Printing a form is relatively simple, as well. All you need is a program which will perform the data retrieval process, and a Smart Form, which contains all the form logic. Since data retrieval is done separately from the form logic, all you need to do to make changes to the logic is adapt the Smart Form. Then, this application will pass the information to the Smart Form via a function module interface. When you activate a Smart Form, a function module is automatically generated, and processed by the system at runtime.
It's easy to insert dynamic or static tables, to include line feeds in individual cells of a table, data sorting before output, and triggering of proceedings for subtotals and table headings. Individual nodes may be verified, as well as the entire form. Users can search for errors in the tree structure, and the system's data flow analysis makes sure that all fields have a distinct value when they're displayed. Another real bonus is that Smart Forms give users the ability to add graphics, either in the background of a form or part of the form itself.
These graphics can be used to imitate the outline of an existing form, or to add a look that's specific to your company to a form you've borrowed. Suppression of the background graphic for easier printing is also possible if you want, and Smart Forms support optimization of postage, too.
SAP Smart Forms lets you significantly reduce the cost of implementing mySAP.com solutions, since forms can be adjusted in very small amounts of time. Use the graphical Form Painter and Table Painter interfaces to plan out the look of your form. The form's logic is represented by a tree structure, made up of global nodes which cover such things as output tables, global settings, graphics and text. Changes are made using simple commands, such as drag and drop or copy/paste methods. Changes can also be made by selecting and changing attributes of an element.
Use of scripting languages or code is unnecessary, since Smart Forms use a form report that you maintain in the Form Builder to generate a function module which encompasses logic, content and layout for every form. There's no need to create a group of function modules to print your form - only one is needed. For web publishing, you'll get an XML output of the processed form generated by the system, XML for Smart Forms, or XSF, allows the use of third party printing tools. Form content is passed from R/3 to an external location without passing on any information about the form itself.
Smart Forms have the ability to display table structures, allow the output of background graphics for use in forms with scanned templates, and to generate colored text output. This user friendly method includes a form painter, allowing forms to be designed by people without programming experience. It could make a big difference in your process.
