LSMW
In SAP to upload data from a flat file, there are many ways eg. BAPI, BDC and LSMW
What is Data Migration Technique?
To deploy the SAP R/3 system, the data from the legacy system must be moved into the non-SAP system. Regular data transfers from the Trading Legacy system to the R/3 system are also required (interfacing).
Data migration, in which all master data and transactional data must be transferred into a newly configured SAP system, enters the scene at the conclusion of the R/3 setup. After the initial configuration is finished and moved to production, we can start the data transfer process. Before the system is operational for the user, we will transfer all master data to the SAP system at this phase.
A crucial stage in every successful SAP implementation is data migration. Data migration itself takes between 20% and 40% of implementation costs.
To move data, we frequently employ two tools.
- BDC (Batch Data Communication)
- LSMW (Legacy System Migration Workbench)
Today, we will concentrate on LSMW.
What is LSMW?
Transaction Code: LSMW
LSWM – (Legacy System Migration Workbench): Throughout our implementation process, we have frequently run into difficulties when attempting to migrate a bulk upload of master records into SAP. Today we will understand how to resolve such problems using LSMW tools provided by SAP. LSMW is used to transfer data from SAP to SAP and SAP Non-SAP and this can be a one-time activity or periodic activity. Importing legacy data from PC spreadsheet tables or sequential files is one of its main features. LSMW is applicable to all SAP modules, including SAP SD and SAP MM. In LSMW there are 4 main techniques that a user can use to upload data i. e Batch Input, Direct Input, IDOC, and Bapi’s.
Difference Between LSMW and BDC?
| LSMW | BDC | ||
| 1 | LSWM is basically designed for functional consultants who don’t have programming knowledge. | 1 | BDC is designed for technical consultants or developers who have programming knowledge. |
| 2 |
LSMW offers 4 techniques:- – Batch Input Recording – Direct Input Method – BAPI – IDOC |
2 | BDC offers 2 Techniques: – Call Transaction Method – Session Method |
| 3 | In LSMW the flat file is always .TXT file | 3 |
In BDC the file is either .TXT file or an Excel file. |
| 4 | LSMW is only possible for Standard Transactions. | 4 |
BDC is possible for Standard transactions as well as Custom transactions. |
Eg. for LSWM
- To upload Customer master data
- To Upload Vendor Master Data
- To Upload Bank Details
LSMW Techniques:
There are 4 different techniques to upload data.
Batch Input:
- Advantages:
- Easy to Enhance or modify.
- You can access all fields
- Reprocessing is very fast.
- Disadvantages:
- Comparatively slow;
- New recordings need to be created to use new screens or tabs.
- Easily not available for all transactions;
- There might be a chance that foreground and background processing have a different outcomes depending on user settings.
Direct Batch Input:
- Advantages:
- Recommended and tested method.
- Simple Processing
- Very Fast Loading.
- Disadvantages:
- Sometimes, the Transaction is not completed with all the input fields.
BAPI’s:
- Advantages:
- Simple Processing
- Very Fast Loading.
- Disadvantages:
- Sometimes, the Transaction is not completed with all the input fields.
IDOC’s:
-
- Simple Processing
- Very Fast Loading.
- Less coding is required for standard IDOC.
- Disadvantages:
- ALE/IDOC knowledge must be required.
- Changes to the existing generated IDOC could be a little time-consuming.
Steps to create LSMW in SAP | How to create a LSMW?
There are 14 main steps to creating an LSMW.
Steps in LSMW:
- Step 1: Maintain Object Attributes
- Step 2: Maintaining Source Structure
- Step 3: Maintaining Source Fields
- Step4: Maintaining Structure Relationship
- Step 5: Maintaining Field Mapping and Conversion Rules
- Step 6: Maintaining fixed values, Translations, and User-defined Routines
- Step 7: Specify Files
- Step 8: Assign Files
- Step 9: Read Data
- Step 10: Display Read Data
- Step 11: Convert Data
- Step 12: Import Data