SAP's whitepaper on "SAP Standard Custom Code Management " dated May 2009 on page 4 ‘Management Summary' states , inter alia:
Quote:
"SAP custom developments, enhancements and even modifications of SAP software are not rare at companies today. They are implemented in order to extend the functionality of the SAP standard software and to adjust it to the company-specific needs and business processes. This is often needed and a legitimate intention. But over time such changes very often become one of the main cost drivers and performance bottlenecks. Additionally, custom code is developed despite standard enhancement possibilities or due to insufficient information about standard functionality that is regularly provided by SAP. Besides, custom code can become obsolete over time and developments that are not used anymore are still maintained. Poor software quality often causes problems in productive environments and drives costs for improvement and adaptation. ........"
Unquote.
In this context, the proliferation of customized transaction codes is a cause for concern in many organizations. It is understandable when customized codes are created to cater to a business need of a specific region or country which is not directly addressed by SAP. However, when customized codes are created "...due to insufficient information about standard functionality....." it is an issue that has to be addressed. I do believe that many YCodes being created today fall in this category.
SAP as a product has grown leaps and bounds and today it has reached a stage where it is practically impossible to find an individual who knows the product in its entirety. As the saying goes "two heads are better than one" and it may be prudent to have a team of experienced consultants who ‘brain storm' the need for a YCode before it is created. This additional time spent can help address the issue mentioned in the quote above "...over time such changes very often become one of the main cost drivers and performance bottlenecks....".
Going forward we should ask ourselves the question..... Is it a YCode or Why Code?
