How to import VC models into the CWG Sandbox
In order to make the CWG sandbox even more useful for your VC work, we now offer a free software tool to import an existing VC model into the SAP CWG Sandbox. In this way, you do not have to retype your models if you want to test them on the sandbox and/or ask for direct assistance with your modeling problems in the CWG forums.
Here is the step by step process, it looks long as I am including screenshots at every step, but don't be deterred by it, it's very easy to use.
1. Start by navigating to http://www.espline.com/cwg. This will download a local Java application to your computer which we will use to extract your model. Accept any pop-up windows as prompted, for example:
2. The extraction wizard will guide you step by step:
3. Click on Next
4. Accept the license agreement and click on Next
5. The wizard displays systems you have set up in your SAP logon pad. Select the CWG sandbox, provide client 800, your username and password on the right hand side and click "Test Connection".
If you run into any problems connecting, please contact us at support@espline.com.
Once the connection test succeeds, click Next.
6. In this window you can pick which models you want to extract - the easiest way is to either click on the "Add a KMAT manually" button and type the model name, or by searching. If searching, enter the search mask (e.g. BIKE*) in the "KMAT like" field and click "Get KMAT list from SAP". If your R3 system has thousands of KMATs you might want to limit the number of results returned in the "Max number of KMATs" field.
7. Pick the model you want to extract from the list of KMATs found. If you want to extract the bill of material as well, please specify the plant and BOM usage in the respective fields below.
8. Next, specify where on your local computer you want the extract to be saved by clicking the "Set output directory" button.
9. You are now ready to perform the extract. Click on the whimsical "Show me the money!" button.
10. It might take a while to extract your model (most important influencing factor is network speed) and you won't be able to cancel the extract when running. When ready, click on "Proceed with extract".
The extract is running now. When it finishes you should receive the confirmation below:
If you receive any other message, please contact us at support@espline.com and we will help you
1. Next step is to process your extracted model using eSpline Avenue Portal. Click on "Next".
12. Click on Next. Log into the portal. If you do not have a eSpline Avenue Portal account yet, please contact us at support@espline.com. CWG members are given access free of charge, with uploads limited only to the CWG sandbox.
13. Click on "Log In". In the "Import models" tab, click on the Browse button to locate the extract zip file in the directory you specified above.
14. Provide comments that will help you identify this upload and click "Upload":
15. This will take you into the "Submit for processing" tab. Select the extract you just uploaded and click on the "Process selected" button.
16. This submits the processing request to the Avenue Portal Server. Next, navigate to the "View Processing Jobs" tab. Click on the "Refresh Job List" button to view the status of your processing request. If the request does not process properly (Aborted status), please contact me at support@espline.com.
17. Once the job finishes successfully, click on the "Export models" tab:
18. Select your model, but please do not click the "Upload selected.." button yet. Open SAP GUI and log in to the CWG sandbox. Run transaction BD87:
19. Hit F8 to display the queue of incoming data (most likely will be empty - if there are other users uploading at the same time, you will see their upload objects as well - in this case you can restrict the display by providing exact time in the screen above).
20. Now, go back to the Avenue Wizard and click on the "Upload selected..." button. This will submit the request to upload all your model elements to the CWG sandbox. You will be able to watch the upload by refreshing the BD87 screen above:
21. If any of the objects end up in "Application document not posted" status (in red above), you can investigate what went wrong by double clicking on them. This brings up detailed object display. Note the IDOC number or copy it to the clipboard. Then, navigate to transaction SLG1 and fill in Object = CAPI, Sub Object = CAPI_LOG. In the external ID field, include the IDOC number with leading *:
22. Hit F8 to execute. You will see the details of the upload error. At this point the best next step is to contact usat support@espline.com and I will assist you resolve the upload error.
Congratulations on making it through this rather lengthy tutorial! I hope this tool will help you get even more value out of the CWG portal. At this moment, only VC and Bill of Material data is being exported (no pricing, no routings, etc.). Please do not hesitate with suggestions.
