how to access business object attribute from a function module/method

Hello,

i have created a business object type object (for a workflow) along with attributes and methods. Now inside the method i want to access the attributes. inside the method i am writing:

data a type XXX.

a = me->attribute

this is creating a compilation error.

the error is : me->attribute is not defined.

Now the method is defined as a function module in some package, so can anyone inform me how to access object attributes from the function module ?

pointes are awarded

Regards