FLAT FILE

[Former Member]

hi folks,

i have doubt regarding data transfer for given flatfile and kind of data in it which method should we use how to decide ?what are prerequsites for each method are there any thumb rules for this methods please reply me appropriate answer no just giving links r screenshots ,reply me with each method an example ,replied answers will be given handsome points.

[Former Member]

Hi Vinay,

Regarding the Methods for Data Transfer, you can transfer legacy data from Flat files to SAP system using LSMW.

LSMW has four options for Data Transfer. You can transfer data using LSMW in the following methods:

1. Batch Input / Direct Input

2. Recording Method

3. Business Object Method (BAPI)

4. IDOCs

You can choose the best method for data transfer and first need to check whether all the fields in the source structure ( FLAT FILE) are present in Target Structure (in any of the methods above) only then u can be able to transfer data.

Points to Remember:

1. The data in Flat file should be in accordance with SAP.

2. The fields, data type and length should match with SAP standard fields, data type and length. Else it will create problems while Mapping the source and target fields.

Thanks,

Asif

[Former Member]

hi,

Before you can apply the LSM Workbench, you absolutely need a data migration concept. The following items should be considered in particular:

• Make sure that SAP customizing is finished.

• Determine the data contained in your legacy system and which of the data will be required in the future (with respect to business operation).

• Decide whether it makes sense to use this tool with respect to the data volume to be transferred. It may be easier to transfer very small data volumes into the SAP system manually. In the case of a very large data volume, batch input or IDoc techniques may cause extremely long runtimes. A rough landmark for estimating the required time: 10 000 records per hour where this value may vary considerably depending on the hardware available.

• Identify the transaction(s) in the SAP system via which you want to import the data into your SAP system. It may be relevant whether you need the data for statistical analysis or for further processing in the system.

• Run the relevant transaction in the SAP system manually with test data from the legacy system and see which fields must be filled. There may be required fields that do not correspond to data fields in the legacy system. In such a case, you should better assign a fixed value or establish an optional field for data transfer.

• Map the fields in advance in written form: Assign the source fields to the target fields.

• Determine the form in which non-SAP data will be transferred into the SAP system (e.g. via "Move" or according to a rule).

• If applicable, define the translation rules (LSMW-internal name: "translation").

• In which way will the data be extracted from the non-SAP system? Note: The LSMW does not extract data.

• In which form is the legacy data available? Determine accordingly which of the LSMW functions will be applied.

• If only a part of your legacy system will be replaced by SAP, determine which function will be provided by the SAP system and which by the legacy system. If applicable, set up a concept of data flows and interface architecture.

These questions will be answered differently for every customer and must absolutely be answered before the tool will be used!

and regarding BDC,

The purpose of the Batch Data Communication is to transfer data. The BDC can transfer data from one SAP System to another SAP System or can transfer data from non-SAP System to SAP System too. To transfer data BDC uses normal transaction codes. Two methods are provided to BDC to do this work.

SAP has provided two different types of methods for BDC to do its work. Among these, the first one is called the classical method or session method. Through this method the data can be read by the BDC program from a sequential dataset file. This sequential dataset file is stored in batch-input session. In order to .run the transaction in this session, what one needs is to execute the session. For this, follow these few steps: you can start and subsequently monitor the session firstly from – System à Services à Batch Input or have the session run in the background. In this method to generate the required session, you have to use the function module BDC _ INSERT and BDC _CLOSE.

In the second method the BDC has to use the ABAP statement CALL TRANSACTION USING statement to run a transaction. In the second method, unlike in the first type, you do not need BDC to create a session.

hope this helps u,

Regards,

SRI