From custom calculation logic to the integration of external systems: SAP Customizing allows you to tailor your SAP landscape to your specific requirements. This article presents practical use cases, explains key tools such as SPRO and ABAP, and highlights current trends such as the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).
TL;DR – Key facts in brief
SAP Customizing refers to the process of adapting an SAP system to a company’s specific needs. This includes both configuration within the system and code modifications. The goal is to optimize processes, functions, and interfaces for more efficient operations. This often requires specific programming efforts or custom implementations to add functionalities that are missing in the standard system. All modules may be affected, from Finance and Logistics to Human Resources, including user interfaces and permissions.
SAP Configuration uses the system’s predefined options via the graphical user interface (e.g., transaction code SPRO). Changes are made without directly modifying the source code. Examples include defining organizational structures or setting up authorizations. Although relatively straightforward, configuration requires a thorough understanding of the system.
SAP Customizing, on the other hand, goes beyond configuration and involves code modifications or the implementation of enhancements. This requires programming skills (usually ABAP) and includes the development of custom solutions (e.g., user exits, Z-programs) for functions that are not available in the standard system.
The need for SAP Customizing stems from the diversity of business processes. Examples include:
In addition to configuration via the user interface, there are various technical options available for making specific adjustments. These range from system-level settings to custom developments in ABAP.
The SPRO (SAP Project Reference Object) transaction is the primary tool for making Customizing settings in the SAP system. Using a structured user interface, you can configure various modules to adapt business processes to the company’s requirements.
Changes made here primarily affect system behavior and may impact accounting processes, materials management, or sales, among other areas. Adjustments made in SPRO are transferred to various system landscapes via the Transport Management System (TMS) to ensure a secure and controlled rollout.
While SPRO is sufficient for many standard customizations, more extensive customization often requires additional steps, such as user exits, modifications, or custom programs.
User exits are special extension points in the SAP system that allow you to make customizations without modifying the standard code. They are used via the SAP development environment and can integrate customer-specific logic into existing processes.
A common use case is extending pricing functionality in Sales and Distribution (SD) or adding additional validations in Materials Management (MM). Since user exits are implemented at specific points in the system, the standard SAP system remains largely untouched, which simplifies updates and support.
Modifications directly alter the standard SAP code and are therefore a far-reaching form of customization. Changes to SAP objects require approval from SAP in the form of an object key.
This method is generally used only when a desired customization cannot be implemented through Customizing, user exits, or Business Add-Ins. The main drawback of modifications lies in the challenges they pose during updates: Changes must be checked after every SAP upgrade and may need to be reimplemented.
If a required function cannot be implemented through Customizing or extension techniques, you can develop your own Z or Y program. These programs are created in the customer’s own namespace and extend the standard functionality of the SAP system.
Since in-house developments do not directly interfere with the standard code, they are easier to maintain than modifications. However, they must be carefully maintained to ensure they continue to function properly after system updates.
ABAP is the primary programming language for customizing and system enhancements. It enables the implementation of specific functionalities that go beyond the capabilities of standard customizing – essential for user exits, Z-programs, and other customizations. ABAP allows you to fully leverage the potential of the SAP system.
Customizing adjustments are integrated into an SAP system through structured SAP Transport Management within a multi-tier system landscape. Typically, a three-system landscape is used: Development (DEV), Quality Assurance (QAS), and Production (PRD). Changes are developed in DEV, tested in QAS, and then deployed to PRD once testing is successful.
More complex environments often use a five-tier system architecture with additional development and quality assurance stages to ensure even more thorough testing. This is particularly important in large-scale systems, where errors can have far-reaching consequences.
The process begins with ABAP development in the DEV system. Once development is complete, the changes are transferred to the quality assurance system. This allows the new features to be tested under realistic conditions to ensure that they meet the requirements. Users should be involved in the quality assurance phase to cover all relevant usage scenarios and identify potential issues early on.
REALTECH SmartChange automates SAP software deployment in complex SAP landscapes. It ensures simple, fast and risk-free import of SAP transports from the development system to the respective target systems.
SAP BTP enhances customization processes through cloud technologies. Flexible extension options and low-code/no-code approaches enable faster customizations. Hybrid scenarios connect on-premises SAP systems with cloud-based services, making customization more efficient and scalable.
BTP enables the development of hybrid scenarios that seamlessly connect on-premises SAP systems with cloud-based services. This allows companies to modernize their existing on-premises systems while benefiting from the scalability and flexibility of the cloud. The result is a more efficient customization process that can adapt more quickly to changing business requirements. In addition, BTP provides access to a wide range of pre-built services and APIs that accelerate and simplify the development of custom solutions. The integration of AI and machine learning capabilities creates new opportunities for process automation and optimization, further increasing the efficiency of customization.
SAP Customizing involves tailoring the SAP system to a company’s specific needs. This includes both configurations made via the user interface and code modifications (e.g., using ABAP). The goal is to optimize business processes.
Configuration uses the SAP system’s predefined options without modifying the code. Customizing, on the other hand, also involves code modifications and enhancements to implement functions that are not available in the standard system.
In SAP, a Customizing Request is used to document and manage changes to the system configuration. It serves as a container for all necessary information regarding a customization, including a description, the areas affected, and the responsible parties. This enables a structured approach, simplifies transport management between different system environments (e.g., development, test, production), and supports the traceability of changes.
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