RFC (Remote Function Call) is a protocol used in SAP systems to enable communication
between different systems or within the same system but across different instances. RFC is a
critical component of SAP's distributed architecture, allowing different SAP systems or external
applications to call and execute functions remotely.
Key Concepts of RFC in SAP
1. RFC Function Module:
o A function module is a reusable piece of code that performs a specific task in
SAP. When this function module is made available for remote execution, it is
called an RFC-enabled function module.
o RFC function modules are created in the ABAP Workbench (SE37 transaction)
and can be called from other SAP systems or external systems via RFC.
2. Types of RFC:
o Synchronous RFC (sRFC):
The calling program waits for the remote function call to complete and
returns the result. This is typically used when an immediate response is
needed.
It ensures that the calling system and the remote system are both available
at the time of execution.
o Asynchronous RFC (aRFC):
The calling program does not wait for the remote function to complete and
continues processing. The results are returned later when the function
execution is complete.
This is useful for improving performance when the calling system doesn't
need the result immediately.
o Transactional RFC (tRFC):
Ensures that the remote function call is executed exactly once, even if the
system fails during execution. It uses a transaction ID (TID) to track and
manage the function call.
tRFC is typically used in scenarios where data integrity is critical, such as
financial transactions.
o Queued RFC (qRFC):
An extension of tRFC that ensures the sequence of function calls is
preserved. This is important when the order of execution affects the
outcome.
qRFC is often used in scenarios where multiple related function calls need
to be processed in a specific order, such as in logistics or supply chain
processes.
3. RFC Destinations:
o RFC destinations define the target system where the RFC function module will
be executed. These destinations are configured in the SAP system using the
transaction code SM59.
o Destinations can be for:
Another SAP system (e.g., an SAP ERP system calling a function in an
SAP CRM system).
An external system (e.g., an SAP system calling a function in a non-SAP
system via HTTP or TCP/IP).
The same SAP system (e.g., an instance in a distributed system calling a
function in another instance).
4. RFC Communication:
o RFC enables communication between different systems in the SAP landscape,
allowing them to share data and execute functions remotely. This is crucial in
distributed environments where different systems need to work together to
complete business processes.
o Examples of RFC communication include:
Data transfer between SAP systems (e.g., between SAP ERP and SAP
SCM).
Integration with third-party applications (e.g., an SAP system
communicating with a web service or database).
Advantages of RFC in SAP
1. Flexibility:
o RFC allows SAP systems to interact with other SAP systems and non-SAP
systems seamlessly. This flexibility is essential in modern IT landscapes where
integration is key.
2. Scalability:
o With RFC, SAP systems can be scaled by distributing workloads across multiple
systems. This enables organizations to manage large, complex business processes
efficiently.
3. Reliability:
o Transactional RFC (tRFC) ensures that remote function calls are executed exactly
once, even in the event of system failures. This reliability is critical for
maintaining data integrity.
4. Parallel Processing:
o Asynchronous RFC (aRFC) allows for parallel processing of tasks, improving
overall system performance by enabling multiple functions to be executed
simultaneously without waiting for each to complete.
5. Integration:
o RFC provides a standardized way to integrate SAP systems with other SAP or
non-SAP systems, enabling data exchange and process automation across
different platforms.
Common Use Cases for RFC in SAP
1. System Integration:
o RFC is widely used to integrate different SAP systems, such as connecting SAP
ERP with SAP CRM, SAP SRM, or SAP SCM. This integration enables seamless
data flow and process automation across various modules and systems.
2. Data Transfer:
o Transferring data between systems is a common use of RFC. For example, data
from a legacy system can be migrated to an SAP system using RFC-enabled
function modules.
3. Distributed Processing:
o In distributed environments, tasks can be distributed across multiple systems
using RFC. For example, a central SAP system can distribute the processing of
large data sets to multiple satellite systems, each executing a portion of the work
via RFC.
4. Integration with External Systems:
o RFC is used to integrate SAP systems with external systems, such as third-party
software, databases, or web services. For example, an SAP system might use RFC
to retrieve real-time data from an external database or to send data to an external
web service.
Configuring and Managing RFC
1. Setting Up RFC Destinations (SM59):
o RFC destinations define the target system for an RFC call. These destinations
must be configured correctly to establish communication between systems.
o Connection Test: After setting up an RFC destination, a connection test can be
performed to ensure that the communication link is working correctly.
2. Monitoring RFCs (SM58):
o The transaction SM58 is used to monitor transactional RFCs (tRFC). It displays
the status of tRFC calls and any errors that have occurred. Administrators can use
this transaction to troubleshoot and resolve issues with RFC communication.
3. Security Considerations:
o Because RFCs involve communication between systems, it is essential to secure
RFC communication by configuring appropriate authorizations and using secure
communication protocols (such as SSL/TLS).
4. Error Handling:
o In case of errors during RFC execution, SAP provides mechanisms for error
handling, including automatic retries, logging, and notifications. Administrators
can review RFC logs to diagnose and correct issues.
Conclusion
RFC in SAP is a powerful mechanism for enabling communication between systems, facilitating
integration, and distributing processing across different environments. By leveraging RFC,
organizations can achieve seamless data exchange, improve process efficiency, and ensure
reliable system operations in a distributed landscape. Understanding how to configure, manage,
and optimize RFC is crucial for SAP administrators and architects tasked with maintaining
complex SAP environments.
4o
