Application link enabling
Application Link Enabling ( ALE ) is a middleware technology that is used in SAP systems , more precisely in ABAP systems such as SAP R / 3 and its successors.
A distribution model (or distribution model) specifies which data should be sent from which sender system to which receiver system with which message type. Message types specify via their structure which data segments can be transmitted with them. Message types can be expanded, reduced or created individually. Filters, field conversions (customizing) or your own program modules (user exits) in ALE processing can be used to influence the amount of data and content that is written to the IDoc (intermediate document) of a message type.
ALE is not tied to a specific SAP module or a specific system type. It is part of the SAP integration technology and as such from SAP R / 3 Version 3.0 up to the latest products in the basic functionality, or integrated in the SAP Web AS ABAP . The integration product SAP NetWeaver Process Integration (formerly SAP Exchange Infrastructure, abbreviation XI) strategically positioned by SAP also uses ALE to communicate with SAP systems via the Idoc adapter.
Typical areas of application are
- Electronic data exchange / EDI .
- Replication / synchronization of data across different SAP systems.
- Master data distribution (English: master data ). Large companies often use several SAP systems and still want to set up a central material master database.
- Central user administration (ZBV; English: Central User Administration , CUA) in the SAP standard.
See also
literature
- Jim Stewart: "SAP Ale, Idoc, EDI, and Interfacing Technology Questions, Answers, and Explanations". Equity Press (February 12, 2006), ISBN 978-1933804071