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Is RFC a good way to integrate Lotus?

We are trying to integrate SAP R/3 and Lotus. Data exchange is completed through an RFC function. The problem is that the data can't be saved when R/3 pops up an error message, but it can be completed if we input the data manually. Would you say it isn't wise to use RFC functions for this?

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As far as I understand your problem, there is nothing wrong with using RFC. It is apparently the called RFC function that is not made for batch processing. If you use a proper BAPI, no messages should ever popped up, rather the messages are collected in a response table for you to analyze.

If the called RFC does in turn execute a batch input (BTCI), then the typical cause for failure is missing data, that causes to display a screen which is not foreseen in your processing scenario. If the RFC is a self-written one, let it execute with BTCI mode A and watch for screens, where the OK-Code is "blank". This is then a screen, which is not in the expected sequence. You may circumvent the malfunction by adding additional logic to catch these cases. Also, you should execute the BTCI in mode N to catch all messages in a table (CALL TRANSACTION ... MESSAGES bdcmesstab).

If the RFC is a standard function, you may have chance in providing additional data or changing the customizing for your application.

This was first published in May 2003

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