SAP Blog

Sunday, March 21, 2010

How to write effective SAP functional specs

As a functional SAP consultant, sometime early in the realization phase, for each FRICE-W item identified in the blue print phase, we have to write functional specs. This is very important especially when the ABAP development team is not on the project site but somewhere 8 hours or more ahead (like India).

The functional spec document is very important document as it captures:
1) the requirements (FRICE-W scope)
2) the design or how it should work


The requirements:
Tipically a FRICE-W object is developed to cover a GAP in a standard SAP process. Therefore most often the object is require in order for a SAP process to work as the company intends to work. In the requirement section of the spec, the writer has to list all the things that the object should do. Also, sometimes is good to list what the FRICE-W object will not do just to set out the expectations.
Also each requirement should be as detail as possible.


The design or how FRICE-W object should work
In this part of the spec, the writer has to define how the FRICE-W will work. Usually a flow chart should be drawn to show how the information will flow from the SAP process to the FRICE-W and also inside the FRICE-W.
If user interface elements (such a screens, menus) will be developed these should be mocked so that the developer will have all the information to design the UI element. Usually I mock up the screens in Excel but any other tool will work. Also if some new field needs to be added to a standard SAP screen, a screen shot of that screen will be a good starting point.

When I write my specs I try to give the developer as much information as needed so usually I put the table and fields from where the data needs to be selected. The best way to find where data is stored in SAP is to press F1 on a screen field and the press the technical details button (the buttun with a hummer as the icon). In most of the cases this will show you the field name and table where that information is stored.

Other things to consider.
Most of the specs are not done from the first iteration, they have to go multiple itetation before they are signed off by all partie involved. A brief change history and versioning works very good to keep track of all the stages the spec went through.

Add test scenarios to the spec. Define a list of at least few test scenarios that both the developer and the tester should perform to test the object.

If you have other pice of advice of tips about writing effective SAP FRICE-W functional specs, please feel free to comment on this article.

22 comments:

Unknown said...

Good information.. Keep up the good work. Keep on writing. Its helpful for many people whether they say it or not.

Unknown said...

It's very important for FA to understand about technical knowledge to create a good functional specs.

Mike
SAP Training

Unknown said...

THANKS FOR ALL SUCH GOOD INFORMATION...THESE INFORMATION REALLY HELP LOTS OF PEOPLE TO GROW IN SAP TECHNICAL WORLD...

<<>>>>>

www.saponlineguide.blogspot.com said...

Learn SAP Online,SAP Online Basics,Learn ABAP online

www.saponlineguide.blogspot.com said...

Learn SAP online,SAP Basics,Learn ABAP online

kingsxiaoz said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kingsxiaoz said...

I agree with you. I'm a SAP technical consultant and found the function spec may become the barrier if it cannot make everyone on the same page.

Thanks,
Andy
SAP Geek Blog

Unknown said...

Most of the projects they have their own templates in terms of writing the Specs, Please. It is always important to Business consultant to have detailed knowledge of technical items in terms of putting them down in functional way.

Dipak Bujjad

http://scn.sap.com/people/dipak.b

jefrin said...

I’m just always astounded concerning the remarkable things served by you. Some four facts on this page are undeniably the most effective I’ve had.
Data science Course Training in Chennai | No.1 Data Science Training in Chennai
RPA Course Training in Chennai | No.1 RPA Training in Chennai

IShine Trade said...

I Found this blog very informative thanks for sharing
Huawei Parts UK

svrtechnologies said...

This is so elegant and logical and clearly explained. Brilliantly goes through what could be a complex process and makes it obvious.

sap mm online training

web blogging said...

I have been checking out a few of your stories and I must say nice stuff. I will surely bookmark your websitezee5 premium account free

I have been checking out a few of your stories and I must say nice stuff. I will surely bookmark your website zee5 premium account free

Hindifly said...

Benificial for Ibps po, Clerk, SBI clerk, PO, RRB PO, Cler and Other Competitive Examination
English Comprehension 2020

SAHANY said...

Good job nice post

Aadhaar enabled payment system (AEPS) क्या है? यह कैसे काम करता है

ETHIO Scholarship Info said...

Men like this.
jobs in Ethiopia

Akash said...

Nice article and well presented. Must have researched well. but
selfcare kerala vision facing issues.

aditya said...

Check Out Celebrities Updates and latest biography - Read Updated & Latest Celebrity Biography | Know About Age, Height, Bio/wiki, Salary & Net Worth Of Your Favorite Celebrities from all over the world all updated as of 2021.

Unknown said...

nice information
Themes and Plugins Free

Sheikh MD. Aminul Islam said...


Thanks for your great site.
I thought of sharing the updated list of the website here that should help you further and are not limited.

Number one minute package provider Airtel minute pack

Number one imo pack package provider Robi imo pack 2020

Number one bd imo pack package provider gp imo pack

negozioslik said...

Buy Weed Online AU
Order Weed near me
Buy Weed Online USA
Buy weeds without prescription near me
Buy Codeine cough syrup near me
order codeine cough syrup near me
where to buy makatussin comp
buy makatussin near me
order makatussin comp near me
makatussin comp shop near me
how to order makatussin comp near me
Buy Makatussin In Europe
Buy Makatussin Online Without Prescription
buy wockhardt near me
Buy wockhardt near me Online No Prescription
order wockhardt near me
buy mushrooms near me
order mushrooms near me
buy runtz near me
buy runtz weed strain near me
buy runtz weed strain online
Buy weed without prescription near me
Buy Weed Online UK
#1 Online Dispensary
Buy Weed Online Canada
Buy Weed Online Europe

ABHISHEK SHORI said...

आज कल बिना विद्युत ऊर्जा का कुछ भी काम नही होता जानिए
नाभिकीय ऊर्जा क्या है के बारे में पूरी जानकारी

digital life said...

Nice blog and good information Rise With SAP Implementation