SAP Out bound EDI Process Over view

The outbound process uses IDoc types, Message control, partner profiles, port definitions, selection programs, service programs, and tables to generate an IDoc.

The IDoc Structure

The EDI document to be generated has an equivalent message type defined in the SAP system. The message type is based on an IDoc structure. For example, if you are going to generate EDI transaction 850, which is a purchase order, the message type ORDERS is assigned in SAP to purchase orders. This message is based on IDoc type ORDERS01 and ORDERS02.

Selection Programs

Selection programs, which are typically implemented as function modules, are designed to extract application data and create an IDoc. A selection program exists for each message type. The programs are generally named with the following naming convention:

IDOC_OUTPUT_message type

The naming convention mentioned here is not a rule, but it is a common practice for naming the outbound programs.

These function modules have a standard interface for input and output parameters. A process code is assigned to each selection program that executes under Message control. Because process codes are flexible, you can assign any processing option to a process code. A process code can point to a function module or a workflow. In the standard system, process codes always point to a function module.

Message Control

Message control is a cross−application technology. It is used in pricing, account determination, material determination, and output determination. The message control component enables you to encapsulate business rules without having to write ABAP/4 programs. In the EDI process, Message control determines and processes the various outputs associated with an application document (for example, EDI, printed output, fax, confirmation, and mail).

The Port Definition

Port is used in the outbound process to determine the name of the EDI subsystem program ,the directory path where the IDoc file will be created at the operating system level, the IDoc file names, and the RFC destination.

The RFC Destination

RFC (Remote Function Call) destination is the term used to define the characteristics of communication links to a remote system on which a function needs to be executed. In EDI, it is used to specify information required to gain access to the system on which the EDI subsystem is installed.

The Partner Profile

A partner profile specifies the various components used in an outbound process (partner number, IDoc type, message type, port, process code), the mode in which it communicates with the subsystem (batch versus immediate), and the person to be notified in case of errors. A partner profile is created for each business partner, and a record exists for each outbound message sent to a business partner.

For example, if two outbound messages (purchase order and purchase order change) are being sent to vendor number VEN001, a partner profile must exist for VEN001, and two outbound records (one for each message type) must exist in the partner profile. The partner profile is an important and frequently referenced component.

Service Programs and Configuration Tables

The asynchronous outbound process can be seen as a sequence of several processes that work together. SAP provides service programs and configuration tables to link the various components and provide customizing options for an outbound process. The process flow for the outbound process describes the role played by each service program and configuration table.(35.1)