These are very very top sap abap interview questions for interviwers..

How to create info types Step1: Execute transaction PM01 (If you get a message saying the infotype can not be enhanced, try tranasction PPCI). Step 2 Select create IT tab and enter new infotype number into selection box. Step 3 Press the create ALL button (left of infotype no.). You will get a dialog box asking to confirm, press the create button. Step 4 You will now be presented with the standard structure creation screen (SE11) where you need to enter the fields of the new infotype. I have entered some examples but you can put anything in here. Step 5 Once you have entered the fields press save and then activate, before pressing the back button. You will now be presented with the following screen, where you will need to make a new entry or your created infotype (i.e. 9010). Difference Between BADI and User Exits: i) BADI's can be used any number of times, where as USER-EXITS can be used only one time. Ex:- if your assigning a USER-EXIT to a project in (CMOD), then you can not assign the same to other project. ii) BADI's are oops based. BAPI : is just a function module that can be called from non-sap system. It can still be used in the sap system also. Eg: BAPI_PO_CREATE : To create Purchase Order User-exit: is a block (It may be a code block, screen field or menu item) that can be added to the existing standard transaction to enhance the transaction with our functionality. BADI: is a also used to ehnacnce existing functioanlity of the transaction. It is aobject-oriented technology. We write our code in the method. BAPI is different from BADIs and User exits. BAPI : BAPI basically works like a function module. the major difference being that it can work like a RFC. That means it can work from system to system. Mostly the name of a BAPI can be seen in se37 by just giving BAPI_* F4 and you will see a lot of BAPIS. BADI : BADI is a new concept and are also known as Business Addins. SE18 and SE19 are the two transactions which are used to make a BADI. Mostly BADIS are not made but selected from what is given in SAP. These are similar to user-exits but are method based. One can say it is an extension to the user exits. If one has an issue in which one has to change so existing things in SAP then BADI can

be used. First one has to define it and then find out a suitable implementation for the issue concerned User-exits : there are many types of user exits like Function exits , Menu Exits Screen exits etc. These are used when there is an issue of changing SAP given screen or menu or report.. Main transactions which are used in these cases is CMOD and SMOD. One can find out the user exit concerned and change it accordingly as per ones requirement Q1: What is the way to combine SAP and CAD? A1: SAP interfaces are given by third party tools like those from Eigner or Fastlook Plus (from Kamel Software) which can allow us to display every format from Autocad. Q2:Is it possible to have a standard SAP report that will count how many times a program is running? A2: There is one report like that, transaction STAT. Q3: We use SAPSCRIPT-FORMATPAGES for receiving the total page count that we expect, since our duplex case is every time Terms and Conditions, what should we do if we dont need the same page count like in duplex printing? A3: We have make modifications on the Page counter mode, putting it to HOLD to avoid the incrementation when printing the Terms and Conditions. Q4: At client creation the details get updated in the RF02d structure and also KNA1 tables get updated (some of them), where are the master data transaction tables to be found? A4: We have to hit Overview from the ABAP Workbench then application hierarchy then SAP and see the customizing tree of our program; we must choose the lowest hierarchy level in order to receive the right development class marking. Every table is found here, every view and every logical database of a system operation. Q5: How do we get an RFC to perform these transaction: MB1A, MB1C, >MB01? A5: We will need to invoke RFC INBOUND_IDOC_PROCESS using IDOC_CONTROL and IDOC_DATA. The IDOC_DATA structure fields are e1mbxyi e1mbxyh. Q6: When we state the logical database and we require a field that will not be found in the normal tables of the logical database , how do we do this, how do we add a field that is from a separate table? A6: Lets think that we poses this logical database: Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 We then will define fld as the supplementary field (initially it is the required field) of tables 1, 2 and 3, then: Perform get_fld(zxxxxxxx) with fld where form zxxxxxxx can be Form get_fld with f=table4fld. Q7: We see that the ABAP program is running well in background, is it possible to schedule it to run this weekend in background? A7: We can do this, it is possible with the aid of RSBDCSUB, a normal SAP program but we have to make a version of RSBDCSUB using the name of the BDC session.

Q8: How do we transport a change to a layout set in a Dev instance between two clients in a better way? A8: This can be done using transaction SE 71 from Utilities then Copy from Client and the transport will be made from client to client through the DEVKxxxxxx requests. Q9: What is the way to set parameters? A9: We have to setup the PS utilities from the SAPGUI setup CD and then from SE38 we have to start report RIACCESS, the SALE, Communication, Define RFC Destination, we have to intall 2 RFC destinations PS_ACCESS_1 and PS_ACCESS_2 and configure them to show wdpsatab.exe and wdpsastr.exe. After this we will run RIACCESS and select PS_ACCESS_1 for creating access tables, but just tables of 255 fields are compatible with Access. Q10: In what way is possible to move standard text? A10: For a full tutorial follow note 3355 from OSS, the objects that need to be moved from SAP Script have to be met in a transport request, like below: R3TR FORM NAME (the layout set name) R3TRSTYL NAME(the style name ) R3TR TEXT OBJECT, NAME, ID, L. Here Object means the text object, NAME means the text name, ID means text ID, L is the text language. For moving multiple texts we should use report RSTXTRAN for entering particular text keys in a correction, the moving request has to be inserted and released through the transport system. Q11: Why cant we make stock order transports , even if we can make transports for delivery due list by invoking transaction VL01 in batch input? A11: Filling delivery due list cant be made as is not a dynpro, but a normal SAP report, which can be invoked with the use of the corresponding options, it is better to invoke a report instead of making a batch-input program. Q12: What is the best way to access SAP online? A12: There is a private Internet transaction server or ITS for SAP and there are also products like WebObjects, Haht, NetDynamics, every product comes with a different architecture. But for database access we have to use the following access paths: RFC Channel and SAP GUI. Q13: What is the way for locking user defined transactions temporarily so that nobody has access to the same? A13: They way is by using the SM01 transaction. We have to look for transaction and make sure it is locked by checking, then when the maintenance is done we can uncheck SM01 for unlocking. Q14: What is the way to see which transactions were running for specific time for a specific user? A14: For this the way is using STAT. Q15: How can we announce a user for the completion in background of a BDC or report? A15: We can do this by using FUNCTIONS RS_SEND_MAILFOR_SPOOLLIST. In Unix a report has to be sent to the e-mail with this: REPORT ZSNDMAIL. DATA:COMND(299) type c. DATA:RESULT(200) type c occurs 100 with header line.

PARAMETERS: FILE(60) type c lower case default '/sapdata/sd_outbound/testmail.dat'. PARAMETERS: SUBJECT(60) type c lower case. PARAMETERS: EMAIL(60) type c lower case. INITIALIZATION. TRANSLATE EMAIL TO LOWER CASE. START-OF-SELECTION. TRANSLATE EMAIL TO LOWER CASE. CONCATENATE 'cat' FILE '| elm -s "' subject '"' email into comnd seperated by space. CALL 'SYSTEM' ID 'COMMAND' FIELD comnd 'TAB' FIELD UNIX_RESULTS-*SYS*. Loop at Results. write: /1 results. endloop end-of-selection. Q16: Is there possible to print a logo in an invoice? A16: The Logo can be made and saved with Corel Draw or PaintshopPro under a tiff file, then with RSTXLDMC we must transform the logo into a standard text format in SAP Script. It is important to write the name of the file and the patch right at the execution of the program. It could look like this: Run RSTXLDMC Enter file name C:\MAIL\COMPLOGO.TIF Resolution for Tiff file Absolute X-position Absolute Y-position Absolute positioning Reserved height Shift to right UOM = CM Text title Line width for text = 132 Text name ZHEX-MACRO-COMPLOGO Text ID ST Text language = E Postscript scaling Width & Height according to PS scaling Number of Tiff gray levels (2,4,9) 2 We must make a new window COMP that has attributes; Window COMP description Company Logo Window type CONST Left margin 7.00 CH window width 10.00 CH Upper margin LN window height 8.00 LN In the end we have to say in the text element /: INCLUDE 'ZHEX-MACRO-COMPLOGO' OBJECT TEXT ID ST LANGUAGE 'E'. We have to be careful because if we dont indicate the name of the object as ZHEX it is possible that the logo will not be printed. Anyway we cant see the logo in a preview (test print). When we use 2 logos in a layout we have to put individual name to every logo. Example: ZHEX-MACROLOGO1 and ZHEX-MACRO-LOGO2, if we dont do it like this, every detail will be overwritten. One more thing, the logo is not printed if it is not tiff 6.0. Q17: Can we monitor the transports which will go in other systems like DEV, TST, PRD or TRN?

A17: For the management of the DEV and CTS systems we have SAPCRAFT, it monitors every transport at every level and we can allocate the import, authorization and export functions to a particular user. Q18: In what place can we deposit the last file number in the case when we have to download internal tables on the local workstation or Presentation Server, as we have to save each file in order like 0001.txt, 0002.text, 0003.text and so on? A18: For depositing these files in SAP we have the TVARV table in which we can make records for each program that needs this type of records. Example: we have this record 100Zmm10001 MM, the first part of the record is the code of the client and the current working record, the second part describes the role that the record will have, the whole string can be put in the Name field. We can have Parameter and Selection in the Type field (P and S) and we can have 0001 on first run in the Low field. A19:Can we have some examples of Direct input data transfer programs? A19: Material Master data, MM -RMDATIND, Accounting Document (FI) RFBIBL00, Independent requirements(PP) RM06INN00, Classification data (CA) RCCLBI03. A20: What is the meaning of a field symbol? A20: Field symbols dont make space in the physical memory, instead they display fields that will be available at the program start. Usually it is enough to know just the field that we are about to process and the mode in which it is processed at runtime. To accomplish this we can make field symbols in our program and real fields can then be assigned to the field symbols during runtime. The processes that we initiated with the field symbols will then be transported along with their assigned fields, after this it doesnt matter if we reference the fields or the field symbols. Q21: Which are the main standard programs that everyone who uses ABAP have to use and learn? A21: RSAVGL00 the configuration of tables between clients, RSBDCSUB makes the release of batchinput sessions automated, RSCLTCOP is copying tables between clients, RSINCL00 ExtendedProgramlist , RSORARELGettheOracleRelease, RSPARAM Displayallinstanceparameters ,RSTXSCRP TransportSAPscriptfilesacrosssystems, RGUGBR00 Substitution/Validationutility, RSUSR003 CheckthepasswordsofusersSAP*andDDICinallclients, RSUSR006 makes a list of last logins and RSTXLDMC is loading LOGOs on the application server. Q22: What is the way for using a grid list? A22: For using grid lists we will use Function Module Display_*LIST.We will put all the required data for output in the last format and then transport the internal table on the function module. There are 2 types of grid lists: a)in version 4.0b we have DISPLAY_GRID_LIST b)in version 4.6b we have DISPLAY_BASIC _LIST. Q23: What database integrities do we know? A23: The database integrities are classified like this: relational, foreign key, semantic, primary key, value set and operational. Q24: What types of lock modes exist? A24: The lock modes are: exclusive, shared and extended exclusive. Q25: When do we have to use GPA an SPA and what is their meaning?

A25: To insert report data in the fields of the invoked transaction we have to use the SPA/GPA technique. SPA and GPA are parameters or values that are deposited in the global memory by the system. The memory of SAP is actually good for moving the values from a program to another. The values that are deposited can be accessed by the user in the SAP memory in the time of a single terminal session for every mode together in the same time. Q26: What message types exist and what is the way of displaying them? A26: The system is announced about errors that appear by the ABAP/4 module in the form of information, messages of warning or error, it can also issue messages of success when some action that have been made is a success. By pressing the ENTER key the process currently running will be terminated. The SAP main menu can be reached with the aid of the Abend message. Q27: Where is the Message class generated and how is this made? A27: 2 locations in the system can generate a Message class: a) The Object Broweser, where we will have an object list- Object class. b) The ABAP/4 Editor, where there is the ABAP/4 module. Q28: What is the meaning of interactive reports and what separates them from HTML reports? A28: With interactive reporting users can be have an interactive participation at data presentations and recovery in the time of a session, interactive reporting is not making a very detailed list but a concentrated and simple list from where we can invoke more information and details by moving the cursor over it and inserting commands. It also lowers the recovery of information of the needed data. The secondary list contains the details, this list can be as a full overlay of the main list or it can be displayed on a supplementary dialog window from the main screen. We can also make the secondary list to be interactive as well. Q29: What do we have to define for Domain and for Data element? A29: For Domain we define the Field Length, the Data Type and the data values that are permitted. For Data Element we define the FIELD TEXTS and COLUMN CAPTIONS represented as fields on the display. They the table contents output. Q30: What phases exist for generating tables in the data dictionary? A30: The first phase is choosing the table fields, second is keeping the foreign keys, third is making secondary indexes( is not mandatory), the fourth is keeping the technical settings and fifth is enabling the table. A31: What separates transparent tables from pool tables? A31: Pool tables is related multiple to single to the database table, this means that for a single database tables there are multiple tables corresponding to it in the dictionary. The dictionary table is named separately from the database table, also the field count and field names are different. The storage of pool tables is made at the stage of the database. A table pool is the same thing with a table in the database and its construction is specific for activating the data of multiple R3 tables for storage. Q32: What benefits do we get from structures and what is the way for using them in the applications of ABAP/4? A32: Structure can be defined like tables in the dictionary and the access to them is made from the applications of ABAP/4, when modifications are made in this structure every program receives the

change in an automated way. The data in a structure is valid just in the time of the application runtime, unlike the data from tables which is deployed in the database forever. Structures are meant for moving the data from program to program at a global level in ABAP/4, at a private level they are good at defining the data from module pools to screens and for function module case in which they generate standard parameters. Q33: What is the role of the EXEC SQL statement and what are the weak points of it in ABAP/4? A33: The EXEC SQL statement is used prior the Native SQL statement which will be finalized with ENDEXEC statement.databases. Q34: Can we describe what is happening when we enable tables in DD? A34: When we enable tables , in the ABAP/4 Dictionary a physical table definition will be linked and deposited and the single table definition from the database will be converted in a relevant database definition. Q35: What is the meaning of a matchcode? A35: Matchcodes are utilities that help us find data records in the system, being simple and efficient in the case we dont have the key of a record. It is made of 2 level: the Match code object which refers to the group of paths that a search item can have and the Match code ID which refers to a particular search patch that a search item has. Q36: What is the description of the SAP Client concept and also the Client independent? A36: When we speak in a technical, commercial or management language we can say that a client is a stand-alone full unit in R3 that that has a particular group of Master data and its own Tables set. Every client from the system is affected if a client gets modified, in this case we say that we have Client independent objects. Q37: What is the meaning and usage of variants? A37: When we have to start a report program with equal selections at some regular time intervals like for instance monthly or weekly statistics we will have to insert each time tha same values. There is an option in ABAP/4 that gives us the possibility to bring together all the selections and make one single selection group. These groups can be as many as we want each one for a particular report program( they will remain linked on that report). A group like that is named a variant. Q38: How can we transfer selection and parameter data in a report? A38: For transferring selection and parameter data in the report there are three ways: a) SUBMITWITH b) Report variant c) RANGE table. Q39: What is the best way to transfer data to the program Subroutine from forms? A39: This can be achieved by using the ITCSY structure. Q40: What is the way to use Variants Online or in Background Processing? A40: Beginning a report online through variant helps the user to save the work an avoid errors of input. When it comes to Background Processing there is no other option for transferring the values for selections than the variant. For filling those selections that have values which are modifying depending on the application we have to use variants because they pick up the values from the TABLE TVARV.

Q41: What is the meaning of Internal tables? A41: The table objects that are in existence just during the program runtime are the Internal tables. In order to work using Internal tables many ABAP statements exist like delete, insert, find or append lines. The line count that Internal tables has can be extended in a dynamic way according to our needs. Internal tables can be useful for to calculate the tables on subsets from the database tables. They are useful as well for content management for the purpose of accomplishing the program requirements. Q42: What is the best way to validate a reports selection criteria and how can we display on the selection screen the default values? A42: In the processing block of the event named AT SELECTION SCREEN The criteria will become validated and the default values on the selection screen can be showed using: a) INITIALIZATION EVENT b) DEFAULT VALUE option of the PARAMETERS Statement c) SPA/GPA Parameters or PIDs. Q43: What is the meaning of get and set parameter? A43: The SPA/GPA parameters are used for transferring data to an invoked program and they are values of fields stored in the memory globally. Every parameter can be found by a three-character code. To define parameters we have to go in the object browser and choose Other objects in the next display. The saving of SPA.GPA is particular to users and in every session that a user has they are valid. The statements GET PARAMETER and SET PARAMETER are good for depositing and recovering the values of SPA.GPA in the ABAP/4 program. If the needed fields are not shared between the two selection screens of the transactions we can then use the statements for depositing the screen fields with names. Prior to invoking the new transaction we can deposit the transaction fields of the invoker with this name : SET PARAMETER ID RID FIELD. The values from the SPA parameter RID will be deposited by the system. RID is the three-character identifier and we have to make its definition in table TPARA in SAP. When this parameter has a value already it will be overwritten by the statement SET PARAMETER with its details. To recover the fields with the other name for the invoked transaction in the PBO module: GET PARAMETER ID RID FIELD. Q44: What is the meaning of ranges and number ranges? A44: Many times it is required to make a direct access to personal records from data structures and we do this with unique keys. For linking numbers to personal databases we will use number ranges. Examples of this type of numbers: material master numbers and order number. Q45: What is the meaning of check tables and value tables? A45: In the relational data model we dont find just tables, we also find the relations of the tables with other tables and these relations are defined with the use of foreign keys in the dictionary of ABAP. Foreign keys have the role of maintaining the integrity of data in the relational data model. The foreign key fields can have just the values that the check table allows, meaning values that appear on the check table primary key. Two tables are connected through a foreign key as in this example: table T1 and table T2 with a primary key reference in T2. The foreign key fields of the primary key fields from T2 are contained by T2, T1 is the tables verified, T1 is named foreign key table and T2 check table, we can use as well the terms dependent (table) and referenced (table). When the check field domain contains a value table it will be seen as check tables by the system (in the routine of the foreign field). Now the value table key fields are the fields of the foreign key table and they have an equal domain, they can take just the values that the value tables allows. By specifying value table we may define the domains value range and every field that has reference to

the current domain may be verified for this fields value table. For making this verification we have to define a foreign key on the value table. Q46: What events are found in ABAP/4? A46: In ABAP/4 these are the events: INITIALIZATION, AT SELECTION-SCREEN, AT SELECTIONSCREEN ON, START-OF-SELECTION, TOP-OF-PAGE, TOP-OF-PAGE DURING LINE SELECTION, ENDOF-PAGE, END-OF-SELECTION, AT-USER-COMMAND, AT LINE-SELECTION, AT PF, GET, GET LATE, AT USER COMMAND. Q47: What is the difference between Native SQL and Open SQL? A47: With Open SQL we can enter in every database table from the SAP system no matter what manufacturer the database has. Many times we have to make use of Native SQL statements which are particular to databases in ABAP/4 programs. For having independent programs( regarding the current database system) in ABAP and for not having compatibility issues amongst tables in Sap we can find a group of differentiated SQL statements named Open SQL. Open SQL has standard SQL statements and many improvements that are found only in SAP. Open SQL statements can be converted in SQL commands by the database interface and they are particular o the current database. Native SQL statements are having the advantage of direct access to the database. Q48: How can we describe SAP locking and what is a lock object having? A48: Through Sap locking we understand implementing or defining logical locks on the objects of the database. The lock object can have a lock argument and tables. Q49: What is the way for invoking a lock object in a transaction? A49: This can be done With the invoking in the transactionof Enqueue and Dequeue. Q50: What is the role of function modules and what types of parameters exist for them? A50: The function modules are library routines with a generic use and they are found everywhere in the system. Usually they have 4 types of parameters: EXPORTING- used to transfer data to the invoked function. TABLES-used to transfer by reference just internal tables. IMPORTING-used to get data that the function module returned. CHANGING-used for transferring parameters to a function and from the function. Q51: What events allow us to program help texts and display possible values lists? A51: The events are: PROCESS ON HELP-REQUEST (POH) and PROCESS ON VALUE (POV). Q52: What is the way for, instead of displaying a report to print it? A52: We can print the report with the aid of the keywords TO SAP-SPOOL: SUBMIT RSFLINDTO SAP-SPOOL DESTINATION LT50. Q53: How do we differentiate PARAMETERS from VARIANTS and SELE-OPTIONS? A53: For inserting values in the selection screen variables the variables have to be defined with the PARAMETER statement. For inserting range of values in the selection screen the statement SELECTOPTIONS does the job. When we need to repeat the program at regular times using the same selections we can make combinations of the values we want in a single selection group, the selection is named VARIANTS. Q54: Through what way we can get data to reach external programs? A54: This can be made with the SPA/GPA parameters in the memory of SAP and with EXPORT/IMPORT data in the memory of ABAP.

a) b) c) d)

Q55: What is the meaning of filed symbols and field groups and what is the usage of an idx structure component in relation to field groups? A55: Field symbols are not providing physical memory spaces for fields, instead they show a field that become known only at the program runtime. They can be compared to pointers at the level of concept (like in the C language). Extract datasets are made of record sequences, the records can be of various structures. The records that have an equal structure can be categorized together as a record type and every record type has to be defined as a filed group with the aid of this statement: FIELD-GROUPS. Q56: What is the meaning of the collect statement and in what way can we separate it from an append statement? A56: Inserting lines in internal tables that have independent standard keys, the statement COLLECT is used. When we already have an entry with that key the COLLECT statement brings the numeric field contents from the place of work to the numeric field contents from the current entry instead of appending a new line (thing that is made by the APPEND statement). Q57: What is the role of the EXTRACT statement in ABAP/4? A57: Once the primary EXTRACT statement is used in a report the extract data set is generated by the system and the primary extract record is brought. Then at every EXTRACT statement a supplementary extract record is brought to the extract dataset.

SAP Workflow FAQ Techniques What differences are there between a work item and a notification mail? a) The work item cannot be used to notify several users. Mails can be routed to several users, just like work items. When a mail is sent, and one recipient reads and deletes the mail, all other recipients will still have access to their own copy in their own inbox. However, when a work item is processed by one of the recipients it will automatically disappear from all the other inboxes. So you can see that a work item is unsuitable for notifying several users. It is also worth noting that a mail can be forwarded in many different ways (fax, internet...) whereas the work item cannot. b) The work item holds up the workflow When the workflow sends a mail (usually as a background step) it continues with the process immediately after transmitting the mail. When a work item is generated, the workflow will not continue until the work item has been processed. This slows down the process. Occasionally this is what is intended (using the work item as an approval step without the ability to reject) but usually you will better off using mails for notifications. Note: You can send business objects as references with the mail either as a business object reference attached to the mail or as an URL (ABAP required). What is the difference between sending a mail to a recipient list compared to sending individual mails via a dynamic loop? Performance. Sending 1 mail to 20 recipients will cost considerably less performance than sending 20 individual mails. If the mail is sent as a SAP Office mail (as opposed to e-mail, fax...) disk space

will also be a factor because the SAP office mail will only exist once in the database, with references being created for each of the recipients. The only time you need to consider individual mails with a dynamic loop is when the text of the mail varies from one recipient to another. How do I send a standard text as an e-mail from workflow? It is very easy sending standard text , which may include data from the workflow. You simply create a background step which sends the work item description. This may include variables which will be substituted when mail is sent. In early releases you have to create your own task based on the method SELFITEM SendTaskDescription. In later releases a wizard is available for creating the step and in release 4.6 there is even a step type which does this all for you automatically. Whichever path you take, there is very good online documentation describing exactly what has to be done. How do I send a complex text from the workflow? You may create mails using SAPscript. These mails can include conditions which are evaluated in order to determine which text blocks which are used in the mail. Workflow variables can be used in these conditions and workflow variables can be substituted into the body of the e-mail text. How do I send really complex mails from the workflow? If you this is not enough for you will probably want to write your own ABAP routines for generating the text and generating the attachments to go with the text. Use the function group SO01 which contains functions of the form SO_*_API1 which are ideal for creating your own sophisticated messages. There are plenty of advantages of how these are used within the SAP system. How do I send reports? There are wizards (Release 3.1) which will create workflows for you to send reports to a distribution list. You can specify whether the results should be transmitted or evaluated at the time the recipient wishes to view the report. It is usually better to send the evaluation because this allows the recipient to see the results instantaneously, without having to wait for the report to execute first. Deadlines How can I configure the workflow so that different types of messages are sent out to different people depending on how late the processing is? Follow these steps: 1. Specify a deadline period for the step. 2. Specify a name for the event. This adds new branch from the step. More... 3. Add a new step to the branch which sends a mail message. 4. Add another step to the branch which sends out the second deadline warning (see mail steps above). Use deadlines in this step to configure an earliest start so that the second message is not sent until a further time has elapsed. 5. Repeat step 5 as often as you like.

How can I configure the workflow so that when the deadline is missed the workflow step is simply skipped? This is tricky to explain but easy to implement once you know how. Follow these steps (in later releases there is a wizard which takes you through the steps): 1. In the terminating events view of the workflow step activate the "obsolete" event and give it a name. More... 2. Specify a deadline period for the step. 3. Specify a name for the event. This adds new branch from the step. More... 4. Add a new step to the deadline path. This step must be of type "process control". 5. Select the control "Make step obsolete" and use the search help to specify the workflow step that has the deadline. Only steps with obsolete paths defined will be displayed (see step 1). How do I trigger a workflow with an e-mail? You can customize the system to call a BOR method when an external mail (fax, e-mail...) arrives in the system. You BOR method should either trigger the e-meil directly or trigger an event. To customize this user exit use the transaction SCOT. How can I make sure that user's access their tasks via the workflow and not via the menu or launch pad? The routing mechanism for work items uses roles and organizational assignments to determine who receives which work item. However the routing does not provide extra authorization checks based on the routing configuration. If you want to ensure that the tasks are executed within the workflow, and not via the standard transaction, service or MiniApp, then you will have to apply your own protection. The simplest way of doing this is to remove the standard transaction from the user's menu or Workplace role (but include it in the supervisor's role, just in case). If you want to allow the user to execute the task from the menu if and only if they have received the work item then you should replace the standard transaction with your own custom built transaction. Your own transaction simply calls the standard transaction but performs it's own authorization check first, based on the routing mechanism used in the workflow. Tip: Add a second (ored) authorization check to make sure that a supervisor can execute the transaction in an emergency. New branch for deadline step By specifying the event name for a missed deadline (of whatever type) you are indirectly telling the workflow system that you want to add flow logic to your workflow to meet this event. Don't be put off by he fact that the branch does not lead anywhere. This is because the branch is not an alternative to the other results of the step. It is followed in addition to the other paths. In other words the workflow processing specified for a missed deadline is followed without affecting the standard flow. The step with the missed deadline remains where it is and can still be processed as normal