SAP Load Balancing and Work Processes Troubleshoot

The benefit of segregating user groups by line-of-business (using logon groups) is related to the point that groups of users (like SD users or HR users, for example) tend to use the same sets of data. They (generally) work with the same groups of tables and hit the same indexes using the same programs (transactions).

So, if you can group all of the users hitting the same tables, onto (or one set of) App server(s), then you can tune the App server buffers to a much greater extent. If the FI users (generally) never hit against the HR tables then the App servers in the FI group don't (generally) have to buffer any HR data. That leaves you free to make memory and buffer adjustments to a more drastic extent, because you don't have to worry (as much) about screwing the HR users (as an example), when you're adjusting the FI server group.

So, (in opinion only) you should start with a buffer hit ratio analysis / DB table & index access analysis (by user group) to see where you would get the best benefit from this kind of setup. If you don't have this kind of info, then creating logon groups by line-of-business may have no benefit (or worst case, may make performance degrade for the group with the highest load %). You need some historical information to base your decision on, for how to best split the users up.

You may find that 50% of the load is from the SD users and so you may need one group for them (with 3 App servers in it) and one other group for everyone else (with the other 3).

The logon group(s) will have to be referenced by SAP GUI, so SAP GUI (or saplogon.ini + maybe the services file, only) will have to change to accomodate any new groups you create in SMLG. Also consider that there's variables for time-of-day (load varies by time-of-day) and op-mode switches (resources vary by op-mode).

All Work process are running? What will be our action?

Are all the work processes (dia,btc,enq,upd,up2,spo) running or just all the dialog work processes?

If all the work processes are running, then you may want to look at SM12 (or is SM13?) and see if updates are disabled. If they are, look at the alert log (if it's an Oracle database) and see if you have any space related errors (e.g. ORA-01653 or ORA-01654). If you do, add a datafile or raw device file to the applicable tablespace and then, re-enable updates in SM12.

If only all the dialog work processes are running, there are several possible causes. First, look to see if there's a number in the Semaphore column in SM50 or dpmon. If there is, click once on one of the numbers in the Semaphore column to select it and then, press F1 (help) to get a list of Semaphores. Then, search OSS notes and, hopefully, you'll find a note that will tell you how to fix the problem.

If it's not a semaphore (or sometimes if it is), use vmstat on UNIX or task manager on Windows to see if the operating system is running short on memory which would cause it to swap. In vmstat, the free column (which is in 4k pages on most UNIX derivatives) will be consistently 5MB or so and the pi and/or po columns will have a non- zero value. The %idle column in the cpu or proc section will be 0 or a very low single digit while the sys column will be a very high double-digit number because the operating system is having to swap programs out to disk and in from disk before it can execute them.

In task manager, look at free memory in the physical memory section under the performance tab. If it's 10MB or 15MB (I think), then the operating system will be swapping.

Usually, when all the dialog work processes are running, you won't be able to log in via SAPgui and will need to execute the dpmon utility at the commandline level. The procedure is basically the same on UNIX and Windows.

On UNIX:

telnet to server and login as sidadm user.
cd to /sapmnt/SID/profile directory
execute "dpmon pf=SID_hostname_SYSNR" (e.g. PRD_hercules_DVEGMS00) select option "m" and then, option "l"

On Windows:

Click on START, then RUN
Type "cmd" and press enter
change to drive where profile directory resides (e.g. f:)
cd to \sapmnt\SID\profile
execute "dpmon pf=SID_hostname_SYSNR" (e.g. PRD_zeus_DVEGMS00) select option "m" and then, option "l"

On both operating systems, you'll see a screen that looks like what you see in SM50. Depending on what you see here, will depend on what you do next, but checking the developer trace files (e.g. dev_disp) in the work directory (e.g. /usr/sap/SID/DVEGMS00/work) is never a bad idea.

SAP System Performance Issues

My server becomes slow when more users login.
What could be the reason? Is it because of less hardware resource?

Server configuration is 104GB HDD, 2GB Ram.
OS:Win 2003 server.
Database:Oracle.

I manage SAP R/3 4.6C systems on Risc 6000 machines, under Oracle 9.2.

The overall performance problem for me is to know if SAP response time is acceptable ; if not, do this :
- at AIX level : utilities are topas, to catch what's wrong : Disk I/O ? CPU bottleneck ? Too much swap ?
- at Oracle level : tkprof but don't know much about this.
- at SAP level : you can manage SAP memory, Oracle and OS too.

If SAP response time is acceptable, then try this :

Try to have a look at OS response time : ST06 : look at CPU, Memory, Swap, Disk and Lan response time.

Try to have a look at buffer quality : ST02, if many fields are red, investigate each fields dependant parameters.

Try to have a look at DB response time : ST04N, databuffer quality (SGA zone), how much physical reads / logical reads Ratio, wait times, number of user calls, Shared Pool cache hit ratio should be >96%, Sort usage, Redo logging.

I use this kind of procedure to manage my systems.

SAP Tips by: Christophe Rabeau

It depends how much you allocated for SGA (database buffers, shared pool buffer, redo log buffers), how much you allocated for SAP buffers esp. Program buffers and whether the server have any other external processes/programs running.

How many Dialog Work Processes you allocated…I think your problem most likely is you don’t have enough of these Dialog processes. Also maybe users running inefficient reports/programs which are holding the Dialog processes, goto SM50 & check all DIA (Dialog) with status “waiting”…if ALL are “running” then you have wait time (problems !) for other users wanting to process transactions .

To troubleshoot performance, you need these tcode tools:-

ST04 – Database ß in here, check especially for Expensive SQLs (Detail Analysis à SQL Request)

ST02 – SAP buffers

ST06 – OS stats

ST05 – SQL trace

SE30 – Abap runtime analysis

SAP Tips by: Derek Phung

A few step which you can exercise to sort/identify performance issues.

* ST03, ST02, ST04 are the tcode for workload, tuning and DB Performance Monitoring codes.

* ST06 FOR Operation System Monitoring.

** SM51 OR SM50 is process overview which tells you the workprocess sequence. ( Ideally 10-15 process with OLTP and batch process scheduled at peak and off peak times respectively) say 8-17 hrs and 17-8 hrs for Batch Process)

Operation Mode can be configured in RZ04 tcode.

** Check for top CPU in ST06 tcode. CPU should not exceed more than 60% for long time for any process.

** Based of No. of instances ( Application Servers ) should have adequately sized.

** Most resources intensive process have to be scheduled in Batch Process ( in Background in Non Peak Hours )

** Look for unnecessary Jobs Active During Prime Time
** Look for Parameters Set To Your Business Process.
( RZ10, RZ11 ) Check Snote:0124361

** Refer Early Watch Alert Periodically for Overall System Performance.. ( Tcode SDCC )

Tuning Summary In Transaction ST02

My current system is SAP R/3 Enterprise 4.70. I have some questions about tuning summary in transaction ST02 :

To the best of my knowledge I am answering your questions. Ok

1. Do we have to increase every profile parameter value which is displayed in red alert in transaction ST02 ?

Ans: Ofcourse it shoud be, since each buffer holds different values, wherever the red alert is there change the parameter value.

2. Why do the swapped objects always increase after a few days of tuning (in RZ10) & system restart?

Ans: Since more data had been fed into the server, it needs more space to hold in buffer while retrieving the data. Since buffer is shot in space, swap memory will be used. It is not enough to increase the buffer and that does not mean tuning, tuning in the sense full analysis of the problem and working in that particular area to resolve the issue. For example, creation of index, data archival, availability of statistics, alotting of no. of work process, etc.

3. Is there any standard in tuning ST02 to hold up the increasing value of swapped objects?

Ans: No. It depends on requirement.

4. After analysing ST02, how can we calculate the value of the parameter profile to be increased (in RZ10) ?

Ans: yes, use the command:
sappfpar check pf=\\usr\sap\trans\tpparam
(or)
sappfpar check pf=\\usr\sap\trans\tp_domain_

Troubleshooting SAP Performance Issues

Is there a document that will help me troubleshoot system performance? What are the steps on how to troubleshoot?

Troubleshooting is a BIG task of itself, there is no single reference document because there are too many reasons why a system can appear "slow" to the user:

- Different Databases

Every database has its own mechanism for optimizing access, even more, each database has BOOKS on performance optimization. This can start from parameters to database layout to operating system configuration, used filesystems, mount parameters...

- Different Operating System

The same goes for operating systems, a standard Windows 2000 (or 2003) isn´t configured for optimal throughput, there is a LOT to tune, e. g. enable "background process priorities", stop non-needed services, network configurations (TCP window sizes) etc. Also the connection between application and database servers can be an issue

- SAP Itself

Almost for each and every long running program there are optimizations, be it on ABAP layer or on selection layer. Out of my experience, most self developed programs (Z*-programs) are the main issue, because developers program "quick-and-dirty"
doing "select *" and other things.

For e.g.:
If CPU is 100% Busy, what action should be taken to keep CPU idle?

This can't be answered generally. One need to check what process is using so much CPU - then one can start digging deeper. To add info regarding this issue, you may use:

st06->details analysis menu->snapshot analysis->top CPU from there, start to narrow down.

SAP Load Balancing and Work Processes Troubleshoot

SAP Load Balancing and Work Processes Troubleshoot

The benefit of segregating user groups by line-of-business (using logon groups) is related to the point that groups of users (like SD users or HR users, for example) tend to use the same sets of data. They (generally) work with the same groups of tables and hit the same indexes using the same programs (transactions).

So, if you can group all of the users hitting the same tables, onto (or one set of) App server(s), then you can tune the App server buffers to a much greater extent. If the FI users (generally) never hit against the HR tables then the App servers in the FI group don't (generally) have to buffer any HR data. That leaves you free to make memory and buffer adjustments to a more drastic extent, because you don't have to worry (as much) about screwing the HR users (as an example), when you're adjusting the FI server group.

So, (in opinion only) you should start with a buffer hit ratio analysis / DB table & index access analysis (by user group) to see where you would get the best benefit from this kind of setup. If you don't have this kind of info, then creating logon groups by line-of-business may have no benefit (or worst case, may make performance degrade for the group with the highest load %). You need some historical information to base your decision on, for how to best split the users up.

You may find that 50% of the load is from the SD users and so you may need one group for them (with 3 App servers in it) and one other group for everyone else (with the other 3).

The logon group(s) will have to be referenced by SAP GUI, so SAP GUI (or saplogon.ini + maybe the services file, only) will have to change to accomodate any new groups you create in SMLG. Also consider that there's variables for time-of-day (load varies by time-of-day) and op-mode switches (resources vary by op-mode).

All Work process are running? What will be our action?

Are all the work processes (dia,btc,enq,upd,up2,spo) running or just all the dialog work processes?

If all the work processes are running, then you may want to look at SM12 (or is SM13?) and see if updates are disabled. If they are, look at the alert log (if it's an Oracle database) and see if you have any space related errors (e.g. ORA-01653 or ORA-01654). If you do, add a datafile or raw device file to the applicable tablespace and then, re-enable updates in SM12.

If only all the dialog work processes are running, there are several possible causes. First, look to see if there's a number in the Semaphore column in SM50 or dpmon. If there is, click once on one of the numbers in the Semaphore column to select it and then, press F1 (help) to get a list of Semaphores. Then, search OSS notes and, hopefully, you'll find a note that will tell you how to fix the problem.

If it's not a semaphore (or sometimes if it is), use vmstat on UNIX or task manager on Windows to see if the operating system is running short on memory which would cause it to swap. In vmstat, the free column (which is in 4k pages on most UNIX derivatives) will be consistently 5MB or so and the pi and/or po columns will have a non- zero value. The %idle column in the cpu or proc section will be 0 or a very low single digit while the sys column will be a very high double-digit number because the operating system is having to swap programs out to disk and in from disk before it can execute them.

In task manager, look at free memory in the physical memory section under the performance tab. If it's 10MB or 15MB (I think), then the operating system will be swapping.

Usually, when all the dialog work processes are running, you won't be able to log in via SAPgui and will need to execute the dpmon utility at the commandline level. The procedure is basically the same on UNIX and Windows.

On UNIX:

telnet to server and login as sidadm user.
cd to /sapmnt/SID/profile directory
execute "dpmon pf=SID_hostname_SYSNR" (e.g. PRD_hercules_DVEGMS00) select option "m" and then, option "l"

On Windows:

Click on START, then RUN
Type "cmd" and press enter
change to drive where profile directory resides (e.g. f:)
cd to \sapmnt\SID\profile
execute "dpmon pf=SID_hostname_SYSNR" (e.g. PRD_zeus_DVEGMS00) select option "m" and then, option "l"

On both operating systems, you'll see a screen that looks like what you see in SM50. Depending on what you see here, will depend on what you do next, but checking the developer trace files (e.g. dev_disp) in the work directory (e.g. /usr/sap/SID/DVEGMS00/work) is never a bad idea.

SAP System Performance Issues

SAP System Performance Issues

My server becomes slow when more users login.
What could be the reason? Is it because of less hardware resource?

Server configuration is 104GB HDD, 2GB Ram.
OS:Win 2003 server.
Database:Oracle.

I manage SAP R/3 4.6C systems on Risc 6000 machines, under Oracle 9.2.

The overall performance problem for me is to know if SAP response time is acceptable ; if not, do this :
- at AIX level : utilities are topas, to catch what's wrong : Disk I/O ? CPU bottleneck ? Too much swap ?
- at Oracle level : tkprof but don't know much about this.
- at SAP level : you can manage SAP memory, Oracle and OS too.

If SAP response time is acceptable, then try this :

Try to have a look at OS response time : ST06 : look at CPU, Memory, Swap, Disk and Lan response time.

Try to have a look at buffer quality : ST02, if many fields are red, investigate each fields dependant parameters.

Try to have a look at DB response time : ST04N, databuffer quality (SGA zone), how much physical reads / logical reads Ratio, wait times, number of user calls, Shared Pool cache hit ratio should be >96%, Sort usage, Redo logging.

I use this kind of procedure to manage my systems.

SAP Tips by: Christophe Rabeau

It depends how much you allocated for SGA (database buffers, shared pool buffer, redo log buffers), how much you allocated for SAP buffers esp. Program buffers and whether the server have any other external processes/programs running.

How many Dialog Work Processes you allocated…I think your problem most likely is you don’t have enough of these Dialog processes. Also maybe users running inefficient reports/programs which are holding the Dialog processes, goto SM50 & check all DIA (Dialog) with status “waiting”…if ALL are “running” then you have wait time (problems !) for other users wanting to process transactions .

To troubleshoot performance, you need these tcode tools:-

ST04 – Database ß in here, check especially for Expensive SQLs (Detail Analysis à SQL Request)

ST02 – SAP buffers

ST06 – OS stats

ST05 – SQL trace

SE30 – Abap runtime analysis

SAP Tips by: Derek Phung

A few step which you can exercise to sort/identify performance issues.

* ST03, ST02, ST04 are the tcode for workload, tuning and DB Performance Monitoring codes.

* ST06 FOR Operation System Monitoring.

** SM51 OR SM50 is process overview which tells you the workprocess sequence. ( Ideally 10-15 process with OLTP and batch process scheduled at peak and off peak times respectively) say 8-17 hrs and 17-8 hrs for Batch Process)

Operation Mode can be configured in RZ04 tcode.

** Check for top CPU in ST06 tcode. CPU should not exceed more than 60% for long time for any process.

** Based of No. of instances ( Application Servers ) should have adequately sized.

** Most resources intensive process have to be scheduled in Batch Process ( in Background in Non Peak Hours )

** Look for unnecessary Jobs Active During Prime Time
** Look for Parameters Set To Your Business Process.
( RZ10, RZ11 ) Check Snote:0124361

** Refer Early Watch Alert Periodically for Overall System Performance.. ( Tcode SDCC )

Tuning Summary In Transaction ST02

Tuning Summary In Transaction ST02

My current system is SAP R/3 Enterprise 4.70. I have some questions about tuning summary in transaction ST02 :

To the best of my knowledge I am answering your questions. Ok

1. Do we have to increase every profile parameter value which is displayed in red alert in transaction ST02 ?

Ans: Ofcourse it shoud be, since each buffer holds different values, wherever the red alert is there change the parameter value.

2. Why do the swapped objects always increase after a few days of tuning (in RZ10) & system restart?

Ans: Since more data had been fed into the server, it needs more space to hold in buffer while retrieving the data. Since buffer is shot in space, swap memory will be used. It is not enough to increase the buffer and that does not mean tuning, tuning in the sense full analysis of the problem and working in that particular area to resolve the issue. For example, creation of index, data archival, availability of statistics, alotting of no. of work process, etc.

3. Is there any standard in tuning ST02 to hold up the increasing value of swapped objects?

Ans: No. It depends on requirement.

4. After analysing ST02, how can we calculate the value of the parameter profile to be increased (in RZ10) ?

Ans: yes, use the command:
sappfpar check pf=\\usr\sap\trans\tpparam
(or)
sappfpar check pf=\\usr\sap\trans\tp_domain_

Troubleshooting SAP Performance Issues

Troubleshooting SAP Performance Issues

Is there a document that will help me troubleshoot system performance? What are the steps on how to troubleshoot?

Troubleshooting is a BIG task of itself, there is no single reference document because there are too many reasons why a system can appear "slow" to the user:

- Different Databases

Every database has its own mechanism for optimizing access, even more, each database has BOOKS on performance optimization. This can start from parameters to database layout to operating system configuration, used filesystems, mount parameters...

- Different Operating System

The same goes for operating systems, a standard Windows 2000 (or 2003) isn´t configured for optimal throughput, there is a LOT to tune, e. g. enable "background process priorities", stop non-needed services, network configurations (TCP window sizes) etc. Also the connection between application and database servers can be an issue

- SAP Itself

Almost for each and every long running program there are optimizations, be it on ABAP layer or on selection layer. Out of my experience, most self developed programs (Z*-programs) are the main issue, because developers program "quick-and-dirty"
doing "select *" and other things.

For e.g.:
If CPU is 100% Busy, what action should be taken to keep CPU idle?

This can't be answered generally. One need to check what process is using so much CPU - then one can start digging deeper. To add info regarding this issue, you may use:

st06->details analysis menu->snapshot analysis->top CPU from there, start to narrow down.

As you see there is not a quick button to press on and everything will be well. A good start can be the book "SAP

The SAP Licensing Procedure

Use

To use the R/3 System, you require a license key. This key prevents unauthorized use of the R/3 software. The SAP license is dependent on your R/3 message server.

When you install your R/3 System, a temporary license is installed. This temporary license is valid for four weeks, starting from the date of installation. Before the temporary license expires, you must have obtained a license key. For your own convenience, we recommend that you apply for your permanent license key as soon as possible after installing or upgrading your R/3 System.

To do so, you have to:

• 
  
locate your customer key
• 
  
request a license key

You will need to provide the following information:

• Installation number

You will find this 10-figure number on your delivery note.

• SAP System ID (for example, C11)
• System type (for example, production)
• Name of a contact person
• Telephone and fax number
• Customer key

This is the 11-position hardware number determined with saplicense -get (AS/400: saplicense '-get').

You can then install the key using the SAPLICENSE program. For instructions, see Installing an SAP License.

If you buy or lease the R/3 System, your license key has unlimited validity. If you are using the R/3 System for test or demonstration purposes, the license key will be valid for the test or demonstration period only. After this time has expired, you will need to apply for a new license key.

If your old license key expires or if you change your hardware, you can continue to operate the R/3 System with a temporary license key for a period of four weeks. For instructions, see Installing a Temporary SAP License.

After that time, the R/3 System will operate only with a new license key. The expiry date for the license is displayed both on the copyright screen and the system status screen.

SAP The SAPLICENSE Program

The SAPLICENSE program is used to install, check and maintain SAP licenses in your R/3 System. It resides in the directory /usr/sap//SYS/exe/run . (In the case of AS/400, the program resides in the kernel library.)

Windows NT:

Replace the slash (/) with a backslash (\) in all path names.

If you start saplicense without any options at operating system level, all the options are displayed.

Prerequisites

• As of Release 4.5A the database interface library is linked dynamically. To allow SAPLICENSE to locate this library, the following variables must be set in the environment of the user calling SAPLICENSE:

• dbms_type
= (for example, ora, inf, ada, mss, db2, db4, db6)
• DIR_LIBRARY
= (for example, /usr/sap/SID/SYS/exe/run)

• User for SAPLICENSE:

NT and UNIX

You must be logged on as user adm . This ensures that all the required environment variables are set correctly.

AS/400

• You must be logged on as user
OFR.
• The executables library
R3OPT must be included in your library list.

Features

AS/400 only:

For AS/400 the option string must be enclosed in single quotation marks, for example '-help', '-get', '-temp'.

saplicense provides the following options:

-delete

Delete an installed license.

-get

Output the customer key (hardware key).

-help [option]

Display help information for the specified option (that is, get , install , temp , show or test ).

-install [ifile=]

Install a license key. Optional parameter ifile= (or IFILE= ) causes the license data to be read from the installation file.

-number

Get the installation number.

-show

Display all installed licenses.

-temp

Install a temporary license.

-test

Test whether a valid SAP license exists. (R/3 must have been started.)

-version

Display the version of SAPLICENSE .

SAP Locating Your Customer Key

Procedure

1. Find out the host on which the message server is running by looking at parameter
rdisp/mshost in profile /usr/sap//SYS/profile/DEFAULT.PFL. This parameter specifies the host on which the message server is started.

rdisp/mshost =hs0011

In this example, the message server is started on host hs0011.

Log on to the host on which the message server is running at operating system level as user

adm (AS/400: user OFR).

Using command

saplicense -get (AS/400: saplicense '-get'), determine the 11-position customer key of the host.

The next step is to

Request an SAP License Key.

SAP Requesting an SAP License Key

You should use the Online Service System (OSS) to request an SAP License Key.

Procedure

1. Log on to OSS.
2. Choose Registration ® Registration R/3 System ® License key.

To see detailed information about the procedure for requesting a license key, select 6 . .

3. Double click on the plus sign (+) to the left of the installation for which you wish to request a new license key. This displays all licensed systems for that installation.
4. Position your cursor on the line beginning NEW Request new system.
5. To request a new key, select New key.
6. Check that the data displayed is correct and supplement as required.
7. Select Request key.
8. To see the current status of your license request, look in the Comments column.

You will receive a fax from SAP providing information about your new license key, which is also available via OSS. Your system landscape will be updated automatically in OSS.

Once the new license key has been assigned, you can display it by selecting Display license key. A pop-up window is displayed containing the license key and all the license data for your system.

To avoid having to type this license data in by hand (and risk mistyping something), select Export script. This function allows you to import the R/3 license key file into your system. Alternatively, you can copy the information into your system via cut and paste.

Requesting a License Key by Fax

If you do not have access to OSS, you can use the Request Fax License Key form to request a license key. The form is part of your software delivery package. Alternatively, you can download the form from SAPNet.

Fill out the form completely and send it to the fax number given on the form.

Provided you specify all the necessary information in your fax, SAP will send you the 24-position license key by fax within 3 working days.

Keep this fax in a safe place. If you should ever accidentally delete a license, you will need the license key in order to install the license again.

SAP Installing an SAP License

Prerequisites

The 24-position license key, which you receive from SAP by fax.

Procedure

1. Log on to the host on which the central SAP instance is running at operating system level as user
adm (UNIX and NT) or OFR (AS/400).
2. Call
saplicense -install [ifile=] (AS/400: saplicense '-install [ifile=]'). If you are using an R/3 license key file, enter it as the . This file is created in OSS when your license key is assigned. If you are unable to download the installation file to your system, you can copy the contents of the file with cut and paste.

Example of an R/3 license key file:

#
SAPSYSTEM=C11
CUSTOMER-KEY=A0123456789
INSTNO=0123456789
EXPIRATION=99991231
LKEY=012345678901234567891234
#

If you are entering the data manually (that is, you are leaving out the optional parameter), make sure that you enter the key correctly, for example, that you distinguish between the number 0 and the uppercase letter O.

Example for entering the license data manually

Specify your sap system name:
SAP SYSTEM NAME = PRD

Specify your customer key:
CUSTOMER KEY = D1889390344

Specify your installation number:
INSTALLATION NO = 0005500021

Specify your expiration date:
EXPIRATION_DATE [YYYYMMDD] = 99991231

Specify your license key:
LICENSE_KEY 1...5....0....5....0...4
LICENSE_KEY = 9KJDYITLVLPRZS9WXVS8SNTN

saplicense: License successfully installed

The license is now installed and activated.

3. Check whether you can log on to the R/3 System.

After logging on, choose System ® Status.

Check whether the following SAP system data agrees with the data just entered:

• Installation number
• License expiration

If you can log on and the data is correct, the license was correctly installed.

Troubleshooting

• If you get the following message when installing the license:

saplicense: License not installed, *** Wrong license data specified

you probably mistyped one of the values. Please make sure that you use the correct uppercase/lowercase in the entries.

Also note that the Backspace (delete character) key is not set correctly on some terminals. You should therefore avoid using this key.

• It is not necessary to start/stop the R/3 System in order to install the license. The installed license becomes active immediately.

If you experience any problems installing the license key, enter a problem message in OSS specifying component XX-SER-SWFL-LIC.

SAP Installing a Temporary SAP License

In the following cases, it could be necessary to use a temporary license to bridge the time until the SAP license has arrived by fax:

• If the hardware configuration of the host on which the message server is running changes, the customer key of the host can also change.

• If the message server is moved to another host.

• If the license has expired. The expiry date can be extended by 3 weeks with the temporary license.

Procedure

1. Log on to the host on which the central SAP instance is running as user
adm (UNIX and NT) or OFR (AS/400) at operating system level.
2. Enter saplicense -temp (AS/400: saplicense '-temp').

Enter the SAP System ID when it is requested.

The following message shows that the program has terminated successfully:

saplicense: Temporary license successfully installed

Rejection of a Temporary License

SAPLICENSE rejects installation of a temporary license in certain cases:

• A temporary license can only be installed if a valid license existed and has been used recently (within the last 3 weeks).

The following message tells you that a temporary license cannot be granted because the date of the last successful license check was more than 3 weeks ago:

saplicense: Temporary license NOT installed, *** Old license older than 3 weeks

• If the R/3 System is set up from a copy of an existing R/3 System, it is not possible to install a temporary license for the first time.

Apply for a license before you want to work with an R/3 System that has been copied.

SAP Deleting an SAP License

You have to delete a license, for example, if the R/3 System was set up from a copy of an existing R/3 System.

Procedure

1. Log on to the host on which the central SAP instance is running at operating system level as user
adm (UNIX and NT) or OFR (AS/400).
2. Display the licenses that are installed.

To do this, enter saplicense -show (AS/400: saplicense '-show' ).

SAPLICENSE lists all the licenses and their statuses.

LICENSE system: TST customer key: TEMPLICENSE
expiration_date: 19960202
installation no:... key:...
product ID: R3_ORA
*** license useable ***

LICENSE system: TST customer key: D1889390344
expiration_date: 99991231
installation no:... key:...
product ID: R3_ORA
*** license useable ***

LICENSE system: PRD customer key: TEMPLICENSE
expiration_date: 19960131
installation no:... key:...
product ID: R3_ORA
*** license useable ***

LICENSE system: PRD customer key: D9566626666
expiration_date: 99991231
installation no:... key:...
product ID: R3_ORA
*** license useable ***

The above example shows you that 4 licenses are installed (2 licenses have been applied for and 2 are temporary licenses). You can see from the R/3 System names that 2 licenses are installed for system TST, and 2 licenses for system PRD. This could be the case if the R/3 System TST was copied to the name PRD and then a license, which was applied for, was installed for the copied system PRD. The old licenses for system TST, however, still exist.

These old licenses can no longer be used in the new system and can be deleted.

3. Delete the licenses with
saplicense -delete (AS/400: saplicense '-delete')as follows:

First enter the SAP System IDs. SAPLICENSE then asks for the customer key (11-position hardware key).

Enter the customer key or TEMPLICENSE .

saplicense then asks for the product ID, which is a name starting with "R3_" indicating the database type (for example, R3_ORA).

Enter the product ID appropriate for your R/3 System.

The licenses are deleted.

This is confirmed by the following message:

saplicense: license deleted

Remarks

The status of a license is not checked when a license is deleted. In particular, there is no check to establish whether you are deleting a license that was in use. If a valid license that was in use is deleted, it is no longer possible to log on to R/3, but users who are already logged on can continue working.

If you accidentally deleted a valid license that was in use, you can install this license again at any time with saplicense -install (AS/400: saplicense '-install' ) if you still have the fax containing the license key.

• The existence of old, unused licenses has no effect on R/3 System operation. Nevertheless, it is advisable to delete licenses that are no longer used (performance optimization during the license check).

Deleting temporary licenses

(CUSTOMER KEY = TEMPLICENSE) does not mean that you can install further temporary licenses (see also the section "Installing a Temporary SAP License ").

SAP Testing a License

If you cannot log onto the R/3 System, SAPLICENSE provides the option -test pf= (AS/400: '-test pf=' ) for troubleshooting.

When you call the program with this option, SAPLICENSE determines the customer key of the message server, simulates an R/3 System logon and carries out the required license check. You can follow the individual steps on the screen.

1. Log on to the host on which the central SAP instance is running at operating system level as user
adm (UNIX and NT) or OFR (AS/400).
2. UNIX and AS/400: Start the R/3 System and the database with startsap.

NT: Start the R/3 System and the database with the SAP Service Manager.

3. Start SAPLICENSE as follows:

UNIX and NT: saplicense -test pf=
AS/400: saplicense '-test pf='

It is mandatory that you specify the profile file. Enter the profile file (with complete path) of the R/3 System to be checked.

You would enter the following for an R/3 System with the name PRD, where the instance number is 00:

UNIX and NT: saplicense -test pf=/usr/sap/PRD/SYS/profile/PRD_DVEBMGS00
AS/400: saplicense '-test pf=/usr/sap/PRD/SYS/profile/PRD_DVEBMGS00'

The following message shows that the test was terminated successfully:

test result: license test ok

The subsequent message tells which license was used for the check:

LICENSE system: PRD customer key: D1889390344

expiration_date: 99991231

installation no: 0005500021 key: 9KJDYITLVLPRZS9WXVS8SNTN

productid: R3_ORA

If you get an error message when the license is checked, you can use the program output to find out where the error occurred (creation of the message server link, connection to the database, etc.). Depending on the message, now check whether the message server is running, whether the database has been started, etc.

To carry out more detailed error analysis, use additional option TRACE=2. The command syntax is as follows:

saplicense -test pf= TRACE=2

SAPLICENSE then creates a file dev_slic in the current directory. This file contains more detailed error messages.

SAP High-Availability Configurations

The licensing procedure allows you to install more than one license. This is necessary, for example, for the following configurations:

• Oracle Parallel Server mode

• Cluster environment of hosts with standby hosts to switch over to if an error occurs ("High Availability" strategy)

If standby hosts are defined for the message server (or the R/3 System) in High Availability configurations, a license must be installed for each standby host. You can find out the customer key of the standby host by calling saplicense -get (AS/400: saplicense '-get' ) on the standby host.

What is SAP IDES and System Requirement for installations?

What is SAP IDES and System Requirement for installations?

System Requirement to install IDES

For installing IDES 46C on a Laptop, you need :-

• Pentium 3/Pentium 4 with any CPU
• 2*40 GB HDD
• 512 MB RAM
• DVD Drive

What is SAP IDES (Internet Demonstration and Evaluation System)?

SAP IDES is a normal R/3 but with lots of DEMO data.

The system that contains several sample companies typifying relevant business processes. It is simple to use and has a variety of master and transaction data, and is used for demos, online/classroom training, and presentations. Potential customers use IDES to trial and test software via Internet.

SAP IDES – the "Internet Demonstration and Evaluation System" in the R/3 System, represents a model company. It consists of an international group with subsidiaries in several countries. IDES contains application data for various business scenarios that can be run in the SAP System. The business processes in the IDES system are designed to reflect real-life business requirements, and have access to many realistic characteristics. IDES uses easy-to-follow business scenarios to show you the comprehensive functions of the R/3 System. The focal point of IDES, however, is not the functionality itself, but the business processes and their integration.

IDES not only covers the Logistics area, but also Financials, and Human Resources. It demonstrates how the R/3 System is able to support practically all types of industries, from discrete production through to process industries, from engineering-to-order to repetitive manufacturing. However, IDES is not a sector-oriented model company. The individual processes are based on practice-oriented data for sectors such as Retailing or Banking. The IDES group manufactures products as diverse as elevators, motorcycles, and paints.

IDES is managed by SAP just as any regular business enterprise. SAP regularly updates the IDES data (master data, transaction data, and customizing). IDES also carry out period-end closing and plan with different time-horizons. Transaction data are generated to ensure that the information systems in all areas have access to realistic evaluation data. IDES are constantly implementing new, interesting business scenarios to highlight the very latest functions available in the R/3 System. New functions are represented and documented by IDES scenarios.

Above all, IDES shows you the possibilities of the integrated applications in the SAP System. IDES cover all aspects of a business enterprise, including Human Resources, Financial Accounting, Product Cost Planning, Overhead Management, Profitability Analysis, Planning, Sales and Distribution, Materials Management, Production, and much, much more. IDES have also integrated document administration and third-party CAD systems within the IDES system. This means that you can call up and display external documents, or access CAD drawings.

IDES shows you how the R/3 System supports production processes, the supply chain, and the efficient usage of global resources. Or perhaps you would like to increase your understanding of just-in-time-production or the integration of the electronic KANBAN system in an MRP II environment? IDES provides the ideal way to learn about areas such as Product Cost Controlling, Activity-Based Costing, or integrated Service Management and Plant Maintenance. How to manage high inflation is just one of the ever-growing number of IDES business scenarios that you can choose from.

Where to find IDES Installation Documents and Screenshots?

I have to install MySAP 2004 (IDES) ECC 5.0 in windows environment, where can I get those installation documents and screenshots.

There is no specific documents for installation of IDES ECC.5.0 but the standard ECC 5.0 Installation document must be followed for this.

Open a new browser and refer to the following link:

http://service.sap.com/erp-inst
and access -> mySAP ERP 2004 -> ECC 5.0 -Planning, Installation Guides.

But the screen shots vary depending on the installation environment i.e, selection of OS, DB, Components, Applications etc.

IDES Installation Procedure for SAP Install on W2k server

SAP IDES Installation Procedure for SAP Install on W2k server

Procedure for installation on W2k server with sp3.

Installation Of SAP 4.6b

System Requirements.

P-III System
1024 MB or 512 MB RAM
Minimum 60GB HDD
40 GB Hdd (2GB for WinNT & 38 GB for oracle & SAP)
10 GB Hdd for CD dumps.
CDROM drive.
Network Card

C:\ - 10GB - Windows 2000 Server - NTFS
D:\ - 40GB - Oracle & SAP - NTFS
E:\ - 10GB - CD Dumps - NTFS
F:\ - CDROM Drive

Install Windows 2000 server in first 10GB partition
Computer Name - SAPSRV
IP Address - 192.168.1.2
Subnet Mask - 255.255.255.0
Work Group - TEKSOFT
Complete the installation & Restart.

Install Service Pack 3
Install All the Drivers
Install IE6 SP1

Create two Users as mentioned bellow

Start -> Programs -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management -> Local Users
and Groups -> Users -> New User

a. First user name TEKADM
Give password, disable the already enabled option & enable
"Password Never Expires & user cannot change the password option "

b. Second user name SAPServiceTEK
Give password, disable the already enabled option & enable
"Password Never Expires & user cannot change the password option "

Add the two Users to Administrators Group

Change hostfile

Open C:\Winnt\System32\driver\ect\host file in Notepad & add IP Address and Computer Name in
The bottom of file. Save & Exit.

Change the Virtual Memory

C: Min - 512MB
Max - 1024MB

D: Min - 2048MB
Max - 2560MB

Change the File and Printer sharing properties to “ Maximize through

Logon as TEKADM
Insert SAP-Oracle CD &
Select F:\NT\i386\setup & click enter
Location of oracle D:\orant & click enter
Accept path change & click enter
Oracle 8 enterprise edition & click enter
(Oracle 8.1.7 will not be supported by SAP Kernel 4.6B)
(Oracle 8.1.7 will be supported by SAP Kernel 4.6C only)

After completion of oracle Stop the service "Oracle TNSlistner 80"
Select F:\NT\i386\Patchs\8.0.5.2.2\setup & click enter
Accept the defaults & complete the installation.
Restart the system.

Dump all the export CDs (6 CDs) into
E:\dump\db1 - export CD 1
E:\dump\db2 - export CD 2
E:\dump\db3 - export CD 3 (To dump type as E:\dump\db1>Xcopy /e f: & enter)
E:\dump\db4 - export CD 4
E:\dump\db5 - export CD 5
E:\dump\db6 - export CD 6

Insert Kernel CD

Select F:\46bker\NT\i386\NTPATCH\R3dllins & click enter
This will install patch for NT.

Restart the system.

Logon as TEKADM
From kernel CD
F:\NT\common\r3setup & enter
Enter the following

System Name - TEK (must be 3 Letters Capital)
Location - C:\users\Tekadm\install (it comes by default)
Accept to restart the machine.

Logon on as TEKADM
Copy the file "db_ides.r3s" from DB1\IDES\NT\ORA\DB_IDES.R3S
(18KB files size) to C:\users\tekadm\install

Start r3setup from
C:\users\tekadm\install\r3setup & enter
Select "central.r3s" file & enter
& Follow as mentioned bellow

System Name - TEK
Instance no. - 00
Accept Defaults
Directory of SAP system -change to D:
RAM of the sys. - Accept the default
Location of the KERNEL CD - F:
Port no. - 3600
Enter the password of TEKADM two times
Enter the password of SAPServiceTEK two times
Start the installation.
This will come upto

Select C:\users\tekadm\install\r3setup & enter
Select "db_ides.r3s" & enter
System Name - TEK
Instance no. - 00
Accept Defaults
Select WE8DEC (default for r/3 4.x system) & enter
Oracle dir. - D:

Location of SAP Database specific files

SAP Database Drive

SAPARCH D
SAPBACKUP D
SAPCHECK D
SAPREORG D
SAPTRACE D & enter

Location of Oracle Data files

Oracle Data directory drive

SAPDATA1 D
SAPDATA2 D
SAPDATA3 D
SAPDATA4 D
SAPDATA5 D
SAPDATA6 D & enter

Location Database LOG files

Dir. for LOG files Drive

ORIGLOGA D
ORIGLOGB D & enter

Location Mirrored Database LOG files
(Change from D to C)

Dir. for LOG files Drive

MIRRLOGA C
MIRRLOGB C & enter

Accept the default RAM & enter

Location of export CDs dump

CD name Location Copy destination

KERNEL F:\46bker
EXPORT1 E:\dump\db1\1
EXPORT2 E:\dump\db2\2
EXPORT3 E:\dump\db3\3
EXPORT4 E:\dump\db4\4 (Clear this field)
EXPORT5 E:\dump\db5\5
EXPORT6 E:\dump\db6\6 & enter

Enter the Password of TEKADM
No. of parallel process - 1
Start installation.

Wait for 14 to 15 Hrs & installation will come Upto 91% & will ask for SAPr3 password.
Enter the password of TEKADM & enter

This will come upto 95%
Open SAP Management Console from desktop & Right click "TEK" & start the service.
Wait for the service to start & will change from yellow to green.
Come to the r3setup screen & click next.
This will bring upto 100% & the installation is over.
Exit the r3setup & stop the "TEK"service & Restart the system.

POST INSTALLATION TASKS

After SAP installation, install SAPGUI in the server. (CD 9)
Restart the system

Open SAP Management Console & start the sap service.

Start the Sap Frontend from the start\programs\sap frontend\sapsrv.

Logon as
Client 000
User name DDIC

Password 19920706
Language en

---

* Note : Clear this field
This means if you already have the CD's copied on the the harddrive you don't need to copy them again..

CD Title------CD Location-----------CD copy to this location
kernel--------Dump location1-------clear , don't re copy
cd1-----------Dump2--------- -------clear, this field
cd2-----------........3-----------------clear
cd3-----------.........4----------------clear

SAP IDES System crtl Files are Deleted

IDES System crtl Files are Deleted

In my ides system my crtl files are deleted which are there in the oracle directory deleted? They are necessary for the database to open.

In such case when I am running the MMC it shows msg server and dispatcher + work connected and working ,
but when I try to connect thrugh Sapgui , it does not connect and says a msg to reconnect y/n . and the sap dispather + work turns off.

If you are sure that only the CTRL (Oracle Database control file) has been deleted then It is possible to recreate then using the trace file (the trace file can be generate if your database is still UP: (If database is not UP the adjust the attached file as per your system)

IMPORTENT : The following command can only be applied if you have Oracle as your DataBase .

at SQL prompt
connect / as sysdba;
alter database backup controlfile to trace resetlogs;

alter system switch logfile;
repeat above command ,once per redolog group(4 time is your case)

It will create a file at %SAPTRACE%\usertrace\ directory which contain a script for automatic change of the control file. It will be used to recover the database rename it to recovery.sql ; delete its contents before the CREATE CONTROL FILE command ;

shutdown the database and then do the following (either normal or immediate)

connect / as sysdba;
@ recovery.sql;
It may ask you the archive name which still didnt created
Try to give it the online redo log path and name (one from one group ) Once DataBase will be recovered and openedthen try to start the SAP System ,if still the SAP system didnt UP ,as Markus said send your latest log file from "work" folder to group.

RECOVERY.SQL
***********************
CREATE CONTROLFILE REUSE DATABASE "ARF" RESETLOGS ARCHIVELOG MAXLOGFILES 255 MAXLOGMEMBERS 3 MAXDATAFILES 254 MAXINSTANCES 50 MAXLOGHISTORY 1134 Logfile Group 1 ('D:\Oracle\ARF\logA\ORIGLOGA.LOG','D:\Oracle\ARF\logB\mirrloga.log')
size 50M,
Group 2 ('D:\Oracle\ARF\logA\origlogb.log','D:\Oracle\ARF\logB\mirrlogb.log')
size 50M
datafile

rem RECOVER DATABASE USING BACKUP CONTROLFILE
rem ALTER DATABASE OPEN RESETLOGS;

*****************
1. Cahnge the (Currently ARF SAP 4.6C oracle 9.20)
2. Change the path of online redo log or adjust as per your SAP system
3. Adjust the path & name of DATAFILES
4. the last two command are remarked so run then individually once your control file have been created .

BC Certification - Is It Worth Getting Certified

SAP BC Certification - Is It Worth Getting Certified

Do you think it is worth getting certified? How many test are required for the basis certification? Is it required to take classes or can I study on my own?

Now days there's so many choices. Start at http://www.sap.com/services/education/index.epx, pick your country and select Certification Program.

If you've got enough years of experience I don't think certification would make much difference to a full time job.

But if you're a contractor, I could see it highly worthwhile. Upgrades / Migrations have to have certified Basis Consultant.

Do you require training to attend certification?

I have done certification in the month of FEB 2003. I took training also.

If you ask me the question - Do you require training to attend certification? I will ask you following questions-

1. Do you have time to attend the course in the first place?
2. Do you want to inform outside world that you want to prove yourself? Coz, World listen you when you are certified. No matter how bad your skills are.
3. Do not want to take chances?
4. Invest money? Remember I am using word invest money? Investment is always linked with expectations of future higher returns?
5. Can keep job and other onhand tasks away for the training time? In otherwords have difficulty to free yourself and so the best choice is making yourself free by attending course would help?
6. Want to know in and out of SAP? Coz course would try to give you the behind picture in depth (practically may not be possible but may be true to some extent)
7. Conceptually weak in many of the aspects of basis?

If your answer is "YES" then better take course before writing exam?

Esp. in IT, you learn faster when someone guide you rather than you do self study. Of course with Basis certification you need both as time is limited. Also you may have to fight for best tutor (remember).

There are pros and cons. You are the better judge. If you can give more valid reasons for the choice you made. Go ahead. Sure you will win. Most important is committment.

Basis Certification Sample Questions

SAP Basis Certification Sample Questions

Caution: more than one answer may be correct.
Please mark ALL correct answers.

Question:
When creating a logon group for Logon Load Balancing, which of the following CANNOT be specified?

A. Maximum allowable response time.
B. Maximum number of users who may be logged on to the instance.
C. Name of the instance defined for the logon group.
D. Maximum number of sessions per user.
E. Name of the logon group

Question:
Which R/3 System user is used for starting external programs using SAP background jobs?

A. DDIC
B. SAP*
C. SAPR3
D. SAPCPIC
E. adm

Question:
Name the R/3 System transaction used for mointoring a spool requests.

A. SM50
B. SM51
C. SPAD
D. SP01
E. SM37

Question:
Which of the following is authorized to maintain R/3 user id parameters?

A. Only the R/3 system administrator.
B. All R/3 users having an account in the same R/3 client.
C. Only the user himself.
D. Only the R/3 system administrator and the user.

Question:
Given a LAN with an R/3 Central Instance with database (Node: host1, Instance Name:DVEBMGS01, SAPSID:C11), and R/3 Dialog Instance (Node: host2), and several R/3 Frontend PC's what is the name of the profile where the SAPDBHOST parameter is defined?

A. C11_DVEBMGS00_host1
B. The SAPDBHOST parameter is defined in the database startup profile.
C. TEMU.PFL
D. DEFAULT.PFL
E. START_DVEBMGS01_host1

Question:
Given and R/3 Central Instance with all services installed, using Instance ID01, and having the SAP ID of C11. What is the name of the directory where the work process trace files are written (for Windows NT replace the "/" with "\")?

A. /usr/sap/C11/DVEBMGS01/data
B. /usr/sap/C11/DVEBMGS01/log
C. /usr/sap/C11/DVEBMGS01/work
D. The trace files are written in internal database tables.
E. The trace files are written in the home directory of the database.

Question:
Which of the following functions is NOT possible using the SAP Online Service System (OSS)?

A. Execute online searches for R/3 Notes.
B. Register problems with the SAP Hotline.
C. Lookup SAP training dates and course offerings.
D. Register changes to SAP objects.
E. Apply for official Internet address from SAP.

SAP An example of a DB Backup Strategy

An example of a DB Backup Strategy

Our SAP DB Backup strategy:

• Full Online Backup on 00:00 from Tuesday to Saturday.
• Redolog on 06:00 from Monday to Saturday
• And Once a month full offline backup

Is this good enough or need improvement?

An example of a DB Strategy is as follows:-

• Full online SAP backup every day at 20:00 (including weekends)
• Full OS filesystem (minus SAP data) every weekday.
• Continuous archive logging from 15:00 to 11:00 next day (weekdays) and 15:00 to 14:30 (weekends).
• Archive log deletion at 14:45 every day.
• We perform a parallel backup on 2 tapes using 3 x 5 DLT tape autoloaders using a 7 day rotating tape cycle. OS backup onto single DAT.
• The tapes are stored offsite and brought in every weekday. On Friday the Friday,
• Saturday and Sunday tapes are brought in.

The only problem I can see with the strategy is if the system crashes at 05:55 on Monday and needs a restore, you could lose a lot of data as you are missing backups on Sunday and Monday, and archive logs from Sunday.

With this strategy if this happens you will be restoring the data from 00:00 Saturday and the logs from 06:00 Saturday. This means you could lose 48 hours worth of data.

Is your operation 24 x 7 or 24 x 5? If 24 x 5 it shouldn't be too bad unless you run weekly jobs over the weekend.

Do you have single tape drives or multiple autoloaders?

Is there anyone there to change the tapes over the weekend?

My own personal suggestion would be to forget the offline backup as you do not really want to restore data which could be a month old so why bother shutting the system down every month to back it up. I would perform a daily online backup every
possible day and continually archive the redo logs with a window for changing the tapes. If nobody is there over the weekend to change the tapes, run your archiving continually through the weekend i.e. start on Friday and finish on Monday.

SAP Evaluating Online Re-Organization Tools

Evaluating Online Re-Organization Tools

Content Author: Christophe Rabeau

We are evaluating online reorg tools for an Oracle SAP database which is soon to be of 1 Terra Bite size. I would like some guidance for online reorg.tools and experiences of using some of them.

I use SAP 4.6C under Oracle 9.2 under AIX 5.1 on Risc6000 medium-performance machines.

I experienced some reorganizations SAP online, due to the PRD system that must always be up.

Fisrt, consider that the entire reorg is not possible when SAP is online, because of permanent tables (system tables and so on) that could not be exported/imported while running.

An entire TABLESPACE reorganization is no more suitable because of the long runtime between 2 offline backups.

So you can reorg only some tables/indexes or single objects. Be sure that the objects should not be accessed during the reorg, so it will fail. For a particular case, for example a BIG table, I experienced serious perf problems :

JVTLFZUO table : 10 Gb data + 17 GB indexes = 37 GB to be reorganized.

When SAP is online, it took about 13 hours (4 procs, 8 GB RAM)
When SAP is not available for users, it took less than 5 hours !!!

So my advice is :
- don't reorg too big tables with SAP online.
- don't reorg system tables with SAP online.
- you'd better to perform a reorg by night or in a lower user activity.
- you'd rather to reorg with SAP down for perfs point of views.
- always perform an OFFLINE backup before reorg, because the reorg is not always successful.

SAP Perform the Backup for each Client Separately

Perform the Backup for each Client Separately

I have 2 clients in one server. The database is SQL.
Would like to perform the backup for each client separately so that I can restore per client.
So far, I've only found information saying that we have to do the entire backup for the database and that individual client backup is not good.

Can anyone advise me on how to perform individual client backup and how's the data integrity.

Sharon

It little confusing with your statement when you are saying that "I have two clients in server".
Or is it rather you want to say that you are having two database instaces on one server.

Scenario 1:
You have One server hosting more that one client as you say. Lets assume it to be Developement & Test client on single databse. Here please note that any SAP DB instace always have more than two clients. The Defaulta clients are:
* Client 000 : SAP AG Konzen
* Client 066 : SAP Early Watch Client.

In addition you have your client specified as
* Client XXX : This will be your production / dev / test client

You can have as many client as you want in a system. Well that really depends on amount of workload and the hardware capacity of the server.

Scenario 2:
You have more that one Database instance on single server. Here you have a choice of having same programs files with multiple databases and or having two different databse instaces with saperate program files. Like in case of oracle you can have two oracle instances Oralce 8i and other with Oracle 9i or any combination you like.

Now your question "Can I take backup of the single client ?"
Ans : Well its possible but then this is not a normal scenario. Its not call as a backup though. You can use the fuctionalities such as client export or client copy procided by SAP.

Second Question : " What about the data integrety ?"
Ans : The option of Client Copy or Client Export are used for specific purpose. You are required to do changes / configure required by the specific fuctionality.

Important Points:
In case of database failuer you would need the complete backup of the database and not just particultal client.
SAP Database does not contain only data but also contains the programs as well. And some of these infomation (Data as you would call) is shared across multiple client in one databse instance.
Hense it is important to restore the complete databse to retain the integrity of the system.
In case of having different DB instances on server you can perform backup of the individual databases. That is sufficient to bring the individual system up after the database failuer.

Hope this is sufficient for your doubt.

SAP Derived Roles

Derived Roles

As the name indications are derived from already existing roles.
There are two scenarios when we derive roles.

• The role menus are identical but the authorizations for the menu actions are different in the derived role.
• The menu and authorizations of the derived role are identical, but the organizational levels are different in the derived role.

The derived roles inherit the menu structure and functions (including transactions etc...) of the referred role.

The default authorization values of the derived role are that of the inherited role. The organizational values are to be maintained in the derived role.
The organization level data is only copied the first time the authorization data is adjusted for the derived role. If organization level data is maintained in the derived role, it is not overwritten by subsequent adjustments.

Roles derived from another cannot have any additional menu entries. The menu is maintained in the referred role which take effect immediately in all derived roles.


To change the menu of the derived role without changing the menu of referred role you have to break the inheritance relationship. Once the relationship breaks, the derived role is dealt as a normal role and the inheritance relation ship cannot be re established

SAP Remote Function Call RFC

RFC is an SAP protocol to handle communications between systems which simplifies the programming. A remote function call (RFC) is the call of a function module that runs in a different system to the calling program. It is also possible to call a function module in the same system as an RFC; normally RFCs are used when the caller and the called function module run in different systems. In the SAP system, these functions are provided by the RFC interface system. The RFC interface system enables function calls between two SAP systems, or between an SAP system and an external system. RFCs manage

1) Communication process

2) Parameter transfer

3) Errors.

RFC describes an interface to call the function. In RFC communications between two SAP systems, the calling system uses an RFC definition in the target system to access a specific function. The destination of an rfc call might be R/2 connection, R/3 connection, internal connections, logical connections (like to logical systems) or TCP/IP (external systems) connections.

There are five types of RFCs in SAP

1) Synchronous RFC (sRFC)

It requires that the target system is active when the RFC is made. This type of rfc is used for communication between different systems and between SAP Web AS and SAP GUI.

2) Asynchronous RFC (aRFC)

It doesn’t require the target system to be active when RFC is made. This is used for parallel processing jobs and for communication between different systems.

3) Transactional RFC (tRFC)

This is a variation of aRFC. The transactions are divided into steps and are processes step by step. This is an asynchronous transaction. This is helpful in scenarios where there is probability of network failure between the systems.

4) Queued RFC (qRFC)

This is a variation of tRFC. Here the individual steps are executed sequentially.

5) FastRFC

This is used for system internal communications. Interactions between J2ee engine in sap & the abap runtime environment in the same instance are done using these RFC. This type of RFC is possible only if both the source & target are on the same system.

The RFCs are managed using t-code sm59

Use t-code SMT1 to manage trusted systems

abap/heaplimit: Work Process Restart

Use

This value specifies the memory amount in bytes. When this amount is exceeded, a work process is restarted after executing a dialog step.

In a work process, heap memory (malloc) can be allocated for a user context. See Allocating Memory for User Contexts and Private Memory. If a user context releases this memory again, it still remains reserved by the process (compared to the operating system), and is only available for other processes if the process itself has ended.

The following chart illustrates this situation using the example of a dialog work process.

Goal:

As few restarts of work processes as possible, but swap space bottlenecks may not occur. The local memory allocated by the work processes has to be released again.

As depicted in the graphic, the value of abap/heaplimit should be smaller than abap/heap_area_dia or abap/heap_area_nondia, so that the dialog step that is running can still be executed. This prevents the work process from working against the operating system’s swap space limit if there is a programmed termination of the work process.

To determine how many work processes are restarted, use the CCMS (transaction RZ03). Note that the column Err in the work process display (transaction SM50) does not refer to work processes that are restarted.

Activities

Unit: Bytes

Default value: 40000000 (40 MB)

Recommended value: 20000000 (20 MB); recommended area: 10000000... 50000000 (10 MB... 50 MB)

You can get the values from the configuration examples (Contents button).

Changes: The customer can make changes.