Add Custom Fields to a BDC Script Template

>Review the steps in the process.

Use custom fields when conditional screen execution is required and the data for existing template fields is not adequate. For example, the COMPANY_CODE field is a template field (i.e., recorded in a BDC script) that is going to be uploaded when the record posts to SAP. If a BDC screen only displays when COMPANY_CODE = 0001, a user can set a condition on the COMPANY_CODE field to only execute when the data mapped to COMPANY_CODE = 0001. However, if the COMPANY_CODE field was not recorded in the BDC script, but the condition was still true (i.e., the BDC screen only displays when COMPANY_CODE = 0001), a user can create a custom field called “COMPANY_CODE” and set the condition on this field even though the field will not be uploaded into SAP.

Custom fields can be added to a BDC Script template once it is recorded.

NOTE: If the template is recorded again, custom fields are not retained.

NOTE: If a BDC Script template with custom fields is copied, the custom fields are not copied to the new template.

Custom fields can be added to a template that uses loops. Loops must have been created before adding custom fields. The loop that contains the custom field is identified when adding the field. Refer to Configure Process Template Loops for a BDC Script Template with Looping Enabled for more information.

NOTE: Custom fields cannot be added to active templates.

Once a field has been added, a conditional can be applied to the field. Refer to Configure a Conditional for a BDC Screen for more information.

To add a custom field:

  1. Click Categories in the Navigation pane.

  2. Click Templates for a category.

  3. Click Vertical View for a template with a TYPE of BDC Script.

  4. Click Configuration tab.

  5. Click Custom Fields.

  6. If no custom fields have been added for the template, the page displays in add mode. Otherwise, click Add.

    NOTE: Custom fields cannot be added to an active template.

    View the field descriptions for the Custom Fields page.

  7. Enter the name of the custom field in the NAME field.

  8. Enter a description of the field in the DESCRIPTION field.

  9. Enter an example of the data that displays in the field in the SAMPLE VALUE field.

    NOTE: This data is for informational purposes only.

  10. Select the name of the loop in the template from the LOOP list box.

    NOTE: No options display in this list box if the template does not have loops.

  11. Click Save.