Batch load scenarios

[Former Member]

Hi all!

I have a scenario where we need to load masterdata and transaction data via flat files into our system (since we run this specific system as a standalone solution without integration to other SAP systems).

The data to be loaded will later be imported into standatd SAP tables via appropriate function modules from within the system (unfortunately no standard BAPIs).

But my question is how do we best get the data into the system from the files. I have looked at LSMW/Batch input/Direct input - but these techniques seem to be best fitted when we want to import data to standard business objects directly (without interfacing via specific funtion modukes). Is this correct or are these techniques still valid even if the "data target" is to feed a function module with the data from the files?

What is the recommended solution here (custom ABAP coding or other techniques)?

Many thanks,

Regards,

Christian

[Former Member]

Hi all!

I have a scenario where we need to load masterdata and transaction data via flat files into our system (since we run this specific system as a standalone solution without integration to other SAP systems).

The data to be loaded will later be imported into standatd SAP tables via appropriate function modules from within the system (unfortunately no standard BAPIs).

But my question is how do we best get the data into the system from the files. I have looked at LSMW/Batch input/Direct input - but these techniques seem to be best fitted when we want to import data to standard business objects directly (without interfacing via specific funtion modukes). Is this correct or are these techniques still valid even if the "data target" is to feed a function module with the data from the files?

What is the recommended solution here (custom ABAP coding or other techniques)?

Many thanks,

Regards,

Christian

[Former Member]

Do you try with the CATT or eCATT ?

Sincerely

Christophe Blineau

[Former Member]

I guess that I would think about getting your flat files onto the APP server using FTP or something like that. Then, using ABAP code like:

OPEN DATASET dsn FOR INPUT IN BINARY MODE.
DO.
  READ DATASET dsn INTO itab-field.
  IF sy-subrc = 0.
    APPEND itab.
  ELSE.
    EXIT.
  ENDIF.
ENDDO.

This transfers the data from the APP server into an internal table. Then, in the same program, insert the data directly into the Z tables.

Rob

[Former Member]

Thanks alot for the answers!

However I'm still looking for an answer to the more general question:

Which is the best way to load data from flat files into customer developed interfaces in SAP in general, taking into account that the technique should support high data volumes (custom ABAP like explained above or other techniques)?

Regards,

Christian

[Former Member]

Are these custom abaps dialogue transactions and are you only loading to Z tables?

Rob

[Former Member]

Hi Christian,

Have you looked at <b>LSMW</b>?

I think this is the best for your scenario.

You can also use IDoc technology/interface which has good error handling but you need middleware to transform data from flat file into IDoc format.

Hope this will help.

Regards,

Ferry Lianto

[Former Member]

These ABAP function mudules that we need to feed with data from flat files are not tied to any dialogue transaction.

We are actually thinking of loading only Z-tables from flat files (to implement a staging area) and then read from these via ABAP to feed the function modules with the cleansed data from the staging tables.

Regarding LSMW, we have looked at it briefely but there seems to be much overhead in setting up an LSMW project since we don't have any standard business objects / BAPIS and/or dialog transactions, only ABAP function modules that we want to pass data from flat files. Am I perhaps mistaken about this?

/ Christian

[Former Member]

Well, I would still do it the way I suggested. Use custom ABAPs to load the data directly to the Z tables.

Rob