Using Linkages

Use

A linkage defines the assignment of events to the event receivers interested in them.

The potential receiver of an event must define the linkage. This can be done using function modules provided or a maintenance transaction.

Type linkages and instance linkages are used within Business Workflow. Workflows and tasks can be started when a particular event occurs using type linkages, and work items can be continued using instance linkages.

Features

The workflow system in the form of the event manager evaluates all the events created. In doing this, the event manager carries out the following steps:

1. The event manager checks all the active linkages and determines the linkages that are relevant for the event created.

2. If a receiver type function module is entered, it is called to determine the receiver type.

3. If a check function module is entered it is called. If its execution terminates with an exception, the linkage is not executed.

4. The receiver function module is called with the parameters event, receiver type, and event container.

If the event manager does not find any relevant linkages, the event has not effect. Events are not buffered so that they can be delivered at a later date.

The linkage between the creator and the receiver can be activated and deactivated at definition time and even at runtime for a specific situation or customer using an indicator.

Activities

For an overview of the type linkages that are defined, choose Tools  Business   Development    Event   Type Linkages. For an overview of the instance linkages that are defined, choose Tools  Business Workflow  Development  Administration  Event Manager  Instance Linkages.

For more information on the linkages used in SAP Business Workflow, see

• Evaluating and Maintaining Instance Linkages and

• Evaluating and Maintaining Type Linkages