SAP Basis Client Administration: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of SAP, a “client” acts as a self-contained, logically separate unit within a single SAP system. It houses its own application data, customizing settings, and user master records. Effective SAP Basis Client Administration is crucial for maintaining a smoothly running SAP landscape, enabling system testing, and providing data security.

Key Concepts in SAP Client Administration

• Client: A client is like a virtual container for all the data and settings specific to an organizational unit, project, or development environment. SAP allows for up to 999 clients in a system.
• Mandant (German): The original term for ‘client’ in SAP.
• Client-Dependent Data: Data that is specific to a client (e.g., company codes, sales order data).
• Cross-Client Data: Data shared across all clients in the system (e.g., ABAP programs, customizing tables used by multiple clients).
• Standard Clients: SAP delivers these pre-configured clients:
  • Client 000: The master client with system-wide settings.
  • Client 001: A copy of 000, often used as a starting point for new clients.
  • Client 066: SAP EarlyWatch client (not for customization).

Common SAP Basis Client Administration Tasks

1. Client Creation (SCC4): Create new clients based on business needs (development, testing, production clients). This involves defining essential parameters like client number, descriptions, currency, and logical systems.
2. Client Copy:

• • Local Client Copy (SCCL): Copy an existing client within the same SAP system. Ideal for creating testing or training environments.
  • Remote Client Copy (SCC9): Copy a client between different SAP systems. Useful for system refreshes or setting up new landscapes.

1. Client Transport Management: Organize and control the movement of customizing changes and ABAP code between clients in your landscape. This ensures consistency and avoids errors.
2. Client Export/Import:

• • Client Export (SCC8): Export all or part of a client’s data for backup or migration.
  • Client Import (SCC7): Import previously exported client data.

1. Client Deletion (SCC5): Remove a client from the system (use with caution!).

Best Practices for SAP Basis Client Administration

• Establish a Client Strategy: Design a client landscape that aligns with your organization’s structure, testing requirements, and change management processes.
• Document, Document, Document: Maintain thorough records of all client configurations, copies, transports, and deletions. This is essential for troubleshooting and auditing purposes.
• Leverage Transport Management: Ensure a streamlined and controlled process for moving customizing and development changes between clients.
• Security Considerations: Implement appropriate authorization controls to limit access to sensitive clients and their data.
• Regular Housekeeping: Perform routine maintenance, such as deleting obsolete clients and archiving old data to keep your system efficient.

Tools of the Trade

SAP Basis administrators use several transaction codes for client administration:

• SCC4: Client Creation
• SCCL: Local Client Copy
• SCC9: Remote Client Copy
• SCC3: Client Copy Logs
• SCC8: Client Export
• SCC7: Client Import
• SCC5: Client Deletion

The Backbone of Your SAP System

Mastering SAP Basis client administration is a core competency for any SAP Basis professional. By understanding these concepts, tasks, and best practices, you’ll ensure the integrity, security, and optimal organization of your vital SAP landscapes.