Mapping Lookups

Posted on Apr. 7, 2010 at 06.53 PM - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

SAP PI version 71. includes standard function RFC Lookup and JDBC Lookup where we can use to graphically define a mapping lookup using either RFC adapter or JDBC adapter.

RFC Lookup takes into account the request, response, and fault parts of and imported RFC. To be able to model the lookup graphically, the structure of the RFC interface must be known, that is we have to import the RFC into ESR.

Prerequisites

    • The RFC channel to be used for the lookup must be configured and activated in the Integration Directory.
    • The definition of the RFC structure used for the lookup must already be imported into the ES Repository as an imported archive.

Step 1 Create parameter for RFC channel

A message mapping parameter must be created within the Signature tab. It should be an 'Import' parameter and have Category 'Adapter'and Type'RFC'.

Step 2 Configure the RFC Lookup

Once the parameter is defined, you can proceed with defining the RFC lookup in the target field mapping within the mapping definition. The RFC Lookup standard function can be found among the functions in the Conversions category.

  • Select the parameter to be used for the lookup. The parameter is maintained within the Signature tab as shown above. The name of the actual communication channel used for the lookup will be the value for this parameter.
  • Select the relevant RFC function module that will be used for the lookup. Only RFCs already imported as an Imported Object will be listed.
  • The left column represents the RFC Request message. All fields to be used as input for the request should be selected (double-click). The fields selected for the request will be displayed in the bottom left box.
  • The right column represents the RFC Response message. All fields to be used capture the response and further applied in the mapping should be selected (double-click). The fields selected for the response will be displayed in the bottom right box.

To better understand how to implement JDBC and RFC Lookups, please have a look at this article in SDN: http://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/scn/weblogs?blog=/pub/wlg/8661

The advantages and disadvantages of mapping lookups:

+ Configuration values are in the back end system

+ Graphical support for RFC and JDBC

- Runtime performance issues