What is ABAP?

ABAP(Advanced Business Application Programming, originally Allgemeiner Berichts-Aufbereitungs-Prozessor, German for "general report creation processor) is a very high level programming language created by the German software company SAP. It is currently positioned, alongside the more recently introduced Java, as the language for programming SAP’s Web Application Server, part of its NetWeaver platform for building business applications. Its syntax is somewhat similar to COBOL.

ABAP is one of the many application-specific fourth-generation languages (4GLs) first developed in the 1980s. It was originally the report language for SAP R/2, a platform that enabled large corporations to build mainframe business applications for materials management and financial and management accounting.

ABAP used to be an abbreviation of Allgemeiner Berichts aufbereitungs prozessor, the German meaning of "generic report preparation processor", but was later renamed toAdvancedBusinessApplicationProgramming. ABAP was one of the first languages to include the concept of Logical Databases(LDBs), which provides a high level of abstraction from the basic database level.

The ABAP programming language was originally used by developers to develop the SAP R/3 platform. It was also intended to be used by SAP customers to enhance SAP applications -customers can develop custom reports and interfaces with ABAP programming.The language is fairly easy to learn for programmers but it is not a tool for direct use by non-programmers. Good programming skills, including knowledge of relational database design and preferably also of object-oriented concepts, are required to create ABAP programs.

ABAP remains the language for creating programs for the client-server R/3 system, which SAP first released in 1992. As computer hardware evolved through the 1990s, more and more of SAP’s applications and systems were written in ABAP. By 2001, all but the most basic functions were written in ABAP. In 1999, SAP released an object-oriented extension to ABAP called ABAP Objects, along with R/3 release 4.6.

Where does the ABAP program run?
All ABAP programs reside inside the SAP database. They are not stored in separate external files like Java or C++ programs. In the database all ABAP code exists in two forms: source code, which can be viewed and edited with the ABAP Workbench tools, and generated code, a binary representation somewhat comparable withJavabytecode. ABAP programs execute under the control of the runtime system, which is part of the SAP kernel. The runtime system is responsible for processing ABAP statements, controlling the flow logic of screens and responding to events (such as a user clicking on a screen button). A key component of the ABAP runtime system is the Database Interface, which turns database-independent ABAP statements ("Open SQL") into statements understood by the underlying DBMS ("Native SQL"). The database interface handles all the communication with the relational database on behalf of ABAP programs; it also contains extra features such as buffering of frequently accessed data in the local memory of the application server.

SAP has three different layers as presentation layer (GUI), application layer (programs run on this) and data base layer where all data is stored and retrieved from user driven conditions, commands given by end user programmer through presentation layer.

Types of ABAP Programs

1. Report programs


2. Online programs


3. Subroutine pools


4. Function pools


5. Type pools


6. Class pools


7. Interface pools
   

What is SAP IDES ?

SAP IDES is server which is installed for training purposes. It has a lot of demo data. There are training companies which install the IDES version of the SAP R/3 which can be used for the training. Some companies also provide online access to thier IDES servers for a cost.

The system that contains several sample companies typifying relevant business processes. It is simple to use and has a variety of master and transaction data, and is used for demos, online/classroom training, and presentations. Potential customers use IDES to trial and test software via Internet.

For installing IDES 4.6C on a Laptop, you need :-

Pentium 3/Pentium 4 with any CPU
2*40 GB HDD
512 MB RAM
DVD Drive

For Installing IDES 6.0, you need:

Hardware Requirement for Central System
I. Minimum disk space
1. Database Software
1 GB (x64)
2 GB (IA64)
2. SAP system files (not including paging file)
5 GB (x64)
8 GB (IA64)
3. SAP database files (not including paging file)
76 GB
4. 4.3 GB of temporary disk space for every required installation DVD that you have to copy to a local hard disk
II. Minimum RAM 4GB
III. Paging file size 1 times RAM plus 8 GB

Hardware Requirements for a Distributed System
I. Minimum disk space
1. Database software
1 GB (x64)
2 GB (IA64)
2. Database instance (not including paging file)
76 GB
3. Central instance (not including paging file)
5 GB (x64)
8 GB (IA64)
4. In addition you require 4 GB (x64), or 8 GB (IA64) per additional platform.
5. Dialog instance (optional) (not including paging file)
2.5 GB (x64)
5 GB (IA64)
5. Temporary disk space for every required installation DVD that you have to copy to a local hard disk:
4.3GB
II. Minimum RAM 2 GB
III. Paging file size n Database instance
1.5 times RAM
Central instance:
1 times RAM plus 8 GB
Dialog instance (optional)
1 times RAM plus 8 GB

SAP IDES – the "Internet Demonstration and Evaluation System" in the R/3 System, represents a model company. It consists of an international group with subsidiaries in several countries. IDES contains application data for various business scenarios that can be run in the SAP System. The business processes in the IDES system are designed to reflect real-life business requirements, and have access to many realistic characteristics. IDES uses easy-to-follow business scenarios to show you the comprehensive functions of the R/3 System. The focal point of IDES, however, is not the functionality itself, but the business processes and their integration.

IDES not only covers the Logistics area, but also Financials, and Human Resources. It demonstrates how the R/3 System is able to support practically all types of industries, from discrete production through to process industries, from engineering-to-order to repetitive manufacturing. However, IDES is not a sector-oriented model company. The individual processes are based on practice-oriented data for sectors such as Retailing or Banking. The IDES group manufactures products as diverse as elevators, motorcycles, and paints.

IDES is managed by SAP just as any regular business enterprise. SAP regularly updates the IDES data (master data, transaction data, and customizing). IDES also carry out period-end closing and plan with different time-horizons. Transaction data are generated to ensure that the information systems in all areas have access to realistic evaluation data. IDES are constantly implementing new, interesting business scenarios to highlight the very latest functions available in the R/3 System. New functions are represented and documented by IDES scenarios.

Above all, IDES shows you the possibilities of the integrated applications in the SAP System. IDES cover all aspects of a business enterprise, including Human Resources, Financial Accounting, Product Cost Planning, Overhead Management, Profitability Analysis, Planning, Sales and Distribution, Materials Management, Production, and much, much more. IDES have also integrated document administration and third-party CAD systems within the IDES system. This means that you can call up and display external documents, or access CAD drawings.

IDES shows you how the R/3 System supports production processes, the supply chain, and the efficient usage of global resources. Or perhaps you would like to increase your understanding of just-in-time-production or the integration of the electronic KANBAN system in an MRP II environment? IDES provides the ideal way to learn about areas such as Product Cost Controlling, Activity-Based Costing, or integrated Service Management and Plant Maintenance. How to manage high inflation is just one of the ever-growing number of IDES business scenarios that you can choose from.

Non ERP products by SAP

SAP's products focus on ERP, which it helped to pioneer. The company's main product is SAP R/3;the "R" stands for real time data processing and the number 3 relates to a three-tier application architecture: database, application server and client SAPgui.Other major product offerings include

(1). Advanced Planner and Optimizer (APO),
(2). Business Information Warehouse(BW),
(3). Customer Relationship Management(CRM),
(4). Supplier Relationship Management(SRM),
(5). Human Resource Management Systems(HRMS),
(6). Product Lifecycle Management(PLM),
(7). Exchange Infrastructure(XI) and
(8). Knowledge Warehouse(KW).

5 Tips To Implement SAP R/3 - SAP Implementation

SAP R/3? What in the world is that? Well if you are asking those particular questions presently then you are not alone. A lot of folks out there wonder the same issue as you. SAP R/3 in reality is the introductory name of the company planning software which is produced by SAP AG based in Germany. The present name of this software is now SAP ERP.

The very original version of the SAP organization software comprised of a financial Accounting type of program known as R/1. The combination of the three letters comprising of S-A-P was finally substituted with the R/2 at the close of 1970. SAP R/2 was software created for a mainframe computer system and commonly operated on systems such as the IBM S-390 Enterprise mainframe computer. This software package proved to be extremely versatile and functioned flawlessly during the 80 s and the early 90 s.

These software modules were especially pop with the larger European organizations which real time applications with various capabilities. It was not long before the successes of the basic software prompt the SAP AG Company to expand its products and hence it worked out the SAP R/3 which was fully multiple platforms capable. This new software worked on a few platforms such as Microsoft Windows and the ever popular UNIX systems. From 1992 onward SAP ruled the business application market on up to 2002.

The real beauty associated with the SAP R/3 software is that it is produced to function as several modules that in effect provided support for many of the organizational operation frequently found in today’s modern businesses. These procedures ranged from Finances and Control, Human Resources, Materials Management Branch, Sales & Distribution, as well as the Production Planning section.

For Each One module was created to deals only specific business directed tasks nevertheless all the modules were ultimately related to each other. As an instance, billing department could issue an invoice which would be directed to the accounting part and would appear in those parts accounts receivable.

Combined with the brilliant multi-powered S-390 Mainframe computer this system comprised the ultimate software for business management. It could effectively be cross platform-ed without any information loss. In some other words you could easily use the Mainframe as your central working equipment and safely import information from your individualized servers irrespective of the platform that they were using.

The different SAP specialize modules are programmed for coordination within dependable business sections such as retail or utility functions.

Unluckily in order to apply all of these stunning features one would have to pay dearly for the affiliated license fees. The goal of SAP when it comes to their software growth is that they want to supply a good deal more capable product for the organization than would be possible for them to actual attempt to create on their own.

The structure of the SAP R/3 has been programmed by applying the copyrighted language ordinarily noted as Advanced Business Applications Programming or merely ABAP. This is a 4th generation programming language which allows a powerful subset of programs capable of catering complete parts for management and analyzes. Although all the modules were constructed to perform united each and every one can function solo.

Much could be written on this software package still because of the several Custom configurations that could be established it would take many pages to provide a mere scratching of the surface. To easier visualize this package you should sit down with a representative and tell them what your organization genuinely wants in the way of corporation answers.

Advantages of SAP R/3 - Part 1

Functionality: The R/3 System offers you a software solution that covers all commercial processes and transactions commonly occurring in a company or group of companies.

Integration: All work processes within a company or group of companies are linked through data and functions using the R/3 System.

User Friendliness: The R/3 System has a uniform graphical user interface for all application areas.

Individual Solutions: System-controlled customizing procedures allow you to create solutions from a wide variety of prepared application variants to satisfy individual requirements.

Flexible Structure: Whether in a departmental organization or on the warehouse or factory floor, change is the only facet of your business that will not vary. Adaptability must be universal, and the R/3 System’s flexible structure and extensive integration helps make that easier.

Enterprise-Wide Integration: SAP’s enterprise-wide R/3 System solutions meet the needs of constantly changing, continually evolving businesses. The R/3 System’s application components are fully integrated. Transaction-related process chains trigger the next activity as needed from engineering to materials management, to production planning, to sales and distribution. The R/3 System’s full integration pulls your enterprise together, promoting data access, flexibility, and productivity. No other product or suite of products provides the R/3 System’s functional links between processes that multiply the power of each person’s work.

Real-Time Information: The R/3 System’s ability to “drill down” to whatever level of detail you need is legendary. More than any other product, the R/3 System provides up-to-the-minute, real-time information wherever and whenever you need it.

Mission-Critical Business Processes: SAP has more than 20 years of experience designing sophisticated application software for backbone and mission critical business processes. Nine of the top ten Fortune 500 companies use SAP software. SAP developed most of the R/3 System’s functionality in close cooperation with these customers. Consequently, it has integrated the best business practices of the world’s most successful companies into the R/3 System. The R/3 System’s business processes are flexible, pragmatic and well documented. Today they form a widely acknowledged standard for Business Process Reengineering (BPR).

Best of Breed: Users want standard software as well as standard business processes and guidance on how to implement them successfully. With the R/3 System you get the “best of breed” for all common business processes. You do not need to compromise on flexibility. If you need or want to fine tune or tailor your R/3 System, the capability is there.

Enterprise-wide three-tiered architecture: The R/3 System remains the only enterprise-wide, three-tiered architecture. The R/3 System’s three-tiered client/server architecture separates the system into areas devoted to database, application functionality, and desktop presentation. This structure promotes maximum flexibility, freedom of application component choice and the ability to change and add to the system as your organization grows. The development of the Internet, including the World-Wide Web, promises to make dramatic changes in communications between businesses and customers. SAP is working with several partners to develop enhanced Internet extensions for the R/3 System.

Concurrent engineering: Concurrent engineering cuts time-to-market by stacking up business processes whenever functions can take place concurrently rather than consecutively. The R/3 System’s flexibility and integration help you form the real-time workflow application links required for concurrent engineering.

Lean Implementation: The R/3 System promotes lean implementation through its modular structure. By selecting key portions of the R/3 System for first-time implementation, and minimizing customization, new users bring the full power of the R/3 System to address their business issues with great speed, at a reasonable cost. Once running, the R/3 System makes it easy to add more functional pieces. Tools on various system levels allow you to fine tune all R/3 System functional modules. Gradually adding functionality makes core solutions available sooner without sacrificing long-term application muscle.

Desktop Integration: Desktop integration in the R/3 System means that whenever you want data moved into a desktop PC application, it is a mouse-click away. Download or export a file to your PC’s hard drive and then open it in your favorite spreadsheet or word processor. No awkward or failure-prone communications between hardware or to hinder hinders your productivity

ASAP Roadmap

Phase 1: Project Preparation

 Phase 2: Business Blueprint

Phase 3: Realization

Phase 4: Final Preparation

Phase 5: Go Live & Support

Available ASAP Tools For SAP R/3

SAP R/3 offers many packages to implement SAP effectively and cost efficiently. Some of the packages with tools are

AcceleratedSAP (ASAP):

	The Project Estimator: Estimates required resources, costs and time frame.
	The Concept Check Tool:
	The Implementation Assistant:

1.                               ASAP Implementation Roadmap & Project Plan

2.                               Knowledge Corner

Question and Answer Database (Q&Adb): Used to assist in gathering requirements for business processes.

1.                                                               Business Process Master List (BPML)

2.                                                               Issues Database

SAP R/3 Business Engineer:

	SAP R/3 reference model: Comprehensive graphical process flows describing the SAP R/3 functionality from different point of view. It contains scenarios, processes and functions.
	Implementation Guide (IMG): Used to configure all system parameters for the business processes in SAP R/3.

 Preconfigured Systems:

	Preconfigured US and Canadian clients
	Preconfigured industry system

ASAP Implementation Methodology

Any enterprise application software has to cover a broad spectrum of functionality, yet to be configured enough to meet specific requirements. SAP achieves this by ASAP methodology & R/3 Business Engineer. 

AcceleratedSAP (ASAP) is SAP’s standard implementation methodology. It contains the Roadmap, a step-by step guide that incorporates experience from many years of implementing SAP. Quality checks are incorporated at end of each phase to ensure quality of deliverables and monitor critical success factors. 

ASAP is delivered as a PC based package, so that an implementation project can begin prior to having an SAP R/3 system installed.

	ASAP Tools
	ASAP Roadmap

ASAP and Business Engineer have compatibility with many third party modeling tools and packages like MS Excel etc

R/3 Business Engineer

 

It contains a set of configuration and implementation tools, which enable you or your consultants to define configuration SAP. It helps to implement SAP R/3 very fast. SAP has standardized the SAP implementation procedure, simplified the way fu8nctions are presented and reduced the technical complexity of implementation. The Business Engineer resides in SAP. 

ASAP along with Business Engineer is suitable to

	Business professionals who need to discuss, prototype and design their Business Blueprint (enterprise model)
	IS departments of large enterprises who need to customize R/3 applications more effectively and more rapidly.
	Small and medium scale companies, who wish to implement SAP in cost-effective way.
	Consultants and SAP partners who are looking for efficient way of offering their services.

 

Some of the features of ASAP with Business Engineer are:

	Reduced implementation time.
	Intuitive understanding of wide range of functions offered by SAP R/3
	Process optimization using proven scenarios, processes and value chains.
	High quality installations through comprehensive procedural guidelines.
	Continuous, dynamic adjustment and optimization of SAP R/3 applications.
	The capability to copy configured areas.

Before starting the implementation project

SAP R/3 implementation is generally a key project for any organization. It is necessary to do preparation before implementation. 

Many organizations speak of "transferring technology." But what does that mean? Transfer technology involves transfer of the system which includes the

	hardware
	software
	people
	processes
	information
	organization
	structure
	synchronization
	function and
	behavior.

It becomes obvious that the transfer of any part of the system, without the rest of it, does not transfer technology. In our context, the software SAP/3 is being changed. In most of the cases the hardware needs to be changed. The people need training to operate SAP system. But unfortunately, many organizations fail to understand that they need to change their processes. SAP is a package & it contains many best practices suitable to almost each industry. The designer (configuring the system) must design the system keeping the objective of the business objective in mind. The user should be prepared to change it’s processes and ensure that the objective of the processes is met. This should be done without or minimum distortion of the processes designed by SAP. This is a big challenge to the designer as well as user. It should noted that the user representative involved in the system design should be empowered for low level BPR decisions.

Also the information stored in the system will be in different form than the legacy system. The user must be prepared & trained for the changed.

The major challenge is behavioral change. Implementation of SAP R/3 system changes relationship of different persons, it gives/denies access to information which was not available/available to the person, it changes processes and control functions. This all gives behavioral issues. To get best out of SAP, these issues must be addressed before implementation.

SAP R/3 re-engineers many processes and the fear of downsizing and loosing job hinders free acceptance of SAP in many organizations. This fear hinders free communication between the end-users and SAP system designer. The communication is a vital element in successful implementation of SAP R/3. This issue of 'Fear Of Downsizing' must be addressed before starting implementation project. 

Discover More About SAP Modules

In this age of globalization business processes are getting more and more complicated with several interconnected factors and parameters. It is noted that all business has it’s individual chances and challenges. But say you delve deep into several business you will find out that the primary underlying procedure is rather alike for every of them. This initiated development of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) packages that could change the mode businesses applied to be executed decades ago. SAP is 1 such ERP packages, which has not solely helped numerous firms to transform but also aided them to accomplish operational excellence.

The primary job of a SAP consultant is to accomplish Best Practices in corporations from several verticals and sum up value to the bottom line of their respective businesses. The prime and most severe element for learning how prosperous you will be as a SAP consultant is your interpreting of business operation. It is primary for you to handle the business procedure in particular, and how each procedure is linked and coordinated with another.

There are 2 cases of advisors required in whatsoever SAP implementation namely Functional and Technical Consultants. The functional advisors interact closely with the clients to study and interpret the business process, find out the criticality of the business, and collate demands from the customers. They map all aspects of business as one and do Gap Analysis and prepare As Is To Be model to suit the business demands.

Once these steps are over and the customer approves the newly projected model, it is passed on to the technical consultants for development and customization of modules to meet the clients demands. This process is known as wisdom shift, and through this procedure functional advisors help the technical consultant to design the roadmap for development. The operational consultant customizes the package to fit the clients business demands while the technical advisor takes care of the coding, programing, and info migration procedures in the backend.

There are numerous modules in SAP like Sales & Distribution, Material Management, Purchase, Finance & Control, Customer Relationship Management, Human resource, which take care of each different function and domain of whatsoever business. Some Other advisors operate in different modules in tandem with each other to find out smooth integration of the process.

SAP consultancy is thus a great career option having immense potential for development. The market increment is simply phenomenal and poised to produce further in years to come since many corporations are finding it tough to keep their leadership in this ferociously competitive age without having a unique ERP system in place.

Apart from the business process knowledge, it is imperative to recognize the package for becoming a SAP advisor. SAP is a very versatile merchandise and has well-tried it’s credential in almost every businesses over the period of time. SAP development wing has come up with many IS (Industry Specific) solutions like SAP-IS Retail, SAP-IS Oil & Gas, etc., to handle uniqueness of these verticals.

As you become a senior SAP adviser you would require to counsel the enterprise on growing requirement and shift in business practices taking place at the clients end and assist the corporation to develop result that is up-to-date and applicable. If you ever come across a business process or a business instance that may not be treated with instant features of SAP you may suggest the organisation on acquiring add-on products accordingly to resolve those subjects.

Although SAP consulting market looks rosy and promising, at times one may find entering this field quite challenging. There are many authorized training partners who impart training and offer certification on SAP. After successful completion of the course you became a Certified SAP Consultant. At One Time you get the first break and gather hands on experience of few end-to-end implementations, there is zero looking back. A note of appreciation from the customers with whom you have operated may process marvels for your future enterprises.

ERP - What it is?

ERP is the acronym of 'Enterprise Resource Planning'.

'Enterprise' is the first word in ERP. That means it will consider the enterprise overall interest first. It gives an integrated approach to resource planning all over the enterprise.

That is building a single software program that serves the needs of people in finance as well as it does the people in human resources and in the warehouse. Each of those departments typically had its own computer system, each optimized for the particular ways that the department does its work. But ERP combines them all together into a single, integrated software program that runs off a single database so that the various departments can more easily share information and communicate with each other.

ERP automates tasks that performs business, thereby reducing delay, manpower & hence cost of the business.

ERP can

·      Automate Purchase Order generation process by considering stock, order position & consumption pattern

·      help sales team in giving real time position on stock, pending orders & production plan.

·      help customers in getting status of their orders

·      help warehouse personnel in providing exact stock & it's location

·      help production persons in planning production orders, tracking them & plan materials for the same.

·      help finance in updating ledgers, tracking any entry

·      Materials manager in reducing stock, minimize stock outs & control on thefts etc.

·      Top management in getting real time picture of their business, tracing any problem up to transaction level on their own.

As all the personnel in the organization are looking at the same data real time, the communication among various departments is better