Difference Between BDC and Call Transaction


BDC (Batch Data Communication) and Call Transaction are two different methods for performing data entry operations in SAP. BDC is a method for uploading or updating huge amounts of data in SAP systems. Call Transaction is a method for automatically executing transaction codes in SAP.

Read this article to find out more about BDC and Call Transaction and how they are different from each other.

What is BDC?

BDC (Batch Data Communication) is a SAP technique for automating the process of uploading or updating huge amounts of data in SAP systems. BDC can help with data migration, data maintenance, and data updates. Creating a batch input session, which is a file containing data to be uploaded or changed in SAP, is part of the BDC process. Using transaction code SM35, this file is processed in the background.

The BDC process can be divided into three steps:

Recording the Data Entry Transaction

The first step in creating a batch input session is to record the transaction to be automated. This involves manually entering data into SAP and recording the steps using transaction code SHDB. The system records all keystrokes and data entered throughout the transaction and generates an ABAP program that may be used to automate it.

Preparing the Data for Upload

Once the transaction has been recorded, the data must be prepared for upload. This includes converting the data to be uploaded into a format that SAP can process. This can be accomplished using a data conversion tool or by manually creating a file containing the data in a format that can be uploaded using the batch input session.

Uploading the Data

The data is uploaded into SAP using the batch input session as the final step in the BDC process. The batch input session is created using transaction code SM35, which allows you to choose the ABAP program developed during the recording process as well as the file holding the data to be uploaded. The data is subsequently processed in the background through the system, which updates the SAP database.

One of the main advantages of BDC is the ability to automate repetitive data input operations and reduce the chance of errors. It is also beneficial for uploading or updating large amounts of data in SAP. BDC, on the other hand, has several limitations. It is difficult to set up and maintain, and it may not be suitable for all types of data entry operations. BDC also involves programming skills as well as an understanding of SAP data structures and programming languages.

What is Call Transaction?

Call Transaction is an SAP technique for automating the process of running transaction codes in SAP systems. Call Transaction can help you automate data entry tasks and reduce manual errors. The call transaction process begins with the development of an ABAP program that calls the transaction code, which is then performed in the foreground.

The Call Transaction process can be divided into three steps:

Creating the ABAP Program

The first step in using Call Transaction is to create an ABAP program that calls the transaction code. Transaction codes SE38 or SE80 can be used to generate this program. The program contains the transaction code as well as additional logic to validate the data being entered or conduct other tasks.

Preparing the Data for Entry

After the ABAP program has been created, the data must be prepared for entry. This involves converting the data to be entered into a format that SAP can process. This can be done with the help of a data conversion tool or by manually creating a file containing the data in a format that can be uploaded using the ABAP program.

Executing the Transaction Code

The Call Transaction procedure continues with the execution of the ABAP program, which calls the transaction code and enters the data into SAP. The program can be run using transaction codes SE38 or SE80, and depending on the outcomes of the transaction code execution, it may prompt the user for further input or show messages.

One of the main advantages of Call Transaction is the ability to automate data entry operations and reduce the chance of errors. It's also useful when you need to manually enter data into SAP or run a series of transactions in a specific order. Call Transaction, on the other hand, have several limitations. It may not be suitable for all types of data entry operations, and it requires programming skills as well as knowledge of SAP's data structures and programming languages. In addition, if a significant volume of data must be entered manually, Call Transaction might be time-consuming.

Difference between BDC and Call Transaction

The following table highlights the major differences between BDC and Call Transaction −

Characteristics

BDC

Call Transaction

Technique

Creates a batch input session to process data

Calls transaction codes to execute tasks

Recording

Records the transaction to be automated using SHDB.

Creates an ABAP program to call transaction codes

Data preparation

Requires converting data to a format that can be processed by SAP.

Requires preparing data for entry into SAP.

Programming skills

Requires programming skills and knowledge of SAP's data structures and programming languages.

Requires programming skills and knowledge of SAP's data structures and programming languages.

Limitations

Can be complex to set up and maintain

May not be suitable for all types of data entry tasks.

Advantages

Automates repetitive data entry tasks and reduces errors.

Automates data entry tasks and reduces errors.

Use cases

Useful for data migration, data maintenance, and data updates.

Useful for entering data manually into SAP or executing a series of transactions in a specific order.

Processing mode

Background

Foreground

Data validation and editing

Possible with the use of ABAP program logic.

Possible with the use of ABAP program logic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BDC and call transactions are two different methods for carrying out data entry tasks in SAP. BDC is a background processing technique used to upload or update huge amounts of data in SAP systems, whereas Call Transaction is a foreground processing approach used to automatically execute SAP transaction codes.

When processing huge amounts of data in SAP, BDC is useful, whereas Call Transaction is useful for automating entry tasks to reduce manual errors. Both strategies have advantages and disadvantages, and the technique used depends on the task at hand.

Overall, BDC and Call Transaction are significant SAP ecosystem products that allow customers to automate data entry tasks and improve the productivity of their business operations.

Updated on: 15-May-2023

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