BDC

[Former Member]

what is the difference between LSMW an BDC?

which is more useful?

[ThomasZloch]

LSMW = data mapping tool, BDC = automated data input via SAP screens

LSMW uses BDC (and other techniques) to mass load data into SAP.

Both are quite useful actually.

[Former Member]

Hi,

BDC and LSMW Diff

LSMW is having different different options and as in BDC we have to code

a program but i suppose the main difference in both the cases is:-

LSMW has been developed mainly for the Functional people who has no

knowledge of the technical aspects of report or BDC in ABAP because its very user friendly and handy to use.

So, simply they can upload the master records using LSMW.

Earlier they had to contact to a ABAP person and ask him to create a BDC taking extra time and efforts.

lsmw is basically for standard sap application.

BDC is basically for customized applications.

In lsmw mapping is take care by sap.

In bdc we have to give mapping concept explicitly.

LSMW offers different techniques for migrating data say : Direct input , Batch input recording , BAPI , IDOC

It basically uses recording.

LSMW is basically designed for Functional consultants who do no coding .

BDC is used by technical consultants , who do coding.

Coding cannot be done flexibily as BDC.

Coding can be done flexibly to customize applications.

Also:

BDC and LSMW are the two data migration techniques (from legacy to SAP) . BDC technique is usually done by ABAPers. It consists of three methods.

1) Call Dialog Method

2) Session Method

3) Call Transaction Method

In the case of Session Method , a BDC Session is created , which has the data and info to run it in batch mode. When the user runs this session, every transactions are run in batch mode and tables are updated.

WHile in call transaction, no session is created. Instead , a report prog is created , which takes input from the file and calls the transaction in Batch mode.

Call dialog method is similar to call transaction, except that updation is done by the calling program itself.This method is obsolete.

Advantages of Batch Input Method are

1)Can process large data volumes

2) data integrity is maintained

Just check these links.

LSMW and BDC are vastly different.

BDC (Batch Data Communication) is a technology used for data transfer. it is meant for transferring data thru SAP transactions itself. when u use BDC for data transfer, the sequence of steps is the same as when u use standard sap transaction screens for data upload. the only difference is that u can use different options for foreground/backgrou nd processing.

LSMW on the other hand is a tool that helps migrate data from a legacy system (non-sap system ) to SAP system. it offers u various options to use either batch input, direct input, BAPIs or idocs. it involves a series of some 17-18 steps to migrate data.

BDC:

Batch Data Communication (BDC) is the process of transferring data from one SAP System to another SAP system or from a non-SAP system to SAP System.

Features :

BDC is an automatic procedure.

This method is used to transfer large amount of data that is available in electronic medium.

BDC can be used primarily when installing the SAP system and when transferring data from a legacy system (external system).

BDC uses normal transaction codes to transfer data.

Types of BDC :

CLASSICAL BATCH INPUT (Session Method)

CALL TRANSACTION

BATCH INPUT METHOD:

This method is also called as ‘CLASSICAL METHOD’.

Features:

Asynchronous processing.

Synchronous Processing in database update.

Transfer data for more than one transaction.

Batch input processing log will be generated.

During processing, no transaction is started until the previous transaction has been written to the database.

CALL TRANSACTION METHOD :

This is another method to transfer data from the legacy system.

Features:

Synchronous processing. The system performs a database commit immediately before and after the CALL TRANSACTION USING statement.

Updating the database can be either synchronous or asynchronous. The program specifies the update type.

Transfer data for a single transaction.

Transfers data for a sequence of dialog screens.

No batch input processing log is generated.

LSMW:

The LSM Workbench is an R/3-based tool that supports You when transferring data from non-SAP systems ("Legacy Systems") to R/3 once or periodically.

The tool supports conversion of data of the legacy system in a convenient way. The data can then be imported into the R/3 system via batch input, direct input, BAPIs or IDocs.

Furthermore, the LSM Workbench provides a recording function that allows to generate a "data migration object" in an entry or change transaction.

The main advantages of the LSM Workbench:

• Part of R/3 and thus independent of individual platforms

• A variety of technical possibilities of data conversion:

• Data consistency due to standard import techniques:

Batch input

Direct input

BAPIs (Business Application Programming Interfaces)

IDocs (Intermediate Documents)

The import technique to be used in an individual case depends on the business object.

• Generation of the conversion program on the basis of defined rules

• Clear interactive process guide

• Interface for data in spreadsheet format

• Creation of data migration objects on the basis of recorded transactions

• Charge-free for SAP customers and SAP partners

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Cheers,

Chandra Sekhar</b>

[Former Member]

Dear Tanuj,

<b>BDC</b> is the way to transfer data by writing a batch input program which can use either session or call transaction method.

<b>whereas</b>

<b>LSMW</b> used to transfer data without/less code.LSMW is best suited for transferring master data.

<u>Actually BDC and LSMW are not comparable at all.</u>

for example LSMW itself can use BDC as a way of mass data transfer.

BDC is a mass data transfer technique via screen logic of existing SAP Data entry transactions. It behaves as if you are manually making thousand of entires into sap system as a background job. And that is probably the reason why BAPI's are preffered over BDC's.Data integrity is maintained as whatever data is transferred to the table is through transaction. Hence batch input data is submitted to all the checks and validations.

On the other hand LSMW is a tool to facilitate DATA migration from other legacy systems ... It contains step by step procedure for data migration.Like Managing Data Migration Projects , Creating Source Structures , Mapping Source structures wid Target structures , etc etc

LSMW internally might well be using the following techniqes for data transfer..

1. IDOC

2. Direct Input / BDC

4. BAPI's

LSMW is an encapsulated data transfer tool. It can provide the same functionality as BDC infact much more but when coming to techinical perspective most the parameters are encapulated.

<b>To listout some of the differences :</b>

LSMW is basicaly designed for a fuctional consultant who do not do much coding but need to explore the fuctionality while BDC is designed for a technical consultant.

LSMW offers different techinque for migrating data: Direct input ,BAPI,Idoc,Batch input recording. While bdc basically uses recording.

LSMW mapping is done by SAP while in BDC we have to do it explicitly .

LSMW is basically for standard SAP application while bdc basically for customized application.

Coding can be done flexibly in BDC when compared to LSMW

Best Regards,

Rajesh

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