Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Basis administration info in preparation for an interview

  Where can I find information about Basis administration from A to Z? I am heading for a Basis interview.  Continue Reading

• Changing a customer message priority level after it's sent

  I mistakenly sent a customer message with the wrong priority level. How can I change the priority level of the message sent?  Continue Reading

• I have to join RosettaNet to send a PO via RosettaNet?

  One of our key suppliers has indicated that he would like to receive our electronic PO (IDoc output from SAP R/3 MM) which we are currently sending out to our suppliers in cXML format. What would we need to do to change our iDOC or XI-cXML output ...  Continue Reading

• Displaying text messages on SRM opening page

  Is there a way to display text messages on the opening page within SRM? For example, if you wanted to alert SRM users to outages or system changes.  Continue Reading

• Switching from an extended classic to a classic scenario

  Is it possible to switch a production SRM 5.0/ECC system from an "extended classic" scenario to a "classic" scenario? If so, what are the issues? The client believes this will eliminate the rework caused by PO replication errors and that SAP's "...  Continue Reading

• Prerequisites for SAP BI training

  What are the prerequisites for SAP BI training? I have a J2EE background and I want to move to BI. I have heard SAP BI is the latest and greatest in business warehousing. I have also heard people say it's techno-functional, whatever tha means). Will...  Continue Reading

• The difference between IC and PCUI

  What is the difference between IC and PCUI? Do these two techniques largely overlap?  Continue Reading

• Interfacing CRM interaction center and HP Mercury Quality Center

  We are looking for a connector or interface between the SAP/CRM interaction center (IC) service tickets and HP Mercury Quality Center. We want to escalate and track defects in software products found in the field. We also want to keep visibility, ...  Continue Reading

• Integrating a call center to SAP CRM 4.0: What are my connection choices?

  When implementing a multi channel customer service center (phone, email, fax, chat etc) and integrating it to SAP CRM 4.0 WinClient, what are my connection choices? Do I only have the SAP Multi Channel Interface Server option or can I use the ...  Continue Reading

• The weaknesses of SAP CRM Pricing

  How do you manage the weaknesses of SAP CRM Pricing? For example: in the utility industry (electricity and gas supply), for B2B customers, it's impossible to work with the IPC without a specific pricing tool. How does SAP justify this lack of ...  Continue Reading

• Calling a custom workflow

  How do I call my custom workflow (in pa40) at hiring time?  Continue Reading

• Using change documents to update a Z table

  I need to update a Z table when there is a change in contract conditions (ME32K) or when a condition is created (ME31K). Can this be done through change documents: Change document object "cond_a" by linking the change object with the event of ...  Continue Reading

• Approving workflows from Outlook

  I am implementing a workflow for requisition approval and would like the user to be able to approve/reject it from within Outlook (using ECC 6.0). I am approving the requisition at the header level but would like for the user to be able to see ...  Continue Reading

• Hiding a limit order field from users in SRM 5.0

  I'm dealing with limit Orders in SRM 5.0. The customer does not want the "Unknown A/C assignment" field to be visible to the users. The default should always be "Known A/C assignment." Apart from changing the Web template, can this accomplished ...  Continue Reading

• The tables/views used to populate extractors

  I am trying to ascertain what tables/views are used to populate an extractor. I need to get the size of the underlying tables on R/3.  Continue Reading

• Useful transaction codes in SAP BI

  What are the useful transaction codes in SAP BW?  Continue Reading

• Using transactional and master data when creating an InfoCube

  When we create an InfoCube, we take dimensions along with key figures when we have to load data. Do I have to use two different datasources -- one for transactional and one for master data?  Continue Reading

• Breaking into an SAP career: Climb the ladder

  I'm currently a Microsoft Trainer and an Desktop Support Technician looking for a new career path. I'm looking at SAP for it's good rates of pay as well as the variety of modules one gets to choose to 'specialize' in. I have absolutely no background...  Continue Reading

• The future of SAP CRM for banking

  What is the future of the SAP CRM/Banking area?  Continue Reading

• Integrating SAP CRM 5.0 to an R/3 system

  I need to integrate our SAP CRM 5.0 system to a backend R/3 system. So far CRM has been working as a standalone system with some transactions already posted in the system. We have a single product defined in the CRM system for which categories and ...  Continue Reading

• Deleting entries from a dynamic table

  I have dynamic internal table . How do I delete entries from this table on the basis of some condition.  Continue Reading

• Is there a 'load of program' option in report generation?

  Is there 'load of program' in report generation? I heard that this event is triggered before the start-of-selection output and initialization.  Continue Reading

• Defining a structure in a report

  How do I define a structure in a report?  Continue Reading

• Avoid printing out blank address lines in SAP Smart Forms

  I am providing a vendor address number from LFA1-ADRNR. There are one or two fields in the vendor master that are not filled in, so my Smart Form prints out a blank line. The users do not want this blank line printed out in the form. Is there any ...  Continue Reading

• SAP LSO course type error

  We are implementing SAP LSO and have configured the course types and appraisals. However, while testing, we found one error: when the PD admin attempts to appraise the course, the course type does not appear. What is wrong?  Continue Reading

• Modifying customer-specific personnel change requests

  Could you please explain the process of modifying customer-specific personnel change requests?  Continue Reading

• PD profiles and SD profiles

  What are PD profiles and SD profiles? What do they do?  Continue Reading

• Creating infotypes for SAP Profitability Analysis

  How do I create infotypes for SAP Profitability Analysis (PA)? Also, how can I configure subtypes for that infotype?  Continue Reading

• Display the subtype text for an infotype

  I am making an HR report in ABAP wherein I need to display the subtype texts for infotype 0045. How do I find the table where I can get this text field?  Continue Reading

• The master data table for the SAP Human Resources

  What is the master data table for the SAP Human Resources (HR) module? Is there just one, or are there many?  Continue Reading

• Updating infotype IT0008, not getting 'Annual Salary Currency' as default

  I am facing a problem while updating IT0008. I am not getting "Annual Salary Currency" as a default. I maintained all possible tables, such as T500c and V_T510F_B. Could you please tell me where went wrong?  Continue Reading

• Maintaining a proficiency level scale

  I am maintaining a proficiency level scale ranging from a 1 to 4 rating against a qualification in Personnel development. I want to be able to pull this proficiency level rating on the smart form of an appraisal template through the TEM module. When...  Continue Reading

• Adding a deduction number in an absence quota

  How do I add a deduction number in an absence quota? Normally the deduction is updated automatically by the appropriate absence type. Is there way we can add the deduction number by writing a PCR?  Continue Reading

• Setting soft breakpoints in ABAP that reside in Smart Forms

  I've always set hard-coded breakpoints in ABAP code that reside in a Smart Form. Is it possible to set soft breakpoints instead?  Continue Reading

• Is SAP Portal necessary for Recruitment and Travel Management?

  We have SAP HR and PY implemented. We want to implement recruitment and travel but we're told that we cannot do it without implementing SAP Portal. Is this really necessary?  Continue Reading

• What is the MDM market like right now?

  I have seven years of IT experience and 4 years in SAP Portal (java, WebDynpro, iviews). Now I would like to update my skill set with another SAP module. I was thinking of MDM. What is the current MDM market like right now, and what will it be in ...  Continue Reading

• Certification in SME, PM or architecture

  I am an SAP systems analyst at a major insurance company in the Chicago area. I have been working with the SAP FS-CD (commissions and disbursements) module for more than three years. I would like to continue expanding my functional/technical ...  Continue Reading

• An SAP manufacturing career move

  I am a certified SAP PP consultant with eight years of functional experience in manufacturing (Steel and Mining) and one year of SAP experience. Currently I am working for a multinational company as an SAP manufacturing consultant in high end ...  Continue Reading

• Breaking into SAP HR

  I have masters in business management with five years experience in human resources. I was recently trained on SAP HR and am now practicing it and looking for junior level jobs. I am also planning to do SAP HR certification. Please advise me on how ...  Continue Reading

• How big is demand for SAP CRM consultants?

  What is the demand for SAP CRM consultants in the UK?  Continue Reading

• Breaking into SAP with an IT background

  I have been in the IT industry for almost 15 years now. I have been a Microsoft Windows administrator, a technical consultant covering presales and post sales support and am currently a project manager. I am more interested in becoming an SAP ...  Continue Reading

• Without Java experience: SAP BI or XI?

  I'm an SAP consultant with four years of SAP ABAP experience and one year of SAP BW experience. Change is on my mind now. I'm thinking about moving to full SAP BI or SAP XI with enterprise portal. Which would you advise for someone without much of a...  Continue Reading

• Holding experience in ABAP, do I go SAP XI or BI?

  I hold a certification in ABAP and have been working with it for last two months. Can you tell me any information regarding the growth of the SAP XI? Which is the better option for a beginner in ABAP: SAP BW or SAP XI?  Continue Reading

• Standard functionality 'shop with limit' in SAP SRM

  Is standard functionality "shop with limit" possible in SAP SRM 5.5? Right now it is set to "describe requirement" and is throwing an error because the vendor is not specified.  Continue Reading

• Restricting user access by cost center

  I need to restrict user access by cost center in SRM. If I assign a cost center to a position/user, is the account restricted to the value for this attribute only? If not, do you know how can I achieve this restriction?  Continue Reading

• Implementing PCard functionality

  What are the prerequisites and configuration settings for implementing PCard functionality in SRM? Also, how can we send the orders to vendors? Is invoicing possible in such a case? We are presently in an SRM classic scenario.  Continue Reading

• Updating the absence infotype

  I need to update the absence infotype record with the attachment after the employee's leave request is approved by the manager. I have the attachment in my workflow work item. I can extract the attachment from workflow using Function Module (FM) "...  Continue Reading

• Refreshing dynamic columns

  In the business workplace the refresh button in the workflow inbox is not refreshing the dynamic columns. How can we set it to refresh the dynamic columns?  Continue Reading

• Clearing pending workflow items

  Is there a way to clear/complete pending workflow items? We just went live and we have discovered some bugs. As a result of the bugs we have some processes which show as a pending workflow. We have processed the changes using the GUI and now we ...  Continue Reading

• Why connect Java programs to the SAP system?

  What is the role of Java in SAP and why do we connect Java programs to the SAP System? I do have some real time programming experience with Java but now I have since switched to SAP ABAP. I'm not familiar with Java as it pertains to SAP systems. ...  Continue Reading

• Viewing a list of SAP interfaces

  Is there a way to view a list of SAP interfaces such as RFC, BAPI and ALE?  Continue Reading

• RFC timeout problems

  I have a WEB/AS based R/3 Internet sales RFC call calling to a 4.6D (Basis 620) R/3 system. My problem is with RFC timeouts; what is the default value and how can I change it? There is nothing that I can modify on the WEB/AS ICM admin side. Is there...  Continue Reading

• Migrating SAP CRM 4.0

  How do I migrate SAP CRM 4.0 with J2EE, IPC and Trex? I am worried because CRM 4.0 is 620 and the latest migration CD comes with 620/640.  Continue Reading

• SAPgui disconnection problem

  We are having a problem with clients disconnecting from the SAPgui. They are attempting to connect to a Solaris/Unix server through a firewall. We have found that the connection to the Wintel server is fine, but not the UNIX server. Clients on the ...  Continue Reading

• Building a new PRD system from an online backup

  We currently run SAP R/3 on an Oracle 10.2 and are upgrading to ERP 2005 (Unicode conversion). Our Basis team has now made us aware that they are intending to build the new PRD system from an online backup with two days transactions rolled in using ...  Continue Reading

• Generating an SAP installation key

  I am installing a new an SAP NetWeaver, Development Subscription and am at the SAPinst point of requiring the Solution Manager Key. I have read SAP note 805390 but do not understand how to get the key.  Continue Reading

• Consolidating subsidiary companies to a single server

  I want to consolidate our subsidiary companies into one server, what do I need to do if they are coming from different databases? I am looking at using DB2/AS400 for this. What are the commercial implications of this, if any?  Continue Reading

• Which SAP implementation phase is Java necessary for?

  During which phase of an SAP implementation should we use Java? Also, where should Java projects be placed in the system?  Continue Reading

• Common 'sequential read' misconception

  One of my colleagues told me that "sequential reads" means that the query is not using "Index" to scan. How can I resolve this issue and get an expensive SQL statement in the system?  Continue Reading

• List of deletable SAP system files

  Our SAP file system is filling up because initially it was defied too small. What are the non-required files that can be deleted from the SAP system? We are using HP-UX NetWeaver2004s on an Oracle database.  Continue Reading

• The difference between field groups and internal tables

  What is the difference between field groups and internal tables?  Continue Reading

• Unicode check error fix

  A Unicode check (UCCHECK) returns an error on this statement: "DO 12 TIMES VARYING HEX FROM H_KUMU NEXT H_KUMU+1." It says "HEX" and "H_KUMU" are not type compatible. "HEX" is type x, "H_KUMU" is RAW. How do I fix this?  Continue Reading

• Creating a screen for grid display

  Is it necessary to create a screen for grid display in object oriented programming?  Continue Reading

• Creating a field exit for a data element

  I want to create a field exit for data element "SUBMI" in ECC using a program I have created for the function module. How do I activate and assign the field then exit to screen? I tried CMOD but it is leading me to "Text Enhancement" > data element ...  Continue Reading

• Validating table fields

  How do I validate table fields? I want to check whether an entered value in a field is numeric or not. Where in the PAI should I write the logic?  Continue Reading

• Tracking clients in SAP CRM 4.0

  I need to track all clients in the system registered in the last month to contact them and offer them new services. Some clients may tell us to contact them in a specified date so we need to track this information as well as what they purchase. Is ...  Continue Reading

• A frozen interaction record in SAP CRM

  We have CTI with mySAP CRM IC installed at our unit. Mostly, we follow the process "identify account", and then click to load an interaction record. We cannot input anything and must exit the mySAP application. Do you have any thoughts on what our...  Continue Reading

• Downloading the CRM relationship from the R/3 partner function

  How do you download the CRM relationship from R/3 partner function? In other words, in R/3 the payer has ship-to, sold-to, and bill-to. How do I maintain these relationships in CRM from R/3? Can I download them as the master data download?  Continue Reading

• Printing specifics on the last page of a Smart Form

  I am working on a PO Smart Form. The user would like to print the terms and conditions as well as document totals and spaces for approval signatures at the bottom of the last page. If I include this in the main window, it prints wherever on the page...  Continue Reading

• Worthwhile to move from EDI to a web based UI?

  We are currently using SAP R/3 ECC 6.0 and APO. Most of our suppliers and customers are connected to us via EDI. We are considering implementing SAP ICH. Is it worthwhile to move from EDI to a web based UI?  Continue Reading

• Guidelines for an SCM 4.0 to 5.0 upgrade

  I am upgrading SCM 4.0 to SCM 5.0. Can you tell me the guidelines for making a technical and functional assessment for the upgrade? How do I find the areas in which I can face problems while upgrading?  Continue Reading

• Adding a navigational attribute to an existing InfoObject

  We have a scenario where we would like to add one additional navigational attribute to an existing InfoObject (currently there are already two navigation attributes). My question is what needs to be done to the Planning Object Structure in APO DP ...  Continue Reading

• Measure the performance of an InfoCube

  How do I measure the performance of an InfoCube using one transaction code?  Continue Reading

• ECC COPA and transaction currency

  ECC COPA doesn't seem to have the transaction currency on the summarized tables, only on the line item table. The only two currencies available on summarized tables are "Company Code" and "Operating Concern".  Continue Reading

• Problem loading data into a DSO

  I have loaded 2LIS_13_VDITM data into a DSO. Some of the rows in the "Billed Qty" have a "-" sign, but there are some without a "-" sign in the VBRP table in R/3. What is the cause of this issue?  Continue Reading

• Record management and CRM solution

  Currently we are implementing a solution whereby both record management and CRM work together i.e. RMS sits on a CRM box. How do the roles work in this case? Must we use the roles for CRM separate from RMS?  Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of destination types, DB tables and third-party tools

  What are the advantages/disadvantages, difficulty, requirements of destination types, DB tables and third-party tools?  Continue Reading

• What is the use of DTP in BI 7.0?

  What is the use of DTP in BI 7.0? What are the settings that needs to be done while creating the DataStore Object?  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between ODS and DSO in SAP BI?

  In SAP BI, what is the difference between ODS and DSO?  Continue Reading

• How do I know if a profile parameter is dynamically changeable or static?

  How do I know if a profile parameter is dynamically changeable or static? If it is static it will require a restart of the system once changed. Do the colors red or black in rz10 indicate this?  Continue Reading

• Getting an error message in SNP optimizer

  I am working with SNP optimizer. The scheduled planning run failed, it is showing the error message "SNP505". Please if possible, what are the possible error codes in SNP optimizer and their explanations?  Continue Reading

• Becoming an SCM consultant

  I recently started SAP SCM training. It's a five week course (10 hours a week). After finishing the class, the company will help me improve my resume and will try to get me my first contract as well. I will have to work through them in the first ...  Continue Reading

• Assigning roles to all users in a group

  How do I assign roles to a specific group, not to a specific user, and apply the roles to all users in that group? This particular group has four users.  Continue Reading

• The difference between NetWeaver 2004s SR1 AND SR2

  What is the difference between NetWeaver 2004s SR1 AND SR2?  Continue Reading

• The difference between SAP notes and support packages

  What is the difference between SAP notes and support packages?  Continue Reading

• How to display transaction codes and their functionalities

  Is there a transaction code in SAP CRM 4.0 that displays all the transaction codes and their functionalities in a brief statement?  Continue Reading

• Will I fit into a SAP CRM role without IT or practical SAP experience?

  I have three years of sales and marketing experience in the automobile industry and one year of experience in a retail customer service center. I've also received my MBA recently and am planning to make SAP CRM my area of expertise. Without IT and ...  Continue Reading

• Where to find your SAP installation number

  Where can I find my installation number in the SAP system?  Continue Reading

• Refresh the SAP ABAP/Java system from PRD to QAS

  I want to refresh the SAP ABAP/Java system from PRD to QAS. In the past I have done the ABAP system refresh in which the Quality database was refreshed by that of Production and later we changed the SID from PRD to QAS. I want to know if we need to ...  Continue Reading

• Installing Solution Manager on a mixed Windows/Unix platform

  I'm planning to install Solution Manager 4.2 on a mixed platform. The application server runs off Windows and the database is on Unix. I could not find an installation manual. Any suggestions?  Continue Reading

• SAP installation keys for upgrades or new installations?

  Our Basis group is preparing to upgrade from 4.6c to ECC 6.0. I see notes that an installation key is generated using Solution Manager. Another note stated this key was only good for four weeks and I would need to get a key from SAP afterwards. Will...  Continue Reading

• How does asynchronous updating increase R/3 scalability?

  How does asynchronous updating increase R/3 scalability? Also, I want to learn more about R/3 scalability in general. Could you explain a few case scenarios or examples of update troubleshooting from a Basis point of view?  Continue Reading

• Why are transport requests classified into workbench and customizing?

  Why are transport requests classified into workbench and customizing? What does this classification indicate?  Continue Reading

• Installation procedure, configuration details for SAP Solution Manager

  We are implementing SAP Solution Manager for 4.6C with an Informix database and HP-UX OS. Could you send me the installation procedure and configuration details for Solution Manager? Can I install the Solution Manager for both my development and ...  Continue Reading

• Why are kernel upgrades done on a central instance?

  Why are kernel upgrades done on a central instance?  Continue Reading

• Not connecting to SAP: A connection string problem

  When logging onto SAP, it shows a "Connection to partner broken" message. What is wrong?  Continue Reading

• SAP MMC failing to start after renaming my domain

  I have done a complete domain rename; my SAP R/3 on Windows 2000 is installed in a windows 2003 active directory domain. Now the SAP MMC console does not start up. What is wrong?  Continue Reading

• The impact on HR when upgrading from 4.6 to ECC 6.0

  What is the impact on ESS and MSS in HR when upgrading from 4.6 to ECC 6.0?  Continue Reading

• How to develop an RFI for SAP 4.6c to ECC 6.0 migration

  We are planning a migration from 4.6c to SAP ECC 6.0. We are developing an RFI for this. Could you direct me to information regarding this?  Continue Reading

• Is Sun-Solaris knowledge required for SAP Basis integration?

  How much knowledge of Sun-Solaris is required for an integration of SAP Basis? Also, what additional knowledge is required?  Continue Reading