Datasheet
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confIgurAtIon toolS
Variant A variant is a specic setting that is saved when a program is executed.
Some data input screens allow you to save and execute variants. Variants can also
be created in the program maintenance screen of the program. Using variants is a
good way to save time because they allow you to execute a routine transaction with-
out having to enter all of the parameters needed by the program every time.
Menu pathSAP, like most client/server applications, utilizes menus to allow a user
to navigate through the system. When we refer to or list menu paths in the book, we
are starting from the root menu and progressing down through each menu hierar-
chy to reach the needed transaction. When we refer to only the menu path, we are
talking about the Implementation Guide (IMG) menu path. SAP application menu
paths are explicitly noted.
Transaction code A transaction code (tcode) is generally a four-character code
(later versions of SAP have introduced longer tcodes) that is entered in the com-
mand eld on the toolbar. Transaction codes are not case sensitive. SAP provides
two ways of executing a transaction, via a menu path and a transaction code.
NOTE
Although it may be tempting for you to use tcodes to get to a specic screen/
transaction, it is useful to use the menu paths. The benet is that you can get a better
grasp of how SAP has logically laid out the options in conguration and the functional-
ity in the functional menu paths. SAP has developed a large array of options to cater to
almost any imaginable business scenario, and using the menu paths will allow you to see
these options, which results in a broader set of options.
It is important to note that, unless you are at the main SAP menu or the main menu
of a submodule such as G/L, it is necessary to include /N or /O before the transac-
tion code in order to execute a transaction in a dierent module. For example, if you
are currently in the Cost Center accounting module in the screen used to create cost
centers and you want to enter a G/L document (transaction code FB01), you must
enter /NFB01 or /OFB01 to execute the transaction. /N takes you back to the root
menu and then executes the transaction code. /O opens up a new session and then
executes the transaction code. Remember, you can have only six open sessions of
SAP at once.
TIP
As stated earlier, unless you are at the main SAP menu, or a submodule main
menu, it is necessary to include /N or /O before a transaction code in order to execute a
transaction in a dierent module.
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