Introduction to RFC (Remote Function Calls) in ABAP
In the world of SAP ABAP programming, seamless communication between different SAP systems or even between SAP and non-SAP systems is essential for integrated enterprise processes. One of the core technologies enabling this communication is RFC (Remote Function Call) — a powerful mechanism that allows an ABAP program to invoke functions in a remote system as if they were local calls.
This article introduces the concept of RFC in ABAP, explains its types, architecture, and common use cases, and highlights best practices for working with RFCs in SAP development.
Remote Function Call (RFC) is a protocol used by SAP systems to call functions that are defined in one system (the remote system) from another system (the calling system) across a network.
There are several types of RFCs in ABAP, each suited to different communication scenarios:
| RFC Type | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Synchronous RFC (sRFC) | Caller waits for the remote function to complete and return results. | Immediate response needed, e.g., querying data remotely. |
| Asynchronous RFC (aRFC) | Caller sends request and continues without waiting for response. | Background jobs or processes where response is not immediate. |
| Transactional RFC (tRFC) | Ensures reliable communication by storing the call in a queue and guaranteeing execution once. | Critical business transactions that must be processed exactly once. |
| Queued RFC (qRFC) | Extension of tRFC with sequence handling using queues. | When processing order of remote calls is important. |
SM59.SE37 or SE80.SM59), specifying the target system parameters.CALL FUNCTION statement with the DESTINATION parameter.DATA: lv_customer_name TYPE string.
CALL FUNCTION 'Z_GET_CUSTOMER_NAME' DESTINATION 'RFC_DESTINATION'
IMPORTING
customer_name = lv_customer_name.
WRITE: / 'Customer Name:', lv_customer_name.
In this example:
Z_GET_CUSTOMER_NAME is an RFC-enabled function module on the remote system.RFC_DESTINATION is the configured remote system destination.SM59 and SMQS.RFC is a cornerstone technology in SAP ABAP that empowers developers to build distributed, integrated, and scalable business applications. Whether you need synchronous data retrieval, asynchronous processing, or guaranteed transaction execution, understanding and utilizing RFC effectively is vital for advanced SAP development.
Mastering RFC enables seamless system interoperability, driving business agility and efficiency across complex SAP landscapes.