4.0 Other Useful ALE Concepts and
Conclusion:
Here are few additional concepts
which are broadly applicable to ALE and will help readers understand
SAP’s integration services.
Listings are special filter object
types, which are used to specify a selection criterion for
distributing master data. Listings are based on the SAP
Classification system. Lists are allocated to an LS using
transaction SALE (from the ALE customizing guide) or Distribution
Scenarios > Master Data Distribution > Distribution via Listings
Note: Listings are applicable
only to Material, Customer, and Vendor master data.
Ports are a logical representation
of the communication channels in SAP. R/3 defines four types of
ports viz. tRFC (transactional Remote Function Calls), File,
R/2, and Internet. ALE can use all port types to distribute Idocs.
Process Codes are used in both ALE
and EDI framework to identify the function module or API
(Application Programming Interface) to be invoked for subsequent
processing. Inbound as well as outbound interfaces use process code
but for different purposes. Outbound process codes are stored in
table TEDE1, while inbound process codes are stored in TEDE2.
Message control is a mechanism by
which documents are output based on a selection criteria and
requirements. This concept is applicable not only to EDI and ALE,
but also to other output mediums (for example: print, fax). Message
control determines the type of document, its timing, number, and the
medium. NAST table stores output records.
The conditions (selection
criteria and requirements) for creating an output message are
stored in condition tables. Search mechanisms are used through
access sequences, output processes, and requirements to
determine whether an application document qualifies for output.
ALE provides powerful capabilities
to capture changes occurring to master data using Change pointers.
These R/3 objects mark changes to SAP master data. ALE configuration
facilitates the relation between Change Document objects and change
pointers. This feature can be used to keep two or more systems
synchronized with respect to master data.
In conclusion, ALE is a simple
add-on application that relies heavily on the customizable
distribution scenario. Every time a data object (described in an ALE
scenario) changes, an IDoc is triggered. Application Link and
Enabling (ALE) is one of the most common and effective technologies
available for distributed SAP systems.
In this 7 article tutorial we have covered subjects
such as:
-
Data Distribution Model
-
ALE process
-
IDOCS
-
Converters
-
Configuring ALE
-
Other concepts
We hope you have enjoyed reading this tutorial.
If you are interested in learning more, check out the online SAP
training courses offered by
Michael Management Corporation
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