In the R/3 System, a function is a unit of ABAP code, including any associated tables, export parameters, or import parameters. The Function control is an OCX control that makes remote calls to deliver R/3 System functionality to external programs.

If you want to call a function in the R/3 System, you use the Function control to set up the necessary environment. The Function control acts as a container for a Function collection object and its Function objects. Therefore, before you create other types of objects, first create a Functions collection object.

The Function control retrieves information about the function to be called from the R/3 System. You then set parameter values for the function using normal OLE automation techniques.

When it is time to call the function, the control assembles all the data needed by the RFC library and initiates the call. After the call, return parameters are unpacked and returned to the calling program.