Importance of IDoc in SAP
One of the core elements that enable the incessant flow of information is the Intermediate document or IDoc. The IDoc in SAP is a standard data structure used to interchange, electronic data between application programs. It serves as a vehicle to transfer data within the SAP’s application systems. IDocs usually exist as a self-contained text file that can be transmitted to another workstation even without connecting to the main database.
A company utilizing a large network of computer environment is likely to benefit from IDoc in SAP in order to connect to different geographical database locations. Usually, such intricate computer system uses different hardware and operating system platforms. With IDoc in SAP, data is encapsulated so that it can be exchanged between different platforms, without the need to convert from one format to another.
IDocs define several data categories, such as invoices or purchase orders that can be broken down into specific categories. This means that IDoc in SAP is capable of storing a specific data needed for a particular transaction, allowing for increased efficiency and decrease the demand for more resources.
Standard Methods to Generate IDoc
There are different requirements for the generation or frequency of IDoc, depending on the type of data. Initially, there is a need to distinguish between the generation of a master data and the generation of transaction data. Usually, to generate IDoc in SAP, a special tool called Share Master Data Tool is needed. Transaction data IDocs can be generated using the existing message controls or some special functions that allow for the direct generation of IDocs.
Shared Master Data Tool
The SMD is a special tool used to send master data through IDoc. A master data is often described by a long retention period in the computer system wherein the data are rarely changed. Master data include multiple views that are not used all the time. You may choose to omit views, including those in the mandatory fields. This would enable you to select specific information and use only the data that is required in your business enterprise. The SMD considers these requirements. You can control irrelevant fields using a No Data character, which in turn, regulates IDocs into the background jobs. Furthermore, you can opt to generate IDocs explicitly, if it becomes impossible to wait for a periodic schedule of jobs.
Message Control
The message control is a standard function of SAP that triggers a transfer of all transaction data. You can do this by using a fax, printer, or an IDoc. When processing the data through IDocs, you can use a transmission medium. All the required setting for message controls are included in the message controls of IDoc in SAP. The key to generate data using IDoc is to identify the application used, the type of output you want to generate, and in which way would you want the generated data sent to a particular user.
It is quite impossible to master SAP without mastering the IDoc, which is its workhorse. A Computer system that utilizes SAP environments and other similar platforms can make their system more integrated into specific business requirements by using IDoc in SAP. The IDoc technology is a powerful design philosophy that makes the SAP system more efficient.