topic Re: smartform in Application Development and Automation Discussions

smartform

Former Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:08:34 GMT

Plz provide me Interview question related to smartform

Re: smartform

Former Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:12:13 GMT

Hi,

What are the differences between SAP Scripts and Smartforms?

SAP Scripts are client dependent whereas Smartforms are client independent.

SAP Scripts require a driver program to display the output whereas iHow to Create smartform Outpout as a PDF file and save it n smartforms the form routines can be written so that it is standalone.

An integrated Form Builder helps to design Smartforms more easily than SAP Scripts

An Table Painter and Smartstyles to assist in building up the smartforms

On activation a function module is generated for Smartforms

It is possible to create a Smartform without a main window

Smartforms generates XML output which can be viewed through the web

Multiple page formats is possible in smartforms

How can I insert symbols in Smartforms?

Select the Text node.

Change Editor (Click the button above Check near the Editor)

Go to menu Include->Characters->SAP Symbols

Choose the SAP symbol that you want to insert.

I have a smartform which works fine in DEV. After trasnsporting it to PROD, there is no Function module generated for this smartform. As a result my program dumps in PROD?

The Smartform that is created in the Development may not have the same name in the Production server. So it is always advised to use the Function Module SSF_FUNCTION_MODULE_NAME to get the Function Module name by passing the Smartform name.

DATA: fm_name TYPE rs38l_fnam.

CALL FUNCTION 'SSF_FUNCTION_MODULE_NAME'

EXPORTING

formname = 'ZSMARTFORM'

IMPORTING

fm_name = fm_name

EXCEPTIONS

no_form = 1

no_function_module = 2

OTHERS = 3.

IF sy-subrc <> 0.

MESSAGE ID sy-msgid TYPE sy-msgty NUMBER sy-msgno

WITH sy-msgv1 sy-msgv2 sy-msgv3 sy-msgv4.

ENDIF.

CALL FUNCTION fm_name

EXCEPTIONS

formatting_error = 1

internal_error = 2

send_error = 3

user_canceled = 4

OTHERS = 5.

IF sy-subrc <> 0.

MESSAGE ID sy-msgid TYPE sy-msgty NUMBER sy-msgno

WITH sy-msgv1 sy-msgv2 sy-msgv3 sy-msgv4.

ENDIF.

How can I make the Smartforms to choose a printer name by default?

In the CALL FUNCTION of the Smartform Function Module, set the output options parameter to set the printer name.

The output options is of the type SSFCOMPOP which contains the field TDDEST. Set the TDDEST field to your default printer name.

How can I make the Smartforms to display a print preview by default without displaying the popup for print parameters?

In the SSF_OPEN function module,

Set the OUTPUT OPTIONS paramter TDDEST to your printer name.

Set the CONTROL PARAMETERS and control parameters as shown below,

control-preview = 'X'.

control-no_open = 'X'.

control-no_close = 'X'.

control-no_dialog = 'X'.

control-device = 'PRINTER'.

control_parameters-no_dialog = 'X'.

control_parameters-no_open = 'X'.

control_parameters-no_close = 'X'.

OUTPUT_OPTIONS-TDDEST = 'PRINTER NAME'.

OUTPUT_OPTIONS-TDNOPRINT = 'X'.

CALL FUNCTION 'SSF_OPEN'

EXPORTING

output_options = output_options

control_parameters = control

user_settings = ' '

EXCEPTIONS

formatting_error = 1

internal_error = 2

send_error = 3

user_canceled = 4

OTHERS = 5.

IF sy-subrc <> 0.

MESSAGE ID sy-msgid TYPE sy-msgty NUMBER sy-msgno

WITH sy-msgv1 sy-msgv2 sy-msgv3 sy-msgv4.

ENDIF.

How can I display the total number of pages in Smartforms?

Use SFSY-FORMPAGES to display the total number of pages in the Smartforms

&SFSY-PAGE& Current page number

&SFSY-FORMPAGE& Total number of pages in the currently formatted layout set

&SFSY-JOBPAGE& Total number of pages in the currently formatted print request

&SFSY-COPYCOUNT& Original-1,1st copy-2

&SFSY-DATE& Date

&SFSY-TIME& Time

&SFSY-USERNAME& Username

I'm using the variable SFSY-FORMPAGES, I get a star "*" instead of the total number of pages.

There may not be enough space in the window to display the variable, either increase the window dimensions or condense the spaces using &SFSY-FORMPAGES(C)&

What are the various text formatting options in Smartforms?

&symbol(Z)& Omit Leading Zeros

&symbol(S)& Omit Leading Sign

&symbol(<)& Display Leading Sign to the Left

&symbol(>)& Display Leading Sign to the Right

&symbol(C)& Compress Spaces

&symbol(.N)& Display upto N decimal places

&symbol(T)& Omit thousands separator

&symbol(R)& Right justified

&symbol(I)& Suppress output of the initial value

How can I provide a background shading to the table?

In the Table Painter, you can specify the color and shading for the table lines.

Where can I provide the input parameters to the smartform?

The input parameters for the smartform can be defined in Global Settings->Form Interface.

The Associated Type must be defined in the ABAP Dictionary.

Where can I define my own global types for the smartform?

The global types(within the smartform) can be defined in Global Settings->Global Definitions->Types

The types defined here will be global through the entire smartform.

Also the form routines can be defined Global Settings->Global Definitions->Form Routines

I have defined my own Program Lines, where I have used a global variable G_TEXT. I get an error G_TEXT is not defined?

Whenever using the global variables in the Program Lines, enter the variable name in Input Parameters if you are going to use(read) the variable. If you are going to both read/write the variable value enter the same in Output Parameters.

I have created a table node for display. Where can I check the condition which must satisfy to display the table?

The conditions can be defined in the Conditions tab. In smartforms all the nodes have a condition tab where you can specify the condition to be satisfied to access the node.

How can I define Page Protect in Smartforms?

To define Page Protect for a node go to the Output options and check the Page Protection checkbox.

What is the difference between Template and Table in Smartforms?

The Template contains a fixed number of rows and columns, where the output is fixed.

The Table can have variable number of rows

Where can I define the paragraph and character format for the smartforms?

The paragraph and character format for the smartforms can be defined in the transaction SMARTSTYLES

How to add watermark to smartform output?

Go to the properties of 'PAGE', tab 'Background Picture'. Add the grapic image name here.

For FAQ

http://www.sap-img.com/abap/more-than-100-abap-interview-faqs.htm

http://www.sapgenie.com/faq/abap.htm

Regards,

Shiva.

Re: smartform

Former Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:12:14 GMT

Hi Anshuman,

Please check this links

http://searchsap.techtarget.com/general/0,295582,sid21_gci1110010,00.html

http://searchsap.techtarget.com/guide/faq/category/0,296296,sid21_tax308273_idx0_off10,00.html

http://www.ittestpapers.com/articles/865/1/SAP-Smart-Form-Overview/Page1.html

http://www.saptechies.com/sapscriptsmart-form-fonts/

http://smartforms.business.gov.au/developer/index.php?Itemid=103&id=72&option=com_content&task=view

http://www.smart-form.com/faq.asp

Regards,

Sunil

Re: smartform

Former Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:15:18 GMT

Hi,

Refer

https://forums.sdn.sap.com/click.jspa?searchID=11066035&messageID=4448689

https://forums.sdn.sap.com/click.jspa?searchID=11066164&messageID=3709475

https://forums.sdn.sap.com/click.jspa?searchID=11066164&messageID=4481971

Regards

Kiran Sure

Edited by: Kiran Sure(skk) on Apr 23, 2008 3:50 PM

Re: smartform

Former Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:17:12 GMT

Scripts: Create a Paragraph format for the Address lines and define NO BLANK LINES for that paragraph and then use that while printing address, it will skip all blank lines

Smartforms:

When you execute the fun module call function 'SSF_FUNCTION_MODULE_NAME' and call function FM_NAME

the data structures/int tables were transfered from driver program to Smartform.

We use those data fields in smartforms to display data

39. What is SAP Smart Forms?

SAP Smart Forms is introduced in SAP Basis Release 4.6C as the tool for creating and maintaining forms.

SAP Smart Forms allow you to execute simple modifications to the form and in the form logic by using simple graphical tools; in 90% of all cases, this won't include any programming effort. Thus, a power user without any programming knowledge can configure forms with data from an SAP System for the relevant business processes.

To print a form, you need a program for data retrieval and a Smart Form that contains the entire from logic. As data retrieval and form logic are separated, you must only adapt the Smart Form if changes to the form logic are necessary. The application program passes the data via a function module interface to the Smart Form. When activating the Smart Form, the system automatically generates a function module. At runtime, the system processes this function module.

You can insert static and dynamic tables. This includes line feeds in individual table cells, triggering events for table headings and subtotals, and sorting data before output.

You can check individual nodes as well as the entire form and find any existing errors in the tree structure. The data flow analysis checks whether all fields (variables) have a defined value at the moment they are displayed.

SAP Smart Forms allow you to include graphics, which you can display either as part of the form or as background graphics. You use background graphics to copy the layout of an existing (scanned) form or to lend forms a company-specific look. During printout, you can suppress the background graphic, if desired.

SAP Smart Forms also support postage optimizing.

Also read SAP Note No. 168368 - Smart Forms: New form tool in Release 4.6C

40. What Transaction to start SAP Smart Forms?

Execute transaction SMARTFORMS to start SAP Smart Forms.

Key Benefits of SAP Smart Forms:

SAP Smart Forms allows you to reduce considerably the implementation costs of mySAP.com solutions since forms can be adjusted in minimum time.

You design a form using the graphical Form Painter and the graphical Table Painter. The form logic is represented by a hierarchy structure (tree structure) that consists of individual nodes, such as nodes for global settings, nodes for texts, nodes for output tables, or nodes for graphics.

To make changes, use Drag & Drop, Copy & Paste, and select different attributes.

These actions do not include writing of coding lines or using a Script language.

Using your form description maintained in the Form Builder, Smart Forms generates a function module that encapsulates layout, content and form logic. So you do not need a group of function modules to print a form, but only one.

For Web publishing, the system provides a generated XML output of the processed form.

Smart Forms provides a data stream called XML for Smart Forms (XSF) to allow the use of 3rd party printing tools. XSF passes form content from R/3 to an external product without passing any layout information about the Smart Form.

41. Advantages of SAP Smart Forms

SAP Smart Forms have the following advantages:

The adaption of forms is supported to a large extent by graphic tools for layout and logic, so that no programming knowledge is necessary (at least 90% of all adjustments). Therefore, power user forms can also make configurations for your business processes with data from an SAP system. Consultants are only required in special cases.

42. Difference with SMARTFORMS vs. SapScript (SE71)

The Following are the differences :-

a) Multiple page formats are possible in smartforms which is not the case in SAPScripts

b) It is possible to have a smartform without a main window .

c) Labels cannot be created in smartforms.

d) Routines can be written in smartforms tool.

e) Smartforms generates a function module when activated.

f) Unlike sapscripts (RSTXSCRP), you cannot upload/download Smartform to your local harddisk.

It was said that it was provided in CRM 3.0 version, but not available in R/3. You can download smartforms into Local PC in a XML format. In the same way you can upload this XML format into Smartform. From the smartform editor itself you can call download option, if you are working in CRM 3.0 environment.

In R3 also, you can download into XML format. However, it's not sure about uploading. Refer to the program 'SF_XSF_DEMO'.

In 4.7 Enterprise, other have seen this utlity which is completey missing in 4.6c. There is functionality to downlaod a complete form or only a particular node. (Utilities -> Download form). It will create a XML file and save it in the hard disk.

For others, if you want to download/upload the Smartforms source, you will need the help from the Basis people. What you can do is to create a Transport and then FTP down to your local harddisk. When you need the Smartform source in another system, you have FTP up the Smartforms file back to the SAP server. Finally, the Basis team, will tp it into your system.

g) The protect and endprotect command in sapscript doesn't work with smartforms. For example on a invoice: First data of position no 80. is printed on page one, other data of position no 80 is printed on page 2. And there's nothing you can do about it. Actually, there is something you can do about it. By using a folder node and checking the 'protect' checkbox, everything in that folder will be page protected

FAQ on Migrating SAPscript to SmartForms

43. Is it possible to migrate a SAPscript form to a Smart Form?

Smart Forms provides a migration tool for this purpose which migrates layout and texts of a SAPscript form to a Smart Form. It does not migrate SAPscript form logic of the print program. Using Smart Forms, this logic is described by the tree structure of the Form Builder. The effort involved in migrating it depends on the complexity of the print program.

44. Which Basis Release do I need to use SAP Smart Forms?

45. SAP Smart Forms is available as of R/3 Basis Release 4.6C.

46. I have heard that Smart Forms replaces SAPscript. What does "replace" mean?

47. It does not mean that SAPscript is removed from the Basis shipment. Even as of Basis Release 4.6C, SAPscript remains part of the SAP standard and there are no plans to remove it. Since Smart Forms is currently, and will continue to be, the tool for form maintenance for mySAP.com solutions, our further development efforts will focus on Smart Forms, not on SAPscript.

48. Do we have to migrate all SAPscript forms to Smart Forms?

49. There is no point in migrating all SAPscript forms already in use. Since SAPscript can still be used and will be available in the future, there is no need to. If you plan to migrate a SAPscript form, it is recommended that you check whether benefit is worth the effort involved.

50. Conversion of SAPSCRIPT to SMARTFORMS

51. SAP provides a conversion for SAPscript documents to SMARTforms.

52. This is basically a function module, called FB_MIGRATE_FORM. You can start this function module by hand (via SE37), or create a small ABAP which migrates all SAPscript forms automatically.

53. You can also do this one-by-one in transaction SMARTFORMS, under

54. Utilities -> Migrate SAPscript form.

55. You could also write a small batch program calling transaction SMARTFORMS and running the migration tool.

here is a link which will teach you step by step

http://smoschid.tripod.com/How_to_do_things_in_SAP/How_To_Build_SMARTFORMS/How_To_Build_SMARTFORMS.html

Re: smartform

Former Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:19:08 GMT

Hi Anshuman

1.How do you troubleshoot printing issues with SAPscript?

2.What are the pros and cons of converting from SAPscript to Smart Forms?

3.How to I convert SAPscript data into Smart Forms?

4.How can I get a Smart Form to only print selected details?

5.The character format is off in my Smart Form. How do I fix it?

6.Can I send Smart Form output via e-mail?

7.Can paper size be defined on condition in SAPscript?

Reward if help full

Regards

Lakshman