¶ Enhancing SAP SRM Using Custom BADIs and User Exits
SAP Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) is a powerful tool designed to streamline and optimize procurement processes. While SAP SRM provides extensive standard functionality, organizations often require customizations to meet specific business needs and unique process requirements. Two key enhancement techniques that allow such customization without modifying standard SAP code are Business Add-Ins (BADIs) and User Exits.
This article explores how custom BADIs and user exits can be leveraged to enhance SAP SRM, offering flexibility, improved automation, and seamless integration tailored to individual business scenarios.
¶ Understanding BADIs and User Exits in SAP SRM
- Business Add-Ins (BADIs) are SAP's recommended enhancement framework.
- BADIs are object-oriented enhancements that allow custom code to be plugged into predefined spots in standard SAP programs.
- They provide multiple implementation capabilities, meaning several custom implementations can coexist.
- User Exits are older, procedural enhancement points embedded in SAP programs.
- They allow developers to add custom logic at predefined places using function modules or includes.
- Unlike BADIs, user exits are single-implementation and less flexible but still widely used.
¶ Why Use BADIs and User Exits in SAP SRM?
- To extend standard functionality without modifying SAP source code.
- To implement custom validations, default values, and business logic.
- To integrate SRM with external systems or custom workflows.
- To tailor shopping cart, purchase order, workflow, and catalog processes to organizational needs.
- To ensure upgrade compatibility by avoiding direct code changes.
- Validate or modify item data during cart creation.
- Automatically populate fields based on custom rules.
- Implement special pricing or discount logic during PO generation.
- Influence approval routing dynamically based on custom criteria.
- Add additional notifications or escalation steps.
- Modify or enrich data sent to backend ERP during PO replication.
- Enhance supplier self-service interactions.
¶ Key BADIs and User Exits in SAP SRM
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BBP_DOC_CHANGE_BADI
Used to enhance the document data during creation or change of shopping carts, purchase orders, and contracts.
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BBP_WF_CONTROL
Controls workflow start and execution based on custom logic.
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BBP_PO_ITEM_CHECK
Enables custom validations on purchase order items before saving.
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BBP_PRC_COND
For modifying pricing conditions during document processing.
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EXIT_SAPLBAPI_01
For additional checks during purchase order processing.
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EXIT_SAPLBAPI_03
For enhancing data before document posting.
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Customer-specific function modules called from user exit includes in SRM programs.
¶ How to Implement Custom BADIs and User Exits in SAP SRM
- Analyze the business requirement to find the appropriate BADI or user exit.
- Use transaction SE18 for BADIs and SMOD/CMOD for user exits.
- For BADIs, create a new implementation via SE19.
- For user exits, create a project in CMOD, assign relevant exits, and implement the function modules.
- Add ABAP code to perform required logic, validations, or data manipulations.
- Use SRM and backend function modules and tables as necessary.
¶ Step 4: Test and Deploy
- Thoroughly test in development and QA environments.
- Ensure that standard processes remain unaffected.
- Transport to production after successful validation.
¶ Best Practices for Using BADIs and User Exits
- Prefer BADIs over user exits for new developments due to better flexibility and SAP support.
- Keep custom code modular and documented for easier maintenance.
- Avoid heavy logic inside enhancements to prevent performance issues.
- Regularly review enhancements during SAP upgrades for compatibility.
- Use SAP standard debugging and tracing tools to troubleshoot enhancement issues.
Custom BADIs and user exits are essential tools for tailoring SAP SRM to specific business requirements without compromising system integrity. By intelligently leveraging these enhancement points, organizations can enhance automation, enforce complex business rules, and achieve seamless integration with other systems. Mastery of BADIs and user exits empowers SAP SRM users to maximize the value and adaptability of their procurement solutions.