Creating Example Files and Analyzing Structures

Use

This section provides information about creating, editing, and displaying a data transfer file, and how to familiarize yourself with the required SAP structures in this process.

To load the data into the system (task type LOA), SAP provides one or more program types for each object type.

Task Type	Program Type	Description
LOA	BAPI	Loads data using BAPI
BINP	Loads data using batch input
DINP	Loads data using direct input
IDOC	Loads data using ALE inbound function module

You can select the programs, function modules or BAPIs for the program types of the task type LOA using input help.

You can analyze and process the associated SAP structures.

You can also generate import structures for the connection of external programs (data definitions for program languages C, Cobol, PL1, and RPG).

If you create a data transfer file with the required application data, you can use this file to test the data transfer.

Prerequisites

You have identified the SAP business object types for the data that you want to transfer.

Procedure

In the Data Transfer Workbench, choose Start of the navigation path Goto Next navigation step DX Tools End of the navigation path .

The Data Transfer - Tools screen appears.

Create a File

Use the input help to select Object Type, Program Type, and Program/Method for loading the data.
In the File Type field, select a physical or logical file type.
Enter the name of your data transfer file in the File Name field.
Choose one of the functions below:

Create an Initial File with Structure Information

A data transfer file in SAP format is created without data. This file contains all the required structure information. You can use this information to identify the required data structures.

You can manually enter application data into this file.

Create a File from a Test Program

Provided that the application has a program to create test data, you can create a file with this test data.

Note

EDI Customizing settings are required for the program type BAPI. The application program creates IDocs that are written with these settings into a file.

Specify a logical system when you create the file. A logical system is an application system in which the applications are coordinated to work in one common database.

You can then generate the settings for this logical system.

The required authorizations are contained in the role ALE Administrator (SAP_BC_MID_ALE_ADMIN).

Alternatively, you can also carry out these steps manually to generate the Customizing settings. To do this, you have to make the following settings in the SAP Implementation Guide under Start of the navigation path Web Application Server Next navigation step Application Link Enabling (ALE) End of the navigation path :

Define the Logical System

Prepare the Sender and Receiver Systems Set Up Logical Systems Name Logical System

If you use Create File with Data, you have to make further settings:

Define port of type "file" (transaction code WE21)

Enter a file name with a physical directory.

Maintain outbound partner profiles (transaction code WE20)

The partner profiles are valid for the message type assigned to the BAPI. This is required for filling the IDoc control record.

Create a File from the Conversion Assistant

Provided you have created a conversion proposal for a file transfer program, BAPI, or function module, you can create a file in the corresponding target structure for the file transfer program, BAPI, or function module from this conversion proposal.

A list of the conversion proposals created for the chosen business object is displayed. Choose a conversion proposal and create the file by choosing the (Continue) pushbutton.

Check the File

You can check the file syntax.

Proceed as follows:

To do this, choose Check File. A check log with message texts and status details with long texts appears.
To display the long texts, choose the appropriate symbol.

Display a File

You can display existing files as follows:

Use the input help to select Object Type, Program Type, and Program/Method for loading the data.
In the File Type field, select a physical or logical file type.
Enter the name of your data transfer file in the File Name field.
Choose Display File.

An overview of the file contents appears.

The field values are formatted according to the settings defined by the user. For example, the date format 20000313 may be formatted as 13.03.2000.

Familiarize yourself with the structures.

Copy a File

The data transfer file can be copied between application and presentation servers.

This file can only be copied in the structure of the selected business object.

The transfer file data must be transferred to the SAP system in a fixed length.

Proceed as follows:

Choose Copy File.
Select the target (application or presentation server).
You must decide how you want to copy the data.
- Without Conversion
  
  The data transfer file is copied without being changed. You normally select this option for copying between applications servers.
- Internal Format -> External Format
  
  This option is only possible for copying a file from the application server to the presentation server. The data is converted into the presentation format and the individual fields are delimited by a tabulator. Normally, you would want to use your data in a table calculation program on the front-end.
- External Format -> Internal Format
  
  This option can only be used for copying a file from the presentation server to the application server. During this copying process, the data is converted into the SAP format and copied to the required fixed length. This option is normally chosen if you want to copy your data from a spreadsheet program to an application server.

Change a File

You can fill the file with application data, change existing data, or add more data.

To do this, choose Chang File.

An overview of the file contents in the SAP format appears.

You can change individual lines by selecting one and choosing Structure Change or by double-clicking on it.

The detail display of the individual fields of the structure in the SAP format appears. You can display further details for fields by double-clicking on the field.

For more information on changing transfer files, see Editing Transfer Files with the Editor.

Split a File

You can split a transfer file yourself according to the following criteria:

Fixed predefined target files
Predefinable number of lines per target file
Predefinable number of objects per target file

Combine Files

You can combine several transfer files in one single file.

Generate and Display Import Structures for External Programs

If you want to connect external programs, you can generate and display import structures for the required target structures.

You can download these structures to your PC.

To do this, choose Start of the navigation path Extras Next navigation step Generate Import Structures or Display Import Structures End of the navigation path in the Data Transfer - Tools screen.

For more information, see the application help.