SAP BAPI

SAP BAPIs are functions based on business objects such as CostCenter or Material. They allow targeted access to data and processes within an SAP system without requiring deep knowledge of the internal logic.

BAPIs are RFC-enabled, meaning they can be used to connect not only to other SAP systems but also to non-SAP systems. RFCs (Remote Function Calls) allow access to function modules from other SAP or third-party systems.

So-called standardized BAPIs are available for most business objects, as they fulfill certain core functions. 

Examples of standardized BAPIs include:

• GetList ( ): Display existing object instances (e.g., material numbers, cost objects, personnel numbers)
• GetDetail ( ): Display detailed information about a specific object instance
• Create ( ): Create an instance of a business object type (e.g., purchase order, goods movement, flight booking)
• Change ( ): Modify an object instance (e.g., purchase order, employee master data)
• Delete ( ): Delete an object instance
• Cancel ( ): Cancel an object instance and create a reversal as a new instance (e.g., cancel a flight booking, reverse an invoice)

To call an SAP BAPI, the ABAP command CALL FUNCTION is used, followed by the name of the BAPI and its parameters.

Example: BAPI for displaying available cost centers: CALL FUNCTION 'BAPI_COSTCENTER_GETLIST'

Alternatively, there are other ways to access BAPIs depending on the platform from which the call is made. BAPIs are specifically designed to be called from external applications via RFCs. It is also possible to access BAPIs via web services (e.g., via SOAP). Using the SAP Java Connector as a middleware component, BAPIs can also be called directly from Java applications.

The BAPI transaction allows users to launch the BAPI Explorer. The Explorer displays all business object types or interface types for which BAPIs are available in a tree structure. Depending on their preference, users can switch between an alphabetical or hierarchical view. In the tree view, all methods associated with a particular business object type are listed. The Explorer also shows details and documentation for the selected object in the tree. From the detailed view in the BAPI Explorer, users can directly access the Function Builder (transaction SE37) for the corresponding function module by clicking the function module name in the “Details” tab. Within the Function Builder, users can view information such as:

• Remote availability
• Release status
• Import and export parameters
• Exceptions
• Source code (coding view)

The documentation in the “Function Module Documentation” section should be properly maintained to avoid issues when using the function, such as misunderstandings about its specific functionality or requirements.  

Key transactions for viewing and testing BAPIs at a glance: