What is ERP: Enterprise Resource

Planning?

What is ERP?
The acronym ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. In early 90’s
when Industries were expanding, then there was a need of a system or
structure that will centralize business Information i.e. bring all the Industrial
information at a single place. As the name suggests Enterprise needs
a planning to manage all its resource i.e. Human Resource, Manufacturing
Resource, Production Resource, Capital Resource, etc. In Business world, it
refers to the systems & software packages used by organizations/industries
to manage daily business activities, such as procurement, manufacturing,
delivery, accounting, project management and human resource management.
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Why we need ERP?

Let us suppose, we don’t have any ERP system. And I am the owner of Tea
shops in China. I am planning to expand my tea shop chains across the globe.
Now, I have to make a directory of every employee, every sale, every
purchase of raw items, every rented shops and etc. Now, if I want to check
data for every place, I have to go there physically and check. If each data is
maintained in an Excel sheet, then also I have to check them individually. That
is the wastage of my time and money. And we have to save both. Thus, the
requirement was there to build something that will bring all the data at a single
place and further can be verified and using them Business planning’s can be
made.
 The Business Value of ERP:
 Improves business insights using real time information based reports
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 Lowers operational cost using streamlined business process
 Enhances collaboration using shared data of users
 Improves Efficiency using common User Experience across all business
process
 Consistent Infrastructure by bringing everything under same hood
 Reduces Risk using data Integrity
 Lowers Management & Operational Cost using uniform & Integrated systems
Why ERP Suite:
An ERP Suite always wins over a single point solution as it integrates the
entire business module and keeps finance and human resource under control.
ERP Solutions in Market:
 SAP
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 FIS Global
 Oracle
 Fiserv
 Intuit Inc.
 Cerner Corporation
 Microsoft
 Ericsson
 Infor
 McKesson
Basic Modules of ERP:
 Human Resource
 Inventory
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 Sales & Marketing

 Purchase
 Finance & Accounting
 Customer Relationship Management(CRM)
 Engineering/ Production
 Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Future of ERP:
Every year technologies evolves and with that the requirement of Vendors and
client too. To ease their work process, ERP has to evolve too. As of now,
every ERP system is focussing upon their cloud solutions. And sooner the
dependency upon on-premise ERP systems will end.

What is SAP?
SAP is software as well as a Company which provides ERP solution.The
initialism SAP stands for Systems, Applications & Products in Data
Processing.
It is pronounced as S-A-P. (In German language, sap means idiot. That’s why
they forbid it to call sap and rather call it S.A.P)
The SAP software is built on ABAP Programming language which was
developed by SAP itself.
The Headquarter of SAP is in Walldorf, Germany.
The current version of SAP software is called SAP-ERP 6.0 which is an
upgraded version of SAP-R/3, here R stands for ‘Real Time Processing’ and 3
stands for ‘3 tier’ platform i.e.
1. Database
2. Application server -> Select
3. Client (GUI)
DATABASE
 Basic Architecture of NetWeaver Stack

SAP-ECC i.e. ERP Central Component is the core component of the SAP’s
Business Suite which consists of:
 ERP
 CRM
 SCM
 S/4 HANA
 What are Modules in SAP?
Initially, SAP was single software for all operations but with time it evolved and
started focusing upon different processes.
To lower the load on single software and to divide the work on the basis of
field, it came in different modules. SAP has following major Modules:
 MM: Material Management
 PP:Production Planning
 SD:Sales and Distribution
 HR:Human Resources or HCM: Human Capital Management
 QM:Quality Management
 FICO:Financial Accounting and Controlling
What is SAP-NetWeaver?
SAP-NetWeaver is a technology by SAP which is developed primarily
using ABAP. It is a solution stack of SAP’s technology products.
In simpler words, it is a breadboard on which other hardware’s (here SAP-
Modules/ Non-SAP modules) can be attached.
What is SaaS?
SaaS stands for software-as-a-service.It is a way of delivering
applications/Apps over the web/internet.
Customers can access SaaS Apps right from any Web browser via any of
their devices (Mobile, PC, tablet). It means there is no requirement to buy,
install, maintain, or update any Hardware or Software.
The SaaS provider will take care of every next required operations– and the
customer will always have the latest version of the application.
Following are the major SaaS products:
 SAP-SuccessFactors HR Solutions
 SAP-Hybris Cloud for Customer
 Ariba Network: Sourcing, Procurement, & Finance
 Concur: Travel & Expense Management
 What is ABAP?
A general interview question: “What is ABAP?”. ABAP stands for Advanced
Business Application Programming. It is a 4th Generation (because it is
domain specific language) programming language developed by SAP. The
ABAP kernel is implemented in C++.ABAP is a hybrid programming language
that supports both a procedural and an object-oriented programming model.
All ABAP programs also called Reports reside inside SAP database. In the
database all ABAP code exists in two forms: source code, which can be
viewed and edited with the ABAP Workbench tools; and generated code, a
binary representation somewhat comparable with Java byte code.
When you write a code in ABAP editor, it is saved in two files. One is the
exact what you have written and other is the code converted in Binary format.
The Binary code is the one actually executed by the computer.
ABAP has both compiler and Interpreter. Firstly, the ABAP compiler translates
an ABAP program it into an intermediate language called an ABAP load. Then
the ABAP virtual machine, an interpreter for ABAP loads (i.e. it can execute
ABAP loads) comes into the picture. SAP has two tables to store these files,
ABAP reports in D010S table and ABAP Loads in D010L table.
ABAP on Application Server ABAP
ABAP is the programming interface of Application Server ABAP (AS ABAP) in
SAP NetWeaver. A prerequisite to use the ABAP programming language is to
install an Application Server ABAP. The components of an Application Server
ABAP can be organized in the layers (presentation, application, and
database) of three-tier client-server architecture in accordance with their
tasks.
 The presentation layer represents the user interface of an AS ABAP (SAP
GUI or Web browser)and it is distributed to the workstations of individual
users.
 The application layeris implemented by utilizing one or more application
servers. The application layer contains the ABAP runtime environment in
which ABAP programs are executed.
 The database layerconsists of a database system in which the central dataset
of an Application Server ABAP is saved.
Programming Models
ABAP supports the following:
 An object-oriented programming model based on classesand interfaces
 A procedural programming model based on function modulesand subroutines
Both modules offer interoperability.
Types of ABAP programs
ABAP distinguishes two types of executable programs:
 Reports : Simple Programs which provides Input/output option to user
 Module pools: Complex Programs which provides different screens for better
user experience.

The non-executable program types are:

 INCLUDE modules : It gets included automatically at generation time; it is
often used to subdivide large programs
 Subroutine pools: It contains ABAP subroutines (enclosed by
FORM/ENDFORM statements and invoked via PERFORM).
 Function groups: These are libraries of self-contained FMs (enclosed by
FUNCTION/ENDFUNCTION and invoked via CALL FUNCTION)
 Object classes: similar to Java Classes &define a set of methods and
attributes
 Interfaces: It contain method definitions without implementations for which
any class implementing the interface must provide explicit code.
 Type pools: Type pools define collections of data types and constants.

Development Environment
There are two possible ways to develop in ABAP.
 ABAP Workbench
The ABAP Workbench is part of the SAP ABAP system and is accessed
via SAPgui. It contains different tools for editing programs. The most important
of these are (transaction codes are shown in parentheses):
 ABAP Editor(SE38): It is used to write and edit reports, module pools,
includes and subroutine pools
 ABAP Dictionary(SE11): It is used to process database table
 Menu Painter(SE41): It is used to design the user interface (e.g. menu bar &
standard toolbar)
 Screen Painter(SE51): It is used to design screens and flow logic
 Function Builder(SE37): for function modules
 Class Builder(SE24): It is used to construct ABAP Objects classes and
interfaces
The Object Navigator (SE80) provides a single integrated interface to access
various tools (including all tools mentioned above).

ABAP Development Tools

 Using certain set of plug-in in the Eclipse platform we can develop ABAP
programs in eclipse, these are formally known as “ABAP in Eclipse” or ABAP
Development Tools (ADT).
 In this scenario, the ABAP developer installs the required tools on his
computer and works locally, whereas a continuous synchronization with the
backend is performed.

ABAP Data Dictionary

Before we jump directly in to Data Dictionary concept, let us learn something
about basic SQL operations. To perform any operation on Data we need to
perform two things: Define Data and Manipulate Data. Both of these
operations are achieved by SQL [Structured Query Language] operations.
SQL is a language that helps us to communicate with our database.
SQL can be, therefore, divided into two parts:
 DDL: DATA DEFINITION LANGUAGE
DML: DATA MANIPULATION LANGUAGE
DDL part of ABAP is managed by ABAP Dictionary. Data Dictionary is used to
create and manage data definitions (metadata). ABAP Dictionary helps to
create user defined types (domain, data elements, structures and table types)
which are further utilized by ABAP objects (tables or views).
DML part of ABAP is written using open SQL commands like:
OPEN SQL COMMAND DESCRIPTION

SELECT To Read Data from Database

INSERT To Insert Data in Database

To Update current Data in

UPDATE
Database

To Insert/Update Data in Database

MODIFY
(whichever applicable)

DELETE To Delete from Database

Features of ABAP Dictionary:

1. DOMAIN: A reusable object that is assigned to a Data Element and it is used
to define a value range (F4 Help) and provides technical attributes (Data
Type, Number of character, etc).
2. DATA ELEMENT: A reusable object that takes attributes of a Domain. It is
used to create Field Labels & Field Documentation that appears as field help
(F1 Help).
3. TYPES [STRUCTURE]: A reusable object that is used to create a global
structure. TYPE option in ABAP is also used to create DATA ELEMENTS and
TABLE TYPES.
4. TABLE TYPES: A TABLE TYPES is used to create global Internal Table. A
TABLE TYPE needs a LINE TYPE that acts as the workarea of that Internal
Table.
5. TABLES: A TABLE is used to create a physical table definition in database.
These are defined in ABAP Dictionary independently of the database [that
means every Table in independent with respect to other tables and storage].
6. VIEWS: It creates logical View of more than one table. By Logical View we
mean a view that is presented to the user not that is actually stored in
database [also called Physical View].
7. SEARCH HELPS: These are the objects that are used to create and assign
Input Help (F4 HELP) to screen fields.
8. LOCK OBJECTS: These are used to synchronize the access of same data by
different users.

Advantages of ABAP Dictionary:

1. Data Integrity
2. Data Consistency
3. Data Security
4. Data reusability

Domain in ABAP
To define Data in ABAP Dictionary we need Domain, Data Element and
Tables. Domain in ABAP is the smallest unit that is defined in ABAP
Dictionary. Thereafter, Data Element is created which further describes the
domain to the End User. Thereafter Table is created which utilizes the Data
Element.
All domains are saved in a Standard ABAP Table DD01L and their Text
Descriptions are saved in Standard ABAP Table DD01T.
Definition:
Domain in ABAP is a reusable object that is assigned to a Data Element and it
is used to define a value range (F4 Help) and provides technical attributes
(Data Type, Number of character, etc).

Creation of Domains:
#Using ABAP Dictionary

Step 01: Open SE11.

Step 02: Click Domain Radio Button and give your domain name starting
with Z or Y e.g. “ZBarry_Domain”.
Step 03: Click Create, Enter explanatory description for Domain in Text Field
e.g. “Domain for Test”.
Step 04: Under Definition tab we have two options whose significance are
described below:

FIELDS Value Description

Format

It describes
type of data
e.g. INT for
Data Type Choose from pre-defined values
Integer and
CHAR for
Character
 20 for CHAR
No. of
Maximum length of Data means 20
Characters
Letters allowed

Decimal Places
mainly for Float
Decimal Places Max. allowed Decimal Values
Type Value e.g.
10000.08

Output
Characteristics

It is mainly for
Output Length Max. Output Length
Floating Values

Takes Input in
one format and
Two Function Modules: return as
another e.g.
Conversion
CONVERSION_EXIT_xxxxx_INPUT Takes
Routine
CONVERSION_EXIT_xxxxx_OUTPU 02.01.2009 as
Input and
T
Returns 02 Jan
2009 as Output

Set if your data

Sign Negative
can be negative

Lower Case Lower Case Toggles Case

 Step 05: Under Value Range you can fix your Input using following three
ways:
 Fixed Value Range: If you Want to Fix Input of Gender, you can create
following
Fixed Value Description

F Female

M Male

 Interval Value Range: If you want to give Interval as Value Range

 Value Help: If you want to give fix value from given table. This is the concept
of Value Table and Check Table which we will discuss in upcoming chapters.

DATA ELEMENTS
We cannot use Domain directly neither in a Report/Program nor as a table
field. We need to add some semantic information i.e. Field Label, heading,
etc. For this purpose we need data elements.
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Definition:
Data Elements are reusable objects that are used to add Field Label,
Heading, Documentation (F1 Help) and assign a parameter ID and a Search
Help (F4 Help).
Note: In Domain Level also we have an option to define Search Help which
fetches either fixed value defined there or from Value Help Table while the
one we assign in Data Element is from Global Search Helps that we create via
SE11.

Creation of Data Elements:

#Using ABAP Dictionary
Step 01: Open SE11.
Step 02: Click Data type Radio Button and give your Data Element name
starting with Z or Y e.g. “ZBarry_DataElement”.
Step 03: Click Create, Choose Data Element Radio Button and Enter
explanatory description for Data Element in Short Description e.g. “Data
Element for Test”. This short Text appears as title of Data Element F1 help
Documentation.
Step 04: Under Data Type Tab, you will have two options. Choose any one
and provide its corresponding details.
FIELDS Value Description

Elementary type: It is used to define Data Element on the basis of either

Domain or predefined Data types.

It adds technical
Enter your Domain characteristics in Data
1. Domain
Name Element same as that
of Domain.

Data Type can be any

Enter Data Type &
2. Predefined Type predefined data types
Length
with any length.

Reference Type: It is used to create a pointer to data objects.

 Name of Class, The Data Element will
1. Name of Ref. Type Interface, Object, point to the given
ANY or Data Value.

Data Type can be any

Predefined Data Type
Enter Data Type,
2. Reference to like CHAR, INT and
Length and Decimal
Predefined Type Length & Decimal
Places
Places can be of any
length.

Step 05: Add your Search Help, Parameter ID, Default Component Name and
Mark your Data Element as a change document under Further
Characteristics tab. For more read ABAP Documentation.
Step 06: Add Short, Medium, Long, Heading field label under Field Label tab.
Field Label is used to display the name of fields in Parameters of Report,
column Header of Table & structure. The purpose of providing different Labels
is that these labels are displayed according to input template size.

SAP Tables
Unlike other Database where we write SQL commands (DDL) to create table,
SAP provides us option to create Tables in ABAP Dictionary. Upon Activation,
SAP Tables are actually defined in database.

Creation of SAP Tables:

#Using ABAP Dictionary
Step 01: Open SE11.
Step 02: Click Database table Radio Button and give your Table name
starting with Z or Y e.g. “ZBarry_Table”.
Step 03: Click Create, Enter explanatory description for table in Short
Description e.g. “Table for Test”.
Step 04: Under Delivery & Maintenance tab maintain the following:
FIELDS Value Description

Select from given

drop down A Delivery class
Delivery Class controls the transport
A –Application Table of table data.
C – Customer Table

If allowed, It allows
Select the
Data Browser/ Table the table owner to
Maintenance option
View Maint. maintain data via
from given drop down
SE16.

Step 05: Under Fields tab maintain the following:

FIELDS Value Description

It can be 16 digit
Alphanumeric word
It is the column name
Field starting with a letter
of your table
and can contain
underscore

Key Tick all the fields A table must contain

whose value will be at least one key field,
unique and can define else it can’t be
 the relationship with
activated.
other tables

All key fields must

always be given initial
values. By default all
Tick if the field must
Initial Value Indicator fields are assigned
have an initial value
initial values
irrespective of
indicator.

If you are not using

Select your Data Predefined Type, you
Data Element
Element or create one need to provide a
Data Element

Predefined Type : If you are not using Data Element, click the
Predefined Type tab & enter following:

According to
Any Data type like
Data type requirement specify
CHAR,INT
the data type

Length will be
Give max length of
Length dependent upon Data
your field
Type

Number of places Mainly for Float

Decimal places
after decimal point variables
 Explanatory
What your field
Short description statement for your
means/doing
field

Include Structure: Whenever we include a structure in table, it might

have fields with same name as there are other fields in table. To avoid
conflict we address the field with a suffix (3-27 Character with ‘-‘) for that
structure. This suffix is given in Group tab.

To Address Include
Group 3-27 Character
Structure fields