Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• What's a user exit in SAP?

  The SAP user exit defined and discussed.  Continue Reading

• How SAP user authorization tool works when a TCODE is executed

  SAP uses a system program to check the authorization of users executing TCODE, explains expert Farooq Ali. What checks does the SAP authorization tool perform when a transaction code, or TCODE, is executed in order to ensure that the user is an ...  Continue Reading

• QUOMO feature

  The QUOMO feature is used in SAP time management, explains expert Roger Cerini.  Continue Reading

• High cardinality

  Jay Narayanan explains high cardinality as it pertains to design in SAP.  Continue Reading

• F_LFA1_APP and editing authorization restrictions

  How does F_LFA1_APP work with editing authorizations? Expert Corwin Slack answers.  Continue Reading

• Generating a license key in SAP Solution Manager

  How to use SAP Solution Manager (SSM) to generate a license key without the installation number.  Continue Reading

• Blocking a material type in Transaction MM01

  Adding an authorization group on a material type can prevent users from accessing that material type, says SAP security expert Corwin Slack.  Continue Reading

• Printing addresses without a country line using SAPscript

  The address key is handy for printing addresses, but what if you don't want the country name printed? Expert Mark Smithson lets you know how to disable the country line.  Continue Reading

• Printing multiple line items in a box for a purchase order

  What could cause a box command to print line items only once instead of multiple times? Expert Mark Smithson surmises the answer.  Continue Reading

• Repeated deadline monitoring

  Expert Alon Raskin teaches how to re-trigger deadline monitoring in SAP Workflow.  Continue Reading

• How do I transport a workflow?

  Alon Raskin explains how to transport workflows to different SAP systems.  Continue Reading

• Changing the number range in change request numbers

  Bert Vanstechelman discusses how to use ABAP report RSWBO301to alter the number range for change request numbers in a SAP development system.  Continue Reading

• Performance tuning in SAP BW

  Find out the specifics about SAP BW perfomance tuning in this response from BI/BW expert Jay Narayanan.  Continue Reading

• SAP logistics information system (LIS) out, hello LO

  Find out about the status of your LIS sytem and its replacement, LO.  Continue Reading

• Using ABAP to extract data from a BW cube

  Jay Narayanan discusses how to extract data from SAP BW using an ABAP-developed program.  Continue Reading

• User exits for changing fields

  Although greyed out items usually can't be changed in sales orders, it is possible to manipulate user exits that can enable you to change certain fields.  Continue Reading

• Begin an SAP career with end-user support

  Expert Jon Reed acknowledges then explains why end-user support is an excellent avenue into SAP.  Continue Reading

• How to set parameter values in SAP

  The locations where SAP-related parameters can be set -- the start profile, instance profile and the default profile -- and a description of how they work.  Continue Reading

• What are ABAP dumps and SAP dialog instances?

  Expert Farooq Ali explains what an ABAP dump is and what SAP dialog instances are.  Continue Reading

• Blocking standard transactions in SAP

  Expert Farooq Ali provides directions for blocking standard SAP transactions and the repercussions associated with this task.  Continue Reading

• Creating a "wrap text" format in Excel VBA

  How to create columns, also known as wrap text, in Excel VBA.  Continue Reading

• SAPscript original language

  Did you know that SAPscripts inherently use German? In this expert response, learn how to change the original language to English to execute successful English SAPscripts.  Continue Reading

• How to transfer table data from the development server to the production server

  Transfering table data can be complex. Expert Matt Billingham details how to create a transport to do just that.  Continue Reading

• Authorizations for S_TCODE

  In this expert response, Corwin Slack discusses how SAP may require many authorizations for conducting different SAP transactions and the importantance of SAP security professionals to be familiar with authorization concepts.  Continue Reading

• How do I fix user role problems in SAP security?

  Having too many roles in SAP security can indicate that something is wrong with your security infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Logical systems, port types and IDocs

  Looking for a brief description on 'logical systems', port types and IDocs? Look no further, Sam Gassem defines these SAP terms in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Reporting SD, FI and MM in BW

  Expert Jay Narayanan explains how other modules like Sales, Finance and Purchasing can be reported through SAP BW.  Continue Reading

• How to change the default SAPGUI client number

  How to change the instance profile parameter to adjust the default SAPGUI client number.  Continue Reading

• Exporting and re-importing version data during a refresh of the development system

  Although not SAP recommended, expert Bert Vanstechelman steps through how to refresh a development client while maintaining the version management and transport history.  Continue Reading

• Setting a default value for a screen field

  Learn how to set a default value based on the value on the previous field in this expert response from Matt Billingham.  Continue Reading

• Uploading CSV files into SAP

  In this expert response, Matt Billingham teaches how to upload a CSV (comma-separated values) file into an SAP database.  Continue Reading

• QA system refresh

  Expert Bert Vanstechelman defines SAP system refresh and shows you where to find the detailed procedure from the SAP Service Marketplace.  Continue Reading

• Reset the password of a user in some or all clients

  Learn how to use transaction SU01in Central User Administration for resetting passwords for a user in multiple clients.  Continue Reading

• Difference between BW functional and technical consultant

  Expert Sam Gassem identifies the roles of the BW functional and BW technical consultant in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• The job description for an SAP portals consultant

  Expert Sam Gassem defines the role of an SAP portals consultant and lists the skills required.  Continue Reading

• TREX in SAP applications

  Understanding SAP applications using TREX and the communication paths of TREX in SAP applications.  Continue Reading

• Using different operating systems and databases for SAP development and production systems

  Bert Vanstechelman discusses whether the development and production systems can be on seperate OS/DB but still maintain an STMS connection.  Continue Reading

• Where can I access workflow attachments?

  Learn where to access workflow attachments using a particular function module from expert Alon Raskin.  Continue Reading

• How to attach a PDF to a workflow

  Expert Alon Raskin teaches how to attach PDF files programmatically in workflows.  Continue Reading

• A list of versions of SAP BW

  Versions and differences in SAP Business Information Warehouse.  Continue Reading

• Transfer rules, transfer routines and conversion routines

  Expert Sam Gassem defines transfer rules, transfer routines and conversion routines within InfoObjects and SAP BW.  Continue Reading

• SAPscript and Smart Forms: Printing only text on the last page

  Learn control commands for an SAPscript and Smart Forms to print "End of Page" text from expert Mark Smithson.  Continue Reading

• How to convert a numeric value into words in an SAPscript

  Expert Mark Smithson identifies the function module in an SAPscript for turning numeric values into words.  Continue Reading

• SAP career networking

  Seasoned professionals understand the value of networking with colleagues. Expert Jon Reed reaffirms this concept with the SAP professional.  Continue Reading

• What is a Web Application Designer (WAD)?

  Jay Narayanan expertly defines WAD and it's functions in BW.  Continue Reading

• Roadmap to an SAP career for doctors

  Even doctors want to transition to SAP. In this expert response, Jon Reed advises how to best shift from industry to industry.  Continue Reading

• MI, MDM, and XI combination for the future SAP developer

  Combining today's hot modules with tomorrow's market forecast is a great strategic opportunity for any SAP developer. Jon Reed describes how to invest in your SAP career future.  Continue Reading

• How do I create arrays in ABAP?

  ABAP doesn't have an array concept but our expert describes other ways to utilize array-like functions with ABAPs.  Continue Reading

• Changing the SAP system ID (SID) after an upgrade

  After setting up parallel DEV and QAS systems, our expert advices on how to handle the old and new SIDs.  Continue Reading

• System Refresh 101

  A System Refresh can be a helpful tool for developers and customizing consultants. Our expert, Bert Vanstechelman, outlines what this SAP term is and how it works.  Continue Reading

• IDocs for purchasing contracts

  Techniques for creating contracts with IDocs.  Continue Reading

• Is it possible to perform a mass deletion of a particular transaction from all users?

  In this expert response, discover ways to obstruct all users from access to a particular transaction.  Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know about the Oracle hash function

  Our expert covers the entire Oracle hash functionality from 'HASHKEYS' and 'HASH IS' to the Random Oracle Model.  Continue Reading

• Using multiple work processes in a client copy

  M Farooq Ali details how to create a RFC group and a client copy in order to use multiple work processes in one local client copy.  Continue Reading

• Using and configuring the Extended Transport Control (STMS)

  The Extended Transport Control (STMS) is another way to establish a client-specific transport route within SAP. Get the detailed blueprint here on how to use and configure STMS within your SAP systems.  Continue Reading

• Is it still a good idea to start a Basis career?

  Considering SAP NetWeaver and other SAP technological advancements, is beginning a Basis career a viable option for a technical professional in 2006? Find out what our expert recommends.  Continue Reading

• How do I link user IDs to positions in SAP?

  Our expert discusses safe practices and benefits of linking a user ID to a position within SAP.  Continue Reading

• Defining SAP R/2 and R/3

  Our expert defines and differentiates between the SAP systems R/2 and R/3.  Continue Reading

• How to lock specific users out of certain transactions

  Not every user needs access to every transaction. Find out how to block certain users from specific transactions.  Continue Reading

• Convert a function module into a BAPI

  Our expert provides multiple techniques for turning function modules into BAPIs. It all depends on what you want to use the function module for.  Continue Reading

• Retrieving information about table names and field names in SAP

  Resources for searching out particular table or field names within your SAP system.  Continue Reading

• Transferring custom table structures from one server to another

  Learn how to transfer custom tables server to server using transaction SE09.  Continue Reading

• Spool logs: The basics about spool log maintenance

  Our expert systematically covers basic aspects of spool log maintenance.  Continue Reading

• Transaction SU03 obsolete

  SU03 is an obsolete authorization maintenance transaction. Our expert defines the proper transaction to use.  Continue Reading

• Errors with TP configuration

  Check out this code too view a typical TP configuration error and read our expert's remedy.  Continue Reading

• How to handle errors during a transport with change documents release

  Our expert solves transport release problems by removing or unlocking erroneous objects.  Continue Reading

• How do I create a transaction code in a Smart Form without using a print program?

  Our expert explains why you need a print/driver program to create transaction codes in Smart Forms.  Continue Reading

• Blank value fields in IDocs

  This user has a requirement that all IDoc data, including null values, flow from his outbound processor to a SAP legacy system. However, he can't view the null values in the IDoc. Our expert explains why this is and remedies how to meet the user's ...  Continue Reading

• Visual Basic code for a BAPI function

  Our expert provides code for BAPI functions to use in Visual Basic.  Continue Reading

• Using IDocs to connect a non-SAP system to an SAP R/3 system online

  Learn how IDocs can connect SAP R/3 system with non-SAP systems to share information.  Continue Reading

• How to interface between Seeburger and R/3 while doing EDI configurations

  Our expert advices using RFC calls to access Seeburger middleware during EDI configurations.  Continue Reading

• Adding funtionality to a handheld barcode reader through SAP

  Our expert advices on adding functionality from SAP to a handheld barcode reader.  Continue Reading

• What is a BW datasource?

  Our expert defines the BW datasource and describes what it takes to maintain it.  Continue Reading

• Replicating the datasource in BW

  Discover the replicating process of datasources and how they end up in BW.  Continue Reading

• Failing an IDoc in a user-exit

  Our expert supplies code to fail an IDoc in a user-exit.  Continue Reading

• CRM for the shopping mall

  CRM can greatly benefit the mall industry. Find out how with our expert response.  Continue Reading

• Setting a default value for an infotype during pa20/30 and pb20/30 transactions

  Our expert describes in detail how to set the default value for an infotype during pa20/30 and pb20/30 transactions.  Continue Reading

• Retrieving parameters for a remote function module using JCo connector

  Retrieving a list of parameters for a specific remote function module using JCo connector.  Continue Reading

• What range of ports does JCo use when accessing SAP?

  A list of SAP ports for JCo usage.  Continue Reading

• Resolving JCO_ERROR_CONCURRENT_CALL in JCo

  Using the JCo connection pool to resolve error JCO_ERROR_CONCURRENT_CALL.  Continue Reading

• Signal 11 in OS

  Signal 11 means your processes are misbehaving. Our resident expert explains why.  Continue Reading

• SAP Basis administrator vs. Oracle Apps DBA

  Career path advice for an Oracle DBA.  Continue Reading

• Suspending and restarting batch jobs

  Our expert shows how jobs are stored and how to update those tables directly.  Continue Reading

• Unreleased function modules in SAP

  This expert summary discusses using unreleased modules in SAP.  Continue Reading

• Dynamically create the where clause of a select statement

  Ideas for creating the where clause of a select statement.  Continue Reading

• Identifying transparent tables used by a structure

  In this expert response, Bert Vanstechelman discusses how to identify transparent tables used by a structure.  Continue Reading

• Retrieving the installation date on SAP R/3

  In this expert response, Bert Vanstechelman pinpoints the location of the installation date on SAP R/3  Continue Reading

• Steps for OS/DB migration in SAP

  SearchSAP's Basis expert, Bert Vanstechelman introduces the process for OS/DB migration in SAP.  Continue Reading

• Backup error with DB13

  In this ATE, Bert Vanstechelman reviews solutions to a backup error with DB13  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between SAP BW and SAP BI?

  What is the difference between SAP BW and SAP BI? Is it required to have programming knowledge for learning BI/BW? Get Jay Narayanan's answers here.  Continue Reading

• Is there a standard salary for a new SAP trainer?

  I am thinking about switching careers from a financial analyst to an SAP trainer within the same company. Seeing as how this is a new position for the company and me, we are both exploring salary possibilities. Is there a standard salary for a new ...  Continue Reading

• Managing multiple languages for a single document

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• How to restrict users by plant in transaction code IW32

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• How to use the 'Expression' functionality

  I am trying to create a simple Workflow task that will send an email to the originator of a sales order, when the document has been released from treasurey hold by our credit department.  Continue Reading

• How to trigger events across systems

  I need to to trigger an event based on material creation in one system. This event should be triggered in another system. How do I go about this? How do i pass data from one system to the other system's event container?  Continue Reading

• How do I perform maintenance on Table DDPRS?

  Can I perform maintenance on Table DDPRS? Application development expert Matt Billingham answers.  Continue Reading

• Can VA05 (underlying program SAPMV75A), be scheduled and run as a job?

  When this user tried creating a job for SAPMV75A, it would not allow it, citing a problem with the program type (M). Expert Matt Billingham explains why.  Continue Reading

• How do I go about creating an authorization group?

  How to create an authorization group employing custom tables and otherwise.  Continue Reading

• How to change ABAP program package from $TMP to a z* package

  A user wants to change his ABAP program package from $TMP to z* package in my development environment so it can transport to QA. Application development expert answers.  Continue Reading

• How do I analyze a failed IDoc?

  What happens if the status is 51 and the error message reads "application document not posted"? Expert Axel Angeli weighs in.  Continue Reading