A namespace is used for the logical structuring of objects and configurations in the SAP Application Interface Framework. All interfaces, value mappings, fix values, checks, and actions have to be assigned to a namespace. Customizing activities like Define Interface, Define Value Mappings, Define Fix Values, Define Checks, and Define Actions are locked at namespace level. If one user edits the objects and configurations of a specific namespace, these are locked for other users.
You can set authorizations for customizing and error handling based on the namespace.
SAP Application Interface Framework delivers one example namespace: /AIF/. This namespace cannot be used to develop interfaces. It's a read-only namespace. To create a new namespace:
- There are two methods to get to this configuration:
- In the SAP menu under Cross-Application Components → SAP Application Interface Framework → Interface Framework → Administration → Configuration → Customizing
- Go directly to Customizing via transaction /AIF/CUST
- Create a new namespace in the activity Define Namespace, which you can find in Customizing under the Interface Development topic.
- Create a new namespace via the New Entries button.
- Assign a name to the namespace, and provide a short description.
A namespace is used for the logical structuring of objects and configurations in the SAP Application Interface Framework. A namespace can contain:
- Several defined interfaces
- Several defined checks
- Several defined structure mappings
- Several defined value mappings
- Several defined actions
Examples
Create your own namespace for generic and reusable objects. Objects that are explicit to an interface should be placed into the same namespace.
Example 1: Group by Project Name and Application Component
- XY_FIN (Financials)
- XY_CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
- XY (Reusable objects for project XY)
Example 2: Group Interfaces by the Type of Data
- Inbound Interfaces are assigned to namespace INB001, INB002,…
- Outbound Interfaces are assigned to namespace OUT001, OUT002,…
The namespace is a six-digit CHAR field. You're free to name your namespaces in the way you require them. There are no naming restrictions from the SAP Application Interface Framework side.
Example 3: Unique Abbreviations
You could create the namespaces with a unique abbreviation for the project together with a grouping by application component or business object.
- <ProjectName>_<ApplicationComponent>
- <ProjectName>_<BusinessObjet>