Ensuring Code Quality in SAP Systems: Tools and Techniques

There are different tools and techniques to help ensure codes are up to standard so that they can function and perform their role properly. Making lots of coding mistakes can lead to several problems that can reduce the efficiency of your business. It also creates a lot more work as you have to go back through all of the code to find the mistakes and fix the problems, which can use up valuable resources and time better spent improving your overall business.

Due to technological advancement in recent years, the importance of coding in enabling business systems to run smoothly has become crucial to their infrastructure. The number of jobs involving coding has increased significantly, and it has quickly become one of the most desired roles in today’s business world. ERP software systems such as SAP require significant coding. Furthermore the system needs to be secure therefore SAP security, should be a top priority for management. The potential threat of cyber crime is ever-increasing and a breach will leave the organisation exposed and vulnerable.

Coding takes a skilled person with a lot of knowledge about how to create programs that work effectively; however, no one is perfect, and mistakes can be made. Sometimes it can be difficult to spot these mistakes; however, some tools have been created to make this a lot easier. Below we will go through some of the best tools to ensure codes are up to standard and don’t have any errors that will impact how the system functions.

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What is a code analysis tool?

When it comes to code analysis tools, there are generally two different ways code can be analyzed. The first is static code analysis, which is when the code is reviewed while it is not being executed. This is usually done while the code is being written and helps reduce the number of errors building up over time. The other type is dynamic code analysis, which is performed while the code is being executed. This allows the coder to see if the code is working how it is supposed to and identifies where any potential errors are.

SAP’s code inspector (SCI)

Five components are standard for checking the coding quality in SAP systems. For any process involving quality checks of the code, a combination of these five components lays the foundation for ensuring that the code is up to standard and free of errors. The first tool on this list is the SAP’s code inspector (SCI), which is a form of static code analysis and checks that ensures there are no problems with the code as it is being written. This tool is integrated into the entire process, meaning it can pick up on any errors in the code while it is being written. This is extremely useful in spotting mistakes early on so that they can be fixed and prevents them from becoming a bigger problem down the line.

ABAP test cockpit (ATC)

Up next is the ABAP test cockpit, another tool that performs static code analysis of programs. This form of code analysis can differentiate between the variants created for various projects and use this to determine whether or not errors in the coding exist for each project. It uses the SCI to do this and acts as a second line of quality checks to ensure an error doesn’t go unnoticed.

SCMon

SCMon exists as a form of dynamic code analysis – it checks that the code is working correctly while it is being executed. It can be used to check a wide range of different systems, including function modules, programs, subroutines, classes, and methods. It also keeps a log of ABAP units that have been executed and contains important information, such as the original name of each ABAP unit.

CCLM scenario in SAP solution manager

Custom code life-cycle management (CCLM) is used to monitor the entire process of the code being written. It is instrumental in gaining a clear overview of the whole program from the moment it was started to its completion.

Focused insights for dashboards

Focused insights for dashboards are useful for monitoring code quality over a long period. It allows you to track the progression of the quality of the code and determine whether or not it is increasing or decreasing over time. It also allows the quality of code to be compared between different projects so that a standard can be set and adhered to.