The main purpose of the Switch Framework is to simplify an ABAP-based system landscape by adopting one or more industry solutions in a standard system. The Switch Framework allows you to externally control the visibility of repository objects or their components by means of switches.
By using the Switch Framework, all industry solutions and a restricted list of repository objects are delivered in an inactive state in the system. With minor exceptions, you no longer need to install an industry solution – you can activate it when required.
Integration
The Switch Framework is integrated in the ABAP Workbench and works closely together with the Enhancement Framework.
Features
The Switch Framework enables you to:
● Switch on industry solutions and Enterprise Add-Ons
● Enhance delivered partner and customer systems
Contents of Enhancement Package
● Each enhancement package contains a set of business functions
● Each business function is optionally implemented and activated
Optional Installation
● Only install the business functions that are applicable to the business needs
● Post installation process changes will take place only on activation
● No impact on SAP netweaver platform
Optional Activation
● Activate components on demand
● End user regression testing by component activation
● SAP provides testing templates for the components
Bug finding using Switch Framework
● Use the switch framework to activate/deactivate enhancements to evaulate source of bug
● If bug is gone on deactivation it is part of the enhancement
● If bug is persistent on deactivation it is part of standard
Example:
Create at least 1 switch and 1 business function. Assign the switch to the packages containing the enhancement implementations. Use transaction SFW5 to activate/ deactivate the switch.
Please note that the business function must be reversible. Switching of BC-Sets and DDIC is not allowed.
Architecture of Switch Framework
After the business function is available, the switching of the business function will be possible using the switch framework.
Assignments can be made in both directions:
● Define the assignment in superordinate object if possible.
● Creating the assignment in the subordinate object has less flexibility and is comparable to an enhancement.
Switchable Objects by package Assignment:
● Enhancement Implementations
● Appends, SI-, CI- Includes for dictionary structures
● Fixed value appends to domains
● Append search helps
● Secondary Indexes
● Switch Business configuration sets.
Example of Switch in Dictionary Index.
Example of Switch in Append Structure:
Switchable objects by Direct Assignment:
● Screen elements and flow logic
● Menu entries
● IMG Nodes
● Easy access menus
● Customizing
Example of Switch in Screen Painter
Switch dependent screen elements in the element list – disabled. Elements are not visible at runtime.
Switch Dependent Module in Screen Painter
Switch in Menu Painter
Dependent Objects in given business function
Deactivating Business Functions:
● Reversible Business Functions must not contain dictionary objects or BC-Sets.
● Reversible Business Functions may be deactivated in development or test systems only.
● Do not deactivate a reversible Business Function in a production system to keep data integrity.
* Practical example coming soon