Thomas Karas, Tobias Trapp, Rinaldo Heck, Christoph Wachter,

Werner Hertleif

SAP® Smart Forms

The comprehensive manual
Dear reader,

Thank you for purchasing a book from SAP PRESS.

More than thirteen years have passed since the first edition of this book
has been published, and SAP Smart Forms is still used in many
companies. But who is it? With SAP Smart Forms, the end-user is finally
offered an extremely versatile tool to develop tailor-made forms.

However, since even the most knowledgeable person can not know all
the nooks and crannies of the solution and there are even some who are
not yet familiar with SAP Smart Forms, we will once again offer you a
tried and tested helper with the fourth edition Detailed questions.
Regardless of whether you need help with the first steps with SAP Smart
Forms, or if you want to enter deeply into the technical details, the
author team is not responsible for you. Are you a person? Then you will
surely be pleased with the information about the HR Forms Workplace,
which were included in this edition.

We are always looking forward to praise, but also to critical reviews that
help us improve our books. Do not be afraid to contact me. Your
questions and comments are always welcome.

Martin Angenendt
Proofreading SAP PRESS

[email protected]
www.rheinwerk-verlag.de

Rheinwerk, Germany • Rheinwerkallee 4 • 53227 Bonn

Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................. ............................................... 17

PART I Basic knowledge

1 Quick Start ................................................ .................... 29
1.1 General information on the development of forms ...................................... 29
1.1.1 Layout of the form ............................................ ... 30
1.1.2 Sequence logic of the form ........................................ 32
1.1.3 Data in the form ............................................ ....... 33
1.1.4 Output .............................................. ..................... 35
1.1.5 Tools .............................................. ................. 35
1.1.6 Further steps ............................................. .......... 36
1.2 Exercise example ................................................ ...................... 36
1.2.1 Requirements .............................................. ........ 36
1.2.2 Output of the sample form .................................. 38
1.2.3 Create your own form as working copy and
Activate ................................................. ................ 45
1.2.4 Changes to the own form ........................... 47
1.2.5 Creating own framework program ......................... 56
1.3 Types of knot in the overview ............................................. ... 59

2 Tools ................................................ .......................... 63

2.1 Overview ................................................ ............................... 63
2.2 Style Builder ............................................... ........................... 66
2.2.1 Overview .............................................. ................... 66
2.2.2 Functions .............................................. ................ 67
2.2.3 Creating your own style by copying ............................ 69
2.2.4 Header data of the style ............................................ ...... 71
2.2.5 Maintaining paragraph formats ............................................. 72
2.2.6 Exercise example: Structure ..................................... 77
2.2.7 Character formats .............................................. .......... 80
2.2.8 Exercise example: content of the style ................................ 84
2.3 Form Builder ............................................... .......................... 84
2.3.1 Processing functions ........................................... 85
2.3.2 Form Painter ............................................. ............... 93
2.3.3 Table Painter ............................................. ............... 96
2.4 Form info and search .............................................. ........... 99
2.5 Checking, Testing, Activating Forms ...................................... 100
2.5.1 Activating Form ............................................. ..... 100
2.5.2 Testing the form ............................................. ........... 104
2.5.3 Generating the form ............................................. .... 104
2.6 Formal Documentation ................................................ ........ 105
3 Layout of the form .............................................. ............ 107
3.1 Basics ................................................ ........................... 107
3.2 General layout requirements ............................................... ...... 109
3.2.1 Global Settings ............................................. 109
3.2.2 Frames and shading .................................... 112
3.3 page nodes .............................................. ........................... 113
3.3.1 Re-creating the Design Page ....................................... 114
3.3.2 Attributes to the page node ..................................... 115
3.4 Window Node .............................................. ........................ 116
3.4.1 Properties of the main / secondary windows ................... 117
3.4.2 Create new window ............................................ ..... 119
3.4.3 Exercise example: Creating windows ............................ 120
3.4.4 Copy window .............................................. ............ 121
3.4.5 Closing window .............................................. ........ 122
3.5 Stencils and output tables .......................................... 122
3.5.1 Differences between templates and tables ............. 122
3.5.2 Common features of templates and tables ...... 124
3.5.3 Area of application of output tables ............... 124
3.5.4 Creating a Template ............................................. ...... 124
3.5.5 Exercise example: Setting up template nodes .......... 125
3.5.6 Output options for the template .............................. 133
3.5.7 Combining several templates ............................ 134
3.5.8 Output table without direct data access .............. 135

4 Basic node types ............................................... ..... 137

4.1 Text nodes .............................................. ............................ 137
4.1.1 General characteristics ........................................ 137
4.1.2 Text element .............................................. ............... 142
4.1.3 Exercise example: Creating text nodes ...................... 144
4.1.4 Include-Text (SAPscript-Text) ................................... 145
4.1.5 Dynamic text ............................................. ....... 150
4.1.6 Including text modules .......................................... 151
4.1.7 Exercise example: Integrating text blocks .................. 152
4.1.8 Creating and Maintaining Text Modules .......................... 154
4.1.9 Exercise example: Creating text blocks ...................... 156
4.1.10 Web properties ............................................ ...... 157
4.2 Address nodes .............................................. ....................... 157
4.2.1 Creating Address Nodes .......................................... 158
4.2.2 Address type .............................................. ................... 159
4.2.3 Address number and number of persons ...................... 160
4.2.4 Designing the addresses .......................................... 161
4.2.5 Address Processing (Customizing) ............................ 162
4.3 Graphics and background image .............................................. .. 163
4.3.1 Including graphics in the form .......................... 163
4.3.2 Graphics in window, template or
Output table ................................................. 165
4.3.3 Background image to the page ......................................... 166
4.3.4 Optimizing the print output ............................... 168
4.4 Folder Nodes .............................................. ........................ 168
4.4.1 "Output Options" tab ............................ 169
4.4.2 "Timers" tab ....................................... 170
4.4.3 "Conditions" tab ................................... 171
4.4.4 Exercise example: Creating folders .............................. 172
4.5 Language in the form .............................................. ................ 172
4.5.1 Language for form issue ................................... 172
4.5.2 Date output .............................................. ......... 173

5 Data in the form .............................................. ................ 175

5.1 Overview ................................................ ............................... 175
5.2 Fields as wildcards .............................................. ............... 177
5.2.1 List of fields .............................................. ..................... 177
5.2.2 Fields in the text node .......................................... ... 178
5.2.3 Fields as node attributes ........................................ 181
5.2.4 Format for date, time and numeric fields ... 182
5.2.5 Fields with processing options ............................ 183
5.3 Data structures and data definitions ................................ 187
5.3.1 Overview of the data structures ......................... 188
5.3.2 Data Definition .............................................. .......... 194
5.3.3 Using ABAP data types .................................. 196
5.3.4 Reference to ABAP Dictionary ...................................... 197
5.3.5 Individual data types in the form ....................... 202
5.3.6 Syntax of the fields ............................................ ......... 203
5.4 Source of data .............................................. ..................... 204
5.4.1 Form interface .............................................. .. 204
5.4.2 Global definitions ............................................. 213
5.4.3 System Fields .............................................. ............... 214
5.5 Issue of fields with currency or volume reference ...... 217

6 Sequence logic of the form .............................................. .... 223

6.1 Overview ................................................ ............................... 223
6.2 Dynamic data output ............................................... ..... 227
6.2.1 Overview .............................................. ................... 228
6.2.2 Types of nodes for outputting internal tables ..... 229
6.2.3 Passing the Loop ............................................. .... 231
6.2.4 Loop with calculations ....................................... 239
6.2.5 Reading the individual data record via the loop ................... 241
6.2.6 Exercise example: loop ........................................... 243
6.2.7 Output table .............................................. .......... 244
6.2.8 Exercise example: sorting stage with display of the
Flight connections ................................................. ... 249
6.2.9 Exercise example: INFO window on table
Change to ................................................. ............... 251
6.2.10 Exercise example: Weight in the graduation window .......... 256
6.3 Logical Queries ............................................... .................. 257
6.3.1 Conditions .............................................. ............... 258
6.3.2 Branches via alternative nodes .................. 261
6.4 Sequence and numbering of the output pages ..................... 262
6.4.1 Sequence of pages ............................................ 262
6.4.2 Page count .............................................. ............... 264
6.4.3 Special case: copy window ......................................... 265
6.5 Command Nodes .............................................. ................. 267
6.5.1 Steps in the output control ............................. 268
6.5.2 Print Controls ............................................. ............... 269
6.5.3 Attributes for Spool Request ...................................... 271
6.6 Summary of the form processing ....................... 273

PART II Advanced application

7 ABAP programs in the form ........................................... 279
7.1 Why program code in the form? ....................................... 279
7.1.1 Data Collection .............................................. ...... 280
7.1.2 Input of program code in the form ................. 281
7.2 Development tools ................................................ ......... 284
7.2.1 Object Navigator ............................................. 284
7.2.2 ABAP Editor ............................................. ................ 287
7.2.3 Function Builder ............................................. ......... 291
7.2.4 ABAP Debugger ............................................. .......... 297
7.2.5 ABAP Dictionary ............................................. ......... 307
7.3 Processing functions in the program node ...................... 314
7.4 Special features in the program node ................................... 318
7.5 Exercise example: Business correspondence to
Business partner ................................................. .................. 321
7.5.1 Create form ............................................. ....... 321
7.5.2 Creating business partners for the test ...................... 326
7.5.3 Testing the form ............................................. .......... 327

8 Framework Program, Data Collection and

Form issue ................................................. ................ 329
8.1 Framework program ................................................ ................. 329
8.2 Transferring key fields for data collection ................... 331
8.2.1 Exercise example »Flight calculation«: Selection screen
For data input ................................................ ..... 332
8.2.2 Key fields via message control
fill ................................................. .................. 335
8.3 Data Collection ................................................ .................. 340
8.3.1 Exercise example: Read data table tables
(Flight calculation) ............................................... .......... 340
8.3.2 Exercise example: Obtaining delivery data ............ 341
8.4 Form output via the call of the function block ..... 343
8.4.1 Identifying the name of the function block ................... 343
8.4.2 Function block for the form output
To call ................................................. .................. 344
8.5 Exercise example: Flight calculation to several customers
output ................................................. .............................. 347
8.5.1 Implementation .............................................. ................. 347
8.5.2 Step 1: Extended customer number request .......... 348
8.5.3 Step 2: Advanced data selection ......................... 348
8.5.4 Step 3: Create a loop ........................................ 349
8.5.5 Step 4: Customize form .................................... 351
8.5.6 Step 5: Final test ........................................... 352
8.6 What data does the form use? ................................ 352
8.6.1 Exercise: Transfer of the flight connections
as required ............................................... ........... 354
8.6.2 Exercise example: Reduced data supply
For the delivery note ............................................... .. 355
8.7 Using BAdIs for Customer Data Acquisition ........... 358
8.7.1 Enhancement Framework Architecture ............... 358
8.7.2 What are BAdIs? .................................................. .... 360
8.7.3 Availability of BAdIs .......................................... 360
8.7.4 Exercise example: With BAdIs additional data for
The delivery note ................................... 360
8.7.5 How does the data come into the form? ..................... 364
8.8 Standard parameters of the form interface ......................... 365
8.8.1 Import default parameters ....................................... 366
8.8.2 Exercise example: Import default parameters ............. 372
8.8.3 Export default parameters ....................................... 377
8.8.4 Exercise example: Export standard parameters .............. 379
8.9 Runtime errors / exceptions .............................................. ....... 380
8.9.1 Error handling in the supporting program .................. 383
8.9.2 Individual error handling in the form ............. 387
8.9.3 Monitoring the form execution by
Trace function ............................................... .......... 393

9 Print Workbench and Correspondence Tool ...................... 395

9.1 Printing Workbench .............................................. ................... 396
9.2 Formatting - SAP-Side Reference Customizing .............. 398
9.3 Application Forms - Customized Customizing
And user exit programming ............................................ .. 402
9.3.1 Global characteristics of application forms ........................................... .................... 403
9.3.2 Application form
(Transaction EFRM) .............................................. ... 403
9.3.3 Editing the SAP Smart Forms Form and
Activating the application form ............................... 405
9.3.4 Test pressure of an application form ..................... 408
9.3.5 User Exit Programming: Summation of
Amounts ................................................. 408
9.3.6 Application forms of the type »Collection« ........... 414
9.4 Printing process and output control ..................................... 417
9.4.1 System-wide component overview .......... 418
9.4.2 Raw data formats .............................................. ....... 419
9.4.3 Shipping control .............................................. ...... 420
9.5 Correspondence management ................................................ .. 423
9.6 Correspondence Tool - User View ................................... 426
9.6.1 Correspondence Print Transaction FPCOPARA .......... 427
9.6.2 Displaying Correspondence History ............................... 429
9.6.3 Archiving in the Correspondence Area .................... 429
9.7 Correspondence Tool - Architecture ......................................... 430
9.7.1 Data model of the correspondence container ............. 430
9.7.2 Customizing .............................................. ............... 431
9.7.3 Time processing ............................................. 433
9.8 Implementing the print process ............................................... 435
9.8.1 Defining the print interface .................................... 436
9.8.2 Implementing the print interface ........................... 445
9.8.3 Call up the print interface ...................................... 450

PART III Proven Methods

10 Best Practices ............................................... ....................... 455
10.1 Graphics management ................................................ ................... 455
10.2 Text processing and storage ............................................. .... 459
10.2.1 Microsoft Word as Editor ........................................ 460
10.2.2 Inline Editor ............................................ ................ 461
10.2.3 SAPscript editor (full-page editor) ......................... 465
10.2.4 Special characters in the text ............................................ 467
10.2.5 Text management .............................................. 473
10.3 Messaging and control ...................................... 479
10.3.1 Overview .............................................. ................... 479
10.3.2 Message detection via condition technology ............ 481
10.3.3 Exercise example: message generation via
Condition Technique ................................................. ... 482
10.3.4 Include forms of finance ................... 492
10.3.5 Including QM forms ........................................ 493
10.4 Post processing Framework .............................................. ..... 495
10.4.1 Post processing Framework Architecture ............ 496
10.4.2 Customizing the book database .................................... 496
10.4.3 Demo application book database ............................ 501
10.5 Exercise example: Using a form several times ..................... 503
10.5.1 Step 1: ABAP Dictionary objects for the
Creating the Form Interface .................................. 504
10.5.2 Step 2: Create form ................................... 506
10.5.3 Step 3: Testing the form ......................................... 512
10.6 Exercise example: Label printing ............................................. 513
10.6.1 Creating and integrating the basic form ....................... 515
10.6.2 Setting up label printing in the form ..................... 517
10.6.3 Result of the form issue ................................. 522
10.6.4 Proposal for the development of the form .................. 523
10.7 Exercise example: sending by e-mail / fax .......................... 524
10.7.1 Overview of the Business Communication Interface .... 524
10.7.2 E-mail sending .......................................... .............. 528
10.7.3 Sending Faxes .............................................. ................. 532
10.8 Transportation and translation .............................................. ...... 533
10.8.1 Transport .............................................. ................... 534
10.8.2 Translation of texts ........................................... 535
10.8.3 Language of the form processing ............................ 537
10.9 Printing and Spooling System ............................................. ........... 538
10.9.1 Overview .............................................. ................... 538
10.9.2 Specifications in the spool dialog box ................................... 540
10.9.3 Spool control (output control) ........................ 542
10.9.4 Spool Management .............................................. ........ 547
10.9.5 Device Types (Print Controls) .................................... 550
10.9.6 Fonts and Barcodes in the SAP System ......................... 553
10.10 Output in XML / XSF format .......................................... ....... 559
10.10.1 Overview of XML-based formats ..................... 560
10.10.2 Transfer forms of XML-based output .......... 561
10.10.3 Static Activation of XSF Output ............................... 562
10.10.4 Dynamically Controlling XML-Based Output ............... 563
10.10.5 Exercise example: Download XSF output ................. 564
10.10.6 Formatted HTML output ..................................... 567
10.10.7 Sending the form electronically .............................. 568
10.11 Connection of external systems with XSF and XDF formats
10.11.1 Overview .............................................. ................... 569
10.11.2 Data stream formats .............................................. .... 571
10.11.3 Further aspects .......................................... 577

11 SAP Smart Forms in Document - oriented Processes ...... 581

11.1 SAP Business Workflow .............................................. ........... 581
11.1.1 Basic operation of SAP Business Workflow ................ 582
11.1.2 Definition of workflows ........................................ 584
11.1.3 Appraiser .............................................. ...... 586
11.1.4 Programmatic control ................................. 588
11.1.5 SAP Smart Forms in SAP Business Workflow use .................... 590
11.2 SAP ArchiveLink ............................................... ..................... 594
11.2.1 What is a "document" in the SAP System? .................. 594
11.2.2 Technical illustration of the document in the
SAP System ............................................... ................. 597
11.2.3 Basic principle of SAP ArchiveLink ........................... 600
11.2.4 Basic Customizing of SAP ArchiveLink ................. 601
11.2.5 Business Scenarios in Smart Forms ....... 602
11.3 SAP Folders Management .............................................. ..... 609
11.3.1 Architecture .............................................. ................ 609
11.3.2 Identification of an object ..................................... 612
11.3.3 File management .............................................. ..... 612
11.3.4 In Consistency: SAP Folders Management and
Smart Forms ................................................ ............ 613
11.4 Project Example: Creating the Training Type in SAP ERP HCM ......... 614
11.4.1 Technical processes and requirements .................... 615
11.4.2 Challenge .............................................. ..... 615
11.4.3 Realization .............................................. ............... 616
11.4.4 Technology .............................................. ...................... 617
11.4.5 Conclusion / outlook of the project ....................................... 618

12 Forms in SAP ERP HCM ............................................ .... 619

12.1 HR Form Workplace ............................................ ............ 620
12.2 Preparation of forms .............................................. ....... 620
12.3 Creating the metadata with the HR metadata Workplace .................................... 622
12.3.1 Types of MetaStars ............................................ ... 625
12.3.2 Reader Routines .............................................. .............. 626
12.3.3 Summing up the values ............................................. 628
12.3.4 Customer MetaStar ......................................... 628
12.3.5 Customer MetaDimension ................................ 628
12.4 Creating a Form with the HR Form Workplace .........................................
.................................... 631
12.5 Graphical output ............................................... .................. 634

13 Migration to SAP Interactive Forms by Adobe ................... 639

13.1 Migration path ................................................ ................... 640
13.2 Example migration ................................................ ................... 641
13.2.1 Performing the migration ............................................. 642
13.2.2 Migration result .............................................. .... 646
13.2.3 Rework form ......................................... 646
13.2.4 Outputting the Migrated Form ........................... 649
13.3 Technology Compatibility ................................................ ..... 654
13.3.1 General restrictions .................................... 654
13.3.2 OTF Output Format ............................................ ..... 655
13.3.3 Further notes on compatibility ........................ 656
Attachment ................................................. .................................... 659
A More information ............................................... ...................... 661
B The SAP Flight Data Model ............................................. ................... 663
C Example forms for flight calculation .............................................. 667
D SAP Smart Forms and e-mail delivery ........................................ ...... 671
E Transaction Map ................................................ ...................... 685
F Sample Forms Automotive ............................................... ............ 689
G The authors ............................................... ...................................... 693

Index ................................................. .................................................. ... 697