Workflow with custom tables and programs

[nmirandaghn]

Hi experts, I've been developing an interface which requires that users receive a notification by mail when data arrives and approve certain steps to continue the process and then other users must approve again and so on.

I've created a complex hierarchy of tables to make this happen and I'm trying that this tool to be as flexible as possible, for example, maybe tomorrow we would like to move approvals from a group of users to others and let the process continues without changing the program.

It has been a lot of work, I've done many programs on this project however I don't think I've reached the flexibility I want and I'm not satisfied with this solution.

Recently I discovered SAP Workflow and I've been studying its scope, it seems to fit with my requirement, at least the issue regarding to authorizations, however I don't see how to implement it in my solution. In other words I'd like to make SAP Workflow to control my custom programs and handle them in one solution.

Is it possible to integrate SAP Workflow with my ABAP reports, dynpros and custom tables?

Best regards

[Former Member]

Hi Nelson,

With SAP Business workflow you basically control what information arrives when to which people.

With regards to agent assignment, the which part, it is very powerfull and flexible there is myriad of options available, you can use the Organizational Structure, use rules, authorization roles, or custom methods to determine the agents.

The what part is equally flexible and powerfull. Using advance with dialog functionality in Workflow, the user can be directed to any report/transaction/whatever after making a decision.

And to top it all of, you will finaly get a clear insight in your business processes by using integrated reports like workload analysis.

I suggest to invest some time in workflow, see what the best way is start and use it in your company.

There are some good blogs here, some good books were written (most of the authors even frequent this SCN space).

Kind regards, Rob Dielemans

[paul_bakker2]

Hi,

It sounds to me like your scenario is a good fit for workflow. If you have a taken an object-oriented approach in your development (using BOR objects or classes), it will be relatively easy to create a workflow that will slot into your development.

Object events are used to control the starting (or stopping) of workflow; object methods are used in workflow steps, and object attributes are used in workitem texts (and to control the flow).

The issues that you are encountering (that everyone encounters!) have been solved by workflow. It is a very powerful tool.

You might want to post specific questions to the SAP Business Workflow space.

cheers

Paul

[nmirandaghn]

Hi, thanks for your response. I've defined a hierarchy of custom classes on this project but I haven't created business objects.

Can you elaborate in more details  or can you provide some links to integrate workflows with my Z programs?

Thanks in advance.

[SandySingh]

Hello

You will have to create a Workflow class instance. The instance should be unique (you can select the primary key of custom tables entries). You can create a Class with static methods (refer CL_SWF_FORMABSENC) and call them as step in the workflow . You can include the custom code in these methods

Getting started with ABAP OO for Workflow ... using the IF_WORKFLOW interface - ABAP Development - S...

You can refer to following document for an overview on linking the custom tables with Workflow using change documents.

Regards

Sandy

[GauthamV]

Yes, you can use Workflow for this requirement.

1.You can create business object event to start the workflow.

2.Create BO methods to update data in custom tables in background process.

3.You can create rule with function module to select approvers and assign to workflow task.

Regards,

Gautham.