Switch Framework

Authorization

To activate a business function you would need a role assignment for SFW:

The critical parameter is object ‘S_SWITCH’ activity ‘07’

It is recommended to limit the user assignment in the development system where as the sandbox should be generous in here.

Business Function Activation

Overview and Analysis of BF: Transaction SFW5

The transaction SFW5 provides the current available business functions. A proposal of interesting business functions could be triggered by SAP free of charge using SAP Business Function Prediction process. In brief, upload of daily used transaction profile which is processed and ends up in a list of supporting functionalities in these functional areas.

When a function might be interesting, the details could be analyzed in the transaction code SFW5.

In case of industry solution check the Business Function Set:

Dependencies: Multi level analysis of preconditioned active business functions

Documentation provides in the help portal the chapter with an rough overview of the function:

Release Information leads to a more detailed description:

 

Test cases are assigned to the specific business function as well:

In the actual business function it provides even the link to customizing guide (however not working later on):

To activate a business function you have to be aware that it might be irreversible therefore it is recommended not to use the core line but to use a sandbox system like IDES or review with the SAP Basis Team the actual system setup.

The switch framework browser provides more technical information of the switch:

Detailed Analysis of the Business Function: SFW2

The main focus should be on the “reversibility” of the business function:

However to reverse is technically possible whereas the sandbox / IDES approach is more appropriated. If you do not have a sandbox handy, prepare carefully how SAP supports the way back.

Activation of a Business Function

Mark it in SFW5 (for instance) and process the wand ‘Activate Changes’:

 

Afterwards a job is processed to activate the changes. It could change for instance: • data elements (activation of an IS-U system), • implement IMG Nodes (BC Sets) • or just set a switch to active which is used to process some additional lines of code [==> Switch Framework Browser]. o To find a useful break you may check the class:

Transportation of the Business Function

In case of some manual enhancements of customizing for the enhanced functionality (copy of standard objects for instance) the content is recorded in a regular transport. But the activation itself needs to be transported manually. Unfortunately it could not be sorted out, which Business Function is going to be activated. As some irreversible business functions are existing it is strongly recommended to review all the systems of the transport routes. If there are discrepancies of the active switches talk back to the basis team. You may switch on the Business Function in the particular system manually until these circumstances are sorted out. You need to open the specific system via SCC4 / SE06 which needs to be processed in close contact with the basis team. Running processes in the system check the settings of the switches and if there is no maintenance window planned, you may face a lot of short dumps.

The relevant table is: SFW_ACTIVE_B2

So noted here a full transport could be initiated with SFW5 as well:

Is it all new?

Since we have EhP7 available and the ECC is going to be supported (please verify always online) at least until 2025 it is still relevant. During some knowledge transfer workshops it pointed out that the functionality is not known to functional consultants in general, whereas the Logistics Extension Sets of R/3 4.7 used worked similar and you still can activate the value added services or the direct store delivery backend function in your ERP.

Top 10 of the Switches:

Check out the internet for mostly used Business Functions: