Definition
Implicit Enhancement Point is a feature within the SAP ABAP programming language, allowing developers to extend or modify the standard SAP system code without altering the original source code. These enhancement points are predefined by SAP, making customization possible without interrupting system updates or causing compatibility issues. By using Implicit Enhancement Points, developers can implement custom code that meets specific business requirements while maintaining system stability.
Phonetic
ɪmˈplɪsɪt ɛnˈhan(t)smənt pɔɪnt
Key Takeaways
- Implicit Enhancement Points enable developers to enhance the functionality of standard SAP applications without making direct modifications to the system.
- They are automatically generated by the SAP system and are found at the beginning and end of every subroutine, function module, and method.
- Using Implicit Enhancement Points ensures that customizations and enhancements are easier to maintain, reducing the risk of compatibility issues when upgrading SAP systems.
Importance
Implicit Enhancement Point is an important technology term as it provides a flexible and non-intrusive mechanism for modifying or extending the functionality of existing software without modifying the original source code.
This is particularly beneficial in industries where software systems evolve rapidly and need constant updates to meet changing business requirements while maintaining the integrity of the underlying code base.
By permitting the addition of custom code within predefined spots, implicit enhancement points reduce the risk of errors, simplify maintenance, and improve overall efficiency.
Furthermore, they enable organizations to adapt and scale their software solutions while ensuring long-term sustainability and stability in their development processes.
Explanation
Implicit Enhancement Point is a SAP-proprietary framework designed to enable developers and users to modify or adapt specific sections of standard SAP applications without making direct changes to the original code. The purpose of this technology is to provide a flexible and seamless way to extend and adapt standard SAP features while ensuring that these customizations are maintained separately from the core system code.
This not only protects the integrity of the underlying SAP application source code but also enables an efficient upgrade and maintenance of the system as custom enhancements can be quickly analyzed and adapted as needed when a new SAP release or support package is installed. The key feature of Implicit Enhancement Point is that it offers predefined locations (points or sections) within the standard SAP code where code enhancements or adjustments can be added.
These predefined locations ensure that the enhancements are made in an organized manner and are easy to locate when you need to modify your customizations. Furthermore, it allows programmers to create their enhancements directly in the standard SAP code repository using ‘enhancement implementations’ which provide a transparent view of both the standard SAP code and their custom enhancements.
Overall, Implicit Enhancement Point aims to simplify the process of customizing and extending SAP applications, providing a scalable and maintainable platform for businesses to match their unique requirements with industry-leading enterprise software solutions.
Examples of Implicit Enhancement Point
Implicit Enhancement Point refers to the modification-free enhancement options provided by SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) to add custom functionalities to a standard SAP application code. This allows developers to modify core SAP applications without directly altering the original source code. Here are three real-world examples:
Customizing Sales Order Processing: In a typical distribution business, the standard SAP sales order processing application might not fulfill all the specific requirements. By using Implicit Enhancement Points, the company can customize the sales order process by adding extra validations, calculations, or data flows without making any modifications to the standard SAP code. This enables the organization to tailor the process according to company-specific rules and regulations without risking issues during future system updates.
Streamlining Material Management: A manufacturing company using SAP for material management may require additional functionality not available in the standard application. For example, the company might need to enforce a specific distribution model, apply automated replenishment logic, or calculate material movement using real-time information from the factory floor. Using Implicit Enhancement Points, the company can easily add these custom features without altering the SAP standard code, allowing for seamless integration and easier maintenance.
Adjusting Employee Management: A large organization with complex employee management requirements may need to customize their SAP Human Resource Management (HRM) system. Implicit Enhancement Points can be used to customize the standard SAP HRM system to better accommodate company-specific policies, employee categories, or payroll calculations. This approach ensures that the customizations do not interfere with the standard SAP code, maintaining system stability and facilitating easier updates in the future.In all these cases, Implicit Enhancement Points provide the necessary flexibility to adapt SAP standard applications to specific business requirements without causing long-term maintenance and compatibility issues.
Implicit Enhancement Point FAQ
1. What is an Implicit Enhancement Point?
An Implicit Enhancement Point is a predefined location in the SAP standard code where customers can add their own custom code without modifying the original SAP source code. It allows users to implement their own functionality or extensions without affecting the standard program during upgrades.
2. What are the different types of Implicit Enhancement Point?
There are three types of Implicit Enhancement Points: Enhancement Spots, Enhancement Sections, and Enhancement Implementations. Enhancement Spots are predefined locations in the standard code, Enhancement Sections are sections where custom code can be added, and Enhancement Implementations are the custom code that is added within the sections or spots.
3. How do I create an Implicit Enhancement Point?
To create an Implicit Enhancement Point, go to your ABAP program in the SAP system and navigate to the specific location where you want to add your enhancement. Access the context menu, select Enhancement Implementations, and then choose from Enhancement Spots, Sections, or Implementations to add your custom code.
4. Can I implement multiple enhancements in the same Implicit Enhancement Point?
Yes, you can implement multiple enhancements within the same Implicit Enhancement Point. Each enhancement is encapsulated in its own Enhancement Implementation, which is identified by a unique ID. This allows multiple, independent enhancements to be added to the same location in the code.
5. What happens if the SAP standard code changes during an upgrade?
If the SAP standard code changes during an upgrade, it is possible that your custom enhancements may not work as expected or conflicts may arise. It is recommended to re-test your Implicit Enhancements after any SAP upgrades to ensure they continue to function correctly.
6. Can I disable an Implicit Enhancement Point?
Yes, you can disable an Implicit Enhancement Point without removing the custom code. In the Enhancement Implementation, you can deactivate the enhancement by setting the status to Inactive. This will ensure that the custom code does not execute, but remains available for future use or reactivation.
Related Technology Terms
- Source Code Plug-ins
- ABAP Enhancement Framework
- Implicit Enhancement Options
- Overwrite Keyword Section
- Function Module Enhancements
