Thursday, June 12, 2008

Basics of Database in SAP

by: Ron Victor

SAP like enterprise applications are specifically made up of programs with the data which are used by and created by those programs. In a meaningful way the data are organized within in a database, For the benefit of programmers, which are made easy so that they can access and find the necessary data to do something useful, for instance run a financial report or to create a sales order. The programs and the data will be in same database for SAP component or product like ECC, Normally each component will posses its own database (Even some exceptions exists) - a production system landscape composed of SAP Business Warehouse (BW), SAP ECC, plus SAP Customer Relationship Management (CRM) consists of three production databases. Given its basic station in the life of an SAP system, since it is important we have to understand the over all role of database. Highlights of this hour comprise Exploring the concepts as well as structures of an RDBMS Determine which databases are supported by SAP Learning the disparity between a primary and foreign key Find out why indexes speed up data retrieval Structure of Database A database can be said as electronic warehouse where we can store information’s in an organized manner so that the system can find the desired information quickly. The database is composed of tables, columns (called fields), and rows (called records or data). A simple example of a database is telephone book which are organized alphabetically so that it make the user to get their information very easily likewise the database is formed with the same concept. Instead of man the system will do the work so the work can be done easily and efficiently. The basic structure of a database is somewhat comparable to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet in which columns (fields) store row after row of records (data). The major difference between a database as well as a spreadsheet is simply that databases be able to contain multiple tables that are connected to one another through relationships. Thus, a database can be thought of as a much more complex, plus ultimately much more useful, spreadsheet. The database plays an important role in each SAP system, as it houses all the data that are used by that particular SAP component or else product. Several brands of databases exist, making it easy intended for an IT shop to choose a database vendor with which they are probably already well-known. Currently, SAP can use a range of different brand name database releases ranging from very expensive as well as imminently flexible to very inexpensive as well as yet quite capable. It is significant to note that not all database vendors as well as versions are supported by SAP. SAP is likely to stick with the market leaders, over the years adding as well as removing support intended for certain vendors. In this way they not just limit the amount of database-specific customization they have to perform, but they endow with IT shops with flexibility plus choices, keys to success both for SAP as well as the IT organizations tasked with organize and supporting SAP solutions.
About The Author
Ron Victor is a SEO copywriter for http://www.simplysap.com He written many articles in various topics.For more information visit http://www.simplysap.comContact him at ron.seocopywriter@gmail.com

Integrating XML into SAP Business Connector

by: Ron victor

Corporations are always in search of the most effective mechanism for both acquiring and selling goods as well as services at very minimum total cost over the Internet. The Business Process Connectors for SAP systems supports for the dynamic integration between the application processes and server systems thus it facilitates in faster and efficient functioning of SAP R/3, SAP Portals and MySAP solutions. In the current model, SAP Business Connector Framework uses XML schemas for generating a JSP that can be assessed from any of the web browsers dynamically, so that one can test and deploy integration tools between the application server environment and SAP systems immediately. For the purpose of adding flexibility, convergence of XML schema approach to the SA Business Connector facilitates to all the SAP standards. Thereby the customers can leverage the power and flexibility of XML into their business documents with an improved efficiency and improved cost-effectiveness as well. Integrating Business Connectors with XML SAP BC combines both the RFC server and the client. Additionally it supplies an XML layer over R/3 functionality and also comes with XML automation since it has the ability in converting SAP’s RFC format into XML. There is no requirement of SAP R/3 automation at the receiving end since it supports both synchronous RFC and asynchronous RFC protocols. Benefits of XML Integration: End-to-End Web Business Processes Internet bridges the gap between different businesses, systems and users and facilitates them to do business via web. SAP BC makes communication easier by its XML conversions. By means of integration with XML, it enables the exchange of structured business documents over the Internet by providing common standard for various applications together with IT systems for communing with each other and for exchanging business data. Open Business Document Exchange over the Internet SAP Business Connector uses hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) for exchanging XML-based documents over the Internet. Without the need of developing tool, it guarantees the security in replacing of documents in accordance with the help of its SSL (Security Socket Layer) technology. Additionally, SAP BC offers openness and flexibility for complying with emerging semantics of business that keep on changing frequently. XML Solutions for SAP services SAP BC makes all solutions to be accessible by means of XML based business documents and with the support of XML-based interface Repository (IFR) and empowers SAP customers to benefit from SAP functionality over the Internet, it helps all major existing interfaces that are being offered by SAP. This particular IFR gives the choice of downloading XML schemas and tenders a uniform XML interface representation despite different implementation technologies such as RFC, IDOC and BAPI. XML messages are easily translated into equivalent SAP internal call whenever you need and it gets converted back into XML format when received from SAP system thereby enhancing the existing programming model for distributed applications formed by ALE along with SAP BC.
About The Author
Ron Victor is a SEO copywriter for http://www.simplysap.com He written many articles in various topics.For more information visit http://www.simplysap.comContact him at ron.seocopywriter@gmail.com

Implementing SAP Business One - Customization & Integration Notes

by: Arthur Ferretti
SAP Business One has about 4 years of implementation history and very robust presence in the USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, plus it has strong positions internationally. Considering the fact of relatively young age – the design of the system, including object model enable advanced customization, integration with both legacy and new technologies. We see certain stake on Microsoft technologies, such as MS SQL Server and COM object model. Integrated CRM module allows you to deploy Microsoft Outlook client for messaging, just to name a few. In addition to the customizability – SAP Business One has transaction integration to high end SAP, which allows this product to consolidate mid-size and small subsidiaries across the USA or internationally to your SAP corporate ERP system – franchisees network, dealerships, manufacturing facilities, etc. In this small article we will give customization scenarios to IT managers, who are planning to deploy SAP Business One integration, customization, reporting, etc.
• SAP Business One SDK. SAP Business One Software Development Kit has User Interface API, Data Interface API, Java Connector. The recommended way of customization design is XML web services, which allows you integrate custom web portals with SAP Business One objects: Sales Orders, Inventory Items, Customers. Ecommerce or Web-based Extranet (collaboration with your permanent vendors and customers) would be a good example.
• Implementation Partners. SAP Business One has several licensing & certifications criteria. One path allows the SAP partner to provide installations and so-called functional consulting. This means that these companies are experts of tying your business processes to SAP Business One standard set of modules and standard features/functionality. In our opinion – SAP BO is not only for relatively small to midsize businesses, but also for mid-size to large and even corporate business (subsidiaries and branches). Large companies have combination of multiple systems, including legacy – often they combine several platforms: Windows, Unix/Linux, Lotus Notes Domino, Siebel CRM, Salelogix, IBM DB2 to name a few. In this situation you need partnership with technically-savvy and experienced partner
• Customization Partners. SAP Business One SDK is not an open technology and in order to get access to it SAP Partner should get SDK development training and pass certification exam. At the same time, SAP SDK uses open tools, such as Microsoft Visual Studio, for example for coding itself. This leads to the common practice when Customization partners do not provide implementation and functional consulting services, but rather concentrate on development – offshore business location is also common. Some risk, however might be attributed to the fact that one organization does business processes specification and another one realizes them in custom coding.
• Technology Partners. The best result in the custom solution in our opinion could be achieved with SAP Business One Partner, who does both sides: Implementation/Functional and Customization/Development. Considering less then 10,000 SAP Business One implementations worldwide – it might be difficult to find local technology partner in your area, in this case – the compromise is to use remote partner with the network of local independent contractors.
Happy implementing, customizing and modifying! If you want us to do the job - give us a call 1-866-528-0577! help@albaspectrum.com
About The Author
Arthur Ferretti is Chief Technology Officer at Alba Spectrum Technologies ( http://www.albaspectrum.com ) – SAP Business One, Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains, Navision, Axapta MS CRM, Oracle Financials and IBM Lotus Domino Partner, serving corporate customers in the following industries: Aerospace & Defense, Medical & Healthcare, Distribution & Logistics, Hospitality, Banking & Finance, Wholesale & Retail, Chemicals, Oil & Gas, Placement & Recruiting, Advertising & Publishing, Textile, Pharmaceutical, Non-Profit, Beverages, Conglomerates, Apparels, Durables, Manufacturing and having locations in multiple states and internationally.
We are serving USA Nationwide: CA, IL, NY, FL, AZ, CO, TX, WI, WA, MI, MA, MO, LA, NM, MN, Europe: Germany, France, Belgium, Poland, Russia, Middle East (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, OAE, Bahrain), Asia: China, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania, South & Central America: Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Chili, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico

SAP Business One – MRP Implementation in São Paulo

by: Arthur Ferretti


SAP just introduced localized version of its mid-size and small ERP solution – SAP Business One. As you probably know SAP Business One has Multilanguage in one company feature, and it is adaptable to unique tax rules, which is the case in Brazil. Among the other localized solutions: Microsoft Navision, Oracle Financials (or the whole set of Oracle Business Suite – Oracle Applications), Microsoft Axapta (localized version should be release in 2006), SAP Business One should be considered to be implemented for either Brazilian company with the connections to European and American market and business partners or for Brazilian branch of multinational corporation. Let’s consider market specifics and how SAP Business One could potentially fit for the ERP market in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or the whole Brazil.
• Multilanguage & Brazilian Portuguese Support. This is really strong point of SAP Business One - you can switch from say Portuguese to American English by pressing cntrl keys combination. System will close all your existing screens and this is probably the only inconvenience you may notice. Please, be aware that SAP Business One has also version with Portuguese interface for continental Portugal.
• Manufacturing/Production module. For the multinational company Brazil is often considered as the place for quality and cost efficient manufacturing operations. And we see diversified needs for manufacturing automation – from machinery to food processing. SAP Business One Production module targets the whole spectrum of manufacturing needs.
• CRM. CRM module is integrated within the system. We should mention modern design of CRM module and really intuitive interface for business professionals, dealing with sales analysis.
• HR. SAP Business One doesn’t have Payroll module for Brazil.
• Drag & Relate. This feature allows you intuitively drag and compare/relate the data in the system.
• Customization, Reporting & Integration. SAP BO integrates with Microsoft Office on the level of COM objects, it sits in MS SQL Server database (the only platform available for Brazil at this time). It has SAP Business One SDK and we expect large number of ISV with custom products show up on the Brazilian market within a few years. Besides internal SAP BO reporting – you can do reporting from SQL Server directly.
• Competitors. If you are looking from the number of installations in Brazil, then you should consider Microsiga, where you will see similar slightly higher license and system implementation prices. If you are looking for international ERP brand, localized for Brazil – then consider Microsoft Navision/Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Axapta/Dynamics AX and Oracle E-Business Suite, which includes Oracle Financials, also known as Oracle Applications. Microsiga should be recognized as very efficient Brazilian tax & government reporting solution, at the same time SAP, Microsoft and Oracle are catching up with the compliance of their localized MRPs.
• Releasing Dates. SAP Business One, having over 8,000 installations Worldwide is scheduled to be released in Brazil in November/December 2005. Microsoft Navision and Oracle E-Business Suite are available and availability of localized Microsoft Axapta (Microsoft Dynamics AX) version is 2006.
• Licensing Price Structure. SAP Business One has all-in-one named user licenses. This means that you do not pay for adding new modules – all the modules are available for the user and included in the license price. CRM-only user license is available at 50% or the all-in-one user license. SAP Business One requires also annual maintenance fee, which will give you now standard for the ERP industry software upgrade and discounted technical support.
Please give as a call São Paulo 55-11-3444-4949, USA 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918! help@albaspectrum.com
About The Author
Arthur Ferretti is SAP Business One specialist at Alba Spectrum Technologies ( http://www.albaspectrum.com ) – Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Great Plains, Navision, Axapta, Microsoft CRM and IBM Lotus Notes Domino Partner, serving clients in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, Recife, Manaus, Lisboa, Coimbra, Porto, Cascais and having locations in multiple states and internationally.

Latest updates from sdn.sap.com

SAP Developer Network Latest Updates