Before developing a BDC program, it is essential to record the transaction flow and understand how BDC data is structured. SAP provides a transaction recording tool (SHDB) that captures screen sequences, fields, and values entered in a transaction.
This tutorial will cover:
✅ How to record a transaction using SHDB
✅ Understanding the BDC recording structure
✅ Handling screens, fields, and dynamic elements
✅ Best practices for effective BDC recording
1. What is BDC Recording in SAP?
BDC Recording is the process of capturing user interactions in a SAP transaction to generate an input template. The recorded sequence helps in automating data entry via a BDC program.
Why is BDC Recording important?
✔ Captures screen navigation, field inputs, and validations.
✔ Helps in identifying technical field names used in BDC programs.
✔ Enables developers to replicate user actions programmatically.
2. How to Perform a BDC Recording (SHDB Transaction)
SAP provides the SHDB (Transaction Recorder) tool for BDC recordings.
Step-by-Step Process for BDC Recording
1️⃣ Open Transaction Recorder
- Go to Transaction Code:
SHDB - Click on “New Recording”
2️⃣ Enter Recording Details
- Enter a name for your recording (e.g.,
ZBDC_MATERIAL) - Specify the transaction code to record (e.g.,
MM01for material creation) - Click “Start Recording”
3️⃣ Perform the Transaction Manually
- SAP will launch the transaction.
- Enter sample data just as an end-user would.
- Click through each screen without skipping any fields.
4️⃣ Save the Recording
- Once completed, stop the recording.
- SAP will display a list of screens, programs, and fields captured.
3. Understanding the BDC Recording Structure
Once the recording is complete, SAP generates a BDC structure containing:
✅ Transaction Code – The SAP transaction being executed.
✅ Screens & Programs – Identifies the SAP program name and screen number.
✅ Field Names & Values – Captures input fields and their values.
Example BDC Recording Output (MM01 – Material Master Creation)
| Program Name | Screen No. | Field Name | Value Entered |
|---|---|---|---|
SAPLMGMM | 0101 | MATNR | 123456 |
SAPLMGMM | 0101 | MTART | FERT |
SAPLMGMM | 0101 | MEINS | PC |
SAPLMGMM | 0101 | VKORG | 1000 |
BDC Data Structure Explanation
A BDC Table (BDCDATA) is used to store the recorded data. It consists of:
| Field Name | Description |
|---|---|
PROGRAM | Name of the SAP program |
DYNPRO | Screen number |
DYNBEGIN | Flag (X = Start of screen) |
FNAM | Field name |
FVAL | Field value |
BDC Internal Table Example in ABAP:
DATA: lt_bdcdata TYPE TABLE OF bdcdata,
ls_bdcdata TYPE bdcdata.
ls_bdcdata-program = 'SAPLMGMM'.
ls_bdcdata-dynpro = '0101'.
ls_bdcdata-dynbegin = 'X'.
APPEND ls_bdcdata TO lt_bdcdata.
ls_bdcdata-fnam = 'MATNR'.
ls_bdcdata-fval = '123456'.
APPEND ls_bdcdata TO lt_bdcdata.
ls_bdcdata-fnam = 'MTART'.
ls_bdcdata-fval = 'FERT'.
APPEND ls_bdcdata TO lt_bdcdata.
4. Handling Multiple Screens and Dynamic Fields
4.1 Dealing with Multi-Screen Transactions
Some transactions require navigating through multiple screens. In such cases:
✅ Each screen must have a new entry in the BDCDATA table.
✅ DYNBEGIN = ‘X’ indicates the start of a new screen.
Example: Multi-Screen Handling in BDC
ls_bdcdata-program = 'SAPLMGMM'.
ls_bdcdata-dynpro = '0101'.
ls_bdcdata-dynbegin = 'X'.
APPEND ls_bdcdata TO lt_bdcdata.
ls_bdcdata-fnam = 'MATNR'.
ls_bdcdata-fval = '123456'.
APPEND ls_bdcdata TO lt_bdcdata.
ls_bdcdata-program = 'SAPLMGMM'.
ls_bdcdata-dynpro = '0201'.
ls_bdcdata-dynbegin = 'X'.
APPEND ls_bdcdata TO lt_bdcdata.
4.2 Handling Table Controls in BDC
- Table controls involve dynamic scrolling and row selections.
- Use OK codes like
/00to move between screens or/PAGE+to scroll.
Example: Selecting Rows in a Table Control
ls_bdcdata-fnam = 'BDC_OKCODE'.
ls_bdcdata-fval = '=P+'. " Page Down
APPEND ls_bdcdata TO lt_bdcdata.
5. Best Practices for BDC Recording
✔ Always use SHDB to analyze the transaction flow before coding.
✔ Record only required fields (unnecessary fields increase complexity).
✔ Use consistent field mapping between the input file and the BDC program.
✔ Check screen flow carefully – some fields are dependent on others.
✔ Use breakpoints (BREAK-POINT) to debug incorrect field mappings.
6. Common Issues and Troubleshooting in BDC Recording
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| BDC transaction fails | Incorrect screen sequence | Verify with SHDB recording |
| Fields not updating | Field names mismatched | Use correct field technical names from SHDB |
| Pop-ups disrupting execution | Unhandled pop-up screens | Record and add pop-up handling logic |
| Scrolling issues in table controls | Dynamic row selection missing | Use OK codes (P+, P-) to handle scrolling |
Conclusion
Understanding BDC recording and data structure is essential before writing a BDC program. Using SHDB, developers can capture the transaction flow, identify screen numbers, field names, and program logic, and efficiently map data in an ABAP BDC program.
Next Tutorial: Developing a BDC Program – Session Method →
👉 In the next tutorial, we will write a complete BDC Session Method program, from reading a flat file to executing batch input sessions in SM35.