1. SAP BASIS Fundamentals
1.
What is SAP BASIS?
SAP BASIS is the set of administration tasks and tools required to manage and
maintain the SAP environment, including systems, servers, and configurations.
2.
What is BASIS R/3?
BASIS R/3 refers to the SAP Basis system specifically used for R/3, which is
SAP's legacy ERP system before S/4HANA, focusing on database and server
management.
3.
What is SAP IDES?
SAP IDES (Internet Demonstration and Evaluation System) is a pre-configured SAP
system used for demonstration, training, and evaluation of SAP software.
4.
What is the SAP portal?
SAP Portal is a web-based platform that provides a single point of access for
users to interact with various SAP applications and systems.
5.
What is SAPS?
SAPS (SAP Application Performance Standard) is a measure used to determine the
performance capacity of an SAP system, generally referring to the number of SAP
users that can be supported.
6.
What is a SAP single stack system?
A SAP single stack system is an architecture that combines both the application
and database layers in one system, typically used in scenarios like SAP
S/4HANA.
7.
Explain the difference between S/4HANA On-premise and S/4HANA Cloud.
S/4HANA On-premise is hosted on the company's own infrastructure, while S/4HANA
Cloud is a cloud-based solution managed by SAP, offering faster updates and
scalability.
8.
What is the SAP Launchpad?
The SAP Launchpad is a personalized, web-based entry point for users to access
SAP applications, tools, and business processes in a simplified manner.
2. Client Administration
1.
What are the different types of SAP Basis standard clients?
The main SAP Basis standard clients are Client 000 (Main Client), Client
001 (Custom Client for Testing), and Client 066 (Superuser client).
2.
In the SAP system, how do you create a new client?
You create a new client using transaction SCC4, where you define
client-specific parameters like client number, language, and client role.
3.
What is client administration in SAP systems?
Client administration refers to managing and configuring SAP clients, including
creation, deletion, and client-specific settings like user roles and data
segregation.
4.
How will you go about doing a client copy?
A client copy is done using SCCL (local client copy) or SCC9
(remote client copy), which copies client-specific data from one client to
another in the same or different system.
5.
What is t-code SCC3 - client copy and transport log analysis?
SCC3 is used to analyze logs related to client copy and transports,
including error logs and process status.
6.
Explain how client refresh is different than client copy?
Client refresh is used to update a client by overwriting it with data from
another client, while client copy creates a new client by copying data from an
existing one, typically for testing or development.
3. User Administration
1.
What are the different types of users in SAP?
The main types of users in SAP are Dialog Users, System Users, Communication
Users, and Service Users.
2.
List the different categories of users in the SAP system. List all of
them and define them.
o Dialog User: Used for interactive logins, often
by end-users.
o System User: Used for background jobs or SAP
processes.
o Communication User: Used for system-to-system
communication via RFC.
o Service User: Used for performing system-specific
tasks without interactive logins.
3.
What is the use of reference and service users in SAP?
o Reference User: Used as a template to assign
authorizations to other users.
o Service User: Used for non-interactive,
background processes or tasks.
4.
How can you restrict multiple logins of users in SAP?
You can restrict multiple logins by setting the "Maximum number of
logins" parameter in user profile settings.
5.
What are the steps you will take while writing the IDs?
When writing IDs, ensure a clear naming convention, avoid using special
characters, and maintain a consistent format for ease of management.
6.
How do you assign work to a group (assume four people) rather than a
single user, and have the roles apply to all members of that group?
You can assign roles to a User Group in SAP, where all users in the
group inherit the assigned roles automatically.
7.
How do you maintain roles in SAP systems?
Roles can be maintained using PFCG transaction to create, modify, and
assign roles and authorizations.
8.
What are the authorization objects in the user master record that are
always present?
Common authorization objects include S_USER_GROUP, S_USER_PROFILE,
S_USER_TCD, and S_AUTHORITY.
9.
Mention the use of the personalized tab and parameter tab in the user
master record?
o Personalized Tab: Used to configure user-specific
settings (e.g., user-specific defaults, language).
o Parameter Tab: Used for assigning user-specific
parameters to control system behavior, like default printer settings.
10.How can you get a list of the users with development
access on a particular system?
You can use the SUIM transaction to check for roles and authorizations
assigned to users with development access (e.g., access to transport or
development objects).
11.Can you collect user details in transaction SM04?
Yes, SM04 is used to display information about the users currently
logged in to the system, including their session details.
4. System Monitoring & Logs
1.
In a situation where the SAP system is down (Users unable to login), how
to analyze the problem?
First, check the system status using transaction SM21 (System Log),
review the disp+work process, verify if the SAP kernel is running, and
check for any network or database issues.
2.
What is the difference between Developer Trace, System Log, and System
Trace?
o Developer Trace: Logs detailed debugging information
for SAP developers and troubleshooting.
o System Log (SM21): Logs general system events, errors,
and issues related to SAP processes.
o System Trace: Contains lower-level trace
information, typically for system diagnostics and performance issues.
3.
At OS level, where to check for system logs of SAP application?
On the OS level, SAP application logs are usually stored in the /usr/sap//D00/work
directory on UNIX/Linux systems.
4.
Where can we examine the system log in SAP at the OS level?
At the OS level, check the dev_disp and dev_w0 log files in the /usr/sap//D00/work
directory for dispatcher and work process logs.
5.
How do you find out the dialog response time?
You can use transaction ST03N (Workload Analysis) to monitor dialog
response times and identify performance bottlenecks.
6.
What is the central system log directory?
The central system log directory is /usr/sap//D00/work for UNIX/Linux
systems, where logs such as dev_disp and dev_w0 are stored.
5. Work Processes and Memory Management
1.
How many types of work processes are there in SAP?
There are 5 main types of work processes: Dialog, Background,
Update, Enqueue, and Spool.
2.
What is the role of an Application Server?
The Application Server handles application logic, processes user requests, and
communicates with the database server to provide data.
3.
At OS level, how can you change the number of work processes?
At the OS level, you can modify the profile parameters (such as rdisp/wp_no_dialog)
in the instance profile and then restart the system.
4.
How can you analyze the status of work processes at OS level?
Use transaction SM50 to view and monitor the status of work processes in
SAP, or check the dev_w log files* at the OS level for detailed
information.
5.
Explain how SAP deals with memory management.
SAP uses memory areas like Heap, Roll, Paging, and Extended
Memory to efficiently manage memory allocation and release.
6.
Describe roll-in, roll-out, response time and wait time.
o Roll-in: The process of loading data into
the memory for processing.
o Roll-out: The process of writing data from
memory to disk.
o Response time: The time taken for the system to
respond to a user request.
o Wait time: The time a process waits for
resources (such as database access or a lock).
7.
What is private mode?
Private mode is a memory mode in SAP where each work process has its own
private memory area, preventing data contamination between processes.
8.
What is the purpose of the ztta/roll area profile parameter?
The ztta/roll_area parameter defines the memory space allocated for
roll-in and roll-out operations, affecting the handling of session-specific
data.
6. Transport Management System (TMS)
1.
What is the process for performing transport in SAP?
The transport process involves creating a transport request, adding objects to
it, releasing the request, and then importing it into the target system using Transaction
STMS.
2.
How do you perform the transport?
Use Transaction STMS, select the transport request, and then choose the
target system to import the request.
3.
What are the types of transport requests in SAP Basis?
There are 3 types: Customizing Requests, Workbench Requests,
and Transport of Copies.
4.
What is the difference between Consolidation and Development route?
o Development Route: Transports changes made in the
development system to the QA system.
o Consolidation Route: Moves changes from the QA system to
the Production system.
5.
What is the difference between asynchronous and synchronous transport?
o Asynchronous Transport: Transport process runs in the
background and does not wait for confirmation.
o Synchronous Transport: Transport process runs in
real-time, waiting for confirmation before continuing.
6.
What are the different types of transport queries?
Transport queries can be categorized as Import, Export, and Queue
management queries, used to check the status and logs of transports.
7.
How can you disable the ‘Import All’ button on STMS for the queues?
You can disable the ‘Import All’ button by adjusting the transport profile
settings in Transaction STMS under System > Change.
8.
Can you delete saved queues in SQM3?
Yes, saved queues can be deleted in Transaction SQM3 if they are no
longer needed or are causing issues.
9.
What is the process of transferring the package from one client to
another client made by ABAPers?
ABAP developers create the package in SE80, then use Transaction SCC1
to transport the package from one client to another within the same system.
7.Patching, Upgrades, and Kernel
1. 1. What is the difference between support package, kernel, and SAP note?
o Support Package: A collection of corrections and
updates to the SAP system.
o Kernel: The core software of SAP that
handles basic functions.
o SAP Note: Provides solutions or fixes for
specific issues in the SAP system.
2. 2. What is the process for applying patches?
Apply patches using Transaction SPAM or SUM (Software Update Manager),
depending on the type of patch.
3.
3. How do you apply patches?
Patches are applied through Transaction SPAM (for support packages) or SUM
(Software Update Manager) for kernel or system updates.
4. 4. Can you install SAP patches when other users are online?
Yes, but typically, patches are applied during off-peak hours to minimize
system disruptions.
5.
5. Why do you use DDIC users for Support Packs and SPAM instead of SAP?
DDIC user is used because it has the necessary authorizations for
updates, whereas SAP* is a superuser account and should be avoided for
system integrity.
6.
6. What is kernel replacement?
Kernel replacement involves upgrading the SAP kernel to a new version to
enhance performance, fix bugs, or support new features.
7.
7. How do you apply SAP notes to the SAP system?
Use Transaction SNOTE to implement SAP notes that provide corrections or
solutions to system issues.
8.
8. What is SGEN in SAP Basis?
SGEN (SAP Generator) is used to generate objects after installation or
upgrade to avoid performance degradation when users access the system for the
first time.
9.
9. What is OCM and how to apply OCM patches?
OCM (Optimal Configuration Management) involves applying patches related
to configuration changes and optimizations, typically via Transaction SAINT
or SPAM.
1010. What are the tools to install JAVA patches?
JSPM (Java Support Package Manager) is used to install Java patches on
an SAP system.
11.11. What is the difference between SDM and JSPM?
·
SDM (Software Deployment Manager): Used for deploying Java-based applications in the SAP
system.
·
JSPM (Java Support Package Manager): Specifically used to apply Java support packages and
patches.
8. RFC and Remote Communications
1.
Define RFC. How many different kinds of RFCs are there?
RFC (Remote Function Call) is used to communicate between SAP systems or
between SAP and non-SAP systems. There are 4 types of RFCs.
2.
What are the different types of RFCs?
o Synchronous RFC (sRFC)
o Asynchronous RFC (aRFC)
o Transactional RFC (tRFC)
o Queued RFC (qRFC)
3.
Explain what Transactional RFC is?
tRFC ensures data is delivered once to the target system even if the
connection fails, by saving the call in a local log and retrying until
successful.
9. Authorization & Roles
1.
How do you assign an object to 100 roles at a time?
Use PFCG → Utilities → Mass Change or use SU10 and scripting via LSMW/ABAP
for bulk role updates.
2.
How do you disable import all option from STMS in SAP?
Set parameter IMPORT_ALL = NO in TP_DOMAIN_.PFL file under
/usr/sap/trans/bin.
3.
How do you maintain roles in SAP?
Use PFCG to create/change roles, assign authorizations, and assign to
users.
4.
What is the use of the SUIM transaction?
SUIM is used for user and authorization reporting, like roles,
profiles, and authorization object analysis.
10. Database and OS-Level Tasks
1.
What is OSP$?
OSP$ is a naming convention for SAP users created at the OS level (like
SAP<SID>ADM) that map to Oracle DB users (e.g., OPS$SAPSID).
2.
How to perform a SAP-export and import tables in SAP from OS level?
Use the R3load and export/import parameter files to perform
table-level export/import.
3.
What command line is used to take a backup?
Use BRBACKUP for database backups (e.g., brbackup -u / -p
init<sid>.sap).
4.
In which directory are transport data files stored?
Transport data files are stored in /usr/sap/trans/data.
11. Tables and T-Codes
1.
What is the purpose of table TADIR?
TADIR stores metadata about all repository objects (programs, function modules,
etc.) in SAP.
2.
What is the purpose of table TDEVC?
TDEVC stores details about development classes or packages used to group
related objects.
3.
What is the purpose of table USR02?
USR02 stores user master data like passwords, user lock status, and logon
attempts.
4.
What is the importance of table T000?
T000 contains all client-related information (client number, description,
roles).
5.
What is the Tcode for displaying and deleting the locked objects?
Use SE11 to view and SM12 to display/delete locked entries.
6.
Which transaction do you use to check buffer statistics?
Use ST02 to check buffer statistics (SAP memory and buffer tuning).
12. Logon Groups & Load Balancing
1.
How do you define logon groups?
Use transaction SMLG
to create and maintain logon groups by assigning instances for load
distribution.
2.
What is load balancing in SAP?
It distributes user
logins across multiple application servers to optimize system performance and
avoid overload.
13. Backup & Recovery
1.
What command line is used to take a backup?
Use the brbackup command to take a database backup from the OS level.
2.
How to determine whether your SAP server is Unicode or ASCII?
Use System → Status in SAP GUI or check the disp+work -version output at
OS level for Unicode info.
3.
In what ways can you know whether a system is Unicode or Non-Unicode?
o Check disp+work -version at OS
level.
o Look for “Unicode enabled” in System
→ Status under kernel info.
o Check profile parameter
unicode/enable = 1 for Unicode systems.
14. Client and System Copies
Explain
what is heterogeneous system copy and homogeneous system copy?
1.
Heterogeneous System Copy:
Moving an SAP system between systems with different OS or database platforms
(e.g., Windows + SQL to Linux + Oracle).
2.
Homogeneous System Copy:
Moving an SAP system between systems with the same OS and database platform
(e.g., Linux + HANA to Linux + HANA).
15. BDC & Batch Jobs
1.
What is BDC (Batch Data Communication) and how does it work?
BDC is a technique to transfer data from external systems into SAP by
simulating user input through screens using session or call transaction
methods.
2.
How many BDC techniques are there?
There are three BDC techniques:
o Session Method
o Call Transaction Method
o Direct Input Method
3.
Explain what are the functional modules used in sequence in BDC?
The main function modules used in BDC in sequence are:
o BDC_OPEN_GROUP – starts the BDC
session
o BDC_INSERT – adds transaction data
o BDC_CLOSE_GROUP – ends and submits
the session
4.
What is a background processing batch scheduler?
It is a tool in SAP used to schedule and execute jobs (reports/programs) in the
background without manual input, often managed through transaction SM36.
16. Spool and Output
What is
SAP Spool Request?
A Spool Request in SAP is a request generated when a user prints
something; it holds the output data (like reports or forms) before it's sent to
a printer or output device.
17. Other Topics
1. What
is an “OK” code? What is the difference between “T-code” and “OK” code?
An OK code in SAP is a command or input used to trigger specific
actions, such as system operations or navigation. T-code (Transaction
Code) is a specific code used to access SAP transactions, whereas an OK code is
broader and may be used to initiate processes, perform navigation, or trigger
system actions.
2. What
is a logical system? How to create it and why?
A logical system in SAP is a unique identifier for a system that
facilitates communication between different systems. It’s used in scenarios
like ALE (Application Link Enabling). It can be created using transaction SALE
to establish communication between systems.
3. What
are business KPIs?
Business KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are measurable values that
demonstrate how effectively a company is achieving its key business objectives.
They help track performance and guide decision-making.
4. Define
supplementation language.
Supplementation language refers to the programming language or code used to
enhance or add additional functionality to a system or application,
particularly in SAP for customization or extensions.
5. What
do you mean by posting key?
A posting key in SAP is a two-digit numerical code used to define the
nature of the transaction, such as whether it's a debit or credit in the
financial accounting module.
6. What
do you mean by the information model?
The information model in SAP refers to a structure or framework that
defines the relationships between data elements, ensuring that data is
captured, processed, and stored consistently.
7. What
is LUW (Logical Unit of Work)?
A Logical Unit of Work (LUW) in SAP refers to a set of related database
operations that are treated as a single unit of work. Either all operations are
successfully committed, or none are applied if a failure occurs.
8. What
is CUA and what are its benefits from the perspective of a layperson or
manager?
CUA (Central User Administration) is a feature in SAP that allows
centralized user management across multiple SAP systems. It helps
administrators by simplifying user access control and ensuring consistency in
user roles and authorizations across systems.
9. In CMC
(Central Management Console), how do we set up an OLAP connection?
To set up an OLAP connection in CMC (Central Management Console),
you need to configure the connection settings for OLAP (Online Analytical
Processing) by specifying the data source, database credentials, and connection
parameters for accessing analytical data.
18. SAP HANA Basis
1. What
is the difference between HANA Studio and HANA Cockpit?
HANA Studio is an Eclipse-based IDE used for development,
administration, and monitoring of SAP HANA. It’s primarily used for tasks like
modeling, data provisioning, and debugging.
HANA Cockpit is a web-based interface used for monitoring and managing
HANA systems, offering real-time performance tracking, administration, and
configuration.
2.
Explain the role of the Index Server in SAP HANA architecture.
The Index Server in SAP HANA is responsible for query processing, data
storage, and managing all database operations. It handles transactions,
performs calculations, and communicates with the other components of the HANA
system to ensure efficient data retrieval and processing.
3. What
are HANA views (attribute, analytic, calculation) and where are they used in
Basis tasks?
HANA views are objects that represent data structures:
- Attribute View: Represents a reusable view
that contains descriptive attributes.
- Analytic View: Represents a data model for
reporting, primarily used for complex analysis.
- Calculation View: Used for complex calculations
and combines data from multiple sources for reporting.
In Basis tasks, these views are used for data modeling, reporting, and performance optimization.
4. What
is HANA XS Engine and what is its purpose?
The HANA XS Engine (Extended Services Engine) is a lightweight
application server embedded in SAP HANA that allows you to run web-based
applications directly in HANA. It supports the development and deployment of
applications, APIs, and services, enabling seamless integration with HANA.
5. How do
you perform HANA system replication and failover? What are the key
configuration steps?
HANA system replication involves setting up a secondary HANA system to
replicate data from the primary system to ensure high availability.
Key steps include:
1.
Configuring
the primary and secondary systems.
2.
Enabling
data replication through HANA System Replication in the SAP HANA
Cockpit or HANA Studio.
3.
Setting
up automatic failover by configuring the replication mode and monitoring the
system health.
4.
Testing
failover to ensure smooth operation during unplanned outages.
19. SAP Security
6. What
is the purpose of authorization objects in SAP Security, and how are they
structured?
Authorization objects in SAP Security define and control access rights for
users within the system. They are structured by a combination of fields that
represent specific permissions. These fields define what operations a user can
perform on a particular object, such as company codes, documents, or reports.
Each authorization object consists of one or more fields, and a user’s role can
be linked to these objects to grant access.
7. How
does role inheritance work in SAP (Composite and Derived Roles)?
Role inheritance in SAP works through Composite Roles and Derived
Roles:
- Composite Roles allow the grouping of multiple
single roles. A user assigned to a composite role inherits the
authorizations of all individual roles within it.
- Derived Roles are based on a Template Role
and inherit authorizations from the template, allowing easy adjustments to
user roles for specific organizational structures (e.g., company code,
plant).
8. What
is SU53 used for and how do you analyze authorization failures with it?
SU53 is a transaction used in SAP to identify and analyze authorization
failures. When an authorization error occurs, users can execute SU53 to capture
the failed authorization check details, including missing or incorrect
authorizations. It helps administrators identify what needs to be corrected to
grant the user the necessary access.
9. How
does the SAP authorization concept support segregation of duties (SoD)?
SAP’s authorization concept helps enforce Segregation of Duties (SoD) by
ensuring that critical tasks are separated between different individuals to
prevent fraud and errors. Through role design, SAP allows you to define which
actions a user can perform, ensuring no one user has the ability to both
initiate and approve transactions. SoD policies can be configured in roles and
monitored using tools like SAP GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance).
10. What
is the purpose of transaction SUIM, and how is it used in audits?
SUIM (User Information System) is used for querying user-related
information in SAP. It provides detailed reports on user roles, authorizations,
and logins. In audits, SUIM is helpful for verifying user access and ensuring
compliance by analyzing user activity, roles, and authorization assignments
across the system. It allows auditors to track who has access to what, ensuring
proper access controls are in place.
20. SAP S/4HANA Conversions
11. What
is DMO (Database Migration Option) in SUM and how is it used during S/4HANA
conversion?
DMO (Database Migration Option) in SUM (Software Update Manager) is a tool used
to migrate an SAP system's database from an existing database (such as Oracle
or SQL Server) to SAP HANA during an S/4HANA conversion. It combines the
upgrade and database migration processes into a single step, simplifying the
conversion process and reducing downtime.
12. List
the key simplification items to be checked before S/4HANA system conversion.
Key simplification items to check before S/4HANA conversion include:
- Removal of obsolete data models
and transactions (e.g., classic GL, Asset Accounting).
- Consolidation of legacy systems
and business processes.
- Validation of custom code for
compatibility with S/4HANA.
- Adjustments for new UI
technologies (e.g., Fiori).
- Review of business partner
management for Customer-Vendor Integration (CVI).
13. What
are the phases involved in S/4HANA system conversion using SUM?
The phases involved in S/4HANA system conversion using SUM include:
1.
Preparation –
Pre-checks, system landscape analysis, and setup.
2.
System Conversion – Database migration, system upgrade, and data migration.
3.
Post-Conversion
– Post-migration checks, testing, and performance tuning.
4.
Go Live –
Final steps for the system to go live and user training.
14. What
is the relevance of CVI (Customer-Vendor Integration) in S/4HANA migration?
CVI (Customer-Vendor Integration) is crucial in S/4HANA migration because it
consolidates the customer and vendor master data into a single business partner
model. It simplifies data management by eliminating the need to maintain
separate records for customers and vendors and ensures smoother integration
between different modules (e.g., SD, MM).
15. How
do you handle custom code during S/4HANA migration? What is the role of ATC
(ABAP Test Cockpit)?
During S/4HANA migration, custom code must be checked for compatibility with
the new system. ATC (ABAP Test Cockpit) is used to analyze and optimize
custom ABAP code for S/4HANA. It identifies obsolete syntax, deprecated
functions, and performance issues, helping developers adjust the code for the
new environment.
