ale-idocs

[Former Member]

what exactly change ponters do in idoc's. give me exact difference between satnd alone programs,change pointers,message controls.

[Former Member]

Dear Amruth,

<b>Message Control:</b>

Message control is a mechanism by which documents are output based on a selection criteria and requirements. This concept is applicable not only to EDI and ALE, but also to other output mediums (for example: print, fax). Message control determines the type of document, its timing, number, and the medium. NAST table stores output records.

The conditions (selection criteria and requirements) for creating an output message are stored in condition tables. Search mechanisms are used through access sequences, output processes, and requirements to determine whether an application document qualifies for output.

The output or follow up processing of partner-dependent messages is automated via Message Control. The application then calls the Message Control via the specified interfaces.

You can use these interfaces to describe various data combinations along with the required processing. If one of these data combinations appears during processing, the appropriate processing is started (synchronously or asynchronously). You can define processing with several different methods, for example as a workflow, print output or as an IDoc dispatch for EDI.

SD and MM applications always use Message Control for message output. You carry out Customizing of the Message Control in the application’s Customizing. The Message Control is also sometimes described here as "output control".

Message Control is a "service program" for other applications. It is initiated via ABAP function modules. An application that uses Message Control must

Call the Message Control

Transfer files which should be compared with the combinations defined in Customizing.

Provide a processed program, that is called from the Message Control, if the transferred data corresponds with the combinations defined in Customizing

<b>Change Pointers:</b>

ALE provides powerful capabilities to capture changes occurring to master data using Change pointers. These R/3 objects mark changes to SAP master data. ALE configuration facilitates the relation between Change Document objects and change pointers. This feature can be used to keep two or more systems synchronized with respect to master data.

Activate Change Pointers:

In the Implementation Guide (IMG, transaction SALE), choose Modeling and Implementing Business Processes -> Master Data Distribution -> Replication of Modified Data -> Activate Change Pointers &#8209; Generally.

Regards,

Naveen.