Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• How big is demand for SAP CRM consultants?

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• The difference between SAP notes and support packages

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

• The difference between NetWeaver 2004s SR1 AND SR2

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Experienced System Architect weighing SAP technical/functional careers

  Should an experienced SUN System Architect pursue the technical or functional side of SAP consulting, if the goal is to move into management in the future?  Continue Reading

• Why is user training a low priority if it's critical for upgrade success?

  Why is so little effort made on user training when everybody knows it is absolutely critical for implementation/upgrade success?  Continue Reading

• What is the future of SAP consultants/project managers?

  What's your take on the future market demand for SAP consultants/project managers?  Continue Reading

• How can I get into SAP FI/CO consulting with little experience?

  A science graduate took SAP FI/CO training, only to discover that no firms will hire him without experience. It's tough, but not impossible, to find a way out of this dilemma. Read career expert Jon Reed's advice here.  Continue Reading

• Can an Oracle DBA break into SAP Basis?

  An Oracle DBA is considering jumping ship to SAP. How do the skills map to SAP Basis, and what are the future prospects? Career expert Jon Reed answer these questions and more.  Continue Reading

• Changing the hostname in a server migration

  I am trying to do server migration from an existing server to a new server (though it is same OS). We will need to change the hostname for this. What is the best method or process for this task? Is there anywhere else it stores hostname info apart ...  Continue Reading

• Upgrading from 4.0b to ECC 6.0

  Can I upgrade from 4.0b to ECC 6.0? Is it possible, or do I have to upgrade to 4.6 first and then to ECC 6.0?  Continue Reading

• Upgrading from 4.7c to ECC 6.0

  We are upgrading from 4.7c to ECC 6.0. Will this bring any issues relating to SAP HR authorization and security?  Continue Reading

• How to perform a heterogeneous system migration

  My system is an SAP R/3 4.6C on HP-UX 11.23 and Oracle 9.2 to AIX 5.3. I am trying to migrate the OS version of my installation. How should I go about this?  Continue Reading

• Upgrading to ECC 6.0 while converting to Unicode

  This reader is planning a split implementation upgrade for ECC 6.0. He will upgrade to ECC 6.0 from 4.6c, with the "Unicode Check Active" check box turned on for all programs (Z programs included). Read Bert Vanstechelman's advice here.  Continue Reading

• Upgrading from SAP kernel 6.20 to 6.40

  How would you upgrade SAP kernel 6.20 to 6.40 in an MSCS Environment on Windows 2003?  Continue Reading

• Do I need to install Java to install Solution Manager?

  A reader wants to extract SAPinst for Solution Manager with R/3 4.7, but isn't sure if he needs to install Java to do it. Expert Bert Vanstechelman sets the record straight.  Continue Reading

• Is SAP Business One knowledge good enough for BI or XI?

  I am a certified consultant in SBO and have done up to three implementations in my current company. Should I get certified first in one of these areas then try and get a job in SBO initially then hope for a break in BI or integration, or should I ...  Continue Reading

• SAP APO consulting is a dying career field?

  What is the future of SAP APO in the market? How I should an SAP APO functional consultant move ahead with their career? Which other areas of SAP should they learn in order for my career to grow?  Continue Reading

• MM consultant seeks new skills in trendy SAP areas

  I am an MM Consultant and have learnt a bit of PP too over the years and at career crossroads right now. I want to place myself in a (latest) technology that has demand right now in US market.  Continue Reading

• Confirmation and invoicing in ERP

  How will the Confirmation/GR and Invoicing happen from SUS->EBP->ERP? (i.e the Conf/Invoice will be made by supplier in SUS -> received and approved in EBP and now how are postings going to happen in ERP?)  Continue Reading

• How to get SAP SRM certification

  How can I get certification in SAP SRM?  Continue Reading

• Analysis by vendor; do we need full-blown MDM?

  In order to do spend analysis by vendor, is full-blown MDM required or only the "MDM Catalog," which it seems is included with the SRM license? My question would be for release 6.0 of SRM.  Continue Reading

• Adding to extended attributes of a Position in SRM

  I am trying to write recordings for use within LSMW load objects in order to make mass changes to the organizational structure. I have achieved this using PP02; however, when I want to alter the Extended Attributes (i.e. the Approval Limits) listed ...  Continue Reading

• Programming in SAP BW to implement extraction in a BAPI

  What configuration/programming needs to be done in BW and non-SAP systems to implement extraction through BAPI?  Continue Reading

• Installing multiple SAP applications on a single server

  Is it possible to install SAP-NetWeaver, SAP-CRM, SAP-SEM, and SAP-Risks on a single server?  Continue Reading

• More information on SAP NetWeaver ECC 6.0; NetWeaver vs R/3

  Learn the difference between NetWeaver ECC 6.0 and R/3.  Continue Reading

• How SEM relates to BI/BW

  Can you please tell me how SEM is related to BI(BW) and also suggest where I can find more information about this?  Continue Reading

• Unwelcome change in Smart Forms icons

  When I go into Smart Forms and create a text element, I am not seeing the icons that I saw in earlier versions of SAP. How can I access the options I used to have?  Continue Reading

• How to read the attachments of a workflow

  How can I externally read the attachment to any workflow? I have the names of the files that are attached to a particular workflow but still can't open the fields from the link.  Continue Reading

• Lost workflow due to unassigned position

  A user has entered a service entry sheet which has to be approved by their manager. However, the workflow couldn't find an agent to forward the request to because the manager position was not assigned to a user name.  Continue Reading

• Are there SAP SRM 5.0/6.0 to Ariba differences?

  Do you have any documentation on product comparisons between the latest SAP SRM 5.0 and 6.0 to Ariba?  Continue Reading

• The difference between DataTargets and InfoProviders

  What is the difference between DataTargets and InfoProviders?  Continue Reading

• Is it possible to connect R/3 4.6C with BI 7.0?

  Can we connect R/3 4.6C with BI 7.0?  Continue Reading

• The skills necessary to learn SAP BW

  I plan to pursue a job in SAP BW. I would like to know what skills are needed to learn SAP BW?  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between SAP BI and BW?

  What is the major difference between SAP BI and SAP BW? If I study SAP BW 3.0, will the concepts be similar to what I will find in SAP BI?  Continue Reading

• Enhancements with SAP R/3 data sources

  How do I perform enhancements with SAP R/3 data sources? When I am trying, it gives me an error message. What's going on?  Continue Reading

• Functional experience for a career in SAP BW

  What kind of functional experience is needed for a good career in SAP BW?  Continue Reading