HI Nanjunda,
Good!
BAPI are made in order to work correctly even after a SAP release change. Moreover, a BAPI includes the same rules as the Transaction.
If you have possibility to use BAPI then its better to go for BAPI rather than BDC the main difference between these two is
If any up gradations are made in the system then BDC programs will not work properly where as BAPI will support the up gradations
If you don't have standard BAPI better to go with BDC
Also many times you might not have all the data which is required by the BAPI to successfully run.
A BDC is convenient when u have less fields or when there's no BAPI existing.
A BDC cannot be called form some other language as an object but BAPI is an object and has methods which can be called.
BAPI is always better.
a) Very easy to use (Just like FM)
b) In future, if screen sequence changes, then we have to change BDC, whereas sap guarantees the corresponding compatibility / change in BAPI.
c) Recording/screen sequence/ program name/screen fieldname,
all these things are not required to be explored & recorded.
Moreover BAPIs are the business interfaces provided by SAP so no coding involved, but in case of BDC you have to code it.
LSMW is used for migrating data from a legacy system to SAP system, or from one SAP system to another.
Apart from standard batch/direct input and recordings, BAPI and IDocs are available as additional import methods for processing the legacy data.
The LSMW comprises the following main steps:
Read data (legacy data in spreadsheet tables and/or sequential files).
Convert data (from the source into the target format).
Import data (to the database used by the R/3 application.
But, before these steps, you need to perform following steps :
Define source structure : structure of data in the source file.
Define target structure : structure of SAP that receives data.
Field mapping: Mapping between the source and target structure with conversions, if any.
Specify file: location of the source file
Of all the methods used for data migration like BDC, LSMW , Call Transaction which one is used most of the time?
How is the decision made which method should be followed? What is the procedure followed for this analysis?
All the 3 methods are used to migrate data. Selection of these methods depends on the scenario, amount of data need to transfer. LSMW is a ready tool provided by SAP and you have to follow some 17 steps to migrate master data. While in BDCs Session method is the better choice because of some advantages over call transaction. But call transaction is also very useful to do immediate updation of small amout of data. (In call transaction developer has to handle errors).
SO Bottom line is make choice of these methods based of real time requirements.
These methods are chosen completely based on situation you are in. Direct input method is not available for all scenario, else, they are the simplest ones. In batch input method ,you need to do recording for the transaction concerned. Similarly, IDoc, and BAPI are there, and use of these need to be decided based on the requirement.
Try to go through the some material on these four methods, and implement them. You will then have a fair idea about when to use which.
Good luck and reward points for the same!!
Thanks and Regards
AK
Bluesky
