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Function documentationDeactivating Business Functions Locate this document in the navigation structure

 

Activating and using the contents of a business function stores data on databases, executes process steps, changes user interfaces, sets statuses, and much more. Therefore, for technical reasons, it is not possible to reverse the activation of a business function, since this can lead to irreparable data inconsistencies in the system. This is especially the case for live systems.

Nonetheless, it would be helpful in many cases to be able to first test a business function without having to build a separate system for the test. For this reason, SAP delivers some business functions for which it is possible to reverse their activation. This type of business function is called reversible.

Caution Caution

You can reverse the activation of business functions only in development and test systems. Reversal is not possible in live systems.

End of the caution.

Features

  • In transaction SFW5, you can see that business functions are reversible based on the following information:

    • The system displays a double arrow symbol for the business function instead of a light bulb symbol.

      Status of Business Function

      Symbol

      Reversible Business Function

      Double Arrow (Double Arrow)

      Business Function Switched Off

      Light Bulb Switched Off (Light Bulb Switched Off)

      Business Function Switched On

      Light Bulb Switched On (Light Bulb Switched On)

    • When you activate the business function, the Planned Status checkbox remains visible.

      For business functions that are not reversible, this checkbox is no longer displayed once the business functions are activated. Instead, the system displays the information Business func. will remain switched on.

      Note Note

      Business functions have to meet certain requirements before SAP can set them to being reversible. They are not allowed to be business functions that irretrievably change the system, or that change it so that inconsistencies can arise. Therefore, to ensure the highest possible level of security in your systems, there are always a small number of business functions that are not reversible.

      End of the note.

  • If the activation of a business function is a prerequisite for activating another business function, then you cannot deactivate the prerequisite business function once the dependent business function is activated. This applies even if the prerequisite business function is designated as being reversible.

    Example Example

    The following example assumes that the activation of business function BF1 is the prerequisite for activating business function BF2. The following scenarios are possible:

    Is BF1 Reversible?

    Is BF2 Reversible?

    Deactivation Possible?

    Yes

    Yes

    You can deactivate both business functions.

    No

    No

    You cannot deactivate either of the business functions.

    No

    Yes

    You can deactivate business function BF2, but not business function BF1.

    Yes

    No

    After business function BF2 is activated, you cannot deactivate business function BF1, even though it is reversible.

    Reason: Once you have activated business function BF2, you cannot deactivate it. If you were to deactivate business function BF1, then the prerequisites for business function BF2 would no longer be met.
    End of the example.

Recommendation Recommendation

We strongly recommend that you also test reversible business functions in a separate test client that is set up solely for that purpose. Proceed as follows:

  1. Create a test client, for instance using a client copy.

  2. Activate the business function in the test client.

    Caution Caution

    The activation of the business function is cross-client.

    In the business function documentation, check if the activation of the business function has an effect on other integrated systems (such as BI system, SCM system, and so on). If this is the case, we strongly advise you to set up an own test client in each of these systems. Configure the systems in such a way that the relevant test clients are connected to one another.

    End of the caution.

  3. Test the activated functions of the business function in the test client.

    Caution Caution

    Make sure that the activated functions of the business function are not tested in any other client of the test system.

    End of the caution.

  4. Depending on how satisfied you are with the test results, proceed as follows:

    • If you decide based on the test to use the business function, then leave it activated. If you have another business function to test, you can test it in the same test client.

    • If you decide based on the test not to use the business function, then proceed as follows:

      1. Deactivate the business function by deselecting the Planned Status checkbox and then choosing Activate Changes.

      2. Delete the test clients that have been created.

      3. If you need to test further business functions, create a new test client.

End of the recommendation.