Before you learn about working with a SAP view structure, you need to understand what a structure is in the first place. That way, you will find it much easier to work with everything.
SAP structures are names that contain lists of fields. Their definition can be viewed via SE11. You can use structures in SAP for painting screen fields. When data has a discrete number of fields, which is in a consistent format, then you can manipulate that data via structures.
You cannot access actual content via table structures. What you can do however, is take advantage of the SAP view structure to get access to what you are looking for. Structures allow you to reference the actual tables and fields within databases that contain the data that you want.
Working With SAP View Structure Guide
Codes
When you utilize the SE11 code in SAP, you will be able to get access to the structure you want displayed. You will be able to see the structure name, the fields of the structure and any other details pertaining to the structure view.
The SE11 code also enables you to create and change a structure. If you only want a structure to be displayed, you should consider using SE12.
Creating Structures
If you want to create a structure, then the first order of business is for you to access the initial screen via ABAP dictionary. The transaction SE11 and subsequent Data Element option will get you to that level.
Once there, you should select the option: Data Type. You can then input the Name that you have chosen before clicking on Create. The next screen will come up after that.
In the new screen, you should select the Structure option. You can then press Enter (Green tick usually). The structure entry screen will then be displayed.
The next step will require you to enter the following data:
- A short text- this should be a short description of the structure you have just created.
- Component-this is usually the field name.
- Component type-this is usually the defining data element.
SAP recommends that each component name should start with ‘ZZ’ so take note of that. During this stage, you can also create the search helps for each field. All you have to do is to go to the tab: entry help/check. You can define things like currency units and even the check tables.
After you have entered all the data regarding components and component types, you should Select Save>Check>Activate.
You now have a structure!
Including structures within all the required tables
If you want to include structures to a custom table, then you need to have Inclusive structures.
- Open Database table. Ensure that it is in the change mode
- Utilize your SE11
- Enter the name of the required Table that you want to include
- Click Change
- In order for you to select the row in which your structure is to be included, select the row via the New Rows option and use the addition sign
- On the Field Name option, enter .INCLUDE
- Under Field Type option, enter Structure Name
- You can then select Save>Check>Activate
- Click the Expand All Include option. This will then enable you to see all the structure fields that have been included
Appending Structures
If you want to add on the required fields for database tables which are standard, then the APPEND Structure will come in quite handy.
So, how do you do that?
- Execute SE11, and then opt for Display of the table to which your structure is going to be appended. Click on Display at this point.
- On the Application Toolbar at the bottom, you will find the option for Append Structure. Click on that option.
- For you to append the structure to the database table, you will need to opt for the FIG New Append Structure option and click on it.
- You will then need to enter the name of the structure. It should start with Y or Z.
- Click Enter
- You can then input the short text, component, and component type. Descriptions for this can be found in the earlier sections of this article.
- Save the structure. In this case, saving must be done in the form of a transportable development class. It should never be done in form of Local Object. If you make the mistake of doing so, you will not be able to transport the appended structure from the development server to any other destination.
- Check> Activate.
Tracking SAP Structure Data Sources
Sometimes, when you are dealing with the SAP view structure, you may need to trace the actual source of the data at one time or the other. If that happens, you need to be aware of the options that you have for this purpose.
SE11
By executing Se11, you can find the source of data in your structure. When the initial screen appears, you will need to select the Data Type option.
After that you should then input the structure name. The structure should one that you are interested in.
Select the Where Used option. A display window will come up. It will give you multiple options of where the structure should be searched. Do not change the default settings.
Click on the Enter option, which would be displayed in form of a tick that is green in color.
A dialog box will be opened. You can search for individual structure elements by clicking on the Yes option.
After a while, you will be able to access a report with multiple data. By going through the report, you will be able to see the snippet of code where the searched item was found. All you have to do is to double click that snippet, and you can trace the program that contains the data source.
Bottom Line
Sometimes you just want to use SAP without having to dig down through the database tables and their individual fields. If you know how to work with the structures within SAP then creation, manipulation and display of data relevant to your business should not be a problem. What you need to do in order to make life easy for you is simply to learn how the SAP view structure works.