LSMW: Basics, Part2(Which upload method should we chose in LSMW)

Which method to be used in LSMW?

LSMW tool provides 4 different methods for upload: Direct input method, Batch input recording, BAPI, IDOC.

In the first step of LSMW of maintaining object attributes we need to mention which of the above method we want to use.

Which method to be used, this was often my first doubt when I started working on LSMW’s. Answer to this question is: These methods are chosen based on the situation you are in. But I will try to give some suggestions so that it will be helpful for you to quickly come to a conclusion based on your requirement.

• If you are a technical person with ABAP knowledge, prefer to BAPI/IDOC methods.

          Advantages: As you are a technical person, you can easily handle IDOC’s.

          Both BAPI method, IDOC method uses IDOC as medium of exchange.

          In these methods a text file is created with IDOC format when you convert data.

          By using direct and BDC recording method LSMW creates a batch session which we need to run in SM35 transaction.

          But when the quantity of data is more, running sessions will take a lot of time.

          For example, objects related FI takes a lot of time. And if you have some information screen or warning it takes hell lot of time.

          Usually in such cases we use “Phone on keyboard option”(where we leave the system to load by pushing enter button using a phone). 

          Check the below image for this option. 🙂

          This option is not a good one though. So in such cases IDOC/BAPI methods are extremely useful.

          Exceptions: Though the above discussion holds good in most of the cases, there are some exceptions for this. For example: For           uploading work centers, we use a direct input method using program RCRAPDX2. This doesn’t create any session but directly updates           the database. So please check once in direct input method how the data is uploaded.  If it creates a session, prefer IDOC’s or BAPI.

          Else you can consider Direct input method.

• If you are a functional consultant prefer Direct input or Batch input recording (if these methods exist for your situation).

          This is not a rule but just a suggestion on the way you should think.

          Advantages: Direct input and Batch input recording requires less coding knowledge.

          So it’s easy for the functional consultants to handle LSMW using these methods.

          Exceptions: Though we have Direct input methods for some objects, running sessions is tiring and too much time consuming.

          In that case better to take help of ABAPer and go for BAPI/IDOC method.

          For example: For asset master upload, we have a direct input method, but handling it in this method is difficult when compared to IDOC.           This is because we need to run it in foreground method.

• Use BDC input recording if you just need to update few fields.

          Advantages: Suppose let’s think that we uploaded Material master data in SAP.

          And now there is requirement that you have to update 2 fields for all the records.

          In that case prefer a BDC recording with just 2 fields to update all the records you want to update.

         Exceptions: If you need to update only 2 fields which are in table control recording doesn’t work.

         For example consider a situation where you have header and line items in it.

         And if the fields you need to update are in line items, you cannot use recording.

Please understand that above views are not valid in all cases. Based on the experience I just suggested Pros and Cons.

As I said before, deciding which method to be used completely depends on the situation you are in.