How to Debug IDocs in SAP ABAP: A Step-by-Step Guide
Debugging IDocs in SAP ABAP is essential for resolving
data issues during message transfers between systems. IDocs (Intermediate
Documents) serve as data containers for asynchronous communication between
systems. When an IDoc fails or encounters an issue, debugging is key to
identifying and resolving the problem.
1. Check IDoc
Status
The first step in debugging is checking the status of the
IDoc to understand where the issue lies. You can view the status through:
Transaction WE02
or WE05:
Input the IDoc number, message type, or date
range.
Review the IDoc status:
Status 53: IDoc processed successfully.
Status 51: Error in processing (this requires
debugging).
Status 64: IDoc ready for dispatch (waiting to
be sent).
Status 03: IDoc sent to the receiver system.
For debugging
purposes, focus on IDocs with Status 51 (error during inbound or outbound
processing).
2. Identify the
Process Code
The Process Code determines which function module
processes the IDoc. This function module contains the business logic for
handling the IDoc. To identify the process code:
Transaction WE20
(Partner Profiles):
· Navigate
to Inbound or Outbound Parameters, depending on the direction of the IDoc.
· Select
the partner profile (logical system) for the IDoc.
· Check
the message type and locate the Process Code associated with the IDoc.
3. Locate the
Function Module for IDoc Processing
After identifying the process code, find the
corresponding function module that processes the IDoc. The function module
contains the core business logic where you will set breakpoints for debugging.
Transaction WE57:
In WE57, find the Message Type and Basic Type
combination to determine the Process Code.
The function module tied to this process code
will be displayed. Note the function module’s name for use in the next step.
Alternatively, you can also view the function module
associated with the process code directly in WE20 under the Process Code
details.
4. Set a
Breakpoint in the Function Module
Now that you know the function module handling the IDoc,
you can set a breakpoint to debug.
Transaction SE37
(Function Builder):
· Open
the function module determined in the previous step.
· Set
a breakpoint at key lines of code where the data processing or transformation
occurs.
· If
you're unsure, set the breakpoint at the start of the function module.
5. Reprocess the
IDoc for Debugging
To trigger the function module and hit the breakpoint you
set, you’ll need to reprocess the failed IDoc.
Transaction BD87
(IDoc Reprocessing):
· Enter
the IDoc number and execute.
· Find
the IDoc with Status 51 (failed processing).
· Select
the IDoc and click on Process.
When the IDoc is reprocessed, the system will
stop at your breakpoint, allowing you to debug the function module and analyze
the issue.
6. Debug the IDoc
Once the IDoc is reprocessed and the debugger stops at
your breakpoint, you can analyze the variables, logic, and flow of data in the
function module. Common things to check during debugging:
· The segment
data of the IDoc.
· Values
of importing and exporting parameters.
· Business
logic errors or missing data.
· Proper mapping of segment data to internal structures.
You can step through the code (F5 for step-by-step
execution) and observe where the issue lies.
7. Correct the
Issue
After identifying the root cause of the problem, you can
correct it. The issue could be:
· Incorrect
mapping in the IDoc segments.
· Missing
data in the incoming IDoc.
· A
bug in the function module processing logic.
Once you’ve fixed the issue, you can reprocess the IDoc
again using BD87 to ensure it now completes successfully without errors.
Additional Tools
for IDoc Debugging:
IDoc Simulation (WE19):
If you want to
simulate an IDoc for testing purposes, you can use Transaction WE19.
Enter the IDoc number or manually create a new
IDoc.
You can modify data segments if necessary.
Simulate the processing of the IDoc to test
the logic without sending it to the actual receiver.
Application Log (SLG1):
Transaction SLG1
(Application Log) provides detailed logs related to IDoc processing errors.
Enter the relevant object and sub object to
view error logs for the IDoc.
This is particularly helpful when multiple
issues occur, and you need more detailed insight into what went wrong.
Summary of Key
Transactions for IDoc Debugging:
WE02 / WE05 – To
display IDocs and check their status.
BD87 – To
reprocess IDocs.
WE20 – To check
the partner profile and process code for IDocs.
WE57 – To find the
function module associated with an IDoc’s message type.
SE37 – To open and
debug the function module.
WE19 – To simulate
and test IDocs.
SLG1 – To check
application logs for error details.
Practical
Example of IDoc Debugging:
Let’s say you have an inbound IDoc for a sales order
(message type ORDERS) that failed with Status 51.
1. Use WE02 to find the IDoc and check its status.
2. Go to WE20 to identify the process code for message
type ORDERS.
3. In WE57, locate the function module (e.g., IDOC_INPUT_ORDERS).
4. Open the function module in SE37, set a breakpoint at
the start or a key point in the logic.
5. Reprocess the IDoc using BD87, and the debugger will
stop at your breakpoint.
6. Investigate the variables and logic to find the error,
fix it, and reprocess the IDoc again.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to efficiently
debug IDocs in SAP ABAP and resolve issues related to data transfers between
systems.