This significantly extended and completely revised 2nd edition of our best-selling reference book helps you drastically reduce the cost and duration of key data migration projects. This comprehensive reference book is focused on helping you avoid the need for programming by using batch input, eCATT, CATT, and the Legacy System Migration Workbench (LSMW).

You'll learn how to optimize these tools for data migration and where exactly manual customization might be needed. The various individual methods are compared and contrasted, enabling you to gain valuable insights on the technique that most closely matches up with your individual requirements. In addition, you'll benefit from a detailed introduction to the new Accelerated Data Migration tool (ADM), which enables you to migrate large quantities of data faster than ever before.

Specific chapters deal with asset migration and data staging as they relate to migration project preparation. These key chapters also provide you with useful information on how Microsoft Access and Excel can be used to cost-effectively prepare your data for migration.

Highlights

• Planning a Migration Project
• Technical and Managerial Foundations for Migrating Data
• Data Migration with Batch Input, eCATT, and LSMW
• Assessment of Different Methods
• Tips and Tricks to Avoid Programming
• Accelerated Data Migration
• Special Case: Asset Migration with MS Excel

About the Author(s)

Michael Willinger has many years of experience in SAP consulting as a manager of international ERP projects.

Dr. Johann Gradl was one of the developers responsible for the Legacy System Migration Workbench. He subsequently performed various tasks in CRM for Installed Base Development, Middleware, and Test Automation. At present, he is involved in strategic projects at SAP Service and Support.

Table of Contents

1 ... Introduction ... 13

2 ... Managerial Foundations for Migrating Data to SAP ERP ... 21
... 2.1 ... Data Migration as a Subproject ... 21
... 2.2 ... Preliminary Considerations ... 23
... 2.3 ... The Data Migration Process from the Project Perspective ... 33

3 ... Technical Basics for Migrating Data to SAP ERP ... 41
... 3.1 ... Basic Terminology ... 41
... 3.2 ... The Data Migration Process from a Technical Perspective ... 42
... 3.3 ... Overview of Technical Procedures for Data Migration ... 48

4 ... Batch Input ... 51
... 4.1 ... What Is Batch Input Processing? ... 51
... 4.2 ... How Does Batch Input Work? ... 51
... 4.3 ... Standard Batch Input Programs ... 59
... 4.4 ... Batch Input Recording: General Approach ... 63
... 4.5 ... Batch Input Recording Combined with Microsoft Word Mail Merge Processing ... 84

5 ... Extended Computer Aided Test Tool (eCATT) ... 99
... 5.1 ... What Is the eCATT? ... 99
... 5.2 ... History of the eCATT ... 99
... 5.3 ... Availability and Functionality of eCATT and CATT ... 101
... 5.4 ... Preparing the System for Using the eCATT ... 102
... 5.5 ... How Does the eCATT Work? ... 105
... 5.6 ... How Can You Use the eCATT for Data Migration? ... 121
... 5.7 ... Tips and Tricks ... 138

6 ... Computer Aided Test Tool (CATT) ... 147
... 6.1 ... Basic Terminology ... 147
... 6.2 ... Preparing the System for Using the CATT ... 148
... 6.3 ... How Does the CATT Work? ... 148

7 ... Legacy System Migration Workbench ... 167
... 7.1 ... Overview of the LSM Workbench ... 167
... 7.2 ... Data Migration with the LSM Workbench ... 170
... 7.3 ... Recordings ... 228
... 7.4 ... Long Texts ... 237
... 7.5 ... Periodic Data Transfer ... 243
... 7.6 ... Transporting Projects ... 247
... 7.7 ... Preparations for Using IDoc Inbound Processing ... 249
... 7.8 ... Advanced LSM Workbench Features ... 252
... 7.9 ... Tips and Tricks ... 256
... 7.10 ... Summary ... 261

8 SAP Accelerated Data Migration ... 263
... 8.1 ... Availability ... 263
... 8.2 ... Overview of SAP ADM ... 264
... 8.3 ... Specific Features ... 265
... 8.4 ... Overview of the Typical Process ... 267
... 8.5 ... Typical Process in Detail: Process Cockpit ... 268
... 8.6 ... Development Cockpit ... 276
... 8.7 ... Checklist for SAP ADM ... 280
... 8.8 ... Additional Information on SAP ADM ... 280

9 ... Techniques for Avoiding Programming ... 281
... 9.1 ... Problem Area: Data Conversion ... 281
... 9.2 ... Techniques for Converting Data ... 282
... 9.3 ... Summary ... 301

10 ... Assessment of Data Migration Techniques ... 303
... 10.1 ... Advantages and Disadvantages of the Procedures ... 303
... 10.2 ... Reasons for Favoring a Certain Procedure ... 308

11 Migrating Fixed Assets with Microsoft Excel ... 315/b>
... 11.1 ... Assessment of Procedures for Migrating Fixed Assets ... 315
... 11.2 ... Types of Legacy Data Transfer ... 319
... 11.3 ... Case Example: Migrating Fixed Assets with Microsoft Excel ... 322
... 11.4 ... Preparing to Go Live ... 338

12 ... Outlook and Related Areas ... 341
... 12.1 ... Data Transfer Workbench ... 341
... 12.2 ... Data Migration Between SAP ERP Systems or within an SAP ERP System ... 345
... 12.3 ... Data Migration in SAP CRM ... 347

Appendix ... 351
A SAP ERP Tables for Selected Master and Transaction Data ... 353
... A.1 Financial Accounting ... 353
... A.2 Controlling ... 354
... A.3 Logistics ... 354
B Glossary ... 357
C The Authors ... 365
Index ... 367