Purpose

Converting original application files is not done with SAP tools, but by means of one or more converters from different vendors on the market.

A converter interface is part of the standard SAP system. This interface controls the conversion as well as the data exchange between the converter and the SAP system. Specify in Customizing of the SAP system how the conversion is run. For example, you can determine at what processing status the conversion is started automatically.

We strongly recommend that you read all instructions and notes from the converter’s manufacturer as well as from SAP before installing a converter to ensure that conversion fits optimally into your business processes.

Requirements

The converter that you chose for conversion must be suitable for coupling with the SAP System. It is important that the converter runs in batch mode, this means without user entries.

Installing the Converter and Communication Programs

Choose the computer where you want to install the converter.

This computer is the conversion server.

Note the following:

Some converters require additional hardware and software that must also be installed on the conversion server.

SAP recommends that you always leave the conversion server running, so that you can also make conversions at night and at the weekend. You can set the conversion time for a converter in Customizing for Conversion under Define Conversion .

If other users also use the conversion server during the day, you may want to schedule the conversions to run at night. This ensures the availability of software licenses, and that users are not slowed down.

This is also true when you use an SAP application server as the conversion server. Otherwise the SAP system performance may be significantly reduced.

To ensure the reliable and efficient operation of the SAP system, SAP recommends that you do not use the application server as the conversion server.

You can set up as many conversion servers as required. The definition is done in Customizing for Conversion , under Maintain Converter .

Install the converter.

Please follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.

The SAP GUI can display the 3D format *.jt. If you want to convert CAD original application files into the .jt format, you can use the converter from Engineering Animation, Inc. (EAI). There is a SAP interface (CATIA) for this converter.

Install the following programs for communication between the SAP System and the converter.

You can find further information under: Connecting the Converter

You will find the programs ConvUtil, ConvServSamp and ConvRfc2Corba on SAP server SapservX under the following path:~ftp/general/misc/converter. It is highly recommended that you read Hints on Communication Programs as well as the readme.txt file that is on the server under the archive docu.SAR . This file contains the most up-to-date information.

Set up an RFC destination for the program RunConvUtil.bat (for Windows NT) or StartConvUtil (for UNIX).

See also: Setting up an RFC Destination for an RFC Server

You can also create an RFC destination for the other three programs that you need.

If you do not set up RFC destinations for these three programs, and you leave the corresponding entries in Customizing blank (under Maintain Converter ), then they will be started automatically by program ConvUtil, with the name ConvServ or ConvServ.bat, Sapftp and saphttp . The start is done with the parameters that are necessary for communication with the SAP system.

Notes