Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• What's the difference between SAP ABAP and SAP Basis?

  Confused by the difference between SAP ABAP and SAP Basis? Developer Ethan Jewett explains how to tell them apart.  Continue Reading

• How do Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), Flexible Planning differ?

  SAP Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) is easy to implement, but SAP Flexible Planning can handle more complex processes, writes Jawad Akhtar.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between different SAP production types?

  In this tip, expert Jawad Akhtar outlines how to differentiate between discrete, process and repetitive production types and how SAP ERP supports them.  Continue Reading

• How does SAP BI compare with other suites, 'best of breed' tools?

  In this Ask the Expert column, Ethan Jewett explains the biggest difference between SAP BI and 'best of breed' tools, as well as other suites.  Continue Reading

• SAP data warehousing: What are the options?

  There's no one way to go about data warehousing, explains data expert Ethan Jewett. Here's what you need to know about deciding which route to take.  Continue Reading

• Ask the expert: Does SAP HANA replace BW?

  SAP HANA and SAP BW are designed for two different purposes, writes data management expert Ethan Jewett.  Continue Reading

• Quick fixes for the most common post go-live SAP error messages

  There are a number of SAP error messages that can occur post ERP go-live, writes Jawad Akhtar. Here's how to knock them out.  Continue Reading

• Tackle SAP master data templates in phases for better SAP ERP success

  Focusing on SAP master data templates twice before go-live can improve a project's chance of success, writes Jawad Akhtar.  Continue Reading

• How can Failure Mode and Effects Analysis reduce risk?

  The Failure Mode and Effects Analysis tool can be used to prevent process and production failures within SAP ERP systems, writes Jawad Akhtar.  Continue Reading

• How do I handle co-products, by-products in SAP ERP?

  Learn the difference between co-products and by-products in the manufacturing process, and how to handle each within a company's SAP ERP system.  Continue Reading

• When is the right time to upgrade to SAP SCM 7.0?

  Expert Jawad Akhtar addresses the recent updates to SAP SCM 7.0 and how to approach an upgrade to the release.  Continue Reading

• Where can I find SAP FI/CO certification questions to prepare for the exam?

  Learn the best sources for finding SAP FI/CO certification questions to help you prepare for this important exam.  Continue Reading

• Changing time zones in SAP ECC 6.0

  An SAP user wants to know the risks of changing time zones in ECC 6.0.  Continue Reading

• Uploading data to SAP R/3 without enabling SAP Scripting

  An SAP user wants to know how to upload data into SAP R/3 when SAP Scripting is not enabled.  Continue Reading

• Fixing error during SAP iDoc PORDCR1 integration

  An SAP user is receiving an error message while integrating SAP iDoc PORDCR1 for a purchase order.  Continue Reading

• Solving PERNR data transfer issues with SAP PU12 toolbox

  An SAP user is having difficulty with PERNR iDoc while transporting data from SAP to an external system.  Continue Reading

• Getting data to show in an SAP ALV Grid

  An SAP user is trying to run a report in an SAP ALV Grid online and wants to know how to get the data in the report to appear along with the header.  Continue Reading

• Transferring data to new sales orders in SAP VA01

  An SAP user needs to transfer customer purchase order spreadsheet data to SAP VA01 to create a new sales order.  Continue Reading

• Changing all SAP user account passwords from one location

  An SAP user needs information on how to change the password on several SAP user accounts from a central location.  Continue Reading

• How to manage records through SAP BAPIs

  An SAP users wants to know the best-performing method to load through millions of records every day through SAP BAPIs, and whether to use Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) or Remote Function Call (RFC).  Continue Reading

• Attaining source code in SAP ABAP

  An SAP users is looking for the source code for "Display all objects" in SAP ABAP.  Continue Reading

• Migrating from an SAPscript to an SAP Smart Form

  An SAP user is working with an SAPscript form to create the form development for an Invoice List, and wants to know if it's possible to migrate the SAPscript to an SAP Smart Form.  Continue Reading

• How to fix a slip print-out error in an SAP Smart Form

  An SAP user is looking to fix an error with a packing slip print-out in an SAP Smart Form.  Continue Reading

• Aligning bar codes on an SAP Smart Form

  An SAP user is trying to align a barcode in the center of a defined window on an SAP Smart Form.  Continue Reading

• How an SAP IDoc influences the size of an SAP BW database

  An SAP user wants to know the correct SAP transaction code to use when looking for the overall contribution of an SAP IDoc to the size of a database in SAP BW.  Continue Reading

• Should we upgrade SAP BW if upgrading to SAP ECC 6.0, CRM 7.0?

  An SAP user is upgrading from SAP R/3 4.7 to ECC 6.0, and from CRM 4.0 to 7.0, and wants to know if the SAP BW system should also be upgraded.  Continue Reading

• Using SAP IDocs to update "further dates" information in an SAP transaction

  SAP expert Axel Angeli explains how to update the "further dates" tab information in am SAP transaction through an SAP IDoc.  Continue Reading

• How do I account for expenses in an SAP IDoc segment?

  An SAP users is trying to account for unplanned delivery expenses in an SAP IDoc, and wants to know what the qualifier should be when using segment E1EDP26.  Continue Reading

• How to better handle end-user requests for SAP functionality

  A SearchSAP.com reader wants advice on developing a better process that will help IT better handle requests for functionality by end-users.  Continue Reading

• How to build a business case for an upgrade to SAP ECC 6.0

  A SearchSAP.com reader is looking to get buy-in for an upgrade to SAP ECC 6.0, and wants to know which key business terms to use in order to build a business case for the upgrade.  Continue Reading

• Assigning personnel numbers in SAP HR

  An SAP HR users wants to know how to assign a person to two different personnel numbers in SAP HR while generating a single invoice.  Continue Reading

• How to generate Time Quotas in SAP HR

  SAP HR expert Sheryl Middleton explains how to view data in quota overview tables after running Time Evaluation in SAP HR.  Continue Reading

• Calculating salary grades in SAP HR

  An SAP HR user wants to know if there a way to automatically calculate an allowance in SAP HR that is based on the basic salary of the next higher grade of one's salary.  Continue Reading

• Creating an SAP IDoc for sales orders

  A SearchSAP.com reader wants to know how to create an SAP IDoc along with sales order details when sales orders are created, changed or cancelled.  Continue Reading

• Using separate trading partner fields in SAP function FB01

  An SAP R/3 4.7 user wants looking to post a document entry using different trading partner fields for credit and debit for function FB01.  Continue Reading

• Getting started with writing sales order code for SAP ABAP, BW

  A SearchSAP.com reader is new to SAP ABAP and SAP BW, and wants to know how to write a correct piece of code in trying to write a clear work statement.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of using an SAP Incentive Compensation module

  In this expert Q&A , learn about the advantages and disadvantages of using the Incentive Compensation module from SAP.  Continue Reading

• Sizing hardware for SAP BW applications

  An SAP user is looking to assess the hardware requirements for an SAP BW application and wants to know what the parameters are of sizing hardware for SAP BW.  Continue Reading

• How to configure SAP workflow clients

  Find out how to configure clients so that the same version of an SAP workflow item is used when the workflow is triggered in separate clients.  Continue Reading

• How to change the characteristics of an SAP InfoCube

  An SAP user is looking to change the values of a characteristic in an SAP InfoCube and wants to know if it's possible to use virtual InfoCubes to manipulate the data.  Continue Reading

• How to send attachments in an SAP workflow item

  An SAP user has created a user decision step in an SAP workflow item and wants to know how an end user can send an attachment to other users.  Continue Reading

• Granting user access to cost centers through SAP authorization objects

  A SearchSAP.com reader wants to know how to grant a user access to cost centers, as well as access to one cost element across all cost centers.  Continue Reading

• Using SAP Solution Manager to manage scripts in SAP HR

  SAP HR expert explains how to use SAP Solution Manager along with an eCATT testing tool to test scripts in SAP HR.  Continue Reading

• Using SAP standard reports to track changes in SAP HR

  A SearchSAP.com reader is looking for a standard report that can track changes made to the hierarchy of SAP HR with SAP transaction code PPOME.  Continue Reading

• Accessing SAP IDES 4.7 though SAP GUI

  An SAP user wants to know how to access an SAP IDES 4.7 system via the Internet through SAP GUI.  Continue Reading

• Managing DB2 transaction logs when upgrading to SAP ECC 6.0

  A SearchSAP.com reader wants to know how an increase of indexes and tables after upgrade to SAP ECC 6.0 will affect the memory requirements of a DB2 version 8.x system.  Continue Reading

• Determining if SAP user exits are separate from SAP BAPI updates

  A SearchSAP.com reader wants to know if SAP user exits for standard SAP transactions are separate and isolated from SAP BAPI updates.  Continue Reading

• Tips on SAP file formats for electronic funds transfers

  A SearchSAP.com reader in charge of running an Internet banking platform on SAP wants to know what SAP file formats SAP supports and what the file structures are for file imports and exports.  Continue Reading

• Using SAP change documents to make change logs visible

  A SearchSAP.com reader who is writing a program to update SAP tables wants to know how to make updates visible in a change log by using an SAP change document.  Continue Reading

• How to write an SAP ABAP program to read source code and create a new SAP ABAP function module

  A SearchSAP.com reader wants to know if it's possible to write an SAP ABAP program that will read source code and then create an SAP ABAP function module containing the source code.  Continue Reading

• Using the correct SAP ABAP codes in SAP ECC 6.0

  A SearchSAP.com reader is upgrading from SAP ECC R/3 4.7 to ECC 6.0 and wants to know if there is a list that identifies which SAP ABAP code is obsolete in ECC 6.0.  Continue Reading

• Migrating SAP Solution Manager system between Unix platforms

  A SearchSAP.com reader is moving from an HP Tru64 Unix environment to the IBM AIX platform and wants to know the best procedure for migrating the SAP Solution Manager system.  Continue Reading

• How to configure an SAP HR system using the SAP PA40 code

  An SAP HR user is looking to hire an employee and wants to know how to configure the SAP HR system. Learn about SAP the PA40 transaction code, and how it executes the hiring action.  Continue Reading

• What are the risks of a delayed SAP HCM implementation?

  A SearchSAP.com reader is looking at implementing SAP Human Capital Management (HCM), and wants to understand the risks of delaying an SAP HCM implementation.  Continue Reading

• How the SAP FICO module manages regulatory data

  Learn about the SAP FI module and its features, including general ledger, book close, tax, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and asset management. Also learn how the SAP FICO module manages regulatory data.  Continue Reading

• How to implement SAP BADIs

  Application deveopment expert Matthew Billingham explains how to implement sales order processing SAP Business Add-Ins (BADIs).  Continue Reading

• Modifying standard SAP Smart Forms for purchase orders

  The SAP-provided Smart Form purchase order template is hard to locate and install, and may require the assistance of the Basis team, but it's worth downloading, compared to building a purchase order form from scratch.  Continue Reading

• How to establish communication between SAP Unicode and non-Unicode systems

  Find out how to establish a connection between SAP R/3 4.7 and SAP ECC 6.0 non-Unicode systems, and learn how to maintain a connection when changing the SAP ECC 6.0 system to Unicode.  Continue Reading

• How to solve output alignment problems with SAPscript printing

  A SearchSAP.com reader wants to know how to set a SAPscript to align an HP4300 printer and LOCL logical SAP output.  Continue Reading

• In an upgrade to SAP ECC 6.0, when do integrated apps get upgraded?

  A SearchSAP.com reader wants to know if it's possible to upgrade to SAP ECC 6.0 while also upgrading an interfacing application at the same time. Learn why it might be wise to upgrade the middleware first.  Continue Reading

• SAP Software Deployment Manager vs. Java Support Package Manager

  SAP BI/BW expert Farooq Ali discusses the differences in the use of SAP Software Deployment Manager (SDM) and SAP Java Support Package Manager (JSPM), specifically when it comes to patches.  Continue Reading

• How to reset the SAP transport buffer after abnormal patch termination

  Find out how resetting a transport buffer can help fix an error that occured during the installation of an SAPGUI patch. Learn how to avoid an operating system shutdown when receiving a path error during a SAPGUI patch install.  Continue Reading

• Tips for setting up a default SAP BI client after implementation

  Find out how to set a default SAP BI client within an SAP Business Intelligence (BI) system. Learn how to run an SAP Basis TCode in a default SAP BI client.  Continue Reading

• Unable to run simulation of SAP HR payroll because of employee absence issues

  An SAP administrator is having problems running a simulation of the payroll function in SAP HR. Get information on /841-paid vacation, which deals with employee absences and get help with SAP .HR and payroll problems.  Continue Reading

• How to make an SAP HR change -- calendar year to fiscal year

  Find out how to change vacation quotas in SAP HR from calendar year to fiscal year.  Continue Reading

• How to limit quota deduction amounts in SAP HR

  Find out how to set deduction amounts on a quota record in SAP HR, and why there may be opportunity to add a limit at data entry when using Employee Self-Service (ESS).  Continue Reading

• Configuring SAP HR Payroll settings for retroactive accounting

  Find out where to locate retroactive accounting settings in SAP HR Payroll.  Continue Reading

• Using audit report to track changes to employee data in SAP HR

  Find out how to track changes to employee data using an audit report in SAP HR, and learn how to configure the audit report to pick up changes to the data retroactively.  Continue Reading

• Should we install SAP BW on the same server running SAP R/3 4.7?

  Find out if a department running SAP R/3 4.7 needs an additional server to install SAP Business Information Warehouse (SAP BW).  Continue Reading

• Configuring SAP EDI for sales orders

  Learn how to configure SAP EDI for sales orders.  Continue Reading

• How to stop SAP users from displaying SAP HR tables content

  Learn how to stop SAP users from displaying HR table contents in an SAP table without restricting access to an SE16N transaction.  Continue Reading

• How to hide a button in an SAP Business Workplace toolbar

  A SearchSAP.com reader wants to know how to hide the forward button in an SAP Business Workplace toolbar.  Continue Reading

• How to correct an SAP ABAP dump with an oversize condition

  Find out how to correct an SAP ABAP dump with an oversize condition to avoid an SAP ABAP dump giving an DBIF_RSQL_ INVALID_RSQL error at the SQL statement.  Continue Reading

• Locating user email addresses in SAP SU01 transaction code

  A SearchSAP.com reader who stores user email addresses within the SAP SU01 transaction code and wants to know where to locate the data.  Continue Reading

• Installing SAP NetWeaver PI 7.1 on servers running ECC 6.0

  An SAP user wants to know whether to install NetWeaver Process Integration (PI) 7.1 on the same server running ECC 6.0 or a separate server.  Continue Reading

• Creating a function group for an SAP ABAP table maintenance generator

  Learn how to create a function group and authorization group using an SAP ABAP table maintenance generator on a Z table.  Continue Reading

• How can I get an ABAP program displaying Excel data to wrap text?

  Learn how to display details from a Microsoft Excel database table using the Wrap Text function when developing an SAP ABAP program.  Continue Reading

• Using SAP Smart Forms to change layout of Plant Maintenance

  A SearchSAP.com reader is looking to change the layout of Plant Maintenance (PM) shop papers to account for goods issues using SAP Smart Forms, rather than SAPscript,  Continue Reading

• How to install an add-on using a SAINT transaction in SAP Basis

  A SearchSAP.com reader is using a SAINT transaction in SAP Basis and wants to install an add-on.  Continue Reading

• How to replace a cancelled SAP workflow item

  Find out how to automatically replace an SAP workflow item when a user hits "cancel" so that the workflow item re-appears to all possible agents.  Continue Reading

• How to map multiple SAP roles and profiles

  Discover tips for mapping SAP roles and profiles, including how to map multiple SAP profiles to a single derived role, and why a second profile is generated when a large role has too many authorizations for one profile.  Continue Reading

• Choosing an SAP BI/BW database for InfoCube data

  An administrator wants to know which databases in SAP BI/BW are best for data stored in an InfoCube.  Continue Reading

• Using Infoset to join, move DSO analysis to InfoCube

  An administrator wants is looking for the best way to join two tables in a DataStore object and transform the result to an InfoCube.  Continue Reading

• Selecting InfoCubes in SAP BI/BW Business Content

  An SAP user wants to know what kinds of InfoCubes are available in SAP BI/BW Business Content, and which ones can be used to build a Profitability Analysis report.  Continue Reading

• Viewing SAP transaction codes and profiles

  An administrator is looking for a way to see what profiles belong to a particular T-Code.  Continue Reading

• Retrieving content from an SAP workflow attachment

  An SAP user wants to know how to retrieve the content of an SAP workflow attatchment.  Continue Reading

• Updating URLs in SAP SRM

  An SAP SRM user is looking to update an SRM URL process when implementing or changing a catalog in a live environment in SAP SRM.  Continue Reading

• Changing reserved status of a workflow item

  An administrator is looking to change the status of a work item so that one user can access it while another is absent.  Continue Reading

• How to change default settings in SAP SRM

  An SAP SRM user wants to know how to set Confirmation and Invoice as the default options in a limit-order shopping cart.  Continue Reading

• Managing SAP user access and password expirations

  An administrator user wants to know where to set SAP user login passwords and set time limits on sessions and password expiration dates.  Continue Reading

• Converting from MDMP to Unicode

  An SAP user wants to know why an MDMP-to-Unicode conversion is more difficult to perform than that of a Single Code Page system.  Continue Reading

• Using SAP apps in an Oracle read-only database

  An SAP user wants to know if it's possible to open an SAP application in an Oracle read-only database.  Continue Reading

• Can SAP developer include authority check for S_TCODE in a called transaction?

  An administrator wants to know if there is a way to run an authority check in a transaction code without having to add it in in S_TCODE.  Continue Reading

• How to fix Smart Forms printing double purchase orders

  An SAP user wants to know why Smart Forms is printing two copies of a purchase order simultaneously.  Continue Reading

• Deriving the name of a Smart Style from a Smart Form

  Learn how to determine the name of a Smart Style based on the name of a Smart Form.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of implementing SAP SRM?

  An SAP user wants to know the benefits of implementing SAP SRM, and if it's necessary to also implement SAP BI, XI and MDM at the same time.  Continue Reading

• Why you shouldn't change SAP-related workflows in an SWUI

  A SAP user wants to know if it Is possible to change an SAP-created workflow within a Semantic Web User Interaction (SWUI).  Continue Reading

• How to limit employee access to reports using roles in SAP NetWeaver

  An administrator wants to limit employees from running corporate-wide reports using roles.  Continue Reading

• SAP BI extractors vs. Business Objects for ETL process

  An SAP user wants to know the benefits of using standard SAP BI extractors for an ETL process between SAP BW and SAP ERP  Continue Reading

• SAP FI/CO consultant's role during upgrade from R/3 to ECC 6.0

  SAP FI/CO consultants just need to test core business functionality after an upgrade from SAP R/3 4.7 to ECC 6.0.  Continue Reading