Creating Example Files and Analyzing Structures
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 a BAPI |
|
BINP |
Loads data using batch input |
|
|
DINP |
Loads data using direct input |
|
|
IDOC |
Loads data using an 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 the external program (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 to be transferred.
Procedure
In the Data Transfer Workbench, choose Goto ® DX Tools.
The Data Transfer - Tools screen appears.
Create File
To create a data transfer file (input file), proceed as follows, using the F1 field help and input help:
Create 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 file from test program
Provided that the application has a program to create test data, you can create a file with this test data.
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 work together in a 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. If you use the program type BAPI to create a file, you have to make the following settings in the SAP Implementation Guide under Web Application Server ® Application Link Enabling (ALE):
Sending and Receiving Systems ® Logical Systems ® Name Logical System
If you use Create file with data, you have to make further settings:
Enter a file name with a physical directory.
The partner profiles are valid for the message type assigned to the BAPI. This is required for filling the IDoc control record. The message types for the individual applications can be found in
Create 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 File
You can check the file syntax.
If the file is in SAP record layout format, the sequence of the record layout structure is checked.
If the file is in IDoc format, all the EDI inbound processing checks are run.
To save objects not processed using a BAPI as an IDoc in the system, your input file must not contain any errors.
Proceed as follows:
Display File
You can display existing files as follows:
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 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:
The data transfer file is copied without being changed. You normally select this option for copying between applications servers.
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.
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.
When the data is copied, it is saved temporarily in the main memory. If you have a large dataset, the roll area could overflow. The copy process would then terminate. Therefore, use the copy function of the operating system if you have a large dataset.
Change File
You can fill the file with application data, change existing data, or add more data.
Choose Change 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 File
You can split a transfer file yourself according to the following criteria:
Combine File
You can combine several transfer files in one single file.
Generating and Displaying 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 Extras ® Generate Import Structures or Display Import Structures in the Data Transfer - Tools screen.
For more information, see the application help.