RFC (Remote Function Call)

• Definition: A communication method that allows one SAP system (or external system) to call a function module in another SAP system.

• Nature:

  • Technical interface (low-level).

  • Can be synchronous (sRFC), asynchronous (aRFC), transactional (tRFC), or queued (qRFC).

• Usage:

  • Purely for function/module execution between systems.

  • Example: A program in SAP ECC calls a function module in SAP CRM to check stock.

• Flexibility:

  • Any RFC-enabled function module can be called.

  • Developer-defined (not standardized for business logic).

• Limitation:

  • Not business-object aware.

  • Risk of inconsistent or unsafe updates if not carefully handled.

🔹 BAPI (Business Application Programming Interface)

• Definition: A standardized, RFC-enabled method that represents business objects in SAP (like SalesOrder, Material, Vendor).

• Nature:

  • Business-level interface (high-level).

  • Built on top of RFC.

• Usage:

  • For performing business transactions in a safe, consistent way.

  • Example: BAPI_SALESORDER_CREATEFROMDAT2 → creates a sales order.

• Flexibility:

  • Only predefined by SAP (or customer-defined extensions).

  • Provides data validation and ensures business rules are followed.

• Advantage:

  • Stable, upgrade-safe, and officially supported by SAP.

  • Standardized input/output (makes integration easier).