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Automation is revolutionizing the way businesses operate, making processes more efficient and reducing the scope for human error. One powerful tool in the automation landscape is UiPath, particularly when it comes to automating SAP tasks. In this comprehensive tutorial, we delve into how to leverage UiPath for SAP automation, specifically focusing on creating purchase orders. Whether you’re a seasoned automation expert or a beginner, this guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you gain a solid grasp of the process.

Enabling SAP GUI Scripting

Before diving into the automation itself, it’s crucial to ensure that SAP GUI scripting is enabled both on the client and server sides. This functionality allows UiPath to interact seamlessly with SAP.

1. Client-Side Enabling:
   • Navigate to SAP’s options menu.
   • Double-click on “Accessibility & Scripting” and then on “Scripting”.
   • Ensure that “Enable scripting” is checked.
2. Server-Side Enabling:
   • Use the transaction code RZ11.
   • Enter sapgui/user_scripting and click on “Display”.
   • If it’s set to false, change the value to true and save.

Creating the UiPath Automation Project

Once the SAP GUI scripting is enabled, the next step is to set up the automation project in UiPath Studio.

1. Project Setup:
   • Create a new project named sap_create_purchase_order.
   • Open the main workflow where the automation will be developed.
2. Starting SAP Logon:
   • Use the SAP Logon activity to start the SAP application.
   • Provide the necessary connection details to ensure UiPath can log into SAP.

Navigating and Filling Purchase Order Data

The heart of this automation project involves navigating to the purchase order creation screen and filling in the necessary data from an Excel file.

1. Navigating to Purchase Order Creation:
   • Use the transaction code ME21N to access the purchase order creation screen.
   • Employ UiPath’s Call Transaction activity for reliable navigation.
2. Filling the Purchase Order Form:
   • Use an Excel file to store the purchase order data.
   • For each row in the Excel file, UiPath will insert the vendor, material, quantity, and net price into the SAP form.

Handling SAP Table Rows and Errors

Automation isn’t always straightforward, and handling dynamic rows in SAP tables can be tricky. Here’s how to manage it effectively:

1. Dynamic Row Handling:
   • Use UiPath’s Table Cell Scope activity to target the first empty row for each new data entry.
   • Ensure selectors are dynamic to handle changes in the table structure.
2. Error Management:
   • If the SAP Logon takes longer to start, increase the retry interval to prevent exceptions.
   • Adjust selectors dynamically using wildcards to ensure they work even if the table structure changes after data entry.

Saving and Extracting the Purchase Order Code

The final steps involve saving the created purchase order and extracting its code to store back in the Excel file.

1. Saving the Purchase Order:
   • After filling in all necessary data, use the Click activity to save the purchase order in SAP.
   • Use the Read Status Bar activity to capture the confirmation message, which includes the purchase order code.
2. Writing the Purchase Order Code to Excel:
   • Manipulate the confirmation message string to extract just the purchase order code.
   • Use UiPath’s Write Cell activity to update the Excel file with the new purchase order code.

Conclusion

This tutorial provides a detailed walkthrough of automating SAP tasks using UiPath, focusing on creating purchase orders from Excel data. By following these steps, you can streamline your SAP processes, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors.

Call to Action

Want to see this tutorial in action? Watch the full video to follow along with each step and see the automation come to life. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment on the video. Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up and subscribe to the channel for more UiPath tutorials. Enable notifications so you never miss an update!