Data Transfer Methods

You can use the following methods to transfer data:

· Direct input: With direct input, the SAP function modules execute the consistency checks. However with batch input, these consistency checks are executed with the help of the screens. This means that direct input has considerable performance advantages.

· CALL TRANSACTION: Data consistency check with the help of screen logic.

· Batch input with batch input sessions: Data consistency check with the help of screen logic.

Difference between Batch Input and CALL TRANSACTION

If the direct input cannot be used for your task, this makes creating a data transfer program easier since the underlying transactions ensure that the data consistency checks are executed.

In the case of an error during the data transfer (if data records are inconsistent, for example), you can restart the transfer at the point in the program where the error occurred.

Data Transfer Overview

Batch input methods

With the batch input method, an ABAP program reads the external data that is to be entered in the SAP system and stores the data in a “batch input session”. The session records the actions that are required to transfer data into the system using normal SAP transactions.

When the program has generated the session, you can run the session to execute the SAP transactions in it. You can explicitly start and monitor a session with the batch input management function (by choosing System ® Services ® Batch input), or have the session run in the background processing system.

CALL TRANSACTION methods

In the second method, your program uses the ABAP statement CALL TRANSACTION USING to run an SAP transaction. External data does not have to be deposited in a session for later processing. Instead, the entire batch input process takes place inline in your program.

The information in Choosing Data Transfer Methods will help you decide which is the best data transfer method.