XStep: Outputs 
Use
Using XStep process instructions, you can display varied information in the PI sheet. For example, you can store notes in the form of long texts to ensure that certain regulations are observed, or create internet and intranet links.
Prerequisites
If you work with output objects that use XStep parameters, you must have previously defined these parameters in the higher-level XStep of the same tree.
Features
Output Functions in the PI Sheet
Output of Character String
The data format of characteristic PPPI_SHORT_TEXT is proposed as a default. In this case, you can output a description and a 30 character alphanumerical value of your choice.
Output of Date
The data format of characteristic PPPI_ EVENT_DATE is proposed as a default. In this case, you can output a description and a date in format DD.MM.JJJJ.
Output of Numerical Value
The data format of PPPI_PARAMETER_VALUE is proposed as a default. In this case you can output a numerical value with 10 places before and 3 places after the decimal point.
You can also display a unit of measure, in addition to a numerical value. If you output the unit of measure as a character string with the characteristic PPPI_UNIT_OF_MEASURE then the unit of measure is displayed to the right of the output field.
Output of Long Text
When using this function, several functions are available which allow you to format the long text. You can store any long text you require in the SAPScript Editor. The long text is displayed in the left half of the PI sheet.
If you also want to format your long text using HTML fragments, you must choose the characteristic PPPI_FRAGMENT_ HTML ( HTML fragment ).
You can use this characteristic to integrate any HTML source code. Note that this HTML source code can represent a security risk.
A security warning applies in particular to the HTML tag <IMG> for integrating or referencing images: JPG, GIF, BMP). This <IMG> makes it possible to load images with harmful source code or integrate or reference any other objects that might contain harmful source code. For this reason, make sure that the integrated or referenced files are free of viruses.
Choose SAP SCM Implementation Guide (IMG) →SAP Web Application Server →System Administration →Virus Scan Interface to check the files you wish to upload for viruses.
Output of Time
The data format of PPPI_EVENT_TIME is proposed as a default. In this case, you can enter a description and a time in format HH.MM.SS.
Output of Hyperlink
You enter the address of the internet or intranet page that you want to link to, for example http://help.sap.com/http://help.sap.com (SAP Help Portal). The link is displayed in the left half of the PI sheet.
The following characteristics are available for the definition of a hyperlink:
Characteristic name |
Description |
|---|---|
PPPI_HYPERLINK |
Hyperlink |
PPPI_HYPERLINK_ASCII |
Hyperlink to an ASCII document |
PPPI_HYPERLINK_HTML |
Hyperlink to an HTML document |
PPPI_HYPERLINK_XML |
Hyperlink to an XML document |
Because the target of the hyperlink can be external, hyperlinks represent a security risk.
If you are using the standard XSL style sheet, these characteristics lead to hyperlinks. Alternatively, you can link a different functionality than a hyperlink to these characteristics with an XSL style sheet of your own.
See also: Reference Information: Definition of Hyperlinks in the ERP System
Output of Image
You can insert and display images that have the formats GIF, JPG, BMP, or AVI (video). You enter the URL, under which the image file is stored, for example http://help.sap.com/banner/saplogo_a.gifhttp://help.sap.com/banner/saplogo_a.gif . The image is displayed on the left side of the PI sheet.
The following characteristics are available for the definition of a hyperlink to the corresponding file:
Characteristic name |
Characteristic description |
|---|---|
PPPI_IMAGE_AVI |
Image in AVI format (video) |
PPPI_IMAGE_BMP |
Image in BMP format |
PPPI_IMAGE_GIF |
Image in GIF format |
PPPI_IMAGE_JPG |
Image in JPG format |
Because these file formats may contain harmful code, the file formats represent a security risk. For this reason, ensure that the files used are free of viruses or that there are no viruses that can execute source code in image files.
See also: Reference Information: Definition of Hyperlinks in the ERP System
Output of Object
You can also include any other object of your choice, such as an MS Word document. To do this, specify the URL under which the file is stored for the characteristic PPPI_OBJECT (any object). Because any object can be loaded, the integration of objects represents a security risk. You must therefore ensure that the files used are free of viruses.
Characteristic |
Value |
|---|---|
PPPI_OBJECT |
\\server\ordner\dokument.doc |
If you are using the standard XSL style sheet, the characteristic PPPI_OBJECT leads to the HTML element <object>. Depending on what you are inserting with it, you must find out yourself which of the possible attributes you should or must specify according to HTML standard. To include attributes, you must define an XSL style sheet.
Output of Parameter
You can display the values of XStep parameters that you have defined in the XStep in the PI sheet. To do this, enter a description and the name of the XStep parameter.
See also: XStep Parameters