Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida | May 15-18, 2011
Implementing ITSmobile at Johnsonville Sausage,
Radio Frequency in SAP
]
Paul Krier – Johnsonville Sausage, LLC.
Mirela Sotropa – itelligence, Inc.
[ Agenda
Introduction
The Team. The Project.
Background of Radio Frequency (RF) Technology in SAP
Implementing RF Applications using ITSmobile
Learning Points
Best Practices
Appendix
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
2
[ Johnsonville Sausage, LLC.
Established in 1945 by Ralph and Alice Stayer
Johnsonville is the most popular brand of sausage in the United States and is
available in Japan, Canada, China, France, Mexico & over 30 other countries
Still privately held
1400+ Members
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
3
[ Johnsonville Sausage, LLC. (Contd.)
On SAP since 2005
HCM, FI/CO,PPPI, MM, SD, QM, WM, PLM, DMS
Portal, APO, BI, BOBJ, CRM
ITSmobile is running on SAP ECC 6.0. EHP 4
MS SQL Server 2005, 1.4 TB Database
Windows Server 2007 running on VMware
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
4
[ itelligence, Inc. – More than 20 years of SAP experience
We are one of the leading international full-service provider exclusively focused on
SAP solutions
History
1989
Founded as SVP, in Bielefeld, Germany
2000
Merger of Apcon AG and SVC AG to form itelligence AG
2007
Cooperation with NTT DATA / NTT Communications
Scope of Services
SAP Software Reseller to SME Market Space
SAP Global Implementation Partner
SAP Global Managed Hosting Partner
SAP Global Support
Staff
More than 1,900 employees, worldwide
Clients
More than 3,000 clients in various industries
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
5
[ itelligence Facts
SAP Business Partner & Alliance Partner Services
One of the 12 worldwide Global Partner Services
Channel Partner and Solution Partner
Largest Global SME Software Reseller
One of the 10 worldwide Global SAP Hosting Partners
SAP Alliance Partner Support
SAP Pinnacle Award Winner 2006 – 2008
2010SAP Overall Partner of the Year
Most successful international and German medium-sized business
partnership with SAP
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
6
[ The Implementation Team
Chris Galica
Paul Krier
Mirela Sotropa
Bob Meyers
Mark Hembel
Brian Cudworth
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
Project Manager
SAP Technical Lead/Architect
SAP Platinum NetWeaver Consultant
WM/MM User Advocate
Sr. Systems Analyst
Shipping Team Lead
7
[ The Project
Migrate existing RF Applications from SAPConsole to
ITSmobile
Take advantage of the long-term supported ITS technology
Access ABAP Dynpro based applications using a web browser
Provide users with a more user-friendly interface
No change to application business logic
Old RF scanner replacement
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
8
[ Initial Expectations
ITS would be slower than Telnet
ITS would not handle movement between access points as well
as sap console with Georgia Softworks
We would not change ABAP as part of this project
We would use Internet Explorer for the browser
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
9
[ Background of RF Technology in SAP
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
10
[ Mobility (RF) in SAP – Is it Possible?
Why do I care?
How can you do it?
What are the magic ingredients?
Learning points
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
11
[ Mobility (RF) in SAP – Why do I care?
SAP running on mobile devices
RF Guns scan goods
Information is entered through SAP transaction screens on Guns
Data is stored in SAP system
Increase efficiency of Warehouse Management processess
Goods Receipt and Goods Issue
Inventory and Picking
Load and Unload
Simple interface on minimal real estate
Rugged, reliable
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
12
[ SAP Mobility (RF) in SAP – How can you do it?
Four Approaches:
SAPConsole
Web-enabled SAP Console (SAP recommends to use ITSmobile as of Basis
release 4.6c and higher instead)
ITSmobile (Internet Transaction Server for Mobile Devices)
Mobile Web Dynpro
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
13
[ Implementing RF Applications in SAP - SAPConsole
SAPConsole - Allows character based devices to connect to SAP
just like a GUI based client
Telnet
SAPConsole Server
SAP
All Data FLow
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
14
[ Implementing RF Applications in SAP (ITSmobile)
ITSmobile - Internet Transaction Server for Mobile Devices
Refer to OSS note 325616 (Platform Availability Matrix: http://service.sap.com/pam)
Internet Explorer on Windows
Internet Explorer 6.0
MozillaFirefox1.X
Windows, Linux, Mac OS X
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
15
[ SAPConsole vs. ITSmobile: Side-by-side comparison
CHARACTERISTICS
SAP CONSOLE (1999)
ITSmobile (2007)
SOLUTION
PROFILE
• First SAP native RF solution
• Focused on industrial mobile
devices
• ABAP-based
• Replacement for Web SAP Console
• Any web-based application
• ABAP and HTML
SOLUTION
MATURITY
• Most installations, stable, well
understood.
• Long history (~25 years) of using
industrial RF devices
• ITS technology in use for many years (~1998);
became part of the SAP kernel (~2004)
• ITSmobile formally introduced in 2007
• Ready for prime time
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
16
[ SAPConsole vs. ITSmobile: Side-by-side comparison
CHARACTERISTICS
SAP CONSOLE
(Contd.)
ITSmobile
SOLUTION
ARCHITECTURE
• Requires a Windows based machine
(Telnet and SAP Console)
• Telnet over TCP
DEVICE
COMPATIBILITY
• Supports any device that has the VT220 • Supports any device with an HTML
terminal emulation.
browser.
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
• Mobile devices running a client browser
• HTML over HTTP/HTTPS
17
[ SAPConsole vs. ITSmobile: Side-by-side comparison
CHARACTERISTICS
SAP CONSOLE
USER INTERFACE & • Text-based interface.
EASE OF USE
• Simplistic interface.
• Screen navigation driven by function
keys.
DEVELOPMENT
ENVIRONMENT
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
• Entirely done in ABAP Workbench.
• SAP Console solutions are developed
in ABAP and rely on the RF screens
(SAPGUI Dynpro screens).
(Contd.)
ITSmobile
• Browser-based interface.
• Screen navigation, supports both function
key and touch screen input,
• UI enhancements possible.
• Entirely done in ABAP Workbench (ABAP
and HTML editors).
• ABAP and HTML-based. The HTML
conversion is supported by the ABAP
Workbench.
18
[ SAPConsole vs. ITSmobile: Side-by-side comparison
CHARACTERISTICS
SAP CONSOLE
FUNCTIONAL
COMPONENTS
(WM, EWM, IM)
• Can be used with any SAP functional
area (WM, IM, EWM, etc.)
• Can utilize the RF transactions in WM
as they are written in ABAP.
PERFORMANCE
• Primarily dependent on the SAP
backend system where the ABAP
program is running.
• In general, better than browser-based
solutions due to less overhead and less
complex screens.
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
(Contd.)
ITSmobile
• Can be used with any SAP functional area
(WM, IM, EWM, etc.).
• Can utilize the RF transactions in WM as
they are written in ABAP.
• Primarily dependent on the ITS core
engine and the SAP backend system where
the ABAP/HTML program is running.
19
[ RF Applications: Magic Ingredients
One transaction – Different Display
Screen size 8X40:
Function keys have a maximal
length of 9 digits
SAPConsole:
- Does not
display frame
with
additional
information
-Suppresses
empty lines
Screen size 8X40:
Screen size 16X20:
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
20
[ RF Applications: Magic Ingredients (Contd.)
Menu Path: SPRO / Mobile Data Entry / Define Menu Management
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
21
[ RF Menu Configuration
Menu Path: Logistics Entry > Mobile Data Entry > Define Menu
1.
Warehouse number – The warehouse number for which this menu will be valid
2.
Dynamic menu – Name of the menu you will assign to the user(s)
3.
Sequence – The order placement of the menu item within the dynamic menu
4.
Menu / Trns. – “1” executes a menu, “2” executes a transaction
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
22
[ Create an RF Queue
Menu Path: Logistics Entry > Mobile Data Entry > RF Queue Management
1.
2.
Queue - Relevant to the group of functions this queue will use
Queue Name - Text that may appear on the handheld for users assigned
to the queue
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
23
[ Assign RF Queue and RF Menu to RF Users
Menu Path: Logistics Entry > Mobile Data Entry > RF Queue Management
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
24
[ Assign RF Queue and RF Menu to RF Users (Contd.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Warehouse - Warehouse number
User - RF User ID
Status - Check if user is active
Screen Format - Screen format Size of anticipated device
Main Menu - Menu name defined in step 4 above
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
25
[ ITSmobile Implementation: Customer Guide
Select an RF network and appropriate devices
Decide if an Industrial Browser is needed
Plan how bar-coded documents and labels will be printed
Check OSS note 325616 (Platform Availability Matrix:
http://service.sap.com/pam)
Continue as for any other project
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
26
[ ITSmobile Implementation: Customer Guide (Contd.)
Map the functional process to standard SAP transactions. . Finalized
business processes are key;
Review the list of RF transactions delivered by SAP
Determine any RF transactions not delivered by SAP or not usable as
delivered
Determine the exact SAP transactions and associated input that will be
executed during the custom processes.
Do not use ‘Enjoy’ style
transactions such as MIGO. Use old transaction codes if necessary;
Identify any processes that can not be managed by standard SAP
functionality
Execute the project as any other functional and technical project with
technical design, functional configuration, development, testing, etc.
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
27
[ Learning Points
Review custom development to ensure compatibility with
mobile devices and browsers
Additional customization needed to run existing RF Application
on the new mobile devices (e.g. eliminating scroll bars, white
space, and other navigational challenges)
Perform extensive and ruthless testing of all RF transactions in
the new environment
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
28
[ Learning Points (Contd.)
Make sure deployment expectations are realistic.
It is easier to deploy a few functions or functional areas at a time
rather than a ‘big-bang’ approach.
Seek the minimum if you are inexperienced in RF.
Select mobile devices, their configuration (including O/S) and
determine if an industrial browser is needed as early as
possible.
We decided to use an industrial browser for getting all the
functionality of the mobile device used.
Transactions needed to be re-tested on final configuration.
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
29
[ Learning Points (Contd.)
Functional process design needs to be complete and
completely understood
Have full development environments including an available RF
network, however small, and bar-code printers
Do not overcomplicate the RF device configuration.
We started out with many packages being deployed to the
device.
We achieved better performance by narrowing it down to a
couple of packages.
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
30
[ What really happened
ITS Mobile performance was not an issue
ITS Connection issues did not materialize
We had issues, but mostly due to new devices and new AP’s
Resolved by finding sweet spot of device and AP configuration
We had to enhance existing ABAP screens
SAP Console-enabled transactions had to be tweaked for use
with ITSmobile
Enhanced RF screens for improving navigation on RF screens
(remove white space, scroll bars)
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
31
[ What really happened (Contd.)
We chose to use Wavelink industrial browser.
Quick Scan functionality
Easy to lock down
Devices used: LXE MX7, LXE MX9, Intermec CV30
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
32
[ Return on Investment
Simplification of environment through removal of SAPConsole
server
Eliminating number of licenses for Georgia Softworks
Transaction title shown in the browser heading
Nice feature, was planned as future project to add through
coding
ITS functionality exposed for other uses
SAPConsole no longer maintained
New uses outside of warehouse envisioned
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
33
[ References
Demo / Q&A
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
34
[ Appendix
References
Transaction Codes
Tips & Tricks
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
35
[ References
Online References
http://help.sap.com
www.sdn.sap.com (Search key ITSmobile in SAP Developer Network)
General ITSmobile Notes
1070064
1037715
705013
737625
742048
885580
Find further related SAP notes using search key "ITSmobile" in CSS.
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
Comparison of Web SAP Console with SAP ITSmobile
ITSmobile: Supported screen elements (SMP login required)
Timeout for ICF services based on ITS
Parameter recommendations for the ICM
Integrated ITS, memory requirement in application server
Integrated ITS: Configuration Parameters
36
[ References
Printed References (SAP-Press.com)
Optimize your Mobile Applications in Warehouse and Shipping with SAP
WM
Author(s): Dirk Eichholz, Jan-Martin Lichte, and Hans-Georg Nüvemann
SAP Warehouse Management: Functionality and Technical Configuration
Author(s): Martin Murray
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
37
[ References
Transaction Codes
SICF
SIAC_REGENERATE_TEMP
SIAC_PUBLISH_ALL_INT
LRF1
LRF2
LRFMD
SITSPMON
SE80
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
HTTP Service Hierarchy Maintenance
Regenerate IAC Templates
Publish All ITS Services
RF Monitor, Active
RF Monitor, Passive
Maintain RF user master data
Monitor for Internal ITS
ABAP Development Workbench
38
[ References
Tips & Tricks
Customize the LogOff Page in SICF
(Maintain the Explicit Response Page Body in SICF)
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
39
[ References
Tips & Tricks
Customize the LogOff Page in SICF
(Maintain the Explicit Response Page Body in SICF)
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
40
[ References
Tips & Tricks
Customize the LogOff Page in SICF
(Maintain the Explicit Response Page Body in SICF)
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
41
[ References
ICF parameters changed:
ms/http_timeout
icm/max_threads
Icm/keep_alive_timeout
em/global_area_MB
ms/http_timeout
rdisp/plugin_auto_logout
icm/min_timeout_mpi
icm/max_timeout_wp
from 20 to 120
from 50 to 200
from 60 to 600
from 512 to 1024
from 20 to 120
from 1800 to 2600
set to 30000
set to 2000
See notes: 705013, 737625, 742048, 885580.
Real Experience. Real Advantage.
42
[
]
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SESSION CODE: 3708
Real Experience. Real Advantage.