RFC
Quick answer
When you build an RFC for others to call, use flat, well-documented parameters, return status/messages clearly, and consider reliability (tRFC/qRFC for guaranteed, ordered delivery).
Key takeaways
- A function module flagged as "Remote-Enabled" can be invoked across systems via RFC.
- Remote calls use an RFC destination (defined in SM59) naming the target system and logon.
- Building and calling RFCs is core to SAP integration development.
- Watch out: Not handling RFC exceptions (system down/unreachable).
Remote-enabled function modules
A function module flagged as "Remote-Enabled" can be invoked across systems via RFC. This is how SAP exposes callable logic to other SAP systems and to external programs (through connectors/SDKs). BAPIs are, technically, specially-defined remote-enabled function modules.
Calling a remote function
CALL FUNCTION 'Z_GET_CUSTOMER' DESTINATION 'RFC_TARGET'
EXPORTING iv_kunnr = lv_kunnr
IMPORTING es_data = ls_data
EXCEPTIONS communication_failure = 1 system_failure = 2 OTHERS = 3.
IF sy-subrc <> 0. " handle RFC error
ENDIF.Destinations and error handling
Remote calls use an RFC destination (defined in SM59) naming the target system and logon. Robust code always handles the communication_failure/system_failure exceptions, remote systems can be down or unreachable, and RFC errors are among the most common integration issues.
Designing remote-enabled FMs
When you build an RFC for others to call, use flat, well-documented parameters, return status/messages clearly, and consider reliability (tRFC/qRFC for guaranteed, ordered delivery). Good interface design here makes integrations robust.
Common pitfalls
- Not handling RFC exceptions (system down/unreachable).
- Wrong or missing destination (SM59).
- Complex parameters that are hard to call remotely.
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Check your understanding
Which statement is true of RFC?
- A. A function module flagged as "Remote-Enabled" can be invoked across systems via RFC.
- B. The General Ledger (G/L) is the central record of an organisation’s financial accounting in SAP FI, every…
- C. Troubleshooting FI focuses on the recurring issues in financial postings and processes, posting errors…
Show answer
A. A function module flagged as "Remote-Enabled" can be invoked across systems via RFC.
Covered in the “Remote-enabled function modules” section of this lesson.
Which of these also applies to RFC?
- A. This is how SAP exposes callable logic to other SAP systems and to external programs (through…
- B. Guessing instead of reading the log/dump.
- C. Treating short answers as complete.
Show answer
A. This is how SAP exposes callable logic to other SAP systems and to external programs (through…
Covered in the “Remote-enabled function modules” section of this lesson.
Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers RFC?
- A. SAP TCodes
- B. SAP ABAP development
- C. SAP career guide
Show answer
B. SAP ABAP development
This lesson sits in the SAP ABAP development section of the Learn SAP course.