Frontend Type
General Data in Customizing is relevant for all technical settings, regardless of the document type.
In Customizing for General Data, you must also define the frontend type. This setting is not visible to end users, but it is crucial because it determines which operating system is used to start which applications.
As a first step, enter all required frontend types in Customizing under Define Data Carrier Types → Server Frontend (Detailed Entry).
The frontend type is a central element in SAP Document Management:
- The frontend type must be selected in the document info record. This selection is only possible if the PC network address is maintained in Customizing and the Default entry is not used.
- The frontend type itself is defined in Customizing. In addition to a description, you can specify a display path that determines where the original file is copied when it is displayed. It is recommended not to maintain a display path. In this case, the operating system, such as Microsoft Windows, determines where the file is displayed. For Windows systems, the display path is controlled via environment variables.
When files are displayed, they are only copied to the specified path. The original file itself remains stored in the secure storage area.
- How does the system differentiate between the Default entry and a selectable frontend type? This is controlled through environment variables on the local PC. By defining the hostname variable and assigning it to the PC’s network address, the PC is linked to the SAP system. When a document info record is opened from a known PC, SAP automatically selects the appropriate frontend type. For further details, refer to the SAP Help documentation.
- In the Customizing section Workstation Application, you link different frontend types with display or change workstation applications.
- In the past, frontend types were primarily used to differentiate between operating systems. Today, frontend types can also be assigned to specific user groups within a company.
Using an external document management system, you can define an external DMS, such as an internet-based content server.
With the Define Mount Points / Logical Drives option, you can define network drives (data carriers) for storing originals. These drives depend on the assigned frontend type.
When you assign an original to a document info record using a logical drive, the system automatically presents a selection of valid data carriers.