processing system.
Unless session is processed, the data is not transferred to database table.
BDC_OPEN_GROUP
You create the session through program by BDC_OPEN_GROUP function.
Parameters to this function are:
User Name: User name
Group: Name of the session
Lock Date: The date on which you want to process the session.
Keep: This parameter is passed as X when you want to retain session after
processing it or to delete it after processing.
BDC_INSERT
This function creates the session & data is transferred to Session.
Parameters to this function are:
Tcode: Transaction Name
Dynprotab: BDC Data
BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
This function closes the BDC Group. No Parameters.
Some additional information for session processing
When the session is generated using the KEEP option within the BDC_OPEN_GROUP, the system always keeps the sessions in the queue, whether it has been processed successfully or not.
However, if the session is processed, you have to delete it manually. When session processing is completed successfully while KEEP option was not set, it will be removed automatically from the session queue. Log is not removed for that session.
If the batch-input session is terminated with errors, then it appears in the list of INCORRECT session and it can be processed again. To correct incorrect session, you can analyze the session. The Analysis function allows to determine which screen and value has produced the error. If you find small errors in data, you can correct them interactively, otherwise you need to modify batch input program, which has generated the session or many times even the data file.
CALL TRANSACTION
About CALL TRANSACTION
A technique similar to SESSION method, while batch input is a two-step procedure, Call Transaction does both steps online, one after the other. In this method, you call a transaction from your program by
Call transaction <tcode> using <BDCTAB>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>
Messages into <MSGTAB>.
Parameter 1 is transaction code.
Parameter 2 is name of BDCTAB table.
Parameter 3 here you are specifying mode in which you execute transaction
A is all screen mode. All the screen of transaction are displayed.
N is no screen mode. No screen is displayed when you execute the transaction.
E is error screen. Only those screens are displayed wherein you have error record.
Parameter 4 here you are specifying update type by which database table is updated.
S is for Synchronous update in which if you change data of one table then all the related Tables gets updated. And sy-subrc is returned i.e., sy-subrc is returned for once and all.
A is for Asynchronous update. When you change data of one table, the sy-subrc is returned. And then updating of other affected tables takes place. So if system fails to update other tables, still sy-subrc returned is 0 (i.e., when first table gets updated).
Parameter 5 when you update database table, operation is either successful or unsuccessful or operation is successful with some warning. These messages are stored in internal table, which you specify along with MESSAGE statement. This internal table should be declared like BDCMSGCOLL, a structure available in ABAP/4. It contains the following fields:
1. Tcode: Transaction code
2. Dyname: Batch point module name
3. Dynumb: Batch input Dyn number
4. Msgtyp: Batch input message type (A/E/W/I/S)
5. Msgspra: Batch input Lang, id of message
6. Msgid: Message id
7. MsgvN: Message variables (N = 1 - 4)
For each entry, which is updated in database, table message is available in BDCMSGCOLL. As BDCMSGCOLL is structure, you need to declare a internal table which can contain multiple records (unlike structure).
Steps for CALL TRANSACTION method
1. Internal table for the data (structure similar to your local file)
2. BDCTAB like BDCDATA
3. UPLOAD or WS_UPLOAD function to upload the data from local file to itab. (Considering file is local file)
4. Loop at itab.
Populate BDCTAB table.
Call transaction <tcode> using <BDCTAB>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>.
Refresh BDCTAB.
Endloop.
(To populate BDCTAB, You need to transfer each and every field)
The major differences between Session method and Call transaction are as follows:
SESSION METHOD CALL TRANSACTION
1. Data is not updated in database table unless Session is processed. Immediate updation in database table.
2. No sy-subrc is returned. Sy-subrc is returned.
3. Error log is created for error records. Errors need to be handled explicitly
4. Updation in database table is always synchronous Updation in database table can be synchronous Or Asynchronous.
Error Handling in CALL TRANSACTION
When Session Method updates the records in database table, error records are stored in the log file. In Call transaction there is no such log file available and error record is lost unless handled. Usually you need to give report of all the error records i.e., records which are not inserted or updated in the database table. This can be done by the following method:
Steps for the error handling in CALL TRANSACTION
1. Internal table for the data (structure similar to your local file)
2. BDCTAB like BDCDATA
3. Internal table BDCMSG like BDCMSGCOLL
4. Internal table similar to Ist internal table
(Third and fourth steps are for error handling)
5. UPLOAD or WS_UPLOAD function to upload the data from the local file to itab. (Considering file is local file)
6. Loop at itab.
Populate BDCTAB table.
Call transaction <tr.code> using <Bdctab>
Mode <A/N/E>
Update <S/A>
Messages <BDCMSG>.
Perform check.
Refresh BDCTAB.
Endloop.
7 Form check.
IF sy-subrc <> 0. (Call transaction returns the sy-subrc if updating is not successful).
Call function Format_message.
(This function is called to store the message given by system and to display it along with record)
Append itab2.
Display the record and message.
DIRECT INPUT
About Direct Input
In contrast to batch input, this technique does not create sessions, but stores the data directly. It does not simulate the online transaction. To enter the data into the corresponding database tables directly, the system calls a number of function modules that execute any necessary checks. In case of errors, the direct input technique provides a restart mechanism. However, to be able to activate the restart mechanism, direct input programs must be executed in the background only. Direct input checks the data thoroughly and then updates the database directly.
You can start a Direct Input program in two ways;
Start the program directly
This is the quickest way to see if the program works with your flat file. This option is possible with all direct input programs. If the program ends abnormally, you will not have any logs telling you what has or has not been posted. To minimize the chance of this happening, always use the check file option for the first run with your flat file. This allows you to detect format errors before transfer.
Starting the program via the DI administration transaction
This transaction restarts the processing, if the data transfer program aborts. Since DI document are immediately posted into the SAP D/B, the restart option prevents the duplicate document posting that occurs during a program restart (i.e., without adjusting your flat file).
Direct input is usually done for standard data like material master, FI accounting document, SD sales order and Classification for which SAP has provided standard programs.
First time you work with the Direct Input administration program, you will need to do some preparation before you can transfer data:
- Create variant
- Define job
- Start job
- Restart job
Common batch input errors
- The batch input BDCDATA structure tries to assign values to fields which do not exist in the current transaction screen.
- The screen in the BDCDATA structure does not match the right sequence, or an intermediate screen is missing.
- On exceptional occasions, the logic flow of batch input session does not exactly match that of manual online processing. Testing the sessions online can discover by this.
- The BDCDATA structure contains fields, which are longer than the actual definition.
- Authorization problems.
RECORDING A BATCH INPUT
A B recording allows you to record a R/3 transaction and generate a program that contains all screens and field information in the required BDC-DATA format.
You can either use SHDB transaction for recording or
EDIT? BATCH INPUT ? SERVICES ?SYSTEM
And from here click recording.
Enter name for the recording.
(Dates are optional)
Click recording.
Enter transaction code.
Enter.
Click Save button.
You finally come to a screen where, you have all the information for each screen including BDC_OKCODE.
Click Get Transaction.
Return to BI.
Click overview.
Position the cursor on the just recorded entry and click generate program.
Enter program name.
Click enter
The program is generated for the particular transaction.
BACKGROUND PROCESSING
Need for Background processing
When a large volume of data is involved, usually all batch inputs are done in background.
The R/3 system includes functions that allow users to work non-interactively or offline. The background processing systems handle these functions.
Non-interactively means that instead of executing the ABAP/4 programs and waiting for an answer, user can submit those programs for execution at a more convenient planned time.
There are several reasons to submit programs for background execution.
The maximum time allowed for online execution should not exceed 300 seconds. User gets TIMEOUT error and an aborted transaction, if time for execution exceeds 300 seconds. To avoid these types of error, you can submit jobs for background processing.
You can use the system while your program is executing.
This does not mean that interactive or online work is not useful. Both type of processing have their own purposes. Online work is the most common one entering business data, displaying information, printing small reports, managing the system and so on. Background jobs are mainly used for the following tasks; to process large amount of data, to execute periodic jobs without human intervention, to run program at a more convenient, planned time other than during normal working hours i.e., Nights or weekends.
The transaction for background processing is SM36.
Or
Define jobs? Jobs ? Administration ?Tools
Or
Jobs? services ?System
Components of the background jobs
A job in Background processing is a series of steps that can be scheduled and step is a program for background processing.
Job name. Define the name of assigned to the job. It identifies the job. You can specify up to 32 characters for the name.
Job class. Indicates the type of background processing priority assigned to the job.
The job class determines the priority of a job. The background system admits three types of job classes: A B & C, which correspond to job priority.
Job steps. Parameters to be passed for this screen are as follows:
Program name.
Variant if it is report program
Start criteria for the job: Option available for this are as follows:
Immediate - allows you to start a job immediately.
Date/Time - allows you to start a job at a specific name.
After job - you can start a job after a particular job.
After event - allows you to start a job after a particular event.
At operation mode - allows you to start a job when the system switches to a particular operation mode.
Defining Background jobs
It is two step process: Firstly, you define the job and then release it.
When users define a job and save it, they are actually scheduling the report i.e., specifying the job components, the steps, the start time.
When users schedule program for background processing, they are instructing the system to execute an ABAP/4 report or an external program in the background. Scheduled jobs are not executed until they are released. When jobs are released, they are sent for execution to the background processing system at the specified start time. Both scheduling and releasing of jobs require authorizations.
HANDLING OF POP UP SCREEN IN BDC
Many times in transaction pop up screen appears and for this screen you dont pass any record but some indication to system telling it to proceed further. For example: The following screen
To handle such screen, system has provided a variable called BDC_CURSOR. You pass this variable to BDCDATA and process the screen.
Usually such screen appears in many transactions, in this case you are just passing information, that YES you want to save the information, that means YES should be clicked. So you are transferring this information to BDCDATA i.e., field name of YES which is usually SPOT_OPTION. Instead of BDC_OKCODE, you are passing BDC_CURSOR.
BDC_CURSOR is also used to place cursor on particular field.
AN EXAMPLE WITH SESSION METHOD
Following program demonstrates how data is passed from flat file to SAP transaction and further to database table by using SESSION method.
The transaction is TFBA (to change customer).
A simple transaction where you are entering customer number on first screen and on next screen data is displayed for the particular customer number. Field, which we are changing here, are name and city. When you click on save, the changed record gets saved.
Prerequisite to write this BDC interface as indicated earlier is:
1. To find screen number
2. To find screen field names, type of the field and length of the field.
3. To find BDC_OKCODE for each screen
4. Create flat file.
Flat file can be created in your hard disk as follows:
1 Vinod Krishna Hyderabad
2 Kavitha Secunderabad
3 Kishore Hyderabad
(Where 1st character field is Customer number, 2nd field is Customer name and 3rd field is City.)
To transfer this data to database table SCUSTOM following interface can be used.
REPORT DEMO1.
Following internal table is to upload flat file.
DATA: BEGIN OF ITAB OCCURS 0,
ID(10),
NAME(25),
CITY(25),
END OF ITAB.
*Following internal table BDCDATA is to pass date from internal table to session.
DATA: BDCTAB LIKE BDCDATA OCCURS 0 WITH HEADER LINE.
Variables
DATA: DATE1 LIKE SY-DATUM. DATE1 = SY-DATUM - 1. This is for Hold Date
To upload flat file to internal table.
CALL FUNCTION UPLOAD
EXPORTING
FILE NAME = C:FF.TXT
FILE TYPE = ASC
TABLES
DATA_TAB = ITAB
EXCEPTIONS
CONVERSION_ERROR = 1
INVALID_TABLE_WIDTH = 2
INVALID_TYPE = 3
NO_BATCH = 4
UNKNOWN_ERROR = 5
OTHERS = 6.
If sy-subrc = 0.
Calling Function to Create a Session
CALL FUNCTION BDC_OPEN_GROUP
EXPORTING
CLIENT = SY-MANDT
GROUP = POTHURI
HOLDDATE = DATE1
KEEP = X
USER = SY-UNAME
EXCEPTIONS
CLIENT_INVALID = 1
DESTINATION_INVALID = 2
GROUP_INVALID = 3
GROUP_IS_LOCKED = 4
HOLDDATE_INVALID = 5
INTERNAL_ERROR = 6
QUEUE_ERROR = 7
RUNNING = 8
SYSTEM_LOCK_ERROR = 9
USER_INVALID = 10
OTHERS = 11.
If sy-subrc = 0.
*-- MAIN Logic--
LOOP AT ITAB
PERFORM GENERATE_DATA. Populating BDCDATA Table
CALL FUNCTION BDC_INSERT
EXPORTING
TCODE = TFBA
TABLES
DYNPROTAB = BDCTAB
EXCEPTIONS
INTERNAL_ERROR = 1
NOT_OPEN = 2
QUEUE_ERROR = 3
TCODE_INVALID = 4
PRINTING_INVALID = 5
POSTING_INVALID = 6
OTHERS = 7.
REFRESH BDCTAB
ENDLOOP.
Calling function to close the session
CALL FUNCTION BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
EXCEPTIONS
NOT_OPEN = 1
QUEUE_ERROR = 2
OTHERS = 3.
Endif.
Endif.
*& Form GENERATE_DATA
Create BDC Data
FORM GENERATE_DATA
Passing information for 1st screen on BDCDATA
BDCTAB-PROGRAM = SAPMTFBA.
BDCTAX-DYNPRO = 100.
BDCTAP-DYNBEGIN = X.
APPEND BCDTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing field information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-ID
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-ID.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing BDC_OKCODE to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = BDC_OKCODE.
BDCTAB-FVAL = /5.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information for next screen to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-PROGRAM = SAPMTFBA.
BDCTAB-DYNPRO = 200.
BDCTAB-DYNBEGIN = X.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-NAME.
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-NAME.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-CITY.
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-CITY.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing BDC_OKCODE to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = BDC_OKCODE.
BDCTAB-FVAL = SAVE.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
ENDFORM. GENERATE_DATA
AN EXAMPLE WITH CALL TRANSACTION
Same steps to be repeated for CALL TRANSACTION
The only difference between the two types of interface is in Session method, you create session and store information about screen and data into session. When session is processed the data is transferred to database. While in CALL TRANSACTION, data is transferred directly to database table.
REPORT DEMO1.
Follow above Code till MAIN Logic. Even the Subroutine should be copied
LOOP AT ITAB
PERFORM GENERATE_DATA, Populating BDCDATA Table
Call transaction TFBA using BCDDATA Mode A Update S.
REFRESH BDCTAB
ENDLOOP.
For BDC:
http://myweb.dal.ca/hchinni/sap/bdc_home.htm
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/wiki?path=/display/home/bdc&
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/learning-bdc-programming.htm
http://www.sapdevelopment.co.uk/bdc/bdchome.htm
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/difference-between-batch-input-and-call-transaction-in-bdc.htm
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_47x200/helpdata/en/69/c250684ba111d189750000e8322d00/frameset.htm
http://www.sapbrain.com/TUTORIALS/TECHNICAL/BDC_tutorial.html
Check these link:
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/difference-between-batch-input-and-call-transaction-in-bdc.htm
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/question-about-bdc-program.htm
http://www.itcserver.com/blog/2006/06/30/batch-input-vs-call-transaction/
http://www.planetsap.com/bdc_main_page.htm
call Transaction or session method ?
http://www.sapbrain.com/FAQs/TECHNICAL/SAP_ABAP_DATADICTIONARY_FAQ.html
http://www.****************/InterviewQ/interviewQ.htm
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_46c/helpdata/en/35/2cd77bd7705394e10000009b387c12/frameset.htm
regards, -
Hello Experts,
Hope all are doing good !
Today i have a requirement wherein i want to develop a Platform which will immediately notify me or my group when any batch job failed in the SAP system. The notification should be in the form of Email, Mobile SMS, etc if available.
We are having a Third party tool in which we monitor, restart,hold & stop batch jobs as per requirement, if client having any month end activities on weekend this creates problem for them and hampers their invoices/billing as we don't work on weekends !
So how to setup my requirement if i am having a batch job monitoring third party tool & SAP system from which i expect to get immediate alerts for certain people.
Thanks.
RipHello Sridhar,
As per your thought if i will schedule anything that will be a system performance issue here. Consider i am having 'N' number of jobs to take in action if this fix gonna work, so here i do not want to increase the load on system because already batch jobs are failing due to this reason only.
Can you please explain it briefly if i want to explain it to technical team. Will be appreciated !!
Thanks.
Rip -
I would like to read your comments on following code
Hi all.
Here is a bdc code sample of transaction mm02.
I have given this example to get an idea of the bdc programming.However for days I have read many articles on bdc but could not focus on this topic.
I want to start by reading your comments on this topic.
What is:
perform bdc_dynpro
perform bdc_field
and the values tracing them.
While putting the itab value near this functions, I do not know put which one to put...
Wait for Clear comments.Thanks.
DATA : BEGIN OF MLZ OCCURS 0,
MATNR LIKE MARA-MATNR,
LABOR LIKE MARA-LABOR,
END OF MLZ.
LOOP AT MLZ.
SELECT SINGLE * FROM MARA WHERE MATNR = MLZ-MATNR.
LABORT = MLZ-LABOR.
MLZ-LABOR = LABORT.
CONDENSE MLZ-LABOR.
perform bdc_dynpro using 'SAPLMGMM' '0060'.
perform bdc_field using 'BDC_OKCODE' '=AUSW'.
PERFORM BDC_FIELD USING 'BDC_CURSOR' 'RMMG1-MATNR'.
PERFORM BDC_FIELD USING 'RMMG1-MATNR' MLZ-MATNR.
perform bdc_dynpro using 'SAPLMGMM' '0070'.
perform bdc_field using 'BDC_OKCODE' '=ENTR'.
perform bdc_field using 'BDC_CURSOR' 'MSICHTAUSW-KZSEL(01)'.
perform bdc_field using 'MSICHTAUSW-KZSEL(01)' 'X'.
perform bdc_dynpro using 'SAPLMGMM' '4004'.
perform bdc_field using 'BDC_OKCODE' '/00'.
perform bdc_field using 'MARA-LABOR' MLZ-LABOR.
perform bdc_dynpro using 'SAPLSPO1' '0300'.
perform bdc_field using 'BDC_OKCODE' '=YES'.
perform bdc_transaction using 'MM02'.
REFRESH BDCDATA.
ENDLOOP.Go through this DOC ..u will find all ur ans....(Reward if helpful.
BATCH DATA COMMUNICATION
About Data Transfer In R/3 System
When a company decides to implement the SAP R/3 to manage business-critical data, it usually does not start from a no-data situation. Normally, a SAP R/3 project comes into replace or complement existing application.
In the process of replacing current applications and transferring application data, two situations might occur:
The first is when application data to be replaced is transferred at once, and only once.
The second situation is to transfer data periodically from external systems to SAP and vice versa.
There is a period of time when information has to be transferred from existing application, to SAP R/3, and often this process will be repetitive.
The SAP system offers two primary methods for transferring data into SAP systems. From non-SAP systems or legacy system. These two methods are collectively called batch input or batch data communication.
1. SESSION METHOD
2. CALL TRANSACTION
3. DIRECT INPUT
Advantages offered by BATCH INPUT method:
1. Can process large data volumes in batch.
2. Can be planned and submitted in the background.
3. No manual interaction is required when data is transferred.
4. Data integrity is maintained as whatever data is transferred to the table is through transaction. Hence batch input data is submitted to all the checks and validations.
To implement one of the supported data transfers, you must often write the program that exports the data from your non-SAP system. This program, known as a data transfer program must map the data from the external system into the data structure required by the SAP batch input program.
The batch input program must build all of the input to execute the SAP transaction.
Two main steps are required:
To build an internal table containing every screen and every field to be filled in during the execution of an SAP transaction.
To pass the table to SAP for processing.
Prerequisite for Data Transfer Program
Writing a Data Transfer Program involves following prerequisites:
Analyzing data from local file
Analyzing transaction
Analyzing transaction involves following steps:
The transaction code, if you do not already know it.
Which fields require input i.e., mandatory.
Which fields can you allow to default to standard values.
The names, types, and lengths of the fields that are used by a transaction.
Screen number and Name of module pool program behind a particular transaction.
To analyze a transaction::
Start the transaction by menu or by entering the transaction code in the command box.
(You can determine the transaction name by choosing System Status.)
Step through the transaction, entering the data will be required for processing your batch input data.
On each screen, note the program name and screen (dynpro) number.
(dynpro = dyn + pro. Dyn = screen, pro = number)
Display these by choosing System Status. The relevant fields are Program (dynpro) and Dynpro number. If pop-up windows occur during execution, you can get the program name and screen number by pressing F1 on any field or button on the screen.
The technical info pop-up shows not only the field information but also the program and screen.
For each field, check box, and radio button on each screen, press F1 (help) and then choose Technical Info.
Note the following information:
- The field name for batch input, which youll find in its own box.
- The length and data type of the field. You can display this information by double clicking on the Data Element field.
Find out the identification code for each function (button or menu) that you must execute to process the batch-input data (or to go to new screen).
Place the cursor on the button or menu entry while holding down the left mouse button. Then press F1.
In the pop-up window that follows, choose Technical info and note the code that is shown in the Function field.
You can also run any function that is assigned to a function key by way of the function key number. To display the list of available function keys, click on the right mouse button. Note the key number that is assigned to the functions you want to run.
Once you have program name, screen number, field name (screen field name), you can start writing.
DATA TRANSFER program.
Declaring internal table
First Integral Table similar to structure like local file.
Declaring internal table like BDCDATA
The data from internal table is not transferred directly to database table, it has to go through transaction. You need to pass data to particular screen and to particular screen-field. Data is passed to transaction in particular format, hence there is a need for batch input structure.
The batch input structure stores the data that is to be entered into SAP system and the actions that are necessary to process the data. The batch input structure is used by all of the batch input methods. You can use the same structure for all types of batch input, regardless of whether you are creating a session in the batch input queue or using CALL TRANSACTION.
This structure is BDCDATA, which can contain the batch input data for only a single run of a transaction. The typical processing loop in a program is as follows:
Create a BDCDATA structure
Write the structure out to a session or process it with CALL TRANSACTION USING; and then
Create a BDCDATA structure for the next transaction that is to be processed.
Within a BDCDATA structure, organize the data of screens in a transaction. Each screen that is processed in the course of a transaction must be identified with a BDCDATA record. This record uses the Program, Dynpro, and Dynbegin fields of the structure.
The screen identifier record is followed by a separate BDCDATA record for each value, to be entered into a field. These records use the FNAM and FVAL fields of the BDCDATA structure. Values to be entered in a field can be any of the following:
Data that is entered into screen fields.
Function codes that are entered into the command field. Such function codes execute functions in a transaction, such as Save or Enter.
The BDCDATA structure contains the following fields:
PROGRAM: Name of module pool program associated with the screen. Set this field only for the first record for the screen.
DYNPRO: Screen Number. Set this field only in the first record for the screen.
DYNBEGIN: Indicates the first record for the screen. Set this field to X, only for the first record for the screen. (Reset to (blank) for all other records.)
FNAM: Field Name. The FNAM field is not case-sensitive.
FVAL: Value for the field named in FNAM. The FVAL field is case-sensitive. Values assigned to this field are always padded on the right, if they are less than 132 characters. Values must be in character format.
Transferring data from local file to internal table
Data is uploaded to internal table by UPLOAD of WS_UPLOAD function.
Population of BDCDATA
For each record of internal table, you need to populate Internal table, which is similar to BDCDATA structure.
All these five initial steps are necessary for any type of BDC interface.
DATA TRANSFER program can call SESSION METHOD or CALL TRANSACTION. The initial steps for both the methods are same.
First step for both the methods is to upload the data to internal table. From Internal Table, the data is transferred to database table by two ways i.e., Session method and Call transaction.
SESSION METHOD
About Session method
In this method you transfer data from internal table to database table through sessions.
In this method, an ABAP/4 program reads the external data that is to be entered in the SAP System and stores the data in session. A session stores the actions that are required to enter your data using normal SAP transaction i.e., Data is transferred to session which in turn transfers data to database table.
Session is intermediate step between internal table and database table. Data along with its action is stored in session i.e., data for screen fields, to which screen it is passed, the program name behind it, and how the next screen is processed.
When the program has finished generating the session, you can run the session to execute the SAP transactions in it. You can either explicitly start and monitor a session or have the session run in the background processing system.
Unless session is processed, the data is not transferred to database table.
BDC_OPEN_GROUP
You create the session through program by BDC_OPEN_GROUP function.
Parameters to this function are:
User Name: User name
Group: Name of the session
Lock Date: The date on which you want to process the session.
Keep: This parameter is passed as X when you want to retain session after
processing it or to delete it after processing.
BDC_INSERT
This function creates the session & data is transferred to Session.
Parameters to this function are:
Tcode: Transaction Name
Dynprotab: BDC Data
BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
This function closes the BDC Group. No Parameters.
Some additional information for session processing
When the session is generated using the KEEP option within the BDC_OPEN_GROUP, the system always keeps the sessions in the queue, whether it has been processed successfully or not.
However, if the session is processed, you have to delete it manually. When session processing is completed successfully while KEEP option was not set, it will be removed automatically from the session queue. Log is not removed for that session.
If the batch-input session is terminated with errors, then it appears in the list of INCORRECT session and it can be processed again. To correct incorrect session, you can analyze the session. The Analysis function allows to determine which screen and value has produced the error. If you find small errors in data, you can correct them interactively, otherwise you need to modify batch input program, which has generated the session or many times even the data file.
CALL TRANSACTION
About CALL TRANSACTION
A technique similar to SESSION method, while batch input is a two-step procedure, Call Transaction does both steps online, one after the other. In this method, you call a transaction from your program by
Call transaction 0. (Call transaction returns the sy-subrc if updating is not successful).
Call function Format_message.
(This function is called to store the message given by system and to display it along with record)
Append itab2.
Display the record and message.
DIRECT INPUT
About Direct Input
In contrast to batch input, this technique does not create sessions, but stores the data directly. It does not simulate the online transaction. To enter the data into the corresponding database tables directly, the system calls a number of function modules that execute any necessary checks. In case of errors, the direct input technique provides a restart mechanism. However, to be able to activate the restart mechanism, direct input programs must be executed in the background only. Direct input checks the data thoroughly and then updates the database directly.
You can start a Direct Input program in two ways;
Start the program directly
This is the quickest way to see if the program works with your flat file. This option is possible with all direct input programs. If the program ends abnormally, you will not have any logs telling you what has or has not been posted. To minimize the chance of this happening, always use the check file option for the first run with your flat file. This allows you to detect format errors before transfer.
Starting the program via the DI administration transaction
This transaction restarts the processing, if the data transfer program aborts. Since DI document are immediately posted into the SAP D/B, the restart option prevents the duplicate document posting that occurs during a program restart (i.e., without adjusting your flat file).
Direct input is usually done for standard data like material master, FI accounting document, SD sales order and Classification for which SAP has provided standard programs.
First time you work with the Direct Input administration program, you will need to do some preparation before you can transfer data:
- Create variant
- Define job
- Start job
- Restart job
Common batch input errors
- The batch input BDCDATA structure tries to assign values to fields which do not exist in the current transaction screen.
- The screen in the BDCDATA structure does not match the right sequence, or an intermediate screen is missing.
- On exceptional occasions, the logic flow of batch input session does not exactly match that of manual online processing. Testing the sessions online can discover by this.
- The BDCDATA structure contains fields, which are longer than the actual definition.
- Authorization problems.
RECORDING A BATCH INPUT
A B recording allows you to record a R/3 transaction and generate a program that contains all screens and field information in the required BDC-DATA format.
You can either use SHDB transaction for recording or
EDIT? BATCH INPUT ? SERVICES ?SYSTEM
And from here click recording.
Enter name for the recording.
(Dates are optional)
Click recording.
Enter transaction code.
Enter.
Click Save button.
You finally come to a screen where, you have all the information for each screen including BDC_OKCODE.
Click Get Transaction.
Return to BI.
Click overview.
Position the cursor on the just recorded entry and click generate program.
Enter program name.
Click enter
The program is generated for the particular transaction.
BACKGROUND PROCESSING
Need for Background processing
When a large volume of data is involved, usually all batch inputs are done in background.
The R/3 system includes functions that allow users to work non-interactively or offline. The background processing systems handle these functions.
Non-interactively means that instead of executing the ABAP/4 programs and waiting for an answer, user can submit those programs for execution at a more convenient planned time.
There are several reasons to submit programs for background execution.
The maximum time allowed for online execution should not exceed 300 seconds. User gets TIMEOUT error and an aborted transaction, if time for execution exceeds 300 seconds. To avoid these types of error, you can submit jobs for background processing.
You can use the system while your program is executing.
This does not mean that interactive or online work is not useful. Both type of processing have their own purposes. Online work is the most common one entering business data, displaying information, printing small reports, managing the system and so on. Background jobs are mainly used for the following tasks; to process large amount of data, to execute periodic jobs without human intervention, to run program at a more convenient, planned time other than during normal working hours i.e., Nights or weekends.
The transaction for background processing is SM36.
Or
Define jobs? Jobs ? Administration ?Tools
Or
Jobs? services ?System
Components of the background jobs
A job in Background processing is a series of steps that can be scheduled and step is a program for background processing.
Job name. Define the name of assigned to the job. It identifies the job. You can specify up to 32 characters for the name.
Job class. Indicates the type of background processing priority assigned to the job.
The job class determines the priority of a job. The background system admits three types of job classes: A B & C, which correspond to job priority.
Job steps. Parameters to be passed for this screen are as follows:
Program name.
Variant if it is report program
Start criteria for the job: Option available for this are as follows:
Immediate - allows you to start a job immediately.
Date/Time - allows you to start a job at a specific name.
After job - you can start a job after a particular job.
After event - allows you to start a job after a particular event.
At operation mode - allows you to start a job when the system switches to a particular operation mode.
Defining Background jobs
It is two step process: Firstly, you define the job and then release it.
When users define a job and save it, they are actually scheduling the report i.e., specifying the job components, the steps, the start time.
When users schedule program for background processing, they are instructing the system to execute an ABAP/4 report or an external program in the background. Scheduled jobs are not executed until they are released. When jobs are released, they are sent for execution to the background processing system at the specified start time. Both scheduling and releasing of jobs require authorizations.
HANDLING OF POP UP SCREEN IN BDC
Many times in transaction pop up screen appears and for this screen you dont pass any record but some indication to system telling it to proceed further. For example: The following screen
To handle such screen, system has provided a variable called BDC_CURSOR. You pass this variable to BDCDATA and process the screen.
Usually such screen appears in many transactions, in this case you are just passing information, that YES you want to save the information, that means YES should be clicked. So you are transferring this information to BDCDATA i.e., field name of YES which is usually SPOT_OPTION. Instead of BDC_OKCODE, you are passing BDC_CURSOR.
BDC_CURSOR is also used to place cursor on particular field.
AN EXAMPLE WITH SESSION METHOD
Following program demonstrates how data is passed from flat file to SAP transaction and further to database table by using SESSION method.
The transaction is TFBA (to change customer).
A simple transaction where you are entering customer number on first screen and on next screen data is displayed for the particular customer number. Field, which we are changing here, are name and city. When you click on save, the changed record gets saved.
Prerequisite to write this BDC interface as indicated earlier is:
1. To find screen number
2. To find screen field names, type of the field and length of the field.
3. To find BDC_OKCODE for each screen
4. Create flat file.
Flat file can be created in your hard disk as follows:
1 Vinod Krishna Hyderabad
2 Kavitha Secunderabad
3 Kishore Hyderabad
(Where 1st character field is Customer number, 2nd field is Customer name and 3rd field is City.)
To transfer this data to database table SCUSTOM following interface can be used.
REPORT DEMO1.
Following internal table is to upload flat file.
DATA: BEGIN OF ITAB OCCURS 0,
ID(10),
NAME(25),
CITY(25),
END OF ITAB.
*Following internal table BDCDATA is to pass date from internal table to session.
DATA: BDCTAB LIKE BDCDATA OCCURS 0 WITH HEADER LINE.
Variables
DATA: DATE1 LIKE SY-DATUM. DATE1 = SY-DATUM - 1. This is for Hold Date
To upload flat file to internal table.
CALL FUNCTION UPLOAD
EXPORTING
FILE NAME = C:FF.TXT
FILE TYPE = ASC
TABLES
DATA_TAB = ITAB
EXCEPTIONS
CONVERSION_ERROR = 1
INVALID_TABLE_WIDTH = 2
INVALID_TYPE = 3
NO_BATCH = 4
UNKNOWN_ERROR = 5
OTHERS = 6.
If sy-subrc = 0.
Calling Function to Create a Session
CALL FUNCTION BDC_OPEN_GROUP
EXPORTING
CLIENT = SY-MANDT
GROUP = POTHURI
HOLDDATE = DATE1
KEEP = X
USER = SY-UNAME
EXCEPTIONS
CLIENT_INVALID = 1
DESTINATION_INVALID = 2
GROUP_INVALID = 3
GROUP_IS_LOCKED = 4
HOLDDATE_INVALID = 5
INTERNAL_ERROR = 6
QUEUE_ERROR = 7
RUNNING = 8
SYSTEM_LOCK_ERROR = 9
USER_INVALID = 10
OTHERS = 11.
If sy-subrc = 0.
MAIN Logic----
LOOP AT ITAB
PERFORM GENERATE_DATA. Populating BDCDATA Table
CALL FUNCTION BDC_INSERT
EXPORTING
TCODE = TFBA
TABLES
DYNPROTAB = BDCTAB
EXCEPTIONS
INTERNAL_ERROR = 1
NOT_OPEN = 2
QUEUE_ERROR = 3
TCODE_INVALID = 4
PRINTING_INVALID = 5
POSTING_INVALID = 6
OTHERS = 7.
REFRESH BDCTAB
ENDLOOP.
Calling function to close the session
CALL FUNCTION BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
EXCEPTIONS
NOT_OPEN = 1
QUEUE_ERROR = 2
OTHERS = 3.
Endif.
Endif.
*& Form GENERATE_DATA
Create BDC Data
FORM GENERATE_DATA
Passing information for 1st screen on BDCDATA
BDCTAB-PROGRAM = SAPMTFBA.
BDCTAX-DYNPRO = 100.
BDCTAP-DYNBEGIN = X.
APPEND BCDTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing field information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-ID
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-ID.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing BDC_OKCODE to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = BDC_OKCODE.
BDCTAB-FVAL = /5.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information for next screen to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-PROGRAM = SAPMTFBA.
BDCTAB-DYNPRO = 200.
BDCTAB-DYNBEGIN = X.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-NAME.
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-NAME.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing screen information to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = SCUSTOM-CITY.
BDCTAB-FVAL = ITAB-CITY.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
Passing BDC_OKCODE to BDCDATA
BDCTAB-FNAM = BDC_OKCODE.
BDCTAB-FVAL = SAVE.
APPEND BDCTAB.CLEAR BDCTAB.
ENDFORM. GENERATE_DATA
AN EXAMPLE WITH CALL TRANSACTION
Same steps to be repeated for CALL TRANSACTION
The only difference between the two types of interface is in Session method, you create session and store information about screen and data into session. When session is processed the data is transferred to database. While in CALL TRANSACTION, data is transferred directly to database table.
REPORT DEMO1.
Follow above Code till MAIN Logic. Even the Subroutine should be copied
LOOP AT ITAB
PERFORM GENERATE_DATA, Populating BDCDATA Table
Call transaction TFBA using BCDDATA Mode A Update S.
REFRESH BDCTAB
ENDLOOP.
For BDC:
http://myweb.dal.ca/hchinni/sap/bdc_home.htm
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/wiki?path=/display/home/bdc&
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/learning-bdc-programming.htm
http://www.sapdevelopment.co.uk/bdc/bdchome.htm
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/difference-between-batch-input-and-call-transaction-in-bdc.htm
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_47x200/helpdata/en/69/c250684ba111d189750000e8322d00/frameset.htm
http://www.sapbrain.com/TUTORIALS/TECHNICAL/BDC_tutorial.html
Check these link:
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/difference-between-batch-input-and-call-transaction-in-bdc.htm
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/question-about-bdc-program.htm
http://www.itcserver.com/blog/2006/06/30/batch-input-vs-call-transaction/
http://www.planetsap.com/bdc_main_page.htm
http://www.sapbrain.com/FAQs/TECHNICAL/SAP_ABAP_DATADICTIONARY_FAQ.html
http://www.****************/InterviewQ/interviewQ.htm
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_46c/helpdata/en/35/2cd77bd7705394e10000009b387c12/frameset.htm
regards,
Message was edited by:
KaushiK©Datta
Maybe you are looking for
-
Trying to make changes in Terminal but can't get past the password request
I am trying to run Piano Wizard from a managed accout but I get this: Data.pwf missing I found these FIX instructions on their web site but I can't get it to work.... METHOD1: If you know the password of the owner account of the machine. Please follo
-
If i create a new alias in my iCloud account, and forgot the password and I can´t actually have open the account in any of the devices, how can I recover my password?
-
Hi All, We are facing some issues with Substitution rule in UWL on NW portal 7.3 SPS08 Issue described below, One user has created substitution rule by selecting task type "All" and "Fill In For me" option. So, as per the standard process this is vis
-
Odd discovery on my iMac 20" w/ iSight
I've taken apart my 20" g5 w/isight (initially to swap out a hardrive), I know, warranty is shot. I discovered that there is a power re-set button on the backside of the logic board. I suppose since mine has power issues (and is out of warranty), I c
-
[SOLVED] Font of QT applications in Fluxbox
Hi all This is my very first post on this forum Anyway, I'm busy setting up a little server box at home hosting various servers (LAMP etc) in VirtlualBox VMs to play around with. I'm using Fluxbox on my host. By Googling, I could easily find help on