SAP Automation RFC and BAPI Interfaces (BC-FES-AIT) (SAP Library - SAP Automation RFC and BAPI Interfaces (BC-FES-AIT))

SAP Automation RFC and BAPI Interfaces (BC-FES-AIT)

One of the methods for integrating an external PC application to R/3 is by using the RFC interfaces of R/3, also called the RFC channel.

Using the RFC interfaces external applications access R/3 by making remote calls to R/3 functions.

The SAP Automation suite offers several products that are based on the RFC interfaces. These products use the following technologies:

Making Remote Function Calls (RFCs) directly to invoke SAP function modules

Using Business APIs (BAPIs) to access and work with SAP business objects

Using transactions for batch input

Exchanging asynchronous messages with R/3 using IDoc interface technology

See the discussion in of these technologies in the SAP Automation Help.

The SAP Automation suite includes several ActiveX controls (previously called OCX controls) for making remote calls to R/3 functions.

SAP Automation also includes a stand alone product, SAP Assistant, which you can use for viewing RFCs and BAPIs, and for calling RFC function modules.

The SAP Assistant product uses several of the ActiveX controls/components. These components are also available separately for use directly in PC applications.

If you are looking to use any of those products by itself, read its documentation here, under the SAP Automation ActiveX (OCX) Controls topic.