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Author's profile photo Ivy Li

Automated Note Search Tool (ANST) — How to use it in real SRM cases

Dear All,

Some of you might ever hear about this tool called ‘ANST’. This is a transaction which can be called, if your SAP_BASIS component satisfied the following pre-requisites.

/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/test3_843074.png

Well, from its name, it seems to be a tool to search SAP Notes automatically. Of course, it has this functionality, but not only this.
It can also identify custom codes, customizing tables, and provide debugging hints.

/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/test2_843052.png

However it is a little confusing that how we can make use of ANST to solve cases in SRM products.
In order to show this vividly, I try to simulate some scenarios in SRM system with videos.

Test Case:

  1. Transaction => BBPGETVD
  2. Program =>BBP_VENDOR_UPDATE_DATA_JOB
  3. Web Dynpro Application => Inconsistent Business Partner Handling
  4. WD Application Configuration => Attribute issue in SRM User Settings

Please go to ‘Resolution’ part of KBA 2250904 to check the videos that you are interested in.

P.S.
If you cannot launch ANTST tool even if SAP_BASIS SP is higher than required SP, try to search SAP Notes with key words ‘ANST’ under component BC-UPG-NA. You will find the solution then.

Hope you will like this tool in your daily work 🙂 , and welcome to any feedback regarding to this tool.

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      19 Comments
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      Author's profile photo Laurent Burtaire
      Laurent Burtaire

      Hello,

      just for precision, with SP SAPKB73106 for SAP_BASIS component 731, transaction is not ANST, but ANST_SEARCH_TOOL (report name also).

      You have to apply OSS note 1915529 - ANST: New transaction code to rename the transaction.

      Moreover, you have to populate settings for table ANST_SETTINGS.

      Regards.

      Laurent.

      Author's profile photo Ivy Li
      Ivy Li
      Blog Post Author

      Hi Laurent,

      Thank you for pointing out this.
      I will modify the KBA to prevent any misunderstanding about ANST and ANST_SEARCH_TOOL.
      Welcome to any feedback regarding to this tool;)

      BR,
      Ivy

      Author's profile photo Laurent Burtaire
      Laurent Burtaire

      Hello Ivy,

      thanks for the update.

      This tool is a great idea: it will be very helpful !

      Regards.

      Laurent.

      Author's profile photo Sankara Bhatta
      Sankara Bhatta

      Hi,

      What are the exact entries that we need to maintain in table ANST_SETTINGS?

      Author's profile photo Former Member
      Former Member

      Thanks Ivy, so helpful!

      It is easier to find place to set break point in the future.

      BR

      Leo

      Author's profile photo Ivy Li
      Ivy Li
      Blog Post Author

      It is my pleasure to see that ANST can be of help in issue analysis.
      Welcome any feedback about it.

      BR,
      Ivy

      Author's profile photo Sankara Bhatta
      Sankara Bhatta
      Author's profile photo Sankara Bhatta
      Sankara Bhatta

      Hi Li,

      I don't see option for WD configuration and also 'Trace on/off' button on top. we are in

      SAP_BASIS 731 0006 SAPKB73106 SAP Basis Component

      Capture.JPGdo we  need to apply some extra notes?

      Author's profile photo Ivy Li
      Ivy Li
      Blog Post Author

      Hi,

      The note below will introduce the trace one/off functionality:
      2052346 - ANST - Start and Stop the trace at any point

      I will list all the related basis notes in my KBA for your refernece.

      BR,
      Ivy

      Author's profile photo Sankara Bhatta
      Sankara Bhatta

      thank you. well i tried in a system where SAp_basis is at 740. I tested WD application FPM_TEST_ACTION_MENU, I did some actions on the application then closed the brwoser. Next I clicked on stop recording button. System said tracing is cancelled by user.  but nothing has been getting saved in the trace.

      Author's profile photo Ivy Li
      Ivy Li
      Blog Post Author

      Hi,

      I think the WD application used is not the application that you take actions, so ANST didn't record anything successfully.

      BR,
      Ivy

      Author's profile photo Sankara Bhatta
      Sankara Bhatta

      I have tried with mulitple WD applicaiton. nothing works. They have some actions in them

      Author's profile photo Ivy Li
      Ivy Li
      Blog Post Author

      Hi,

      I tested this, and found note 2253694 should be of help. Please apply it and retest.

      BR,
      Ivy

      Author's profile photo Sankara Bhatta
      Sankara Bhatta

      I have applied the note in SAP_BASIS 731, SAPKB73106 system. It is still the same. No trace captured.

      Author's profile photo Ivy Li
      Ivy Li
      Blog Post Author

      Hi,

      Please check FM ANST_TESTING_AGEN_CHANGE_PARAM to see if user authorization check is disabled. If not, please apply note 2253694 and it should not exist in your system.

      BR,
      Ivy

      Author's profile photo Sankara Bhatta
      Sankara Bhatta

      The authorisation check code is commented.

      Author's profile photo Ivy Li
      Ivy Li
      Blog Post Author

      Hi,

      I debugged the process, and found this should be a new bug in this tool.
      Please report an SAP incident under component BC-UPG-NA.

      BR,
      Ivy

      Author's profile photo Sankara Bhatta
      Sankara Bhatta

      🙂 I don't want to get into this OSS stuff now.. Sorry. This tool is not something used by our customers right now.

      Author's profile photo Ivy Li
      Ivy Li
      Blog Post Author

      No problem, and I will try to create an internal case to solve this.
      Thanks for testing this tool and all the feedback from your side. It is very useful!

      BR,
      Ivy