Johannes Auer

30-Min-Call DE
SAP VIM customizing



Hinweis: Wir veröffentlichen alle Blogbeiträge ausschließlich auf Englisch.

Category: SAP VIM Debugging

  • Struggling With Logic Modules in SAP VIM? Here’s How to Master the Debugger (Without Going Crazy)

    Struggling With Logic Modules in SAP VIM? Here’s How to Master the Debugger (Without Going Crazy)

    This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not supersede or replace the official documentation provided by OpenText. It serves as supplementary guidance to assist with common challenges. For authoritative instructions and compliance requirements, refer to OpenText’s official documentation and support. Do not use this in production systems.

    Debugging Logic Modules in SAP VIM is rarely straightforward. Setting multiple breakpoints, stepping through code execution, and still failing to reach the relevant section can quickly become frustrating and time-consuming.

    However, there’s a little-known approach that can make this process far more efficient.

    In case you are interested in creating your own Logic Module in VIM check this article: How to Create a Custom Logic Module (Data Enrichment) for SAP VIM Invoice Processing (Step-by-Step Guide)

    The Hidden Program That Simplifies Debugging

    Within the SAP VIM development packages, there is a program that can be executed via transaction SE38:

    /OPT/DR_BPF_TEST

    This program does not appear in the standard OpenText documentation, which means many consultants are unaware of its existence. Yet it provides a structured way to analyze and debug Logic Modules.

    Key Capabilities

    • Display a list of all Logic Modules executed for a given document
    • View the sequence of module calls in detail
    • Decide whether to simulate the process start, rerun business rules, or both.
    • Set a breakpoint in the code and execute the program in SE38 to jump into the debugger without detours

    This transforms debugging from a trial-and-error exercise into a transparent, manageable process. Instead of relying on chance to intercept the correct module, you can work systematically through the exact logic that is being applied.

    How to use it

    1. Execute the program in SE38
      blank
    2. Enter the corresponding VIM DP document ID, decide if you want to check the process start, the re-run of business rules or both and decide if you want to show the modules only or process them:
      blank
      blank
    3. Benefit from a clean list that gives all relevant information for debugging Logic Modules. You can pick up the class name, set a breakpoint in the code and repeat.
      blank

    Why This Is Valuable

    Effective debugging is essential in every OpenText Vendor Invoice Management for SAP Solutions (VIM) project, whether for customizing workflows, implementing enhancements, or analyzing issues in production support. By providing direct insight into the sequence and behavior of Logic Modules, /OPT/DR_BPF_TEST can significantly reduce the time spent on troubleshooting.

    Because this tool is not part of the official documentation, knowledge of it can provide consultants and project teams with a clear advantage when working on complex VIM implementations.

  • Using ABAP Debug Loops in OpenText Vendor Invoice Management for SAP Solutions (SAP VIM)

    When analysing problems in OpenText Vendor Invoice Management for SAP Solutions (SAP VIM), depending on the system architecture and authorisations, there are parts of the source code that are very difficult to access with the ABAP debugger. This is the case, for example, with data enrichments (e.g. logical modules) executed by a background user at the start of the process.

    A debug loop is an endless loop in the code which you can activate when required. The infinite loop allows you to find and debug the running code in the process monitor.

    Adding a debug loop to your ABAP code

    In order to be able to use a debug loop, it is first necessary for it to exist. This is the case in many parts of the product standard, but should not be forgotten in custom developments either. A debug loop can look like this, for example:

    ABAP
    DO.  

  SELECT SINGLE value 
  FROM /opt/cp_debug 
  INTO @DATA(lv_debug) 
  WHERE debugarea = 'Z_LOGIC_MODULE'.  " keep text below 20 chars
    
  IF lv_debug IS INITIAL.  
    EXIT.  
  ENDIF. 
     
ENDDO.

    Activating a debug loop using the ABAP Editor SE38

    The table /opt/cp_debug has some advantages over self-built tables. It is used in the product standard and the loop can be activated and deactivated with the ABAP Editor (SE38) using the program /OPT/VIM_DEBUG.

    blank
    blank

    If a debugging area is activated, the system remains in an infinite loop until it is deactivated again or until the infinite loop is exited manually in the debugger.

    But be careful, the debug loop runs for all users on the system, so this tool should only be used with caution. In the production system only in absolutely exceptional cases and only for a short time in consultation with the system supervisor.

    Some consultants even comment out the coding for debug loops before productive operation, but I find that the possibility of debugging in the P system can be a great advantage for tracking down tricky errors.

    Tip: As you often spend a long time in the code when debugging, I suggest that the debugging loop is always exited via /OPT/VIM_DEBUG. This way you cannot forget to deactivate the loop.

    Starting the debugger in Work process overview (SM50)

    If your debug loop is active, you are ready to go: Provoke the system to run the loop, for example by processing a new document.

    As soon as the corresponding line in the source code is run through, the process stops and we have the opportunity to jump to the debugger, for which we use the transaction code SM50.

    To make it easy to find our process, we switch to the Active Work Processes view.

    blank

    If you cannot find your process, have a look at the System-Wide List. The process you are looking for may be running on a different application server.

    blank

    Now we can select our process and start it via Administration > Program > Debugging in the ABAP Debugger and eliminate the error.

    blank

    Do you have any tips or best practices for dealing with debug loops in ABAP? Let us know in the comments!