Network

The business object Network is an instruction on how to carry
out activities in a specific way, in a specific order and in a specific time period.

Structure

A network consists of activities which are linked to each other in relationships.

You can add detail to a network by means of subnetworks and activity elements.

Activities and activity elements describe tasks which can be processed internally or externally or which deal only with costs.


Integration
You can use a network to structure processing for a project or project task.

Costs are collected in the network header or in an activity.

Available Methods

• ExistenceCheck : Check existence of object [ BAPI_NETWORK_EXISTENCECHECK ]
  
• Getdetail : Read detailed information for network (including all objects) [ BAPI_NETWORK_GETDETAIL ]
  
• Getinfo : Read deatiled information about networks (incl. all objects) [ BAPI_NETWORK_GETINFO ]
  
• Getlist : Produces a list of networks for the selection criteria [ BAPI_NETWORK_GETLIST ]
  
• Maintain : Edit networks (incl. all objects) [ BAPI_NETWORK_MAINTAIN ]
  

ExistenceCheck

You use this method to check whether a network exists.

Notes

NUMBER is an obligatory import requirement; you use it to enter the number of the relevant network.

Messsages are returned in the Return parameter. For information aboutreturn values and their meaning, see the documentation for the Return parameter.

Getdetail

With this method you can read detailed information about a network including all objects from the system.

Notes

NUMBER is an obligatory import parameter; enter the number of the network whose data you want to receive.

Messages are returned in the Return parameter For information about the
return values and their meaning, see the documemtation about the return parameter.

Further Information

For more information see the R/3 Library for PS-Project system - Network.

Getinfo

You can use this method to read detailed information abot networks, including all objects, from the system.

Notes

I_NETWORK_LIST is an obligatory import parameter; here you enter from which networks you want to receive information.

Messages are returned in the Return parameter. For information about
the return values and their meaning, see the documemtation about the return parameter.

Further Information

For more information, see the R/3 Library for PS-Project system - Networks.

Getlist

Produces a list of networks with descriptions according to the following selection criteria:

Maintain

Network.Maintain

It is possible to edit network headers, activities and relationshipsusing the Maintain BAPI of the network business object. The BAPIcontains a complete transaction. It is possible to carry out severaloperations on the network objects with one call. The R/3 Project System
determines the order in which the objects are processed. The caller canchoose the operations in any order. As a result the processing is veryspeedy and effective. However, this transaction concept does not include the use and combination of other SAP BAPIs in the same LUW.

Procedure

The Network business object is a facade pattern for networks, their activities, and relationships.

If you want to edit a network object, enter a command for an objecttype. In addition, enter the object key and a reference to its attributes. In the table parameter IMethodProject, enter the object
type, the command and the object key. As a reference enter the index ofthe object data table of the relevant object type. In the object data table enter the information on the object.

When entering the object type and method in the IMethodProject table remember that the entries are case sensitive.

To finish the transaction and store the data in the R/3 database, enterthe Save command. If you only want to test whether the changes can be carried out, do not use the Save command.

In general, you cannot change the keys of objects.

The Return parameter informs you whether errors occurred during processing. After the call you find the error messages that were
created during processing in the EmessageTable table.

For more information, see the documentation of the ABAP function module BAPI_NETWORK_MAINTAIN.

Commands for the individual object types

Object type: Network

The network number is the key that identifies each network object type.

Command: Create

Use this command to create a network using the specified networknumber. The network number is determined by the external system. Forthe network enter a network profile that exists in the R/3 Project System. The network profile has to be assigned to a network type
supporting external number assignment.

Always enter the network number in uppercase.

Depending on the scheduling type, enter a start or end date.

Example

Creating a network with the network number TRAINING0001 . Enter the keyof the network object in the command table under OBJECTKEY and in the
data table under NETWORK . The reference number '000001' of the IMethodProject command table refers to the index of the data table.

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = Network
METHOD = Create
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING0001
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

INetwork
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001
SHORT_TEXT = New network
FINISH_DATE = 12/04/1999
Profile = EPS40_1
...

Command: Update

Use this command to change a network that exists in the R/3 Project System.

Using the update structure.

You want to change only certain values in an existing network and keepthe other values. Using the update structure you specify exactly theattributes you want to change. Therefore, you need not fill all the attributes of the network structure.

If you are working with the update structures, pay attention to thefact that the table of the update structure must also be filled for theother commands of the network. The reference number of the commandtable has to match the same index of the network table and the table containing the update structures.

Example

Changing the description of the existing network TRAINING0001.

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = Network
METHOD = Update
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING0001
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

INetwork

Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001
SHORT_TEXT = Description changed

INetworkUpdate
Index = 1
NETWORK =
SHORT_TEXT = X

Command: Delete (from R/3 Release 4.5A)

Use this command to Delete a network that already exists in the R/3 Project System. The network has the Deletion flag
system status which can be revoked in the R/3 Project System. Therefore, the network remains in the database physically.

Example

Deleting the network TRAINING0001

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = Network
METHOD = Delete
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING0001
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

INetwork
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

Command: Schedule

Use this command to schedule a network.

Example

The network TRAINING0001 is rescheduled.

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = Network
METHOD = Schedule
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING0001
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

INetwork
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

Command: Calculate

Use this command to calculate costs for a network.

Example

Calculating costs for the TRAINING0001 network.

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = Network
METHOD = Calculate
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING0001
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

INetwork
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

Command: Release (from R/3 release 4.5A)

Use this command to release a network with all its activities.

Examples

Releasing the TRAINING0001 network.

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = Network
METHOD = Release
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING0001
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

INetwork
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

Command: Lock (from R/3 release 4.6A)

Use this command to lock a network.

The Locked system status is set for a network.

Example

Locking the network TRAINING0001 .

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = Network
METHOD = Lock
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING0001
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

INetwork
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

Command: Unlock (from R/3 release 4.6A)

Use this command to unlock a network

The Locked system status is removed from a network

Example

Unlocking the network TRAINING0001 .

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = Network
METHOD = Unlock
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING0001
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

INetwork
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

Object Type: NetworkActivity

The key of the Network activity object consists of the network number and the activity number.

If you want to apply a command to the network activity, you must alwaysinclude the superior network in the same call in the table of the INetwork parameter.

Command: Create

Use this command to create a new activity in a network.

Example

Creating a new network activity with the number 0010 in the TRAINING0001 network.

IMethodProject

OBJECTTYPE = NetworkActivity
METHOD = Create
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING00010010
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

IActivity
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001
ACTIVITY = 0010
DESCRIPTION = Activity 10

INetwork
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

Command: Update

Use this command to change an activity that already exists in the R/3 Project System.

Use the update structure as in networks.

Example

Changing the description of the activity 0010 in network TRAINING0001.

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = NetworkActivity
METHOD = Update
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING00010010
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

IActivity
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001
ACTIVITY = 0010
DESCRIPTION = Activity 10 changed

IActivityUpdate
Index = 1
NETWORK =
ACTIVITY =
DESCRIPTION = X

INetwork
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

Command: Delete

Use this command to delete an activity that already exists in the R/3 Project System. The activity receives the deletion flag system status and is not deleted physically. Connected objects as
relationships, activity elements, capacity requirements, purchaserequisitions, and material components are also deallocated and selected for deletion.

You cannot create an activity with the same key.

Example

Changing the description of the activity 0010 in network TRAINING0001.

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = NetworkActivity
METHOD = Delete
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING00010010
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

IActivity
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001
ACTIVITY = 0010

INetwork
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

Command: Release (from R/3 release 4.5A)

Use this command to release a network activity.

Example

Releasing the activity 0010 in network TRAINING0001 .

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = NetworkActivity
METHOD = Release
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING00010010
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

IActivity
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001
ACTIVITY = 0010

INetwork
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

Objecttype: NetworkActivityElement (from R/3 Release 4.6A)

The key for the activity element object comprises of the network number, the activity number, and the activity element number.

Command: Create

Use this command to create a new activity element in a network.

Example

Creating a new activity element with the number 0020 in activity 0010 of the TRAINING0001 network .

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = NetworkActivityElement
METHOD = Create
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING000100100020
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

IActivityElement
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

ACTIVITY = 0010
ELEMENT = 0020

Command: Update

Use this command to change an activity element that already exists in the R/3 Project System.

Use the update structure as for networks.

Example

Changing an existing activity element with the number 0020 in activity 0010 of the TRAINING0001 network.
IMethodProject

OBJECTTYPE = NetworkActivityElement
METHOD = Update
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING000100100020
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

IActivityElement
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001
ACTIVITY = 0010
ELEMENT = 0020

DESCRIPTION = Activity element 0020 changed

IActivityElementUpdate
Index = 1
NETWORK =
ACTIVITY =
ELEMENT =
DESCRIPTION = X

Command: Delete

Use this command to delete an activity element that already exists in the R/3 Project System. The activity element receives the
Deletion flag status and is not deleted physically. Connected objects such ascapacity requirements and purchase requisitions are also deallocated or marked for deletion.

You cannot create a new activity element with the same key.

Example

Deleting an activity element with the number 0020 in activity 0010 in the TRAINING0001 network.
IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = NetworkActivityElement
METHOD = Delete
OBJECTKEY = TRAINING000100100020
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

IActivityElement
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

ACTIVITY = 0010
ELEMENT = 0020

Object type: ActivityMilestone (from R/3 Release 4.6A)

The key of the activity milestone object is the milestone number.

Command: Create

Use this command to create a new activity milestone for a network. It
is not necessary to enter a number for the milestone. When the milestone is created, the system gives it a number and returns thisnumber in the message table as an information message.

However, if an external number is entered in the method table during
creation, the external number and the new milestone number are returned in an information message.

Example

Creating a new activity milestone for activity 0010 in the TRAINING0001 network .

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = ActivityMilestone
METHOD = Create
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

IActivityMilestone
Index = 1
MILESTONE_NUMBER =
NETWORK = TRAINING0001
ACTIVITY = 0010

Command: Update

Use this command to change an activity milestone that already exists in
the R/3 Project System. It is always necessary to enter the network, if you do not make any explicit changes to the network.

Use the update structure as for networks.

Example

Changing an existing activity milestone with the number 000000002097 for the TRAINING0001 network.

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = ActivityMilestone
METHOD = Update
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

IActivityMilestone
Index = 1
MILESTONE_NUMBER = 000000002097
DESCRIPTION = Milestone description changed

NETWORK = TRAINING0001

IActivityMilestoneUp
Index = 1
MILESTONE_NUMBER =
DESCRIPTION = X

Command: Delete

Use this command to delete an activity milestone that already exists inthe R/3 Project System. The milestone is deleted physically. It is
necessary to enter the network, if you do not make any explicit changes to the network.

Example

Deleting an activity milestone with the number 000000002097 in the TRAINING0001 network.

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = ActivityMilestone
METHOD = Delete
OBJECTKEY = 000000002097
REFNUMBER = 000001

OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

IActivityMilestone
Index = 1
MILESTONE_NUMBER = 000000002097

Object Type: NetworkRelation

The key of the Relationship object is composed of the type of
relationship and the keys of the preceding and succeeding activities. You can change the name of the type of relationship in theImplementation Guide (transaction OPS2). In general, the name is language dependent. Use only valid types of relationships that are
available in the corresponding language.

To apply a command for the relationship, always include the connectednetworks in the same call in the table of the INetwork parameter.

Command: Create

Use this command to create a relationship between two activities.

Example

Creating a relationship between the activities 0010 and 0020 of theTRAINING0001 network . The two activities are linked through an FS relationship.

IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = NetworkRelation
METHOD = Create
OBJECTKEY = NFTRAINING00010010TRAINING00010020

REFNUMBER = 000001
OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

IRelation
Index = 1
NETWORK_ PREDECESSOR = TRAINING0001
ACTIVITY_ PREDECESSOR = 0010
NETWORK_ SUCCESSOR = TRAINING0001
ACTIVITY_ SUCCESSOR =0020
RELATION_ TYPE = NF

INetwork
Index = 1

NETWORK = TRAINING0001

Command: Update

Use this command to change a relationship that already exists in theR/3 Project System. The type of relationship cannot be changed, becauseit is part of the relationship key. If you want to change the relationship type, delete the relationship create a new relationship
with a new relationship type

Use the update structure as for networks.

Command: Delete

Use this command to delete a relationship that links two activities. The relationship is deleted physically.

Example

Deleting the relationship between the activities 0010 and 0020 in the TRAINING0001 network.
IMethodProject

OBJECTTYPE = NetworkRelation
METHOD = Delete
OBJECTKEY = NFTRAINING00010010TRAINING00010020
REFNUMBER = 000001
OBJECTTYPE =
METHOD = Save
OBJECTKEY =
REFNUMBER =

IRelation
Index = 1
NETWORK_ PREDECESSOR = TRAINING0001
ACTIVITY_ PREDECESSOR = 0010

NETWORK_ SUCCESSOR = TRAINING0001
ACTIVITY_ SUCCESSOR =0020
RELATION_ TYPE = NF

INetwork
Index = 1
NETWORK = TRAINING0001

Testing the Interface and Displaying the Diagnosis Information

(from R/3 Release 4.5)

You can save the data that is transferred to the R/3 Project System inafile for test and diagnosis purposes. All the table parameter andstructure parameter entries are saved in this trace file. The caller of the Maintain BAPI can check the interface.

The trace file is saved locally by the SAPGUI. Creating the fileconsumes runtime, and should therefore only be used for testing and not in an operative system.

The trace file is created, if object type Trace and method Create areentered in the IMethodProject table. The system requests as the object
key the directory and the file name. Do not enter a reference number.

Example

Creating the trace file EPS_Test_Trace.txt in the directory C:\TMP\ .
IMethodProject
OBJECTTYPE = Trace
METHOD = Create
OBJECTKEY = C:\TMP\EPS_Test_Trace.txt
REFNUMBER =

Further Information

For more information, see the R/3 Library under Project System -> Structures -> EPS -> Interfaces to the ProjectSystem.