ABAP Development Workbench

ABAP/4 was SAP’s own fourth-generation programming language, and that was the name up to release 3.1. When release 4.0 was introduced, the name lost the 4 suffix and the language started to be known simply as ABAP. It is exactly the same language with several new technical improvements, mainly in the field of adding all the features that make a programming language object oriented. The name is taken from Advanced Business Application Programming Language and is the programming language used by SAP for the development of all standard business applications included within the R/3 suite.

On top of ABAP, SAP has designed a full-purpose development environment, known as the ABAP development workbench, which is integrated within the R/3 system and is available for customers to develop their own solutions and enhance or extend the capabilities of the existing applications.

The ABAP development workbench includes all tools necessary develop and design programs, screens, menus, and so forth. It also contains performance and debugging facilities. Central to the workbench is the ABAP object repository and the data dictionary.

The object repository stores all the development objects of the workbench: programs, dictionary data, dynpros (dynamic programs), and documentation. The repository is the key to managing and testing ongoing development.

The data dictionary contains the descriptions of the data structures used within programs. This is the metadata repository that includes table definitions, allowed values, and relationships between tables. Administartors should be very familiar with this SAP component since it is widely and extensively used. The ABAP data dictionary is covered in detail in next post.

As of version 3.0, the development workbench included the workbench organizer, the evolution of the correction system of previous releases. The organizer handles the transition of new developments and customizations into productive systems. Some of the available features are version management, programs modification control, and team project developments. The transport system handles the movement of development work from one system to another. For instance, migrations to new SAP releases are, in reality, massive objects transported from the systems at SAP to customers’ systems. This is a very important tool in the SAP System and is explained in next post.

Application Integration

The data from the different SAP functional applications are shared and integrated, building what is often known as an internal information highway. This integration can be seen as an implicit applications work flow.

One of the main benefits of the set of SAP applications is their capacity for creating a perfect integration between the different business processes of companies. It is that integration between applications is available to all areas of a company.

An accompanying feature that makes application integration stand out is the capacity of doing it in real time. This means that information is constantly updated, so when a manager request a report about the status of the financial statements. This avoids the difficulty of running end-of-period reports and programs from a traditional legacy system, which has to search and incorporate needed data from other applications before the run.

From the point of view of the business processes, the integration of the SAP R/3 application modules is represented using the tools available within the SAP R/3 Business Engineer. At the level of data models, tis integration can be accessed using the available functions included in the Data modeler.

Related Post :

• What is SAP R/3
• SAP AG: The Company Behind R3
• SAP Service Overview
• SAPnet-R3 Front End (OSS)
• SAP Partners
• SAP System Multi Tier Client/server Solutions

SAP System - Open Technology

The key to SAP System success was the strategy of making open solutions, in which the applications can run on multiple operating systems, databases, and communication technologies. This enables customers to remain independent of a single vendor if they wish.

The list of current SAP-supported systems can be found also on the internet link form the information center for Technology infrastructure at www.sap.com/products/techno/index.htm. Select Platforms, then Hardware.

What basically makes systems open is the use of standard formats for data exchange, communication interfaces, and program-to-program communication. SAP extends the openness concept in several respects:

·         At the system level. Support for multiple hardware platforms and operating systems, such as all types of UNIX from main system vendors, Microsoft Windows. Support for a large number of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), such as for all windows flavors,Macintosh,Motif,Internet browsers, and so on. In 1999 SAP also announced support for the Linux operating system.

·         At the database level. SAP supports various relational database systems such as Oracle, Informix, Adabas D, DB2, and SQL Server. Access to the data managed by R/3 is possible using standard R/3 reports as well as any other SQL standard tool: ODBC,SQL,Browsers, And so on. SAP system has incorporated the standard ANSI-SQL as the Database Manipulation Language (DML), which allows users and programmers to store, view, and retrieve data to and from all different underlying database products.

·         At the application level. The system is open to be enhanced and extended to meet specific business requirements. The ABAP repository and the R/3 reference model enable users to understand the relationships and inner workings of R/3 systems and external programs invoke R/3 function modules via RFCs (Remote Function Calls) or RPCs (Remote Procedure Calls), or by using Business Application Program Interfaces (BAPIs). SAP offers the Remote Function Call Software Developer Kit (RFC SDK), a standard interface for customers and complementary software partners to carry out individual extensions to SAP Business applications that support the direct communication with the function modules of SAP.

·         At the desktop level. With the deployment of Microsoft OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) technology, R/3 enables desktop users to access SAP data and functions from many OLE client programs. With the introduction of SAP R/3 release 4.0 and especially with 4.5 and 4.6, SAP leveraged the concept of integration with PC Programs, mainly with the technology provided by ActiveX and Java.

·         At the external communication level:

o   SAP R/3 includes EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) interfaces to automate the exchange of data (invoices,orders,etc) between R/3 and other applications systems used by business Partners.

o   It also uses MAPI (Messaging Application Program Interface) technology, suporting standard X. 400 and SMTP protocols. These standards allow R/3 users to communicate with other mail systems and the internet.

o   Since release 3.1, with the incorporation of the BAPI technology, SAP has actively supported the new electronic commerce technology with the deployment of the internet, which allow business transactions to happen between internet users and R/3 systems.

o   Using development environments such as standard ANSI C, C++, Visual Studio, Java, Delphi or Visual Basic, Developer can integrate external applications with the SAP System. Exchanging information on the level of business objects.

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• SAP Service Overview
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• SAP Partners
• SAP System Multi Tier Client/server Solutions

SAP System Multi Tier Client/server Solutions

In general, client/server is a style of computing that distributes the workload of a computer application across several cooperating computer programs. This type of computing separates user-oriented,application, and data management tasks. Client/server is mainly a software concept that includes a set of service providers and service requesters. In client/server computing, individual software components act as service providers, service requesters, or both. These software services communicate witheach other via predefined interfaces.

Major advantages of the client/server approach are as follows:

·         Flexible configuration. With the deployment of standard communication interfaces, there are many possibilities for distributing and planning a client/server installation: from a centralized configuration to a highly distributed system.

·         Workload distribution. Since application servers work in parallel and communicate with the database, user can be evenly distributed based on their jobs tasks. Also, there is the possibility of deploying dedicated application servers to specific business areas.

·         High scalability. Client/server permits users to adapt the capacity of their hardware according to the performance needs of their businesses, such as adding additional application servers when there is an increase in number of users, when additional modules start production, and when the database becomes larger. This enables companies to protect software and hardware investments.

One of the widely used client/server configuratins with the R/3 system is the three-tiered architecture (see the picture below), which separates a system’s computers into three function groups: presentation, application, and database. Since client/server is a software concept, it must be clear that an service requester of the database services.

SAP R3 three tiered client-server architecture

With the three-tiered architecture, each group is set up to support the demands of its functions. The central server contains the database, widely known as the database server. Application servers include the processing logic of the system, including services such as spooling, dispatching user requests, and formatting data. The tasks related to presentation of the data are handled by the presentation servers, which typically are personal computers or workstations, enabling easy access to the system.

Communication among the three tiers or server types is accomplished with the use of standard protocol services, such as the ones provided by TCP/IP or CPIC.

CPIC stands for Common Programming Interface Communication and includes standard functions and services for program-to-program communication with the ABAP programming language.

The section entitled “R/3 Basis Software” in the next post i will shows in greater detail the services, processes, and components of the client/server architecture of SAP R/3.

• What is SAP R/3
• SAP AG: The Company Behind R3
• SAP Service Overview
• SAPnet-R3 Front End (OSS)
• SAP Partners

Definition of SAP System

From previous sections, it became clear what the use of this software system is and who decides to implement it : SAP R/3 controls business processes and manages esential company information. Enterprises needing those services implement this standard software.

To manage the complex business needs of companies, the R3 product family offers leading technology solution:

·         Multitier client/server architecture.

·         Based on middleware for supporting open systems technology.

·         Business Framework architecture, open to total integration with other components and applications, including the internet world. This is achived by the use of standard Business Application program interfaces (BAPIs).

·         Homogeneous user interface among applications.

·         Comprehensive development environment.

·         Total application integration.

·         Solution Sets for configuring the system.

·         Wide range of services including hotline support, training, consulting, quality checks, and so on.

·         Complete support for solving all the problems arising from the millenium change (Y2K) and the appearance of the new European currency, the euro.

SAP System Component

The picture above shows the R3 components from a functional point of view. The overall SAP R3 system is represented by everything included inside the ellipse.

The lower layer is made of the operating system, physical database (whose software is included in the SAP kit), and the network. The middleware layer, which is above it, interfaces with the lower one and integrates the SAP R/3 applications on top of it. This middle layer is known as the basis system, as the basis system, and includes components such as the ABAP development workbench, the system administration tools, batch job handling, authorization and security management, and all cross-application modules.

ABAP/4 is a fourth-generation programing language that was used to develop all R/3 application modules. When releases 4.0 and 4.5 were introduced, and SAP’s strategy began to focus on object orientation, it was decided to rename the programming language to simply ABAP, abandoning the 4 in reference to fourth generation.

Middleware are the layered software components that facilitate the development of client/server applications that can be deployed in heterogeneous vendor platforms. The basis system, also known as the kernel, is the SAP R/3 middleware.

The upper layer, the functional layer, contains the different business applications: financial, human resources, sales and distribution, materials management, and so on. The integration of all applications relies on the basis system.

SAP defines client/server also from a business solution point of view: a technology concept that leverages computing power to link core business processes with software, trying together various functions, such as financials, human resources, sales and distribution, logistics, and manufacturing.

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SAP Partners

SAP standard software and consulting services are complemented by a comprehensive parnership program to help customers fulfill their needs and to help SAP cope with the strong demand for supporting the R3 system, implementations, additional industry solution developments, new add-on products, training, business process reengineering consulting, outsourcing, and so on.

In 1997 SAP introduced the TeamSAP concept, a significant step in the SAP partner policy and strategy of aiming for efficiency when implementing R3, with the objective of providing end-to-end service to customers during the full system life cycle. TeamSAP is defined as a symbol of distinction of the best SAP and partner resources, and includes three main areas:persons, processes, and products.

SAP has the following types of TeamSAP partners:

·         Consulting Partners. The world’s biggest consulting and multinatioanl system integration organizations provide solid experience in technology, industry solutions, and SAP implementations. Because of their worldwide presence, SAP calls them global logo partners. On the national scale, there are many smaller and highly professional consulting firms specializing in SAP projects, customizing, and certain industry areas. These are known as national logo partners.

·         Technology Partners. These are leading hardware and software vendors of databases, networking, hardware, operating systems, and add-on products that are tightly integrated in SAP systems.

·         Value-added resellers. System vendors which provide support to small and medium sized companies to implement SAP solutions.

·         Complementary Software Partners. These include software companies that develop add-on products and solutions certified to work with SAP products.

·         Outsourcing partners. These are oganizations that have the resources and knowledge to run and outsource customers R3 installations.

 R3 Complementary Software Certification.

A strategic move by SAP to maintain and further advance its leadership in the client/server market with R3 is the integration of third-party software that adds value to SAP’s solutions.

SAP has estabilished a certification program for the interfacing between SAP applicatons and third-party software to guarantee ready-to-use solutions for mutual customers. All third-party software must be certified by SAP through this program, which has already certified add-on solutions in the areas of plant data collection devices, process control systems, and geographical information systems. To date, there are already more than 100 partners with certified solutions.

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SAPnet-R3 Front End (OSS)

The SAPnet-R3 Front End (formerly known as OSS or Online Service System) is nothing more (and nothing less) than an R3 system that customers with remote connections to SAP support servers can use free of cost.

This is a brief list of what is available at the SAPnet-R3 front end system:

·         Problem and information database (hint notes), so that users can try to find the solution to their problems before they call SAP or send it a problem report. Looking and reading notes is a great way to learn tidbits about R3.

·         Latest SAP news in the HotNews section.

·         Up to date release, installation, and upgrade information. To have these very latest notes is a mandatory step in any installation or upgrade procedure of R3.

·         Online problem registry. Problems or questions are treated the same way (and sometimes better) and with the same priority as they are when registered by telephone.

·         Training offerings and course descriptions. These have just recently been included.

·         Access to the SSCR (SAP Software Change Registration), where customers can register developers and SAP repository objects and get the keys required to continue development.

·         Download support packages (formerly Hot Packages) for correcting system and program errors.

·         Register Knowledge Products CDs.

·         Register customer systems and request SAP licenses.

·         Define and manage service connections.

·         Display EarlyWatch Alert reports.

·         Manager user accounts for accessing the system.

SAPnet-R3 front end is the star service system provide by SAP and the most widely used by SAP customers and partners, especially consultants and administrators. The SAPnet-R3 front end interface is intuitive and a very easy system to learn and use.

SAP provides initial user accounts for accessing SAPnet. Customers can create and maintain additional user accounts from within the SAPnet-R3 front end.

EarlyWatch

EarlyWatch is a  SAP offering for preventive services, providing proactive diagnosis and analysis online. Through the connection, a SAP exert accesses the customer system and obtains all the information needed for preparing a report that is later sent to the customer.

SAP used to provide a free session before customer systems go into a productive stage. Subsequent session must be separately contracted.

The first thing revealed in the EarlyWatch report is a summary diagnosis indicating the problem’s level of severity found in the system. This diagnosis might indicate that most parameters are well tuned and that systems are running fine, or it might say that there are some problems, which can be either normal or critical—in which case, customers should solve them as soon as possible.

The checkups done by the EarlyWatch service include detecting potential problems in the SAP R3 application, as well as in the database and operating system. The service provides information about tablespaces getting full, SAP system log error massages, buffer tuning, and database parameters.

R3 systems have hundreds of parameters, with many of them directly affecting other values. The EarlyWatch team analyzes the past week’s evolution of the system and if it detects boottlenecks or an increase in proccessing times, it usually recommends new values for the profile parameters.

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SAP Service Overview

SAP has put in place a comprehensive set of quality services to help customers during the process of implementing and supporting the R/3 system. These services include product information, education services intallation and upgrade services, consulting and more. SAP bases it’s services mainly on remote connections with customers through the international networks.

Administrators, support personel, and consultants should be particularly familiar with the former SAP online service system (OSS), now known as SAP net-R/3 front end, which is the primary source of service and support. The next section of this chapter includes an introduction to SAPnet-R/3 front end. SAP offers a certification process in the technical, functional, and developing areas of the system and an extensive number of training courses world wide.

SAP Provides Several Types Of Services:

·         Consulting services. This type of individualized consulting can be given on-site or via a remote connection to SAP. With remote consulting, costumers receive immediate and updated technical support and answers to their questions. SAP also gives weekend support when upgrades or installations are done outside regular working hours. Costumers open the connection so SAP consultants may directly access their systems and evaluate the problems online. Once the consulting session is finished, the costumer closes the connection.

·         Maintanance services using SAP. This is the basic and most common type of support for customers in the preproduction and production phases of an R/3 implementation. This service deals with answering questions and helping to resolve the errors or problems with the system. For maintenance, SAP has set up a helpdesk, or  hotline, which monitors the calls and resolves them or directs them to the appropriate SAP expert, and a first-level customer service team that is in charge of resolving the problems, prioritizing the calls, and if needed, referring questions to other experts. Costumers obtain this service via phone, fax, or the SAPnet-R/3 front end. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For example, if you have a severe problem at 5 A.M., log it in on the SAPnet-R/3 front end, give it a “very high” priority (meaning “my system does not work”), and you may expect a fast call back from Japan, Philadelphia, or Walldorf, Germany.

·         Preventive services. The primary one is the early watch service which ensures successful and efficient installation of the R/3 system in all phases. This service makes regular (usually once a month) performance checks and analyzes the system to identify potential problems and help system managers and SAP administrators tune the system and realize its full potential. Soon after an EarlyWatch session, SAP sends the customer a report with the results of the analysis and recommendations for avoiding potential problems, such as database tablespaces becoming full, shortage of system parameters, and buffer tuning.

SAP provides additional services such as the development request service, which submits enhancement requests, and the first customer shipment (FCS), which gives selected costumers the oppurtunity to test new R/3 versions’ functionality before the products are officially released.

In the search for total customer service map that gathers the requirements for a full life cycle of services, including evaluation, implementation, and continuous improvement phases for each of the identified key costumer processes:

·         Management activities.

·         Business processes.

·         Technical management.

·         Development activities.

·         Knowledge transfer.

·         Help and care.

For each of these processes and phase,  SAP and its partners have an extensive portofolio of services. Update information and service map can be found at www.sap.com/service.

Online services. As started previously, SAP has made online services through remote connections its preferred and most convenient way to support customers. For this reason, obtaining a network connection to SAP can become critical in an R/3 project.

SAP has built a worldwide network of support servers for customers to use to obtain the support they need for successful implementation and operation of their SAP systems. Customers can also download patches and upgrades form those servers via ftp (a file transfer protocol very common in TCP/IP networks).

SAP also offers extensive information and correction services for customers and partners through the internet with SAPnet (sapnet.sap-ag.de or sapnet.sap.com), which gathers most of the facilities previously found on the Online Service Systems (OSS) but with much more content.

However, customers will still need a remote connection to SAP for certain services, like EarlyWatch, Telnet, remote upgrade, and others.

Figure 1-9 includes a very simple scheme of the connection between costumer system and SAP support servers. SAProuter is a program provided by SAP which acts like a firewall, giving users control of who accesses their R/3 systems. For more details, refer to Appendix A.

The only thing customers need in order to gain access to these servers is a remote connection to the nearest support server. Currently, SAP has support servers in Walldorf, Foster City, Tokyo, Sydney, and Singapore.

This is the connection that you use for the OSS, EarlyWatch, and remote consulting. It is the only way that you can premit the SAP experts to log on to your system and solve problems online. Imagine the costs saved in travel.

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