TAW10 - NAVIGATION

SAP PRODUCT TYPES

Different user interfaces are used for SAP modules, depending on the usability of the different types of SAP systems:
  SAP ERP with SAP ECC uses the SAP GUI for Windows.

  An SAP ECC system can also be accessed by a browser or by using the SAP GUI for Java.

  Both SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse 7.0 and SAP Business ByDesign use a browser-based interface. 

  SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse can also be accessed using SAP GUI for Windows.

  SAP Business All-in-One is accessed using the SAP NetWeaver Business Client.

ALTERNATIVE TYPES OF SAP GUI

The AS ABAP dispatcher distributes the request to different SAP GUIs on the presentation server. The SAP GUI for Windows and the SAP GUI for Java use the DIAG protocol. Thus the volume of data transferred for each screen change remains small (in terms of KB). This helps in the ease of connection of presentation servers over WANs. The HTML data stream in SAP GUI for HTML is exchanged between the Internet Communication Manager of the AS ABAP and the front-end.

THE SAP LOGON PROGRAM

SAP Logon is a program provided by SAP to start the system on the front-end. It displays a list of SAP systems for which you can start the logon process.

LOGON SCREEN FOR AN SAP SYSTEM

You need to provide a user and a password to log in to the SAP system. You will receive a prompt to enter a certain client of the SAP system. A client represents a company in an SAP system.
You can also select a logon language supported by that system. On the logon screen you also have the option of using the New password option to change your password.

DIALOG BOX FOR CHANGING THE PASSWORD

You would be well advised to change the initial password after the first logon. Enter the new password twice and click Enter to save it.

SAP EASY ACCESS

The SAP Easy Access screen is the default initial screen in SAP systems. The left side of the screen or the navigation pane displays a tree hierarchy of the menus available to you in the SAP system. You can use the right side of the screen or the work area to display your company logo.
To configure the graphic in SAP Easy Access, follow the path:
Extras → Administration information (only if you have the correct authorization).

SCREEN ELEMENTS IN SAP GUI

You will find simple screen elements on an SAP user interface:
  The command field is where you enter the relevant transaction code for starting applications.

  The menu bar in the top line of any dialog window in the SAP system lists menus that relate to the application accessed.

  The system toolbar contains the options (with SAP icons), which are shown on every SAP screen.

  The title bar displays the title of the application you are currently accessing.

  The application toolbar shows the options available in the application that you are currently using.

  The status bar displays information on the current status of the system, such as warnings and errors.

  Check boxes allow you to select several options in the input field at the same time.

  Tabs organize several subscreens, in order to improve clarity.

Radio buttons are used to select only one option.
Input fields and pushbutton options are additional screen elements.

LOG OFF DIALOG BOX

You must log off from the system once you are done with your work.
When the log off dialog box appears, you will see the prompt, “Unsaved data will be lost.”
If you still want to log off, choose Yes.

FAVORITES LIST AND USER MENU

The navigation bar in the left part of the screen contains a clear hierarchical tree structure, consisting of menu options and Favorites entries. The role-based user menu is created on the basis of the role(s) assigned to the user and transferred to the front end.
You can add a function from the user (or SAP) menu to your favorites list. The Favorites menu can thus be populated by adding a function to it. To do this, choose Favorites → Add. Conversely, you can delete entries that you no longer need.


VARIOUS NAVIGATION OPTIONS

You can use various options for navigating in an SAP system:
  Entering transaction codes in the OK code field (also known as command field)
  By choosing items from the menus in the menu bar
  By choosing items from the favorites list or from the user or SAP menus

SAP EASY ACCESS: COMMAND FIELD OPTIONS

You can use some options in the command field in the SAP Easy Access screen:
  /n cancels the current transaction.

  /nXXXX calls the transaction XXXX directly from another transaction. Without the prefix, you can only call XXXX from the SAP Easy Access screen.

  /o displays an overview of the sessions.

  /oXXXX calls transaction XXXX in a new session directly from another transaction.

  /nend ends the logon session with a confirmation dialog box.

  /nex ends the logon session without a confirmation dialog box.

  /i deletes the session you are currently using.


THE F1 HELP

The F1 key is used to display an explanation of fields, menus, functions, and messages.
By placing the cursor on the other icons in the Performance Assistant dialog box, you can display information on the selected field. One of those is Technical Information, which can be detailed information, such as the parameter ID assigned to the field.


THE F4 HELP

The F4 key helps you by displaying possible input values.
You can call up the F4 help for a field by clicking the icon to the right of the selected field (search for possible entries from a pick list).

THE SAP LIBRARY

The SAP Library allows you to access the online documentation. The documentation not only explains the system functions but also describes the system architecture concepts and gives examples of how you can configure various processes. Furthermore, it warns you about possible user errors and their consequences.


THE SYSTEM AND HELP MENUS

The System tab on the SAP menu allows you to access various system functions.
Choose System → Status to
  log off;

  display useful information on your system; and

  check the function you are currently using, such as the transaction code.

From the Help menu, you can access
  the system documentation, using the option SAP Library in the context menu;

  the Release Notes;

  the standard Settings for your F4 Help; and

  the context-sensitive help, which is also called Application Help.