Seamlessly integrating and sharing data across various systems and processes is essential in today’s complex business landscape.
From enabling real-time data exchange to fortifying security, SAP RFC connections are the unsung champions of efficiency and productivity, facilitating efficient communication between systems, managing called function module runs, and ensuring proper function modules are available for users.
This article will discuss the main components, types, and capabilities of SAP RFC, how companies can leverage SAP RFC connection to facilitate better connections between SAP and non-SAP systems, and where our team of expert SAP consultants can come in to help.
Understanding Remote Function Call (RFC)
Remote Function Call (RFC) is the standard SAP interface designed to facilitate efficient communication between SAP systems, allowing different components of an SAP system to communicate and interact with each other, regardless of whether they are running on the same server or distributed across different servers.
The RFC interface system enables the execution of functions or methods in remote systems and the exchange of data between these systems. RFC is primarily used in the context of the SAP Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP) platform, which is the area of the SAP system responsible for processing business logic and data and transferring data between the initial system and the target system.
What is RFC in SAP?
RFC connection in SAP involves the use of intelligent interfaces to facilitate connection, communication, and exchange of data in predefined formats between SAP business applications and other systems.
SAP RFC function modules allow business users to convert data from the called system to the representation needed in the remote system, call specific communication routes needed to initiate communication between systems, and handle any communication errors within the external or remote system.
RFC connections in SAP comprise two main interfaces:
- An interface to specify ABAP systems connected to the same database as the current system.
- An interface to determine non-SAP programs and modules called to the remote system.
Types of RFC Connection in SAP
Here’s a closer look at the four main types of RFC connections in the SAP environment:
1) Asynchronous RFC (aRFC)
Asynchronous RFC is utilized when real-time communication is established with the remote system, where processing functions in the calling program cannot be interrupted until the results of the called function module are obtained.
Here are a few key capabilities of asynchronous RFC connection:
- The called RFC function returns to the calling program directly after the call
- Calling program can receive results from asynchronous RFC communication
- Asynchronous RFC parameters are sent directly to the RFC server
- Asynchronous RFCs allow users to participate in interactive dialogue with the remote system
2) Synchronous RFC (sRFC)
Synchronous RFC refers to the first version of the remote function module in SAP, offering basic connections between the calling system and the target SAP system.
With this RFC approach, companies execute function calls based on synchronous communication, meaning that each system involved in the data transfer must be available when the function call is made.
3) Transactional RFC (tRFC)
Unlike aRFC, transactional RFC (tRFC) executes the remote function call once in the RFC server. This allows users to run RFC calls even when the remote system cannot interact directly with the RFC client program.
The tRFC component manages and stores the call function command and corresponding data in a company’s internal SAP database under a unique transaction ID (TID). Transactional RFC is always used when a function call is executed as a Logical Unit of Work (LUW) and helps companies maintain the exact transactional sequence of their calls over time.
Transactional RFC functionality allows users to:
- Execute calls in the order in which they are called
- Execute calls as a single transaction
- Execute calls in the same context as the target system
4) Queued RFC (qRFC)
Transactional RFC can be serialized by using both inbound and outbound queues to guarantee multiple LUWs are processed in the specific order in which they are called.
Queued RFC connection is an extension of transactional RFC, making it easier for companies to guarantee that several transactions are processed in a predefined order.
What Can SAP RFC Connection Do for You?
Here are the top five advantages of SAP RFC connections:
Integration of SAP Systems:
RFC connections facilitate the integration of multiple SAP systems and make it easier for them to work together as a unified environment, which is especially important for large organizations with different SAP instances for various business units or locations.
Real-Time Data Exchange:
RFC enables real-time data exchange between SAP systems, meaning information is always up-to-date. This way, users can make informed business decisions, optimize processes, and ensure data consistency across the organization.
Efficient Business Processes:
By allowing RFC API functions to be executed in remote SAP systems, RFC connections support the automation and optimization of business processes, increasing efficiency, reducing manual effort, and improving productivity in the process.
Security and Authorization Control:
SAP RFC connections come with robust security features, like authorization control, to ensure only authorized users can access and execute functions remotely, safeguarding sensitive data and preventing unauthorized actions.
Error Handling and Logging:
RFC connections provide mechanisms for comprehensive error handling and logging, meaning when issues occur during remote function calls, systems can capture and report these errors, making it easier to identify issues and take corrective action.
How Can We Help?
Whether you need help implementing SAP Communication Technology for the first time, additional support navigating data exchange between the source system and the remote system, or just an extra hand outlining a specific command call function in your SAP system, Surety Systems is here to help.
Our senior-level, US-based SAP consultant team has the functional knowledge, technical skills, and real-world experience to handle all your project needs and lead you to success in the long run.
Getting Started with Us
Interested in learning how RFC connection facilitates the exchange of data between SAP systems and external programs or where our team of expert SAP consultants can fit in your organization?
Contact us today!
