abap

What is best way of changing the ABAP standard code


I have almost 4 months learning/working in SAP. I've done several reports and enhancements all along this time but recently I began to work in a requirement which is related to Mobile Data Entry or RF and it basically consists to add the EAN and some other data to the dynpro 2502.

I made a copy of the dynpro 2502 in program SAPLLMOB into SAPLXLRF 9502, related the user exit MWMRF502 and programmed the basic functionality of it but it is not working as I expected because this exit is very limited and it only lets me import and export a small group of data and is difficult to perform exactly as the standard.

I've been searching all over internet and a lot of people make their own implementations and other just simply change the standard. I don't know how to make my own implementation cause I don't understand all the process within and the alternative of changing the standard code would be better for performance and time spent in development but as I quoted I would have to change the standard code and that's something I would like to do only if there's no other option.

But the question is ¿Is it OK to change the standard? ¿How often is the the standard code changed in SAP implementations? ¿What would be the better alternative?

Thanks in advance.


Solution

  • You are asking the right sort of questions and it is good that you are not just plowing ahead without thinking about the consequences of what you are doing. Keep researching!

    As far as changing the SAP standard goes, you generally do not want to copy an object to change it. For screens SAP quite often creates a user-exit with a sub-screen that can be modified by the customer. For Web-Dynpro you can use enhancement points and/or bADI's to extend the functionality.

    Try to look for one of the following:

    There are a lot of documentation on sdn.sap.com as well as within the SAP help regarding the topics above.

    If none of are available, you may have no other choice but to modify (repair) the SAP standard objects. In order to be able to change the SAP standard you need to register the object(s) that you have to change on SAP OSS and get a repair key that the system needs to allow you to make changes. Always ensure that the SAP Modification Assistant is switched on when making changes, this will make your life a lot easier when you patch or upgrade your system.

    If at all possible try to find an experienced ABAP programmer to help you with this.

    Also see this question regarding changing SAP standard code:

    Edit: Thomas Weiss on SDN has a helpful blog series on the enhancement and switch framework.