Business Data Toolset (BDT)

Developers Manual

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1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................................4
2 Introduction to the BDT............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 What is the BDT?...............................................................................................................................................5
2.2 History.................................................................................................................................................................5
2.3 Current Status.....................................................................................................................................................5
2.3.1 Users............................................................................................................................................................5
2.3.2 Advantages...................................................................................................................................................6
2.3.3 Functionality................................................................................................................................................7
2.4 Future Enhancements.........................................................................................................................................8
2.4.1 For Release 4.6............................................................................................................................................8
2.4.2 After Release 4.6..........................................................................................................................................9
2.5 Problem Messages/Development Requests......................................................................................................10
2.6 Task Menu BUPT.............................................................................................................................................10
3 Function Overview...................................................................................................................................................11
3.1 Basic Settings....................................................................................................................................................11
3.1.1 Differentiation Types..................................................................................................................................11
3.1.2 Application Objects...................................................................................................................................12
3.1.3 Applications...............................................................................................................................................14
3.2 Dialog................................................................................................................................................................14
3.2.1 Activities....................................................................................................................................................14
3.2.2 Screen Layout............................................................................................................................................14
3.2.3 Screen Sequences.......................................................................................................................................19
3.2.4 Tables.........................................................................................................................................................21
3.2.5 Program Logic...........................................................................................................................................22
3.2.6 Screen Title................................................................................................................................................25
3.2.7 Menus........................................................................................................................................................26
3.2.8 Field Groupings.........................................................................................................................................28
3.2.9 Assigning Screen Fields Database Fields.............................................................................................29
3.2.10 Search Helps............................................................................................................................................30
3.2.11 Authorizations..........................................................................................................................................30
3.2.12 Divisibility...............................................................................................................................................32
3.2.13 Application Transactions.........................................................................................................................33
3.2.14 Transfer Mode..........................................................................................................................................34
3.3 Change Document Lists...................................................................................................................................34
3.3.1 Events CHGD1 to CHGD4........................................................................................................................35
3.3.2 Calling Lists..............................................................................................................................................36
3.4 Data Maintenance Without Dialog...................................................................................................................36
3.4.1 Direct Input................................................................................................................................................36
3.4.2 Function Modules......................................................................................................................................39
3.5 External Interfaces............................................................................................................................................40
3.5.1 Process.......................................................................................................................................................40
3.5.2 BDT Function Modules.............................................................................................................................40
4 Roadmap for Implementation..................................................................................................................................43
4.1 Additional Check for Existing View.................................................................................................................43
4.2 New Table Fields and New Tables....................................................................................................................43
4.2.1 New Table Field Using Owning Application............................................................................................43
4.2.2 New Table Field Using Participating Application....................................................................................43
4.2.3 New Table..................................................................................................................................................44
4.3 Extend Screen Layout and Screen Sequence...................................................................................................44
4.3.1 Include Field in Existing Field Group......................................................................................................44
4.3.2 Include Field in Existing View..................................................................................................................44
4.3.3 Include New View in Existing Section......................................................................................................45
4.3.4 Include New Section in Existing Screen...................................................................................................45
4.3.5 New Screen in Existing Screen Sequence.................................................................................................45
4.3.6 New Screen Sequence as Main Screen Sequence.....................................................................................45
4.3.7 New Additional Screen and/or New Additional Sequence.......................................................................46
4.4 New Object Part................................................................................................................................................46
4.5 New Field Grouping Criterion.........................................................................................................................46
4.6 New Application Object....................................................................................................................................46
5 Appendix..................................................................................................................................................................48
5.1 Terminology Definitions...................................................................................................................................48
5.2 Abbreviations....................................................................................................................................................48
5.3 Naming Conventions........................................................................................................................................49

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1 Introduction
This manual describes the functions in the Business Data Toolset (BDT) as of January 1999.
Development for Release 4.6A in the standard R/3 system has already begun at this point. The
following IBU releases have the same development status:
IBU Banking
Release 4.01B
IBU Insurance
Release 2.1A
IBU Telecommunications
Release 1.2
IBU Utilities
Release 1.2
This manual is divided into five main sections.
After this introduction, section 2 provides a brief overview of the BDTs origins, current features and
enhancements planned for the future.
Section 3 describes current functionality in detail. In writing this manual, the authors have assumed
thorough knowledge of dialog programming and the related tools.
Section 4 is intended as a rough guide to problem-solving: it lists any necessary steps and then makes
reference to sections that provide more detailed descriptions.
Explanations of special terms and abbreviations as well as an overview of naming conventions (section
5) comprise the last section of the manual.
Depending on your interests, different sections will be more or less relevant for you:

For a brief overview of the functions in the BDT, see section 2.

Developers and consultants who plan to use the BDT for implementation but are unfamiliar with it
need to read the entire manual.

Developers and consultants with BDT experience may only need to consult section 4 to solve
actual problems.

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2 Introduction to the BDT

2.1 What is the BDT?
The BDT (Business Data Toolset) is a central control tool for maintaining master data and simple
transaction data. In addition to dialog maintenance, it also supports maintenance with direct input and/or
function modules.
The BDT also provides generic services for consistently recurring requirements such as occur in change
document lists, field groupings and the deletion program. It takes control over these objects as well as
generic parts and calls the applications using predefined interfaces (control tables and events). The
applications themselves introduce application-specific enhancements, such as writing and reading
application tables.
Note: The BDT is used at SAP for maintaining several application objects (see chapter 2.3.1).
Development partners and customers can also extend these application objects via the BDT interfaces.
However, objects belonging to development partners and customers may not be mapped using the BDT,
as the required control has not yet been released.

2.2 History
The Business Data Toolset originated in the Central Business Partner project. The following demands on
the technical aspect of data entry played an important role in the development of the BDT:

Extensibility
Although the Business Partner project group had realized the central attributes of a business
partner, (such as name components, addresses and bank details) there were other specific
attributes in many of the remaining applications. Development partners and customers needed a
facility for incorporating their own attributes into maintenance. In master data for accounts
receivable and accounts payable, you had to make modifications to do this.
Because it is impossible to collect and implement all these different attributes in one project group,
maintenance for downstream enhancements had to be extensible without the need for
modifications.

Configurability
Because mid-sized customers in particular tend to suppress most of the standard SAP data fields,
dialog maintenance becomes tedious when you still have to go through screen after screen on
which only one or two fields are relevant. Switching screens often slows down data entry
considerably.
As a result, it was decided to make screens configurable in order for customers to both tailor entry
screens to their individual needs and keep the number of screens to a minimum.

Divisibility
If you were to count up all the attributes in the SAP system that are relevant for a business partner,
you would have several hundred fields. Since it is impossible to include all these attributes in each
type of maintenance, the maintenance itself must be divisible into parts wherein only those
attributes are visible which are relevant in the current business context. These parts are called roles
in Business Partner.

The necessary technology was first developed in a common program with application data for Business
Partner. However, it soon became apparent that the second part of this project - i.e., the business
partner relationships - were placing the same technical demands on data maintenance. The
requirements listed above were also applicable to other business objects. As SAP restructured with a
new industry orientation, extensibility assumed a greater importance for development. Many of the IBUs
wanted to extend or enhance application objects from the standard system. As a consequence, the
Business Partner project group decided to separate the technical part from the application data and
then make this technology available to other application objects. This technical part, which was called
BP control or master data control for a long time, is now known as the Business Data Toolset, or BDT.

2.3 Current Status

2.3.1 Users
The first user of the BDT is SAP Business Partner (see section 2.1). Business Partners purpose is to
integrate all partner solutions that currently exist in the SAP system. In the first step, the following new
applications build on this development:

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Contract Accounts Receivable and Payable

IBU Banking
IBU Insurance
IBU Utilities
IBU Telecommunications

The integration of the Treasury business partner is currently in process and should be complete by R/3
Release 5.0.
In the meantime, other application objects have already taken advantage of the BDT. The following
application objects are currently being realized or developed in conjunction with the BDT:

Central Business Partner

Partner maintenance
Relationship maintenance

Contract Accounts Receivable and Payable

Contract account

IBU Banking
Bank account
Standing order
Financial product
Financial conditions
Risk object
Variable transactions

IBU Insurance
Insurance: Claims
Insurance: Loss event
Commissions: Remuneration agreements

Real Estate
Real estate contract
Tenant information
Cost efficiency analysis

2.3.2 Advantages
Similar technical demands are often placed on the development of application objects. By using the
BDT, an application object can provide functions without having to realize them itself. The essential
advantages of using the BDT are:

Extensibility
You can extend various dialog parts without the need for modifications using downstream
applications either within SAP or through development partners or customers. This applies to
Screen layout
Screen sequence
Program logic
Menu
Search help
Field grouping
Authorization checks

Other areas, such as data maintenance without dialog or change document lists, are also
extensible.

Extensions, or enhancements, can be created over multiple levels. As a rule, application

development in R/3 has a maximum of five levels:
Application basis
Standard applications
Industry applications
Development partners
Customers

Configurability
Screen layout and sequence can be configured by application developers and/or customers. While

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developers use BDT control tables to modify screens, customers can take advantage of a
configuration tool developed using Visual Basic for changing standard SAP screen layout and
sequence with the drag&drop method.

Divisibility
The maintenance of large objects can be broken down into smaller parts. You use control tables to
define which attributes can be maintained in an object part. The term object part can be replaced by
a more suitable term for any given application object. The BDT supports two types of divisibility:
Each object instance can take on multiple parts (example: roles with a business partner)
Each object instance can take on just one part (example: account type with a bank account)

Delinking
Each application develops within its own function group, thereby delinking individual applications.

Use of Other Interfaces

Interface and program logic are separate in the BDT. The program logic for the applications is
contained fully in function modules that are called by the BDT at predefined times. As a result of
both of these factors taken together, the R/3 interface of the BDT can be replaced by a different
interface.

Faster Development
Because the BDT takes control of dialog processes, the applications limit themselves to realizing
business functions. The BDT also provides services in which the applications can be included.
These factors reduce considerably the time needed to develop applications.

Uniformity
In all application objects that use the BDT, online navigation takes place using the BDT and is
therefore identical. Using the generic object services also contributes to a certain uniformity.

2.3.3 Functionality
The following provides you with an overview of functions that have already been realized.

Dialog Maintenance
Existing tables can be extended by downstream applications using the APPEND structure technique
from Basis. These new table fields as well as completely new tables can be integrated seamlessly
into a dialog by SAP applications, development partners or customers.
Screen layout and sequence can be extended and configured using control tables (without the
need for modification). Customers can adapt standard SAP screens to their needs with drag&drop
within customizing. Using the Visual Configuration Tool (VCT), customers can change
screen layout - or also group several screens together
screen sequence
screen titles
frame titles
Program logic can be extended by SAP applications, development partners or customers using
event function modules In this way, each application can
read its tables
check its fields
carry out additional checks for fields in other applications
save its tables
The screen title is composed by the BDT in accordance with SAP ergonomic guidelines. Its
elements are
the title of the application object (business partner)
the activity (change)
the title of the current screen (address)
In this example, the BDT created the screen title Change Business Partner: Address.
You can change the title created by the BDT with event DTITL.
The menu is defined by the application that owns the application object. The central menu options,
such as Cancel, Exit, Save and Back, provided by the BDT are part of the menu. You can use
control tables to define when a menu option is to be active depending on the:
maintenance mode (save or transfer mode)
activity (create, change, display)
views on the current screen
Example: The menu option Delete bank details is only to be active in the Create or Change
activity and when the view of bank details is on the current screen.

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Field groupings can be made using criteria of your choosing. The BDT supports the application
when creating a maintenance transaction for one criterion and links settings for various criteria to
the runtime using predefined rules.
Using a control table, applications can add any number of other elementary search help functions to
fields related to search help. Starting in Release 4.6A, this service will be provided by Basis in the
form of APPEND search help functions.
You can include notes easily on a screen and, like any other dialog part, place them wherever you
like.
Authorization checks can be carried out between the initial screen and the first data screen as well
as prior to saving. The BDT provides some of the recurring authorization checks that can be used
by application objects.
Authorization for field groups
Example: Only user A may maintain names and addresses of business partners, while all users can
maintain any remaining fields.
Authorization for field values of any fields
Example: Authorizations for a business partner are to be granted using the Last name field
User A may only maintain those business partners whose last names begin with A-K
User B may only maintain those business partners whose last names begin with L-Z
Every application can also carry out any other authorization checks.
Change documents are written by each application when saving data itself; the BDT provides
evaluations. The following evaluation types are available:
Field changes (display changes to a field of an instance)
Account changes (display changes to all fields of an instance)
Display changes to multiple/all instances
Transfer mode: The maintenance dialog is called from the maintenance of another object. The
data is saved together with the calling object.
Example: Maintaining a contract requires you specify both parties to the contract - two business
partners. You should be able to create and/or change both business partners from contract
maintenance. The contract data and the business partner involved are to be saved together. In
order to do this, business partner maintenance must be called from the contract in transfer mode.
When you exit business partner maintenance, the data entered is flagged but not yet saved in the
database. Once the contract has been saved, the flagged business partner data is written to the
database.
External interfaces can be realized for application objects that were developed with the BDT. In
this case, the external maintenance transaction only takes over the structuring of the interface and
forwards the field contents entered on to the BDT. BDT function modules are called to carry out
program logic such as reading, checking and saving data. They trigger the events that call the event
functions modules in the applications.
Maintenance Without Dialog
Direct Input (DI)
Using the DI tools developed in EIS, data is read from a file and transferred to the BDT. The BDT
then forwards that data on to the applications within events DINP1 (header data) and DINP2 (data).
Finally, the same events are processed in this type of maintenance transaction as in a dialog. Most
of the program logic developed by the applications can be reused.
Maintenance Using Function Modules
In contrast to DI, the data in this case is transferred in the interface of a function module instead of
being read from a file. Once the data has been transferred to the BDT, the process is the same as
that for DI.

2.4 Future Enhancements

2.4.1 For Release 4.6
Various enhancements to the BDT are planned for Release 4.6. These will be partially replicated at a
later time in the development systems of those IBUs that use the BDT but do not develop in Release
4.6. Any questions you might have should be directed to the Business Partner development group. The
most important developments in Release 4.6 are:

Time Dependency
There are numerous ways of creating time dependency, including planned change documents and
extending a table key by one or more date fields. It is left up to applications that use the BDT to
decide whether and what kind of time dependency they want to use.
The BDT supports the use of planned change documents with two service function modules, which

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are called by the applications at certain times.

Calculating Data Status in the Past or Future
A BDT function module uses the database status which contains the current data as a basis for
calculating the status at any date in the past or future. As a part of this procedure, the BDT reads
the planned (future changes) or actual (changes in the past) change documents.
Calculating Data Status for Time Intervals
Based on the database status, the BDT function module determines the various data statuses in the
past or future and then displays the date intervals with the data status valid for each.
The application writes the planned change documents during the event that saves the data
(DSAVE).
If you choose the option of extending the table key by one or more date fields, most of the work is
left to the applications. The BDT only provides a function module that uses pre-existing date
intervals as well as the current change date and the action to be carried out to determine the new
date intervals.
Deletion Program
This program deletes test data prior to production startup. Data should only be archived in
production operation (see below). The BDT takes control in the deletion program and uses two
events to provide the applications the option to
check the deletability of objects
delete deletable objects from the view of all applications

Archiving
The ADK (Archive Development Kit) is used for archiving. As in the deletion program, the
applications can use events to intervene in the archiving process.

Where-Used List
An employee may sometimes need an overview of all the transactions a company had or is having
with a business partner. Ideally, you would be able to include all or only selected areas of a
company in this kind of list.
Because this service has also been requested for other application objects, the BDT has developed
an infrastructure for it. Its various uses are displayed in a user-defined tree structure. Each
application can add its own nodes to the tree.
The application decides which form of data retention is required on an individual basis for each
node.
Reading Data at Runtime
The application stores the name of the function module in the BDT with which data can be imported.
The advantage of this method is that redundant data need not be retained.
Saving Data in Redundant Usage Tables
For each application object there is a usage table in which the applications can update their usage
at the same time as the operative tables. At runtime, the where-used list extracts the data from this
table. This type of data retention generally has a better runtime and should be used for usage from
external systems.

There are also two options for display:

Configurable Tree
The BDT can display the usages within one of the configurable trees belonging to an application.
Customers can create partial views of this display to see only the usages that they specify. One
partial view can be stored as standard for each user group. You can navigate to the maintenance
and/or display transaction of an application.
You can also use a separately written program to read the data using a BDT function module and
output it in its own display.
Evaluations
The ABAP List Viewer (ALV) can be used to create flexible evaluations of the application data. The
BDT takes over control based on the extensibility requested at this point. The applications have the
option of integrating their own data into the evaluation within just a few events.

2.4.2 After Release 4.6

Default Values
You will be able to maintain an unlimited number of default variants so that they can be used as a
reference when creating a new instance. You will be able to include default values from other
sources using a separate event. By using a field grouping, you will be able to decide whether a

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default value can be overwritten by a user at a later time.

Screen Configuration by Developers with Drag&Drop

Like customers (see section 2.4.1), developers will also be able to configure their screens with VCT
and drag&drop.

Generating Application Programs

Large parts of the function modules to be created by the applications will be developed according to
the specifications of the BDT. The important thing is to complete the actions defined for an event
within that event. The application code will be generated according to the specifications of the
developer responsible. This code can be supplemented and/or replaced by the developers own
programs, thereby accelerating overall development.

2.5 Problem Messages/Development Requests

Problem messages or development requests regarding the BDT should be assigned to the CA-BP (SAP
business partner) subject area. When finding notes, use key words BDT and CBP.

2.6 Task Menu BUPT

You get to the menu with the transaction code of the same name. This menu fulfills several purposes at
once:

The centrally defined application calls for Business Partner can be found in the Application
submenu. There is also a branching point into the menu for BP-BP relationships, which represent a
separate application object. All calls relevant for an application will be included in their respective
menu so that there is no need to call from the BUPT menu.

Cross-application settings (see section 3.1) are located in the General control submenu. You can
also store differentiation types in addition to defining application objects at this point.

The BP control submenu contains the object-specific settings (see section 3.2) for the Business
Partner application object. You have to create a separate task menu for each additional object
which contains the calls of the settings specific to this object.

The Customizing submenu contains the settings a customer can make in Business Partner. You will
also find the same points in the IMG under Cross-Application Settings Central Business Partner.
Documentation for the individual points, which you need to set up your system with the IMG is
located here as well.

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3 Function Overview
The BDTs functions are described in detail in this section. Menu paths refer to task menu BUPT
explained in section 2.6. Task menus belonging to other application objects will generally look very
similar.

3.1 Basic Settings

This section outlines the activities required before you can start any dialog programming.

3.1.1 Differentiation Types

Menu path: General control Differentiation types
Description: Application data is generally dependent on the primary key of the application. For a
business partner, the primary key is the partner number. However, there can also be other attributes that
must be differentiated according to other criteria. If data for an instance is only ever entered as a way of
describing it as a criterion, then it would be called a differentiation type. Differentiation types are usually
entered on the initial screen. The existence of an instance is also updated in dependence on the
differentiation type specified.
Configure the input screens so that
the value of the differentiation type is visible in the header data if the underlying data is dependent
on it
divergent views of differentiation types are not grouped together on any one screen
Examples: Differentiation types are usually organizational units like company codes or sales areas. For
an FI customer, the company code has to be entered on the initial screen. A large part of the data is
dependent on the company code. These fields are grouped on separate screens. Because the header
data in these screens also contains the value of the company code, it is obvious to the user which data
can be given different characteristics on an individual company code basis. When you save, the
existence of the customer in the company code entered is updated. If you create the customer in an
additional company code, you must re-enter the company code on the initial screen as well as any data
dependent on the company code in the data screens.
In addition to organizational units, the business partner also has differentiation types like product type
and currency in the Treasury area.
Note: The definition of one differentiation type is valid for all application objects. You decide which
differentiation types are relevant for each application object (see section 3.1.2.2.).
Use: The relevant differentiation types are assigned to each application object (see section 3.1.2.2.). A
differentiation type is stored for each view (see section 3.1.2.1). When configuring the input screens,
bear in mind that you should be able to use them later to check that only views of one differentiation
type are grouped on one screen.
Activities: Check to see whether differentiation types are relevant for an application object. If this is the
case and the differentiation type you need does not exist, contact the Business Partner development
group, which is responsible for the central assignment of differentiation types and their associated
elements within SAP. To create differentiation types for individual customer purposes, follow the steps
below:

Define Differentiation Types

Each characteristic used to differentiate data must be entered at this point.

Define Differentiation Type Elements

Differentiation types are made up of one or more elements. While a company code is made up of
only one element - the company code itself -, a sales area is comprised of three elements: sales
organization, distribution channel and division. Each differentiation element is normally represented
by an input field on the interface.

Assign Differentiation Type Differentiation Type Element

Allocate to the differentiation type its elements. You still have to make an assignment even if a
differentiation type has only one element.
Note: The application responsible for the differentiation type determines the elements to be
assigned. If an application requires a differentiation type with additional elements, do not extend the
existing differentiation type - create a new one instead.

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3.1.2 Application Objects

Description: Each master data/transaction data object that uses BDT must be known. The maintenance
of application objects is subdivided into the following points:
Defining application objects
Assigning application objects differentiation types
Settings transactions, task menu
Menu path: General control Application objects

3.1.2.1 Defining Application Objects

In this step, you register the new application object with the BDT and decide whether you want

to use divisibility

tab strips for navigation to be visible

screen selection to appear on the initial screen

to use the central authorization checks provided by the BDT

Examples: Currently, there are about 15 application objects from IBU Banking, IBU Insurance, Contract
Accounts Receivable and Payable and Real Estate Management. Some examples include:

BUPA

Business partner

BUPR

Business partner relationships

BKKA

Bank account

FICA

Contract account

Naming convention: The BDT has been released solely for the development of SAP application
objects. It should not be used to develop customer application objects. To register a new application
object, contact the Business Partner development group. The group keeps a central register that
prevents different application objects being given the same name, which could cause problems.

3.1.2.2 Assigning Application Objects Differentiation Types

At this point, you define whether the differentiation types already maintained are relevant for an
application object. If you need a differentiation type that does not exist, you have to create it (see
section 3.1.1).

3.1.2.3 Setting Transactions

The settings described in section 3.2.ff are maintained separately depending on the application object.
If, for instance, you define a screen for application object BUPA (business partner), it will only exist
within that application object.
By using setting transactions, you can easily create transactions with which the BDT control tables for
your application object can be maintained. Later you also create the task menu for your application
object (see section 3.1.2.4) from these transactions as well.
The following table provides an overview of current setting activities as well as which activity
is needed by an application object (required)
can be used by an application object (optional)

Activit
Description
Req
Op
Requirement
y
d
t
0001
Applications
X
0002
Field groups
X
0003
Views
X
0004
Sections
X
0005
Screens
X
0006
Screen sequences
X
0007
Events
X
0008
GUI standard functions
X
0009
GUI additional functions
X

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0010
0011
0012
0013
0014
0015
0016
0017

Matchcodes
Assign screen field DB field
Field grouping criteria
Object parts
Object part groupings
Application transactions
Tables
External applications

0100
0101
0102
0103
0104
0105

Field grouping per activity type

Field grouping per object part
Authorization types
Field groups for authorization
Screen configuration
Field grouping per external
application
Change document lists

0200

X
X
X
X
X

Divisibility
Divisibility

External
interfaces
Service needed
Divisibility
Service needed
Service needed

X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

External
interface
Change
document

Activities: Maintain a setting transaction for each setting activity. For each activity, carry out the
following steps:

Create a report transaction and enter the report BUSVIEWS as the start parameters.
Procedure: Go into the ABAP Workbench menu and choose Development Other tools
Transactions. Enter the transaction code and choose Create. Now select the Report transaction
option and on the screen that follows enter BUSVIEWS in the program field next to the transaction
text.

Enter the setting activity with your application object and assign the transaction code you created in
the first step.

When the transaction is started, the maintenance view that is part of the control function or the view
cluster for your application object is called automatically.

3.1.2.4 Task Menu

Create a separate task menu for your application object which contains the control transactions. When
creating your menu, use the BP control sub-menu in task menu BUPT as a reference.
Note: You can maintain area menus by going into the ABAP Workbench from Development Other
tools Area menus.

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3.1.3 Applications
Each application that is active in the maintenance of an application object has to register itself at this
point. They always develop within their own function group, where they create subscreens as well as
their own function modules for BDT events.
This encapsulates the application and prepares it for delinking. Avoid grouping heterogeneous
components in a single application. Any later delinking of these components that becomes necessary
would only be possible with your own expenditure of time and effort - in other words, you would have to
split the application and thus also the function group.
Menu path: Control <Object> Applications
Naming convention: Name ranges Y* and Z* are reserved for customer applications, while
development partners can use name range X*. SAP applications register their application with the
application responsible for the application object.
The application ID plays an important role in the naming conventions for other BDT objects.

3.2 Dialog
Using the BDT ensures that the dialog created by an SAP application is extensible for other applications
both inside and outside SAP. The procedure is changeable. To do this, you would use fully maintained
interfaces. Modifications to development objects in other applications are not necessary.

3.2.1 Activities
For each application object, you can define any number of activities in which an object is to be
processed. Each application developer can show or hide fields on an individual activity basis. The
activity-dependent part of the screen title (see section 3.2.6) is stored within the activity based on
language.
Each activity has to refer one of the activity types predefined by the BDT. The following activity types
exist for the dialog:

Create

Change

Display

Menu path: Control <Object> Activities

Naming convention: The following activities - called main activities below - have to be defined for
each application object:

01 Create

Activity type 01

02 Change

Activity type 02

03 Display

Activity type 03

Examples: For a standing order in IBU Banking (BCA) there is the Delete activity in addition to the
three main activities. However, only a deletion flag is set - the associated activity type is actually
Change.
Environment: Direct Input also recognizes activity type Modify in addition to the three others listed
above. At runtime, the application determines whether a record already exists with the transferred key. If
this is the case, the Change activity is set. Otherwise, the activity would be Create.
Procedure: Carry out the following steps for each activity:

Define the activities for your application object and assign to each an activity type.

Once the screen layout and screen sequence have been created, hide those field groups that are
unnecessary for an activity.

3.2.2 Screen Layout

Screen layout is defined in control tables. Applications from downstream development stages can
extend and reconfigure existing screens. The BDT supports the following entities in screen layout

Field groups

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View

Section

Screen

3.2.2.1 Field Groups

Fields whose readiness for input was defined collectively are collected in a single field group. You
create settings for each field group within the field grouping (see section 3.2.8).
A field group may only contain fields from one application. Customers should neither change nor extend
the definition of standard SAP field groups, as this would amount to a program modification. As an
alternative, customers can define their own field groups to which they also assign their own views.
Menu path: Control <Object> Screen layout Field groups
Procedure: To define your own field group, proceed as follows:

Define field group

The name of a field group is language-dependent and appears when a field grouping is maintained.
If fixed logical dependencies exist, a program can be used to change field groupings set up by
customers.
If Required entry is set for a field group, the BDT checks automatically whether the fields have
entries before the data is saved. If this is not the case, an error message is displayed. A different
kind of required field check is necessary for some field groups. For these field groups, the automatic
check can be turned off and an individual check used instead. One example of this is bank details
for a business partner. The individual check will only trigger an error message if no bank details
were entered. A specific check for required fields does not take place on the field level.

Assign Fields to the Field Group

Enter the name of the screen fields that are to be assigned to the field group. Besides input fields,
you also need to specify the field names of help texts, work fields, etc. For each field, specify
whether it is ready for input or not.

Naming convention: Values from 1 to 1000 are permitted for field groups. While groups 750-1000 are
reserved for development partners and groups 500-749 for customers, areas within SAP should be
discussed with the development group responsible for the application object. The Business Partner
development group is responsible for the business partner (application object BUPA) as well as
business partner relationships (application object BUPR).

3.2.2.2 Views
One or more field groups constitute a view. All attributes that are displayed and checked together are
grouped in one view. The fields of a view cannot be separated in screen layout since they are located
on the same subscreen.
A view may only contain fields from one application. A downstream application may not extend a view;
instead, it should create its own views for its attributes and assign its own subscreens to these views.
The same applies to customers as extending a view amounts to a modification.
Menu path: Control <Object> Screen layout Views
Procedure: The following steps are necessary for defining a view:

Create Subscreen
Use the Screen Painter to create a screen. But take note of the following when doing so:

Screen attributes:
Mark the screen type subscreen

Layout:
Generally, you wont need to put a frame around your data. The BDT automatically inserts a
frame around the fields of a section (see 3.2.2.3).
The field name of a pushbutton positioned on the subscreen should adhere to the following
naming convention: PUSH_<Menu option>. If this is the case, the BDTs field grouping
automatically hides the pushbutton if the menu option is not active.

Flow logic:

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Create a PBO module that calls function module BUS_PBO; call the PBO module from the
PBO of each of your subscreens. If your subscreen contains a table control, transfer the data
relating to the table control to the BDT using parameter C_TC1 when calling BUS_PBO.
Create a PAI module that calls function module BUS_PAI. Call this PAI module from the PAI of
each of your subscreens.
Do not carry out any field checks within the flow logic, neither in a module nor in any of the
sub-programs called from a module. Checks on a view should generally be carried out in a
separate function module whose name is stored in the after-input field (see below).
Text tables for displaying check texts should be read and other actions related to PBO should
be carried out within the function module whose name is to be defined in the prior-to-output field
(see next section).

Create Function Module Prior to Screen Call

This event is triggered by the BDT for all views of a screen if another event is used to reach this
screen. Views with step-loop or table control usually need a function module at this point. The
developer makes sure that when a screen is re-called,

the first page of entries is displayed

the entries are output in the correct sorting sequence

all entries are deselected

Example: The view Address overview exists in a business partner. A function module was
defined for this view at the event Prior to Screen Call.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_PBC_<View>
(Customer: Function module name also gets prefix Y_ or Z_).

Create Function Module Prior to Output

This event is triggered for all views of the current screen before the subscreen is called in PBO.
Text tables for outputting check texts can be read at this point.
Example: The Industry field exists within a business partner. Examples of valid industries are stored
in a Customizing table. If an industry ID is entered in the input field, the text table belonging to the
Customizing table is selected in such a way that the name of the industry can be displayed behind
the input field in the logon language.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_PBO_<View>
(Customer:
Function module name also gets prefix Y_ or Z_).

Create Function Module After Input

This event is triggered for all views of the current screen after all the subscreens involved are called
in PAI. Carry out your field checks on the view at this point. You can find tips on the procedure for
field checks in chapter 3.2.2.2.2.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_PAI_<View>
(Customer: Function module name also gets prefix Y_ or Z_).

Define view
Description: The program name and screen number of the subscreen, as well as its name, must be
specified here. The names of the function modules for the events listed above are also defined
here.
Naming convention: <Application>NNN
The ID for a view should always have 6 places. It should start with the application ID followed by a
set of numbers.

Assign View Field Groups

Define the field groups which belong to the view.

Other Checks on Views

The owner application can store the name of its check function module in the After input field within the
definition of a view. If other applications add their own checks to this view, they can add the name of
their check function module in the sub-node Other checks. These modules are called in PAI directly
after the function module stored by the owner application. More information on data checks is given in
the next section.

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Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_PAI_<View>

(Customer: Function module name also gets prefix Y_ or Z_).
Example: A customer request for business partners was to be able to check the last name of a person
for the existence of at least one vowel. However, this check could not be implemented as a matter of
course as there are names in some countries that have no vowels. The solution for this customer
problem is to realize this kind of query using the check for an SAP standard view.
Procedure: In the check function module, the application gets the table content from the application
that owns the table. To do this, the application uses the function module defined for the table in the
Read data field. Then the check is carried out and, in some cases, a message displayed via the
Message Handler (function module BUS_MESSAGE_STORE).
Note: In contrast to a check within event DCHCK, other checks for a view take place immediately after
input. Event DCHCK is processed prior to saving.
Procedure for Field Checks
One of the goals for development with the BDT is a strict separation between interface and program
logic. This ensures that all checks can be carried out even if you are using direct input and an external
interface. Special rules apply to the following checks that are usually carried out by the screen:

Foreign Key Check

To avoid this check by the screen deselect the field Foreign key in the field attributes. As a
substitute, program the foreign key check in the function module After input for view.
Alternatively, you can also use the foreign key check in dialog. However, you then have to program
this check in function module After input for direct input (call up indicator for direct input whose
value can be determined for event ISSTA).

Data Type-Dependent Check

These checks are carried out automatically by a screen if there are fields of a certain type on the
screen. Examples include CURR (currency-dependent amount field), DATS (date field), INT*
(integer) and NUMC (character field only with numbers). You can only get around the data type
check by copying a CHAR field of the same length as the original field onto the screen instead of
the original.
The following procedure is one way of dealing with these fields:
In a structure, create a work field belonging to data type CHAR whose length corresponds to the
output length of the database field.
Include this work field in the subscreen instead of the database field.
Call one of the BDT service function modules for initialization at event ISDAT. These function
modules determine the formatted value for the screen field from the value of the database field.
The following function modules are currently available:
BUS_DATEFIELD_START for date fields
BUS_NUMBERFIELD_START for numbers and currency-dependent amounts.
Call the DBT service function module for input check/conversion in the PAI function module for
view. The BDT provides the following function modules:
BUS_DATEFIELD_PAI for date fields
BUS_NUMBERFIELD_PAI for numbers and currency-dependent amounts.

Example: The following examples can be found within function group FBU0 (application FI for
application object BUPA).
field KNB1-DATLZ (date of last interest calculation)
Within function module FI_BUPA_EVENT_ISDAT, function module BUS_DATEFIELD_START is
called in the form of KNB1_ISDAT.
Within function module FI_BUPA_PAI_FI2100, function module BUS_DATEFIELD_PAI is called in
the form of DATLZ_CHECK.
Field KNB1-WEBTR (exchange limit in local currency)
Within function module FI_BUPA_EVENT_ISDAT, function module BUS_NUMBERFIELD_START is
called in the form of KNB1_ISDAT.
Within function module FI_BUPA_PAI_FI2410, function module BUS_NUMBERFIELD_PAI is called
in the form of WEBTR_CHECK.

As with foreign key checks, you also have the option with data types of letting the screen perform
the check in dialog. However, you still have to use the procedure outlined above for direct input.

Message Output
Never display messages directly using the message statement, as this creates problems with direct

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input and external interfaces. Call function module BUS_MESSAGE_STORE instead. You can enter
the following information in this module:
Message type
Message class
Message number
Message parameters
Name of the field on which the cursor is placed
Names of fields affected by the message (highlighted)

3.2.2.3 Sections
One or more views are grouped together as a section. The BDT automatically puts a frame around each
section. The only exception to this rule is the first section of a screen in which the header data appears.
According to SAP ergonomic guidelines, a frame should not be put around this data. In addition to the
description, you also define a language-dependent title for the section, which is displayed in a dialog in
the upper left-hand corner of the frame.
Menu path: Control <Object> Screen layout Sections
Procedure: The following steps are necessary for defining a section:

Define Section
For each section, fill in Description and Title. Both are language-dependent. In dialog, the title
appears in the upper left-hand corner of the frame.
Naming convention: <Application>NNN
The ID for a view should always have 6 places. It should start with the application ID followed by a
set of numbers.

Assign Section View

Define the views which belong to the section. The sequence of views within a section is defined by
the position number.
Naming convention: The position number has 7 places. Each development stage has one place of
its own. The places from the left up to your own place are freely assignable. The application uses
them to determine the position of the view within a section in relation to the views of the upstream
development stages. The numbers to the right of your own place must be 0.
The following places are reserved for the development stages:

Application basis

1+2

Standard applications

Industry applications

Development partners

Customers (central)

Customers (branch)

3.2.2.4 Screens
The screen represents the largest unit in screen layout. One or more sections are grouped together as a
screen. In addition to screens created with BDT, you can integrate screens that were not created with
BDT by using the External screens selection.
Menu path: Control <Object> Screen layout Screens
Procedure: The following steps are necessary for defining a screen:

Define Screen
In addition to the description, you also specify the screen-dependent part of the title as an additional
language-dependent text. This is included in the determination of the complete screen title (see
section 3.2.6). You can also decide whether the screen is to appear as a full screen or a dialog box
(popup).
Screens not configured using the BDT can also be integrated into the process. To do this, mark the
External screen indicator and enter the name of the function module for calling this screen. This
module is called automatically by the BDT as soon as you start to navigate in the external screen.
One example of this is the BP relationships of a business partner, whose overview was integrated
as an external screen.
Naming convention: <Application>NNN

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The ID for a screen should always have 6 places. It should start with the application ID followed by
a set of numbers.

Assign Screen Sections

Define the sections which belong to the screen. The sequence of sections within a screen is defined
by the position number.
Naming convention: The naming convention for the position number corresponds to that for the
position number in the section view assignment (see section 3.2.2.3).

3.2.2.5 Customizing Screen Layout/Screen Sequence with Drag&Drop

Description: Using the Visual Configuration Tool (VCT), customers can change standard SAP screens
in the main screen sequence as well as the sequence itself in Customizing by drag&drop. These
changes, like all other Customizing activities, connected to transports. Changes made by customers are
fully maintained - that is, they are not overwritten by SAP in an upgrade.
The following functions are available for customers:

Screen Layout Mode

Move view, also to other screens

Move section, also to other screens

Change the title of a section (double-click in section outside view)

Change the title of a section (double-click in section outside view)

Delete view (this flows into the list of unused views)

Delete section (the assigned views flow into the list of unused views)

Insert view (this flows into the list of unused views)

Insert blank section

Screen Sequence Mode

Move screen anywhere

Change the title of a screen (double-click in screen)

Delete screen (the views flow into the list of unused views)

Insert blank screen

General Functions

Retrieve SAP settings (changes made by customers are lost)

If an application object uses divisibility, you can set screen layout and screen sequence for each object
part. If divisibility is not used, only one screen configuration can be created by the customer.
Action required: If you want to use configuration for your application object, you have to define just
one setting transaction for setting activity 0104 (see section 3.1.2.3).
Future plans: Functionality in VCT is to be extended progressively in Releases to come. The next
steps include configuration of all screen sequences and/or the additional screens, integration of field
grouping as well as the use of VCT by developers.

3.2.3 Screen Sequences

The screen sequence defines the order in which screens appear. You can go through the sequence with
the Next screen function. Tab strips take you to screens directly.
Up until now, you could only configure screen sequence with the BDT starting with the initial screen.
Now you can use menu options to branch into other screen sequences.
Menu path: Control <Object> <Screen sequence>

3.2.3.2 Defining Screen Sequences

You can define any number of screen sequences to be distributed later over various screen sequence
categories.

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Naming convention: <Application>NNN

The ID for a view should always have 6 places. It should start with the application ID followed by a set
of numbers.

3.2.3.2 Assigning Screen Sequences Screens

The sequence of screens is defined by the position number. Screen sequences in the main screen
sequence category (see section 3.2.3.3) include the data screens and the initial screen, which always
has to be at the beginning of a screen sequence. All other screen sequences consist exclusively of data
screens.
Naming convention: The naming convention for the position number corresponds to that for the
position number in the section view assignment (see section 3.2.2.3).
Note: Screens on which fields are hidden (by the object part view assignment or because of a
customer field grouping) are automatically skipped over by the BDT in dialog maintenance.

3.2.3.3 Screen Sequence Categories

A screen sequence category is a logical place within a dialog flow in which a screen sequence can be
processed. The main screen sequence category, whose identification is always SPACE (six blanks),
plays a special role. The BDT always starts the dialog flow with the first screen of a screen sequence
which is assigned to this category. This is usually the initial screen.
Navigation to other screen sequence categories usually takes place with a menu option (see section
3.2.7). When defining this function, the screen sequence category is also defined. After the function is
selected, the event FCODE is processed and the BDT calls the screen sequence of the defined screen
sequence category. If the screen sequence category is not unambiguously assigned to a menu option
and for that reason cannot be stored in the definition of this function (for instance if the screen sequence
category is decided at run time based on the cursor position), call function module
BUS_SCREEN_CALL in event FCODE. The screen sequence category is to be transferred with
parameter I_VARTP.

3.2.3.4 Assigning Screen Sequence Category Screen Sequences

All valid screen sequences are defined for each screen sequence category, of which one must be
indicated as standard.
Screen Sequences for Main Screen Sequence Category: You can assign an unlimited number of
screen sequences. The BDT uses the following rules to decide which of the assigned screen sequences
will be put into effect:

Object uses divisibility

If just one object part is maintained, the screen sequence defined in it is used. If no screen
sequence is defined for the object part, the standard sequence is used.

If just one object part grouping is maintained, the screen sequence defined in it is used. If no
object part grouping is defined for the object part, the standard sequence is used.

If several object parts or object part groupings are maintained and the same screen sequence
assigned to all of them, then this is the sequence that will be used.

In all other cases, the standard screen sequence is used.

Object does not use divisibility

The standard sequence is always used.

Standard Screen Sequence for Main Screen Sequence Category: Make sure that this sequence
includes all views relevant to the main screen sequence. The reason for this is that the BDT sequence is
always used in those cases when no sequence variant has been unambiguously assigned (functions as
a catch-all).
Number of Screen Sequences for Main Screen Sequence Category: In many cases, one sequence
is enough even for application objects that use divisibility. The BDT automatically skips over screens
that contain no input fields for the current dialog. You only need to create more sequences for special
object parts if:

several nearly empty screens would appear due to hidden fields (in an additional sequence, the
relevant fields can be grouped together on one screen)

the sequence of the screens is to be changed

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Screen Sequences for Other Categories At the moment, only one sequence is to be assigned, which
is then marked as standard. The BDT always uses the standard screen sequence for a screen sequence
category. In a future Release, it will be possible for the application to determine the screen sequences
based on object parts for all screen sequence types.

3.2.4 Tables
Menu path: Control <Object> Tables
Description: Each application table you want to maintain must be entered here. The application
responsible for the table (determined by the tables development class) must write two function modules
for communicating with other applications. These modules allow applications that participate in tables
as well as the BDT to exchange table contents with the responsible application during dialog.

Read Data
This function module is used by other applications as well as the BDT to determine the current
content of the table at any time during data maintenance. For more details on how to use it, see the
description for event ISDST (section 3.2.5).
Naming convention: <application>_<application>_<table name>_GET
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_)
Example:

BUP_BUPA_BUT000_GET

BUP_BUPA_BUT0BK_GET

Collect Data
This function module allows an application that participates in tables to transfer the values of fields
it attached to the application that owns the table. For more details on how to use it, see the
description for event DSAVB (section 3.2.5). The function module has to be developed in such a
way that only the fields of the application participating in tables in the current memory of the
application that owns the table are overwritten. The name of the INCLUDE/APPEND structure in the
interface is also transferred.
Naming convention: <application>_<application>_<table name>_COLLECT
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_)
Example: BUP_BUPA_BUT000_COLLECT

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3.2.5 Program Logic

Within the dialog flow, events defined by the BDT were used, for which the applications can develop a
separate program logic in the form of function modules. The names of several function modules can be
defined for each event and these modules will then be called up automatically by the BDT.
Figure 1 provides an overview of the flow in the dialog. The events have been illustrated using a darker
background.
Initial screen

Data screen

DTITL

DTITL

DCUAD DCUAC

ISSTA

Prior
to call

Start

Prior to output
CALL SUBSCREEN

DCUAD DCUAC

ISDAT
ISDST
AUTH1

Prior to
call

CALL SUBSCREEN

Save

CALL SUBSCREEN
After input

FCODE

FCODE

Change?

yes

XCHNG

no

Change?

yes

DSAVB

AUTH1
DCHCK

Cancel
A

Cancel

Exit

XCHNG

no

Change?

CALL SUBSCREEN

After input

Back

XCHNG

Do you want no
to save?
yes

Prior to output

XCHNG

no

yes
Cancel

Do you want no
to save?
yes

DTAKE

DSAVB

DSAVB

DSAVC

AUTH1

AUTH1

DSAVE

DCHCK
DTAKE

DCHCK
DTAKE

DSAVC

DSAVC

DSAVE

DSAVE

Change?

no

yes
Do you want yes
to cancel?
no
A

DLVE1
DLVE2

End
Fig. 1: Events in dialog, save mode

Menu path: Control <Object> Events

The most important events for the dialog are described in detail below:

ISSTA (Initialization)
The applications initialize their global variables and get the relevant control information from the
BDT. Default values may also be assigned to the initial screen here.
Runtime: Before the initial screen, the event will be processed in the initial screen when the activity
is changed.
User group: All applications
Naming convention:
<Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_ISSTA
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_)
Example:

BUP_BUPA_EVENT_ISSTA

FI_BUPA_EVENT_ISSTA
Action required:

Initialize the function groups global variables

Get control information from the BDT

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Activity

Editing mode (save or transfer mode)

Indicator: Display initial screen

Selected roles/role groupings

Roles to be edited (from the selected roles/role groupings)

Etc.

To do this, call up the BDT function module BUS_PARAMETERS_ISSTA_GET and note the
information in your function groups global variables.

Set default values for the fields in the initial screen

Read default values using the BDT function module BUS_PARAMETERS_ISSTA_GET

(interface table T_FLDVL)

If default values have been set for a field, these should be transferred to the relevant
screen fields

If no default value has been set for a field, the SET/GET parameters should be read where
available

ISDAT (reading data)

The applications which own the tables (not the applications using the tables!) read them and note
the data in their update memory as both the new and the old status.
Some application tables however must be read earlier in the PAI function modules for the initial
screen views in order to conduct the necessary field checks. These tables do not have to be read
again for ISDAT.
Runtime: Between initial screen and first data screen
Application area: Applications which own tables
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_ISDAT
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_)
Example:

BUP_BUPA_EVENT_ISDAT

FI_BUPA_EVENT_ISDAT
Action required:

Determine data from other tables if this is necessary to read own tables. The communication
modules can be used to read a table.

Read own application tables.

Read in global memory if the data for the current instance has already been noted in this
LUW (transfer mode).

If, in this LUW, the data for the current instance has not yet been transferred, it will be read
from the database.

Note the data in current memory as the old and new status of current instance.

Draw temporary number (when creating with internal number assignment). In event DSAVC this
number will be replaced by the final number.

Determine screen field values for fields of particular data types if the check is not to be carried
out directly on the screen (see section 3.2.2.2).

ISDST (distributing data)

The applications using the table determine the contents of the table with the help of the function
module for reading data. The data is noted as the old and new status in the current memory of the
application using the table.
Runtime: Between initial screen and first data screen.
Application area: Applications using the tables.

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Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_ISDST

(customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_).
Action required:

Determine table data from the application which owns the table using the function module for
reading data.

Note data in current memory as the old and new status.

XCHNG (data changed?)

If the user attempts to leave data maintenance, a query dialog box must appear if the data has
been changed. Within this event, the BDT determines whether data has been changed.
This event is only processed in activity Change. In the activity Create the query always
appears, whereas in the activity Display no data can be changed and a query is therefore
unnecessary.
Runtime: When leaving data maintenance (activity Change only).
Application area: All applications.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_XCHNG
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_).
Example:

BUP_BUPA_EVENT_XCHNG

FI_BUPA_EVENT_XCHNG

Action required:

Compare old and new status of the current memory.

Inform the BDT whether data has been changed.

DSAVB (collecting data)

The applications using the table transfer the new data status from their current memory to the
application which owns the table. To do this, they call the table function module to collect the data.
Runtime: When saving the data.
Application area: Applications using the tables
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_DSAVB
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_)
Action required:

Transfer new data from the current memory to the application which owns the table. The
function module defined for the table is called to collect the data.

DTAKE (transferring data to the LM)

In the BDT, data is saved using several steps. Data from several instances can be saved together.
This is used both in transfer mode and for background maintenance. In this first step, the
application which owns the table writes the data from its current memory to its global memory.
Runtime: When saving the data.
Application area: Applications which own the tables.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_DTAKE
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_).
Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_DTAKE
Action required:

Write new data from the current memory to the global memory for new data.

Write old data from the current memory to the global memory for old data, if the data
for this object instance has been noted for the first time in this LUW.
Note: In the event DSAVE, the global memory for each instance is checked to see whether
changes have been made and whether the data therefore needs to be written to the database.
This means the old status of the global memory must correspond to the old status of the current
memory as it was when the data was first noted in the LUW.

DSAVC (completing data)

The global memory is prepared for saving the data to the database. All actions for which errors may
occur must be carried out here. However, within the event DSAVE, termination messages may only
appear if the data is inconsistent or if there are program errors.
Runtime: When saving the data.

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Application area: Applications which own the tables

Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_DSAVC
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_)
Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_DSAVC
Action required:

Draw object number (only when creating with internal number assignment).

Replace temporary number (see event ISDAT) with the number just drawn.

DSAVE (saving data to DB)

The application which owns the table writes the data from the global memory to the database. In
view of the improved runtime, in particular for the direct input, array operations should always be
used here.
Runtime: When saving the data.
Application area: Applications which own tables
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_DSAVE
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_)
Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_DSAVE
Action required:

Write new data from the global memory to database. The BDT will state, using a
parameter of the function module BUS_PARAMETERS_ISSTA_GET, whether this is to be done
with or without an update task.

Write change documents using the old and the new status from the global memory.

Issue success message (only application which owns application object).

DLVE1 (initializing the current memory)

The current memory is initialized. When returning to the initial screen there is no (!) LEAVE TO
TRANSACTION with the result that the current memory must be initialized at this point so that the
next data maintenance will start correctly. The application which owns the application object will
remove the lock.
Runtime: When leaving data maintenance.
Application area: All applications.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_DLVE1.

(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_).

Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_DLVE1
Action required:

Initialize current memory.

Remove lock for current instance (only application which owns application object).

DLVE2 (initializing the global memory)

Runtime: When leaving data maintenance.
Description: The global memory is initialized.
Application area: All applications.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_DLVE2.
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_).
Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_DLVE2
Action required:

Initialize global memory.

3.2.6 Screen Title

3.2.6.1 Determining Standard Titles
Description: The standard title is composed by the BDT in accordance with the SAP ergonomics
guidelines. It comprises three parts:
Object title
If the application object uses the divisibility of the BDT and if exactly one object part is maintained,
then the title of this object part forms the object title. However, if exactly one object part grouping is
maintained, its title will be the object title. In all other cases (maintaining more than one object
part/object part grouping or if the application object does not use the BDTs divisibility) the title
defined for the application object will be the object title.

Activity name

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The name of the activity forms the second part of the screen title. It is separated from the other two
parts by a colon.
Screen title
The title fixed when defining the screen forms the third part of the title.
Example:
Change contract partner: Address
Display business partner: Payment transactions

3.2.6.2 Event DTITL (Changing Screen Titles)

The standard title, generated automatically by the BDT, can still be changed by an application at
runtime. This is done using event DTITL, which is processed for each screens PBO. Within this event,
the application can:
Change any of the titles three parts.
Change the title as a whole.
Application area: All applications
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_DTITL
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_).
Interface:
C_TITLE_TOTAL Total title
(Reference: RSEU1-TIT_TEXT)
C_TITLE_OBJAP Title, application object-dependent part
(Reference: TBZ1T-OTITL)
C_TITLE_ACTVT Title, activity-dependent part
(Reference: TBZ0N-TXT30)
C_TITLE_SCREENTitle, screen-dependent part
(Reference: TBZ3B-DTITL)
E_XTOTAL
Indicator: Use total title
(Reference: BOOLE-BOOLE)
E_XCHANGED
Indicator: Change made to title
(Reference: BOOLE-BOOLE)
Example: no example available as event rarely required
Action required:
Change the standard title.
Note: With this event, you can only change the title within the title bar of a screen, meaning that it is not
possible to change the text within the screen selection in the initial screen. Each application determines
the screen-dependent part of the title for its screens when the screens are defined. (This screendependent part of the title is identical to the text in the screen selection).
If customers want to change the title of a screen supplied by SAP, they can do so using the tool for
changing the screen layout/screen sequence (see section 3.2.2.5). This change then affects the screen
title, screen selection and the tab strip text.

3.2.7 Menus
3.2.7.1 Creating Menus
Description: The application which owns the application object creates a menu for the application
object. The application object menu BUPA (Business Partner) may be used as a template. The statuses
of this menu (program SAPLBUDO) should be copied into the function group of the application which
owns the application object, and adjusted there. The OK codes for the control functions (function code
BUS*) may not be changed. You generally need the following statuses:

INITDATF
Initial screen of main screen sequence as full screen

INITDATP
Initial screen of main screen sequence as dialog box

STNDDATF
Data screen of a screen sequence as full screen

STNDDATP
Data screen of a screen sequence as dialog box

EXTRDATF
Individual data screen (extra screen) as full screen

EXTRDATP
Individual data screen (extra screen) as dialog box
Important note: The central control functions (function code BUS*) are defined by the BDT. You should
include these in your menu. The function codes may not be changed as these are used as a basis for
programming by the BDT. The following central functions are defined by the BDT.
Code
BUS1
BUS2
BUS3
BUSA
BUSB
BUSC

Function text
Create
Change
Display
<Changing instance>
Back
Cancel

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Menu
<Object>
<Object>
<Object>
Extras
Goto
Edit

Explanations
On initial screen only, for changing the activity.
On initial screen only, for changing the activity.
On initial screen only, for changing the activity.
Display change documents for current instance

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BUSE
BUSF
BUSH

<Enter> key
Exit
Check input

None
<Object>
Edit

BUSI

Changes to fields

Extras

BUSL
BUSM
BUSS
BUSV

Deselect all
Select all
Save
Other functions

Edit
Edit
<Object>
<Object>

BUSW
BUSX

Further editing
Additional goto
destinations
Additional extras
Expanded
environment

Edit
Goto

BUSY
BUSZ

Enter
Data is checked and the current screen is called
up again
Display change documents for current instance
(for current cursor field only)
For screen selection on initial screen
For screen selection on initial screen
Display additional functions for the <Object>
menu
Display additional functions for the Edit menu
Display additional functions for the Goto menu

Extras
Display additional functions for the Extras menu
Environme Display additional functions for the Environment
nt
menu

3.2.7.2 Standard Functions

All menu options defined within the menu created by the application which owns the application object
should be entered as standard functions. When defining a standard function, you determine when it is to
be active or inactive. This can be done on the basis of:

The activity

The editing mode (save or transfer)

The views of the current screen

The combination view/screen sequence category

There are three tables which can be used for setting:

Standard functions

Standard functions: Active per view

Standard functions: Active per view/screen sequence category

Menu path: Control <Object> Menu options Standard functions
Example: Different requirements can be met using these tables:

The function Save (function code BUSS) is active only

for activity types Create and Change and
in save mode.

The function Delete bank details in Business Partner (function code BUPI) is active only
if the view Bank details is in the current screen and
for activity types Create and Change.

The function Address overview in Business Partner (function code BUAO) is active only
if the view Address data is in the current screen
in the screen sequence category Main screen sequence, not in the screen sequence category
Address details.
Naming convention: <Application><Function>
Application area: Application which owns the application object

3.2.7.3 Additional Functions

All menu options not fixed in the menu can be included in this menu through additional functions. These
additional functions can be reached through the following submenus:

Further object functions (<Object> menu)

Further editing (editing menu)

Additional goto destinations (Goto menu)

Additional extras (Extras menu)

Each of these submenus is active only if at least one additional function is active for the menu bar
option. When defining an additional function you determine when it is to be active or inactive. The table
settings available for this correspond to those for the standard functions (see section 3.2.7.2)
Menu path: Control <Object> Menu options Additional functions
Naming convention: <Application><Function>
Application area: All applications

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Events DCUAD and DCUAC

The menu is set in events DCUAD and DCUAC. Menu options can also be set to active or inactive here
if the rule which applies to this function cannot be represented using the settings in the control table.
Event DCUAD (setting the menu)
Description: The application determines the GUI status and sends it to the BDT. The BDT also
receives the name of the function module which sets the GUI status (command SET PFSTATUS...).
This function module must be included in the function group of the application which owns the
application object. The naming convention for this function module is <Application>_<Application
object>_PFSTATUS_SET.
Application area: Application which owns the application object.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_DCUAD
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_).
Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_DCUAD.
Action required:

Determine GUI status for the screen and send to the BDT.

Send the name of the function module for setting the GUI status to the BDT.
Event DCUAC (changing the menu)
Description: Menu options may be set to active or inactive at runtime. This is done here for the
menu options whose active/inactive rule cannot be fully represented in the control tables.
Application area: All applications.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_DCAUC
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_).
Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_DCUAC
Action required:

Determine current GUI status with the function module BUS_CUA_STATUS_GET

Include inactive standard functions or active additional functions in the relevant tables

Return current GUI status to the control with the function module
BUS_CUA_STATUS_SET

3.2.8 Field Groupings

3.2.8.1 Technique
Using field grouping, the BDT can show or hide screen fields, or make these required fields or display
fields. Field grouping is done per field group (see section 3.2.2.1). Different field grouping criteria can be
defined by the applications and integrated into the field status determination carried out by the BDT.
For each criterion, the status of the field groups is stored in field status definitions. These consist of four
data fields which cross-reference the data element BU_FLDSTLS. The following rules apply when
interpreting field status definitions:
The first field contains the status of field groups 1 to 250, the second contains the status of groups
251 to 500, the third 501 to 750 and the fourth 751 to 1000.
Each character stands for a field group. In the first field, the first character stands for the field status
of field group 1, the second character stands for field group 2 and so on. In the second field, the first
character stands for field group 251, the second character stands for field group 252 and so on. This
rule also applies in the same way to the third and fourth fields.
The individual field statuses are represented using the following characters:
+ (plus)
Required input
. (period)
Optional input
* (star)
Show
- (minus)
Hidden
(SPACE)
Not specified
Using set rules, the BDT links the settings for each field group, which have been made on the basis of
different criteria.
Note: Of course, the field status is not maintained by the user directly in the field status definition (see
section 3.2.7.3 Adjusting generated maintenance programs). In the case of further field grouping
criteria, the field status can be saved in a different way (for example, a separate data record for each
criterion and field group).

3.2.8.2 Predefined Field Grouping Criteria

The BDT offers field grouping for

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Activity and

Object part
as a service. Each application object can use both of these predefined criteria.
Activities: Only the setting activities

0100 field grouping per activity

0101 field grouping per object part

must be defined for the application object and must bear a transaction code.
Note: Neither predefined criterion is contained in the table of field grouping criteria. Only the additional
criteria are entered here.

3.2.8.3 Additional Field Grouping Criteria

Any number of additional field grouping criteria can be created for each application object. Each
application can define additional criteria.
Activities: The following steps are necessary for defining an additional criterion:
Create/expand table in the DDIC
The table key should correspond to the entity of the criterion. Four fields are used in the data
part for storing the field status definitions which cross-reference the data element BU_FLDSTLS.
The field statuses can, of course, be stored in another form, for example with a separate data
record for each field group (the number of the field group then goes into the table key).

Create maintenance view in the DDIC

Maintenance view generally consists of:

The key fields of the table created/expanded in the first step

The fields for storing the field status definitions (maintenance attribute H: Field does
not appear on the maintenance screen) and

Possibly a name from the text table belonging to it (maintenance attribute R: Field is
read-only).
The maintenance status is usually Read and change as, in this maintenance view, entries should
neither be created nor deleted.
Generating maintenance programs
Using transaction SE54 you can generate the maintenance program for the maintenance view
created in the previous step.
Adjusting generated maintenance programs
The field status should not be maintained by the user directly in the field status definition. The BDT
offers a clearly arranged maintenance interface with selection fields. The generated maintenance
program must therefore be adjusted as follows:

Define separate menu for the maintenance view

The standard interface from the program SAPLSVIM is copied to the main program of the
generated maintenance program. The new menu option is included in the editing menu and the
application toolbar with the text field grouping. This function must now be activated in various
statuses. The function FLDM can be used as a template with the text field grouping in the
program SAPLBUS2. The event ST must be defined for the maintenance view, and also the
name of the main program. This means that the main programs interface, which has been
expanded to include the field grouping function, is used instead of the standard interface
SAPLSVIM.

Calling up the function field status

In the flow logic of the maintenance view screen, a separate module is inserted in the PAI
before the module LISTE_UPDATE_LISTE (applies only to single-level maintenance views).
This module calls up the BDT function module BUS_FMOD_CUSTOMIZING which carries out
field status maintenance using the selection fields. The module FIELDMOD_V_TB004_01 on
screen SAPLBUS2/0840 can be used as a template for creating the PAI module.
Event FMOD1: Creating a function module for reading the table
The value of the criterion should be known, at the latest, once the initial screen has been executed.
The function module to be created will read the table on the basis of this value and sends the
contents of the field status definitions as a result to the BDT. If the value is not yet known at one of
the runtimes, the field status definitions returned to the BDT should be blank or 0.
Runtime: Before the initial screen and between the initial screen and the first data screen.
Application area: Owner application of the field grouping criterion.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_FMOD1_<Criterion>

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(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_).

Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_FMOD2_BUP003
Enter field grouping criterion
The criterion must now be entered into the control table of field grouping criteria. You should also
define the name of the function module here, with which the BDT can call up the field statuses for
the criterion.

3.2.9 Assigning Screen Fields Database Fields

In many cases the database fields themselves are not put directly on the screen, but rather the fields of
structures for the screen fields, or the fields of program-internal tables (especially for table controls).
The names of the screen fields were entered when assigning field groups fields (see section 3.2.2.1).
If the name of a screen field differs from the name of the database field, the assignment must be
entered here. The assignment must be clear in both directions so that the BDT can determine the other
field name correctly. The following assignments are possible:
Assignment for a field
Table and field names must be given for both the screen field and the database field.
Assignment for all fields in a table
The table name must be given both for the screen field and for the database field (for field names
enter *).
When determining the name, the BDT first searches for an assignment for the screen field you want to
find. If this is not found, the BDT will search for a corresponding assignment for the table (field name =
*). If this search is also unsuccessful, the BDT will assume that the table field name and the screen
field name correspond.
Menu path: Control <Object> Assign screen fieldDB field

3.2.10 Search Helps

From release 4.0A, matchcodes will be replaced by new search helps. Up to now, matchcode IDs were
limited to the tables and fields defined in the matchcode object. This restriction will not apply with the
new search helps. However, adding an elementary search help to a search help defined by a different
application will still be a modification in Release 4.5. For this reason, the BDT will provide you with the
option starting in Release 4.5 of linking elementary search helps belonging to various search helps
within a dialog box.
Menu path: Control <Object> Search helps
Future plans: From Release 4.6A, Basis will offer an APPEND concept for search helps. As with tables
and structures, downstream applications, or customers themselves, can expand the collective search
help to include further elementary search helps without modifying the original collective search help.
From this release, the BDT table for search helps will no longer be necessary. The search help can be
defined

in the table field or

in the structure or table or

in the screen field

directly.
The following two chapters describe the procedure up to Release 4.5.

3.2.10.1 Creating Search Helps for a Field

Using the following steps you can establish the search help for a field, which can later be expanded by
other applications without modification.

Create search help and elementary search help in the Data Dictionary

Define elementary search helps in the BDT table for search helps
menu path: Control <Object> Search helps

Call up the BDT function module BUS_MCODE for event POV on the screen

Call up the BDT function module BUS_PAI for event PAI on the screen - this will also support the
search help short entry with =

For all fields wishing to use this search help, the above BDT function modules should be called up in

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POV and PAI. Only this will ensure that any elementary search helps, added subsequently by other
applications (see next chapter), are available everywhere.

3.2.10.2 Expanding Search Helps for a Field

Downstream applications or development partners and customers always require additional elementary
search helps for a field in another application. The BDT offers this as a fully maintained feature - in
other words, without the need for modification.
Create a collective search help in the data dictionary, giving it its own name, and add elementary
search helps.
Define elementary search helps in the BDT table for search helps
(menu path: Control <Object> Search helps)

3.2.11 Authorizations
Authorizations are checked thoroughly

Between the initial screen and first data screen.

Before saving

3.2.11.1 Predefined Authorization Checks

The following authorization checks are provided by the BDT:

Authorization types
Using this authorization object, authorizations can be defined on the basis of the field value of any
data fields. Authorization types can be defined within the IMG for this purpose. For each
authorization type, you must determine which field is to be checked. Within the authorizations you
can then determine which user is permitted to maintain which field values.
Example of the use of authorization types:

Sort business partners according to their last names.

User A is responsible for business partners whose last names begin with the letters A to K,
User B is responsible for business partners whose last names begin with the letters L to Z.

Sort business partners according to their postal codes.

User A is responsible for business partners whose postal codes begin with numbers 0 to 5,
User B is responsible for business partners whose postal codes begin with the numbers 6 to 9.
In some cases it may be useful to use authorization types with two fields. This means the user
needs authorization for both fields to carry out maintenance tasks. An example of where this may
be used:
Sort business partners according to the combination country/ postal code.
User A is responsible for business partners in Germany whose last names begin with the letters A to
K
User B is responsible for L to Z in Germany
User C is responsible for A to F in Austria
To use authorization types, the developer must carry out the following steps for an application
object:

Create authorization field for authorization type

If you use a separate authorization field for each application object, the possible entries will only
show the values of the relevant application object in authorization maintenance. The data
element BU_AUTYP should be used when defining the authorization field. We recommend the
following for foreign key definition:
Value table TB030
Foreign key fields:
TB030-CLIENT =
SYST-MANDT
TB030-OBJAP =
<Name of application object as constant>
TB030-AUTYP =
<Name of authorization field>
Example: Business partner authorization field AUTHTYP

Create authorization object with the fields

Authorization type
Field value (field 1)
Field value (field 2)
Activity
Example: Authorization object B_BUPA_ATT in application object BUPA

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Define the name of the authorization object and the authorization field for authorization
types within application object maintenance

Generate setting transaction for the setting activity 0102 authorization types and include
maintenance in the IMG.

If a customer now wishes to use the authorization types, they must carry out the following steps:

Create authorization type within the IMG giving the field name
Example: The definition of the authorization type can be found in the business partners IMG
under
Cross-Application Components Central Business Partner Business Partner Basic
Settings Authorization Management Maintain Authorization Types.

Create authorizations, giving the field values, and allocate to the users
Authorization per field group
Using this authorization object the customer can determine which user is authorized to maintain
which field groups. The authorization-relevant field groups can be determined for this within
customizing. This check is not carried out for any other field group. In other words, from the point of
view of this authorization check, the field group can be maintained by any user.

To use it the developer must carry out the following steps for an application object:

Create authorization field for field groups

If you use a separate authorization field for each application object, the possible entries will only
show the authorization-relevant field groups for an application object in authorization
maintenance. The data element BU_FLDGRAU should be used when defining the authorization
field. We recommend the following for foreign key definition:
Value table TB031
Foreign key fields:
TB031-CLIENT =
SYST-MANDT
TB031-OBJAP =
<Name of application object as constant>
TB031-FLDGR =
<Name of authorization field>
Example: Business partner authorization field FLDGR

Create authorization object with the fields

Field groups
Activity
Example: Authorization object B_BUPA_FDG in application object BUPA

Define the name of the authorization object and the authorization field for field groups
within application object maintenance.

3.2.11.2 Additional Authorization Checks

Any other authorization checks can be carried out. Use event AUTH1 for the checks. This will be called
up by the BDT:

Between the initial screen and first data screen and

Before saving.

3.2.12 Divisibility
Particularly for central application objects with a lot of tables and fields, it is easier not to have to
maintain the whole object each time, but only parts of the data (object parts) depending on the business
environment. The divisibility function within the BDT can be used for this.
The BDT supports two types of divisibility:
Simple divisibility
Each instance can be created in exactly one object part
The information regarding which object part an instance is created in is an attribute of the primary
table. An example of this is a bank account which can only be created in exactly one account type
(for example, current account, clearing account etc.).
Multiple divisibility
Each instance can be created in several object parts
The information regarding which object parts an instance is created in is stored in a separate table.
The table key is made up of the objects primary key and the object part. An example of this is a
business partner who can appear in several roles (for example, ordering party, payer, account
holder etc.).

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In this form of divisibility, a further distinction can be made between whether it is permitted to
maintain the instance in several object parts within a maintenance dialog. If it is permitted, object
part grouping can be used to combine several parts for maintenance.

3.2.12.1 Details on Application Objects

The form of divisibility is determined here. Terms such as object part and object part grouping can be
replaced by terms from the application objects language environment. In Business Partner these terms
have been replaced by BP role and BP role grouping.
Menu path: General control Application objects
Naming convention: <Application>NNN
Object parts should always have 6 places. It should start with the application ID followed by a set of
numbers.

3.2.12.2 Object Parts

For each application object, you can define any number of object parts. To define an object part, follow
the steps below:
Define object part
Along with the name and the title, define the screen sequence and differentiation type. You can also
decide here whether or not a screen selection is to be shown on the initial screen.
Naming convention: <Application>NNN
Object parts should always have 6 places. It should start with the application ID followed by a set of
numbers.
Assign object part Applications
This allocation will determine which applications

provide their own views in this object part

wish to call up the maintenance of this object part.

Assign object part Views
Only some attributes are relevant for each object part. This assignment will enable you to determine
which attributes are relevant for an object part. The BDT automatically hides the remaining
attributes in the dialog.
Menu path: Control <Object> <Object parts>
Note: In many cases application transactions (see section 3.2.13) can be used for calling up the
maintenance dialog. Otherwise you can call up the dialog using the BDT function module
BUS_CONTROL_MAIN.

3.2.12.3 Object Part Groupings

Object parts can be combined using object part groupings. To define an object part grouping, use the
following steps:
Define object part grouping
Apart from the name and the title, define only the screen sequence for the dialog here.
Naming convention: <Application>NNN
Object part groupings should always have 6 places. It should start with the application ID followed
by a set of numbers.
Assign object part grouping Object parts
This assignment will enable you to determine which object parts make up the grouping. During the
dialog for a grouping, the BDT will show only those views which are assigned to at least one
relevant object part.
Menu path: Control <Object> <Object part grouping>

3.2.13 Application Transactions

With application transactions, the BDT offers an easy way to call up the maintenance dialog for an
application object. This covers the majority of maintenance calls.
Menu path: Control <Object> Application transactions
Action required:
Create a report transaction and enter the report BUSSTART as the start parameter.
Create an application transaction for each call and enter the details for the following fields:

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Transaction code

Activity

Object part or object part grouping (optional)

Include the transaction in your task level menu

When the application transaction is started, the BDT will determine the parameters you have defined
and call up the central dialog module BUS_CONTROL_MAIN.
Note: Not all maintenance transactions are covered by the application transactions. If, for example,
several object parts are to be maintained at the same time or the initial screen is to be filled with
reference values and skipped, you will have to call up the BDT function module BUS_CONTROL_MAIN
directly.

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3.2.14 Transfer Mode

In addition to save mode, in which the amended data is either saved or discarded when maintenance is
being exited, we also have transfer mode. This has the function Transfer, instead of Save, which notes
the data in the applications global memory. The data is written to the database at a later stage.
Example: Two business partners are required before a contract can be created. If necessary, these can
be created from contract maintenance. However, this would be done in transfer mode. The new
business partners are first created together with the contract in the database.
The sequence of events is different from that in save mode. Once the data has been noted in the global
memory in event DTAKE, the flow is interrupted. Events DSAVC and DSAVE are processed later for
data storage (see figure 2).
Initial screen

Data screen

DTITL

DTITL

DCUAD DCUAC

ISSTA

Start
dialog

Prior to output

Prior to
call

CALL SUBSCREEN

DCUAD DCUAC

ISDAT
ISDST
AUTH1

CALL SUBSCREEN

CALL SUBSCREEN

Transfer

Cahnge?

no

FCODE

Change?

Cancel

Exit
XCHNG

no

Do you want no
to save?
yes

XCHNG

no

Change?

yes
Cancel.

AUTH1
DCHCK
DTAKE

After input

FCODE

XCHNG

yes
DSAVB

CALL SUBSCREEN

After input

Back

XCHNG

Prior to output

Prior to
call

yes
Cancel.
A

Change?

no

yes

Do you want no
to save?
yes

Do you want yes

to cancel?
no
A

DSAVB

DSAVB

AUTH1

AUTH1

DCHCK

DCHCK

DTAKE

DTAKE

DLVE1
End
dialog
Start
save

DSAVC

DSAVE

DLVE2

End
save

Fig. 2: Events in dialog, transfer mode

3.3 Change Document Lists

The BDT offers the display of change documents as a generic service. All application objects and their
applications can take advantage of this service through events CHGD1, CHGD2, CHGD3 and CHGD4.
The BDT differentiates between two types of list:
1) Dialog lists
These are started from the maintenance dialog.

Changes to instances
Change documents for the instance currently being processed are displayed. The user first
receives a dialog box showing all the fields and tables which have been changed, from which a
selection can be made for display.

Changes to fields
Change documents for the instance currently being processed are displayed insofar as they are
relevant for the current cursor field.
2) Report lists

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These lists are started as a separate report (transaction SA38 or SE38). The number of change
documents to be displayed can be defined on a generated selection screen according to object key,
change date, person who made the changes and the field name. The selection can also be
expanded using the differentiation types, where these are used in the application object.
The list of change documents can be re-sorted subsequently, and further restrictions applied to the
display.

3.3.1 Events CHGD1 to CHGD4

The following events can be used by all applications in an application object to include their tables in the
change document list:

CHGD1 (Change documents: Transfer selection values)

The application recognizes the data in the dialog lists that belongs to the object instance currently
being edited and can transfer the relevant object classes and object values to the BDT without
further information. The applications get their selections from the BDT. The applications use the
selections to determine the relevant object classes and object values and transfer them to the BDT.
The BDT uses these specifications to import the change documents.
Interface:
I_XDIALOG
Indicator: Dialog list
I_XGLOBAL
Ind.: General data (without differentiation)
relevant
T_VALUE_OBJECTID
Selection for the primary key
T_VALUE_DIFFTYP
Selection for differentiation types
T_OBJECTID
List of relevant object classes/object values
Activities:

Determine list type using import parameter I_XDIALOG

Dialog lists
Collect keys from the relevant instances into one table
Call BDT function module BUS_CDOBJECTID_COLLECT and the transfer the relevant instances to
its interface table T_OBJECTID. This creates an entry from the combination of object class
(corresponds to the change document object) and object value. If table T_OBJECTID remains
blank, the BDT reads the change documents for all object instances.

Report lists
Note value of parameter I_XGLOBAL for event CHGD4
Note value of interface table T_VALUE_DIFFTYP for event CHGD4 (only if application object uses
differentiation)
Read entries on the selection screen for the primary key; determine interface table
T_VALUE_OBJECTID and thus the relevant object instances using the parameter
Enter the relevant object instances in interface table T_OBJECTID This creates an entry from the
combination of object class and object value. If table T_OBJECTID remains blank, the BDT reads
the change documents for all object instances.
Application area: All applications which own tables and write change documents for their tables.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_CHGD1.
(Customer: Function module name has the prefix Y_ or Z_).
Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_CHGD1
CHGD2 (Change documents: Collect object names)
Various texts for the dialog box in which you select tables/fields (dialog list of object changes) as
well as for the change document list itself are defined here by the applications.
Interface:
C_OBJBEZ
Object name in change document list
T_TABBEZ
Names of tables
Activities

Define names of individual tables for selecting tables/fields in the list of object changes

Define object name for the change document list (only application which owns
application object)

Application area: All applications which own tables and write change documents for their tables.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_CHGD2.
(Customer: Function module name has the prefix Y_ or Z_).
Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_CHGD2

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 CHGD3 (Change documents: Header relevant?)

The BDT reads the change document headers based on the values transferred by the applications
into event CHGD1. At event CHGD1, the application could not precisely restrict the relevant change
document headers. At event CHGD3, the application can still prevent non-relevant change
document headers from being read.
Interface:
I_OBJECTCLAS
Object class
I_OBJECTID
Object value
C_XREL
Indicator: Change document header is relevant
Application area: This event is generally not needed by the applications.
Naming conventions: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_CHGD3.
(Customer: Function module name has the prefix Y_ or Z_).
CHGD4 (Change documents: Item relevant?)
Once the BDT has imported the change document headers as well as items, the application can
decide at event CHGD4 for each item whether it is relevant. If this is the case, you can change the
item display using different return parameters.
Interface:
I_TABNAME
Table name of item
I_TABKEY
Table key of changed entry
C_XREL
Indicator: Item is relevant
C_TABBEZ
Name of table (for additions or deletions)
C_KEYNAM
Name for the output of an additional key
C_KEYVAL
Additional key
Activities:

Decide whether an item is relevant and tell this to the BDT using parameter C_XREL

Item is relevant
-

If additions or deletions are made from a table, the name of the table is output in the Field name
field. You can define this name using parameter C_TABBEZ.
The output in the Additional key field can be defined using parameters C_KEYNAM and
C_KEYVAL.
Application area: All applications which own tables and write change documents for their tables.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_CHGD4.
(Customer: Function module name also has the prefix Y_ or Z_)
Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_CHGD4

3.3.2 Calling Lists

You can call the dialog lists with the menu options predefined by the BDT. Include the following
functions in your menu:
BUSA
Instance changes
BUSI
Changes to fields
You can replace the function names in your menu with a more fitting description of the application
object. For example, in the Business Partner application object, the first function is called Partner
changes.
You call the report list using the setting transaction for setting activity 0200 Change Document Lists.

3.4 Data Maintenance Without Dialog

There is a difference between direct input and function modules in data maintenance without dialog.
However, the program logic from dialog maintenance is used to the greatest possible extent for both.
The applications recognize data maintenance without dialog by the value of return parameter E_XDINP
in function module BUS_PARAMETERS_ISSTA_GET. If this parameter is set to X (marked), it means
the data maintenance is without dialog, while an initial value indicates dialog maintenance.

3.4.1 Direct Input

The direct input (DI) function allows you to execute a high-performance data transfer from a legacy
system. The data is checked with the same routines as in a dialog and saved in the database if it
contains no errors. Incorrect data is not transferred but is shown in a log.
In addition to creating data from scratch, you can also change the data in existing instances. A NODATA
character (default is a slash /) was introduced so that the values of all data fields dont have to be re-

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entered every time there is a change. If the NODATA character is transferred for a field, the old value
remains.

3.4.1.1 DDIC Structures

In order to use direct input (DI), you have to create various DDIC structures and make sure they are
recognized by the system.
Note: Bear in mind that the functionality of the NODATA character permits only fields belonging to data
type CHAR to be included in these structures. For table fields belonging to other data types, you include
a CHAR field in which the name and length is the same as the database field.
Activities:

Create DDIC structures

Application object-specific header data (abbreviated S1)

This structure includes all fields that are required for reading the tables (may be the same as
the fields on the initial screen in dialog) as well as all fields that also serve as field grouping
criteria.
Example: In Business Partner, this structure is called BUS0DIINIT.

All header data (abbreviated S2)

In addition to the fields in structure S1, S2 also includes the header data that is always needed
independent of the application object. This universally valid header data is located in BDT
structure BUSSDIHDR. This should be the first structure you insert in S2, followed by the S1
structure you created in step one.
Example: In Business Partner, this structure is called BUSHDR_DI.

Data per database table (abbreviated S3)

For each database table, you create a DI structure which contains all the fields from this table
that are to be transferred. If multiple records can be maintained for each object instance in a
table (table control in dialog, for instance), you need to include another indicator in this structure
that describes the type of change in each data record. Refer to data element BU_CHIND for
this field. The following fixed values exist in the domain of the same name:
U
Change
I
Insert
D
Delete
M
Modify (Create or Change)
For change type M, the application program determines within event DINP2 whether a data
record was created (record did not previously exist) or changed (record already existed).
Example: The following structures are included in Business Partner:
BUS000_DI
Table BUT000 (general data)
BUS0BK_DI
Table BUT0BK (bank details)
BUS020_DI
Tables BUT020/ADRC (addresses)
Note: The field names must be unambiguous both in structure S2 and S3, as it is otherwise
impossible to activate structure S4 (see below).

All data (abbreviated S4)

All data relevant for direct input is grouped in this structure. First insert structure S2 as an
include structure, followed by the includes for all S4 structures you created.
Example: In Business Partner, this structure is called BUS_DI.

Define names of DDIC structures in the BDT

In the definition of your application object you store

the name of structure S2 in the Header data field
the name of structure S4 in the All data field

In the definition of the tables, you store the name of the associated DI structure S3 for
each table.

Other settings in the BDT

You have to mark the Header data DI indicator for all views which fields are located in
the S1 structure. This ensures that the function modules After input are processed directly after
event DINP1.

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3.4.1.2 Events DINP1 and DINP2

The same program logic is used for DI as in the dialog. Nearly all events in the dialog are called in the
same sequence in DI (see figure 3).
Start

B
ISSTA

DINP1

Change?

no

yes
DCHCK

After input
(header views)
Error?
ISDAT

yes

no
DTAKE

ISDST
DLVE1
DINP2

After input
(data views)

DSAVB

Blocking
or last
data record?

no
B

yes
DSAVE

AUTH1
DLVE2
XCHNG

Last data
record?

no
B

yes
End

Figure 3: Events in maintenance without dialog

For runtime reasons, the application data is not written individually to the database for each instance,
but in packages of 200 object instances instead. For this reason, the processing of an instance after
events DTAKE and DLVE1 is terminated, as in transfer mode. Events DSAVE and DLVE2 are only
executed once the data for multiple instances was noted and/or no further data exists.
In addition to the events in dialog, events DINP1 and DINP2 - which take care of the data transport from
the BDT to the applications - are both important for DI.
Event DINP1 (Direct input: Enter data in header fields)
The content of the application object-specific header data (structure S1) is transferred from the BDT
to the applications. The content corresponds to data input on the initial screen in dialog.
Runtime: After ISSTA and before the header data is checked.
Note: In the next step, the BDT starts the function modules at event After input for all header views
(indicator Header data DI marked in the definition of views), which checks all header data which
was flagged.
Application area: All applications that have their own header fields.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_DINP1.
(Customer: Function module name has the prefix Y_ or Z_).
Interface:
I_INIT
Header data
Action required:

Read header data from the BDT in unstructured form (parameter I_INIT) and place it in
a field structure with structure S2

Flag header data in a function group in fields that will later be subjected to checks
Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_DINP1

Event DINP2 (Direct input: Enter data in data fields)

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One data record for every table (without header data) is transferred from the BDT to the
applications. In dialog, this corresponds to data input on the data screens.
Runtime: After reading the old data (event ISDAT and ISDST) and prior to checking the data fields.
Application area: All applications that have data fields in their own views. Applications that use
tables.
Naming convention: <Application>_<Application object>_EVENT_DINP2.
(Customer: Function module name has the prefix Y_ or Z_).
Example: BUP_BUPA_EVENT_DINP2
Interface:
I_DATA
Data record for a table
Action required:

Import data into own structure

The import parameter I_DATA (reference structure BUSDIDAT1) contains fields TBNAM and
DATA. The name of the DI structure is in field TBNAM. The DATA field contains the data of the
DI structure as a string. The application notes the data that is important for it in a structure that
has the same construction as the DI structure.

Determination of relevant action with indicator M (modify)

For tables with multiple entry and incoming data records with action M, the action to be
performed must first be determined. The data record has to be read for the existing data. If a
data record already exists, activity U (change) is set, otherwise activity I (insert).

Evaluation of the NO-DATA indicator:

The NO-DATA indicator can be used for changing existing data. All fields that are not to be
changed contain this indicator. This indicator is decoded at event DINP2. To do this, function
module BUS_DI_DATA_COMBINE has to be called. This module uses both the old and newly
transferred data (importing parameters) to determine a completely new dataset (exporting
parameters).

Noting New Dataset

The application notes the new dataset in the designated tables and/or structures. The BDT then
calls checks for those views in which the Header data DI indicator is not marked.

3.4.2 Function Modules

Maintenance using function modules corresponds in most ways to direct input. In the BDT, events run in
exactly the same order as in direct input. Only the collection of data in a format that is both neutral and
comprehensible to the BDT as well as the transfer of this data to the BDT had to be realized separately.
1. Create function module per table/table group
A function module is created for each table or group of related tables. The interface generally
corresponds to the DI structure (structure or table in multiple entry). The function module converts
the existing, structured data into an unstructured form comprehensible to the BDT.

For header data, you have to convert the data to the format of structure BUSSDI2.

You convert each data record in a table to the format of structure BUSSDI3. The field
TABNAME requires the name of the DI structure and the DATA field needs the transferred data
contents in CHAR format.

You return the data in unstructured for to interface table T_DATA, which references
structure BUSSDI.
Examples:

BUP_DI_DATA_GLOBAL_DATA

BUP_DI_DATA_BANK_DETAILS

BUA_DI_DATA_ADRESS
2. Function module per application object/object part
If an application object uses divisibility, one function module per object part is usually available. For
all other application objects, one function module is generally sufficient to maintain all the data for
an application object. This module calls the function modules of all relevant tables/table groups (see
1) and collects the data in unstructured form in a table. The BDT function module
BUS_CONTROL_MAIN_DI is then called and the content of this table is transferred.
Examples:

BUP_DI_ROLE_GLOBAL

BUP_DI_ROLE_CONTACT_PARTNER
3. Extensibility

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If a downstream application adds other fields to a table, it also needs to add these fields to the DI
structure for this table with the APPEND function. These fields can then be transferred to the
function modules created in step 2, as the structure and/or table in the interface references the
complete DI structure.
On the other hand, adding another table requires you to create a separate function module for it
(see step 1). In order to provide a function module for each application object/object part (see 2),
this application creates an additional layer in the form of its own function module.

3.5 External Interfaces

The strict division between interface and program logic as well as the encapsulation of program logic in
function modules allows BDT application objects to maintain data with an interface created outside the
BDT while using the function modules defined in the BDT as program logic. You can use the Screen
Painter in ABAP to create this external interface. You also have the option of using other interface tools
such as Visual Basic.
Note: The functionality of external interfaces is only released for specially designated projects within
SAP.

3.5.1 Process
External interfaces are designed solely in external maintenance transactions (abbreviation: external
maintenance). You define how data fields are distributed on the screens of this maintenance transaction.
The only restriction is that fields belonging to one view always have to be put together on a data screen
since there is a common function module for each view that is used to check data (event After input).
The function modules defined for the BDT events are used to read data from the database as well as to
check the data and save it. External maintenance determines the current data prior to output using the
function modules that read the data (see section 3.2.4).
External maintenance and BDT maintenance can be fully integrated. You can call BDT maintenance in
transfer mode from external maintenance. Data can be changed in both types of maintenance. Changes
are also visible in each type of maintenance. When making the transition from one kind of maintenance
to the other, the data is flagged in the global memory of the application function groups.
The BDT provides varying function modules that are called in external maintenance (procedure
described in detail in the next section). These modules in turn process one or more BDT events, which
calls event modules in the applications.
Multiple BDT application objects can be maintained at once in external maintenance.
Note: In order to be able to work with external interfaces, it is very important that you adhere to the
specifications given by the developer for the required actions in events. Correct reading and correct
supply of the current and global memory in events ISDAT, DTAKE, DSAVC and DSAVE are particularly
important.
Example: External interfaces are used in IBU Utilities to maintain move-in documents. A business
partner and a contract account, among other objects, are maintained using the maintenance
transactions for move-in documents (transactions EC50, EC51 and EC52).

3.5.2 BDT Function Modules

The BDT provides function modules that have to be called in external maintenance. Figure 4 gives an
overview of the modules that are called. Note, however, that the names of the BDT function modules
also contain the prefix BUS_FOREIGN_.
If several BDT application objects are involved in external maintenance, all function modules per
application object (with the exception of BUS_FOREIGN_INITIALIZE_ALL) have to be called once.

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External Maintenance

Initial Screen

INIT_ALL

Data Screen

Read data

Daten lesen

INIT_OBJECT

Start
Dialog

DATA_READ
A

HEADER_CHECK

Save

DATA_CHECK

Back
Exit

CHANGES_EXIST

Change?

Cancel

CHANGES_EXIST

no

Change?

yes

CHANGES_EXIST

no

yes
Abbr.

Do you want no
to save?
yes

BDT Maint.

DATA_COLLECT

DATA_COLLECT

LOCAL_MEMORY_
FILL

LOCAL_MEMORY_
FILL

LEAVE_TO_INITIAL

LEAVE_TO_INITIAL

SAVE

SAVE

Change?

FULL_
MAINTENANCE

no

yes
Do you want yes
to cancel?
no
A

LEAVE_TO_INITIAL

LEAVE_
MAINTENANCE
BDT Maintenance
Ende
Dialog

Cancel
Exit
Transfer
Back

Figure 4: Events with dialog, external interface

The function modules are as follows:

BUS_FOREIGN_INITIALIZE_ALL
The parameters valid for all BDT application objects involved in external maintenance are
transferred here. This is what the external maintenance ID is used for. It represents a separate field
grouping criterion which controls field grouping in an external interface. The type of message output
decides whether messages that occur are shown directly on screen or in a table.
BUS_FOREIGN_INITIALIZE_OBJECT
For each application object, various parameters are transferred to the BDT and then flagged. Event
ISSTA is then processed.
Read data
This does not mean that a single BDT function module is called. Prior to outputting field contents in
an external interface (PBO), the current data must be determined for each table using the Read
data function module. You will find the names of the modules in the table entries (see section 3.2.4).
BUS_FOREIGN_HEADER_CHECK
After the header data is input, call this BDT function module and transfer the content of the header
data in the format for DI header data structure to it. This data is distributed to the applications using
BDT event DINP1 in order to process the function modules for event After input for all header views
(indicator within the view definitions). Any messages that may occur are either shown directly on
screen or in a message table, as you defined in BUS_FOREIGN_INITIALIZE_ALL.
BUS_FOREIGN_DATA_READ
The data is read following successful input of the header data. To do this, call the function module.
In the module, events ISDAT and ISDST to read the data are called as well as AUTH1 for the
authorization checks.
BUS_FOREIGN_DATA_CHECK
First initialize the DI structure of the participating table with the NODATA character (call function

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module BUS_DI_DATA_INITIALIZE). Now write the field values input in the screen to the DI
structure and convert the content of this structure to the neutral format comprehensible to the BDT.
Go through these steps for all tables maintained on the data screen. Then call
BUS_FOREIGN_DATA_CHECK and transfer the data records to the BDT.
In function module BUS_FOREIGN_DATA_CHECK, all data views are determined for which at least
one field was transferred with a value not equal to NODATA. Event DINP2 is then processed to
forward the transferred data to the applications. Function modules After input for the views
determined above are now called. Any messages that may occur are either shown directly on
screen or in a message table, as you defined in BUS_FOREIGN_INITIALIZE_ALL.
BUS_FOREIGN_FULL_MAINTENANCE
You can call BDT maintenance in transfer mode from external maintenance. Changes made in
external maintenance are visible in BDT maintenance. Once you leave BDT maintenance, any
changes you made there become visible in external maintenance too. This takes place when the
data is written from the current memory to the global memory (BDT events XCHNG; DSAVB and
DTAKE) in function module BUS_FOREIGN_FULL_MAINTENANCE prior to calling BDT
maintenance. BDT maintenance is called in transfer mode, where the data for the instance is
imported from the global memory to the current memory in BDT event ISDAT. When making the
transition between BDT maintenance and external maintenance, the same procedure is performed
in the reverse order if the user decides to copy the changes that were made. The data from the
current memory is copied to the global memory. When returning to external maintenance, the data
is read from the global memory to the current memory.
BUS_FOREIGN_CHANGES_EXIST
Before saving data and/or before leaving external maintenance, the BDT asks the applications
whether changes were made to the data. The external interface provides function module
BUS_FOREIGN_CHANGES_EXIST for this purpose. The module then says whether changes were
made. Internally, BDT event XCHNG is processed at this point.
BUS_FOREIGN_DATA_COLLECT
The application data is collected in the application that owns the table. If changes exist (call BDT
event XCHNG), events DSAVB, AUTH1 and DCHCK are processed internally.
BUS_FOREIGN_LOCAL_MEMORY_NEW
The content of the current memory is written to the global memory of the application function
groups. BDT event DTAKE is processed for this purpose.
BUS_FOREIGN_SAVE
The data is read from the global memory of the application function groups and written to the
database. In the function module, events DSAVC and DSAVE are processed for this purpose.
Whether or not data is written to the database with an update task is determined by the setting
made during initialization. You can also tell the BDT whether or not it is to perform a COMMIT
WORK when you call BUS_FOREIGN_SAVE.

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4 Roadmap for Implementation

This section is intended to assist developers implement the most common requirements. One approach
to the problem is described in each sub-section. This is followed by a list of required actions in the order
they are to be performed. Reference is frequently made to the associated functional description given in
section 3.
The following options will be of particular interest to customers who want to extend standard SAP data
maintenance methods:

Customers add another check for a standard SAP view (see section 4.1)

Customers extend a standard SAP table with their own fields and integrate them into data
maintenance (see section 4.2.2)

Customers integrate the fields from their own table into data maintenance (see section 4.2.3).

4.1 Additional Check for Existing View

An additional check which is called directly after input into fields and sends a message if necessary is to
be added to the view of another application.
Action required:

Define application if you have not already done so (see section 3.1.3)

Assign the application to the object part if the application object uses divisibility and the application
is not yet assigned (see section 3.2.12)

Implement the check function module in its own function group

Store the name of the function module in the view definition in the subnode Additional checks (see
section 3.2.2.2.)

Note: Do NOT store the name of your check function module directly in the After input field in the view
definition if this view belongs to another application. If you were to do this, it would change the table
entry of the other application. The change could then be lost during an upgrade.

4.2 New Table Fields and New Tables

Many of the applications participating in an application object need to be able to extend data
maintenance with their own fields or even their own tables. The sections below describe the different
options for doing this.

4.2.1 New Table Field Using Owning Application

An application already integrated its table fields into data maintenance. Now there is an additional data
field that is also to be included in the dialog.
Activities:
Extend table in DDIC
Extend screen layout/screen sequence with the new field (see section 4.4)

4.2.2 New Table Field Using Participating Application

An application wants to attach a field to the table that belongs to another application and make this field
maintainable in dialog. The following activities are necessary:

Create APPEND structure for the table in the DDIC

Define application if you have not already done so (see section 3.1.3)

Assign the application to the object part, if this has not already been done and the object uses
divisibility (see 3.2.12.2)

Extend screen layout/screen sequence with the new field (see section 4.4)

Create program logic for events (see section 3.2.5)

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ISSTA

Initialize

ISDST

Distribute data

XCHNG

Were changes made?

DSAVB

Collect data

DLVE1

Initialize current memory

Note: SAP policy has it that a table should only be extended by additional fields after first consulting
with the owning application. Alternatively, you can also create new tables and integrate them into the
dialog.

4.2.3 New Table

An application wants to extend the dialog with its own tables. The following activities are necessary:

Create table in DDIC

Define application if you have not already done so (see section 3.1.3)

Enter table in the table directory (see section 3.2.4)

Extend screen layout/screen sequence with new fields (see section 4.4)

Create program logic for events (see section 3.2.5)

ISSTA

Initialize

ISDAT

Read data

XCHNG

Were changes made?

DTAKE

Transfer data

DSAVC

Complete data

DSAVE

Save data

DLVE1

Initialize current memory

DLVE2

Initialize global memory.

Integrate table in change document lists

4.3 Extend Screen Layout and Screen Sequence

New fields can be integrated into screen layout and screen sequence in several different ways.

4.3.1 Include Field in Existing Field Group

If the new field is so closely connected with the fields already created for the field group in your
application that these fields can only be shown or hidden together, the new field should be included in
this field group. The following activities are necessary:

Assign the new field to an existing field group (see section 3.2.2.1)

Change view to which the field group is assigned (see section 3.2.2.2)

Include new field in subscreen

Assign screen field and database field if necessary (see section 3.2.9)

Extend program logic (event After input etc)

Note: A field group may only be assigned fields from one application. Other applications must define
separate field groups for their fields.

4.3.2 Include Field in Existing View

If the new field belongs to a fields in a view that already exists in your application in terms of its display
and checks, it should be included in this view. You use its own field group to show or hide the new field
separate from the others. The following activities are necessary:

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Create field group and assign new field (see section 3.2.2.1)

Change view to which the field group is assigned (see section 3.2.2.2)

Include new field in subscreen

Assign screen field and database field if necessary (see section 3.2.9)

Extend program logic (event After input etc)

Note: Only fields belonging to the same application can be located in a view. Other applications must
define separate views for their fields.

4.3.3 Include New View in Existing Section

If a new field is independent in terms of its display and checks but belongs to existing views in terms of
its content, you need to create a separate view for it and assign this view to the existing section. The
following activities are necessary:

Create field group and assign new field (see section 3.2.2.1)

Create view and assign new field group (see section 3.2.2.2)

Adapt object part if the application object uses divisibility (see section 3.2.12.2)

Assign application to the object part

Assign view to the object part

Assign new view to an existing section (see section 3.2.2.3)

4.3.4 Include New Section in Existing Screen

If a new field is independent in terms of its display and checks as well as in terms of its content, you
create a separate view and a separate section for this field. If the section fits the context of an existing
screen, the new section should be assigned to this screen. The following activities are necessary:

Create field group and assign new field (see section 3.2.2.1)

Create view and assign new field group (see section 3.2.2.2)

Adapt object part if the application object uses divisibility (see section 3.2.12.2)

Assign application to the object part

Assign view to the object part

Create section and assign new view (see section 3.2.2.3)

Assign new section to an existing screen (see section 3.2.2.4)

4.3.5 New Screen in Existing Screen Sequence

If the field does not fit in the context of an existing screen, create a new screen and integrate it into an
existing sequence. The following activities are necessary:

Create field group and assign new field (see section 3.2.2.1)

Create view and assign new field group (see section 3.2.2.2)

Adapt object part if the application object uses divisibility (see section 3.2.12.2)

Assign application to the object part

Assign view to the object part

Create section and assign new view (see section 3.2.2.3)

Create screen and assign new section (see section 3.2.2.4)

Assign the new screen to an existing screen sequence (see section 3.2.3.2)

4.3.6 New Screen Sequence as Main Screen Sequence

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If an application object uses divisibility, you have the option of creating a new main screen sequence
and assigning it to the object part in which the new field is relevant. Since the views not assigned to an
object part are not automatically displayed by the BDT, a new main screen sequence is only necessary
if:

You want a different sequence of screens

Various screens are to be combined because otherwise there would be a number of nearly blank
screens
The following actions are required to create a new main screen sequence:

Create field group and assign new field (see section 3.2.2.1)

Create view and assign new field group (see section 3.2.2.2)

Adapt object part if the application object uses divisibility (see section 3.2.12.2)

Assign screen sequence to the object part

Assign application to the object part

Assign view to the object part

Create section and assign new view (see section 3.2.2.3)

Create screen and assign new section (see section 3.2.2.4)

Create new sequence and assign screens (see section 3.2.3)

Assign new sequence to category Main screen sequence (see section 3.2.3.4)

4.3.7 New Additional Screen and/or New Additional Sequence

If you want the new field to be on a separate screen but do not want it to be processed in the main
screen sequence, it must be called explicitly using an additional function. Carry out the following
activities:

Create field group and assign new field (see section 3.2.2.1)

Create view and assign new field group (see section 3.2.2.2)

Adapt object part if the application object uses divisibility (see section 3.2.12.2)

Assign application to the object part

Assign view to the object part

Create section and assign new view (see section 3.2.2.3)

Create screen and assign new section (see section 3.2.2.4)

Create new sequence and assign screens (see section 3.2.3.1 and 3.2.3.2)

Create new sequence category and assign new screen sequence (see section 3.2.3.3 and 3.2.3.4)

Create new menu option and assign the new sequence category to it (see section 3.2.7)

4.4 New Object Part

If an application object uses divisibility, you can create any number of object parts for it. To include a
new object part, you need to carry out the following activities:

Create new object part (see section 3.2.12.2)

Create application transactions (see section 3.2.13)

4.5 New Field Grouping Criterion

If the field grouping criteria predefined by BDT are not sufficient (section 3.2.8.2), additional criteria may
be added (see section 3.2.8.3 for the procedure).

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4.6 New Application Object

The BDT can be used by various application objects. Before you start doing any development, register
the new object with the Business Partner development group in IBU Insurance. We then recommend
you use the following procedure to create a new application object:

Create application object (see section 3.1.2.1)

Create setting transaction and use this to create a task menu (see sections 3.1.2.3 and 3.1.2.4)

Define applications

Create subscreens for related fields

Determine screen layout and screen sequence

Create program logic

Note:Using the BDT for development has only been approved for registered application objects in SAP.

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5 Appendix
5.1 Terminology Definitions
Current memory: The current memory contains the data on the instance that is being edited at the
moment. To do this, the owning application as well as the participating applications in their function
group create globally valid field structures (only one record per instance possible) or tables (several
records possible) for each table. Old and new datasets are kept separately in the current memory.
The old set is made up of data that exists on the initial screen in maintenance. This data is generally
flagged at event ISDAT (table-owning application) or ISDST (table-participating application). The new
set reflects the data currently entered and is also flagged for the first time at events ISDAT and/or
ISDST. The status is then updated after each entry.
Global memory: This memory contains data for all instances that have already been edited but have
not yet been saved to the database. The owning application creates only one memory for each table.
The data from the participating application is also flagged in the table. Regardless of whether one or
more records can exist for each instance in the table, the owning application creates a globally valid
table within its function group. As in the current memory, a distinction is made in the global memory
between the old and new statuses, which are also flagged separately. The old status represents the
current database status and is only created in the first data maintenance for an instance for this reason.
This takes place by transferring the data (event DTAKE) from the old status of the current memory. If
this instance is maintained again in transfer mode without saving in the meantime, you cannot change
the old status at this point. The new status is updated every time the data is transferred. The new status
is copied from the new status of the current memory.
Applications which own the tables: Application that created the table and in whose development
class the table is located. This application is responsible for reading the data on the initial screen (event
ISDAT) as well as for writing the data to the database (event DSAVE).
Applications using the tables: Application that adds data fields to the table of another application
using the APPEND structure. This application takes data from the application that owns the tables
(event ISDST) and transfers the new status of its own data fields to this application prior to saving the
data (event DSAVB).
Events: Events are defined in different places in the BDT. Each application can define the name of its
own function modules in the BDTs control tables at these events. Once the process reaches an event,
the BDT automatically calls all the function modules in the applications whose names are entered for
this event. Applications can use this technique to include their own program logic.

5.2 Abbreviations
ADK
ALV
BDT
DDIC
DI
FM
BP
PAI
PBO
SAP-BP
VCT
CAM
CBP

Archive Development Kit

ABAP List Viewer
Tool for creating flexible evaluations
Business Data Toolset
Data Dictionary
Direct Input
Function Module
Business Partner
Process After Input
Process Before Output
SAP Business Partner
Project for integrating all BP data into R/3
Visual Configuration Tool
Tool for configuring screen layout and sequence using drag&drop
Central Address Management
Project for integrating all address data into R/3
Central Business Partner
Previous project name of SAP BP

5.3 Naming Conventions

The applications of an application object can add their own data and/or their own program logic. To do

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this, they add entries to the BDT control tables. To a certain extent, these applications complete
implementation in different systems. For this reason, each application must adhere to the predefined
naming conventions when making entries in control tables. Otherwise, entries in other applications
would be overwritten. There is also a recommendation for naming event function modules.
You will find the relevant naming convention for each topic in chapter 3. The table below provides you
with an overview of the naming conventions needed when using the BDT. Adhere to these rules
wherever possible.
Naming conventions:
Object
Differentiation types
Differentiation type
elements
Application objects
Applications

Field groups
Views
Sections
Assignment
Section Views
Screens
Assignment
Screen Sections
Screen sequences
Assignment
Screen sequence
Screens
Screen sequence
categories
Event function
modules

Assignment
Event FMs
Menu options
Field grouping
criteria
Object parts

SAP
Dev. partner
Customer
0*..9*, A*..W*
X*
Y*, Z*
(central assignment)
0*..9*, A*..W*
X*
Y*, Z*
(central assignment)
A*..W*
May only be used
May only be used for
(central assignment) for SAP objects
SAP objects
Aa
.. Wa
Xa
Ya, Za
Aaa
.. Waa
Xaa
Yaa, Zaa
(Aaaa .. Waaa)
(Xaaa)
(Yaaa, Zaaa)
(central assignment)
001 599
750 1000
600 - 749
(central assignment)
<pp>nnnn
<pp>nnnn
<pp>nnnn
<ppp>nnn
<ppp>nnn
<ppp>nnn
<pppp>nn
<pppp>nn
<pppp>nn
<pp>nnnn
<pp>nnnn
<pp>nnnn
<ppp>nnn
<ppp>nnn
<ppp>nnn
<pppp>nn
<pppp>nn
<pppp>nn
Naming conventions for item numbers (see below)
<pp>nnnn
<pp>nnnn
<pp>nnnn
<ppp>nnn
<ppp>nnn
<ppp>nnn
<pppp>nn
<pppp>nn
<pppp>nn
Naming conventions for item numbers (see below)
<pp>nn
<pp>nn
<pp>nn
<ppp>n
<ppp>n
<ppp>n
<pppp>
<pppp>
<pppp>
Naming conventions for item numbers (see below)

<pp>nn
<ppp>n
<pppp>
<pp>_<apo>_*
<pp>_<apo>_*
<pp>_<apo>_*

<pp>nn
<ppp>n
<pppp>
<pp>_<apo>_*
<ppp>_<apo>_*
<pppp>_<apo>_*

<pp>nn
<ppp>n
<pppp>
Y_<pp>_<apo>_*
Z_<pp>_<apo>_*
Y_<ppp>_<apo>_*
Z_<ppp>_<apo>_*
Y_<pppp>_<apo>_*
Z_<pppp>_<apo>_*
Naming conventions for item numbers (see below)
<pp>nn
<ppp>n
<pppp>
<pp>nnnnnnnn
<ppp>nnnnnnn
<pppp>nnnnnn
<pp>nnnn
<ppp>nnn
<pppp>nn

<pp>nn
<ppp>n
<pppp>
<pp>nnnnnnnn
<ppp>nnnnnnn
<pppp>nnnnnn
<pp>nnnn
<ppp>nnn
<pppp>nn

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<pp>nn
<ppp>n
<pppp>
<pp>nnnnnnnn
<ppp>nnnnnnn
<pppp>nnnnnn
<pp>nnnn
<ppp>nnn
<pppp>nn

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Object part
groupings

<pp>nnnn
<ppp>nnn
<pppp>nn

Key:
Capital letters
a
(A..Z)
n
(0..9)
<apo>
<pp>, <ppp>, <pppp> ==>

<pp>nn
<ppp>n
<pppp>
==>

<pp>nn
<ppp>n
<pppp>

constants
==>

Alphabetic characters

==>

Numeric characters

==>
application object (2,3 or 4 places)
application (2,3 or 4 places)

Naming conventions for item numbers:

The example Assign screen sections will be used in the following section to explain naming
conventions for item numbers. This is similar to item numbers in other control tables.
The purpose of the naming convention is so the application can add its own sections to any part of a
screen regardless of the development level of the application. However, you have to ensure that any
existing entries are not overwritten by a downstream application later. For that reason, it is important to
follow the rules listed below for determining the item numbers:
Place X in a 7-place item number is assigned to each development level; only the SAP application
basis is assigned two places X (1 and 2).
The applications decide the values for the places left of X. They are used to define at which item the
new section is to be inserted.
For place X, values 1-9 are permitted, but 0 is not. In other words, a minimum of nine new sections
can be added to each item.
0 is the only permitted value for the places right of X. This prevents entries by later development
levels from being overwritten.
Naming conventions for item numbers
Development level
SAP: Application basis
SAP: Standard applications
SAP: IBUs
Development partners
Customers (central)
Customers (branch)

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Place X
1,2
3
4
5
6
7

Examples for numbers

0100000, 0200000, 0900000,
1000000, 1100000
0120000, 0160000, 0240000
0123000, 0125000, 0248000
0123200, 0123600, 0247500
0123230, 0123270, 0247510
0123234, 0123238, 0247515

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