How SAP Inventory Manager Works

The SAP Inventory Manager client is the component that you will work with. The client runs on the handheld device used to track your work.

When new measurements are entered into the SAP Inventory Manager client, the client saves this information on the handheld device. A transmit must be performed to update the SAP database with the new information. A transmit is a connection between the handheld computer and a component of SAP Inventory Manager called the server. The server will connect to the SAP Inventory Manager database and update it with the new information entered on the handheld device. The server will also download any new information from the SAP ERP database and pass it back to your handheld device.

When the SAP Inventory Manager client and server connect, the client will send the server any changes you have made. The server will then update these changes to the SAP ERP application. The SAP Inventory Manager server will also retrieve any new information related to your work. This includes new work order lists, locations, equipment, and points since the last time you performed a transmit. After the server retrieves this information from the SAP ERP database, it sends it to the SAP Inventory Manager client, where you will see it displayed.

During a transmit, the SAP Inventory Manager server can add or change functionality on the SAP Inventory Manager client of your device. These changes can adjust the appearance of the client, such as adding a new button or a new screen. This is because the SAP Inventory Manager application can be easily modified by application developers to keep the application up to date with your current needs and responsibilities, making SAP Inventory Manager a flexible application. These changes then can be deployed to handheld devices in the field when the client transmits to the server. No special actions are required when application changes are retrieved during a transmit. For example, you will not need to restart the client on your handheld device. You will be notified ahead of time before such changes occur, and should be given training and information on how these changes will relate to your work.

Your handheld device will need access to your work site’s computer network when performing a transmit. Access can vary on different work sites. Some common ways to access a network are:
  • A modem connection using a standard phone line
  • A network connection using a network card and a network cable
  • A radio frequency wireless connection
  • A wireless cellular phone modem

The same information is sent back and forth between the SAP Inventory Manager client, SAP Inventory Manager server, and the SAP ERP application using any of these connection types. How to perform a transmit and which connection type to use are discussed in more detail later in this guide.