Import Characteristics
This app allows importing characteristics from an Excel file. The template file follows a predefined structure. A template for this application is delivered with the tool.
The function can be accessed via the Fiori app "Import Characteristics" or transaction /NVC/MDM_IMPORT_CHAR. The user operation described below is identical for both technologies. Subsequently, the necessary information for the import process needs to be provided by the user. During import, SAP standard restrictions are considered; for example, if a user is editing a characteristic to be imported, parallel processing is not possible. This is indicated in the log by the message "Characteristic Characteristic Name is already being edited by User".
The input mask is structured and operated as follows:
File Storage Section
In this section, the template file including the storage location is defined. The template file, along with the path of the storage location, must be specified in the "File Name" field. The file type must always be an Excel file in the format "xls" or "xlsx".
Depending on the user's permissions, it is possible to access the file explorer using the input help. The template file can be selected through this, after which the file path, including the file name, is automatically populated in the "File Name" field.
It is recommended to re-select the template file to be used before each import in order to access the latest version. This is especially important when using the same template file multiple times without changing transactions. Otherwise, there is a possibility that the previously loaded import file will be used during the import.
Validity Section
The "Validity" field can be used for maintaining master data of characteristics, analogous to the SAP standard.
If attachments and changes are to be managed with the SAP Change Service, a previously created change number must be entered in the "Change Number" field. Using the input help of the field, a suitable change number can be searched for, analogous to the SAP standard. All other processes and checks are performed analogously to the SAP standard.
Import Options Section
Generally, all characteristics with values and their descriptions are always imported. Therefore, it must be ensured that the template file contains at least the following sheets:
- Characteristics
- Descriptions
- Values
- Value Descriptions
If the sheets "Characteristic Long Text" and/or "Value Long Text" are also filled in the template, it can be controlled whether these data should be imported by activating the respective checkbox.
Data Import Simulation
In the bottom section, there is an option to simulate the import of data beforehand. To do this, activate the "Simulation Mode" checkbox. In this mode, it can be checked whether the data maintained in the template file is consistent with the respective SAP system.
Due to technical restrictions, the creation of long texts for characteristics or values cannot be checked in advance during simulation. The result of the simulation is output in a log. By clicking the "Execute" button, the process is started.
Master Data Creation Data Import
If the "Simulation Mode" checkbox is deactivated, the data from the template file is created in the SAP system. Before the creation process, a consistency check is also carried out in this mode. After processing the template data, a log of the performed functions is output. The SAP standard feedback of the respective processes is displayed in the log.
By clicking the "Execute" button, the process is started.
Data Import Result
After successful data import, the master data is created or adjusted analogously to the template file. Data that could not be transferred to the SAP system is listed in a log. The log is output during both simulation and master data creation.