Understanding IDOC in SAP: Part 2 - Data Exchange Methods and Configuration
In this part, we explore the data exchange methods used in IDOC and discuss the key architectural components and configuration steps necessary for efficient data transfer between SAP systems or external systems.
Data Exchange
Methods in IDOC
IDOC enables data exchange through two main methods:
1. ALE (Application Link Enabling):
This method is
used for data exchange between SAP systems where the data format remains
unchanged.
- Example: A
purchase order created in SAP system-1 is transferred to SAP system-2 without
altering its format.
ALE is primarily
used for communication within the same business or between different SAP
instances.
2. EDI (Electronic Data Interchange):
EDI involves
data exchange between SAP and non-SAP systems, where the data format may change.
- Example: A
purchase order in SAP system-1 is converted into a sales order in another
system (external or SAP).
EDI is used to
exchange data across businesses, and it often involves transformation in data
format.
IDOC Architecture Overview
The architecture of IDOC is comprised of three main records:
1. Control Record:
Contains
administrative data about the IDoc, such as the IDoc number, message type,
sender, and receiver details.
- Table:
EDIDC
2. Data Record:
Holds the actual
business data, organized in segments. Each segment contains a set of fields
corresponding to the exchanged data.
- Table:
EDID4
3. Status Record:
Tracks the
processing status of the IDoc, which ranges from creation to transmission or
any errors encountered. Outbound status values range from 01 to 49, while
inbound statuses range from 50 to 75.
- Table: EDIDS
Key
Components of IDOC Configuration
To successfully transmit data via IDoc, certain objects
need to be defined and configured. Below are the main configuration elements:
1. Segments:
A collection of
fields defining the structure of a data record.
- T-Code: WE31
2. IDoc Type:
A collection of
segments that represent the structure of the data.
- T-Code: WE30
3. Message Type:
Defines the type
of data being exchanged, such as material data (MATMAS), vendor data (DEBMAS),
etc.
- T-Code: WE81
4. RFC Destination:
Contains the
details of the receiving system (IP, client, credentials) and is essential for
data transmission.
- T-Code:
SM59
- Table: RFCDES
5. RFC Port:
Defines the
technical characteristics of the communication between SAP systems or between
SAP and external systems.
- T-Code:
WE21
- Table: EDIPO
6. Model View:
Stores the
sender and receiver information along with the message type and filtering
conditions.
- T-Code:
SALE/BD64
- Table: TBD00
7. Partner Profile:
Defines the
communication parameters between the sender and receiver systems. It includes
details like the message type, IDoc type, and port number.
- T-Code:
WE20
- Table: EDPP1
8. Inbound Process Code:
Links the
incoming IDoc to the appropriate processing program.
- T-Code: WE42
IDOC
Monitoring and Reprocessing
- IDoc Monitoring:
- T-Codes: WE02,
WE05
These T-Codes
help monitor IDocs, checking their status and identifying any errors.
- IDoc Reprocessing:
- T-Code:
BD87
This transaction
code is used to reprocess failed IDocs.
- IDoc Test Tool:
- T-Code:
WE19
A tool to test
IDoc functionality by simulating different scenarios.
This second part of the series covers essential aspects of IDOC, including the different methods of data exchange (ALE and EDI) and key components of IDOC configuration. Understanding these elements ensures smooth communication between systems, whether you’re working within SAP environments or with external business partners.