TechTalks: Unlocking Advanced Excel Reporting in SAP with ABAP2XLSX

ABAP2XLSX is an open-source library for ABAP that provides a programmatic interface for creating, editing, and saving Microsoft Excel files (in XLSX format) directly from SAP systems.

Who is This For?

This material will be particularly useful for ABAP developers, SAP consultants, and project managers who need to create flexible, customizable Excel reports directly from SAP systems. If your users demand more than standard ALV reports, and you need to provide dynamic formatting, custom tables, and even charts, then ABAP2XLSX is the solution for you.

Problems that ABAP2XLSX Solves

In daily work with SAP, we often face tasks involving data output to Excel. However, standard approaches don't always meet business requirements for dynamic formatting, complex tables, and integrated charts. Typical challenges include:

• Limited Flexibility: Standard SAP tools for Excel output often don't allow for creating reports with unique designs or complex logic.
• Reliance on External Tools: The need to use Microsoft Office or other external applications to refine reports after exporting them from SAP.
• Automation Challenges: Difficulties in automating the creation and delivery of reports, especially in background processes or integrated scenarios.
• Lack of Interactivity: Limited capabilities for creating interactive elements within the Excel file itself.

At LeverX, we understand the need for flexible and sophisticated reporting solutions. This post will introduce you to ABAP2XLSX, an open-source library that empowers ABAP developers to generate highly customized Excel files directly from SAP, transforming your data output capabilities.

What is ABAP2XLSX?

ABAP2XLSX is an invaluable open-source ABAP library designed for programmatic creation, editing, and saving of Microsoft Excel files (in the modern XLSX format) directly within your SAP environment. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to move beyond basic ALV reports or complex, inflexible solutions.

Why Choose ABAP2XLSX? The Key Advantages

ABAP2XLSX isn't just another reporting tool; it's a powerful and versatile library with a multitude of benefits:

• Seamless SAP Integration:
  • Works flawlessly across all SAP systems (ECC, S/4HANA).
  • Compatible with both SAP GUI and modern Fiori apps.
  • Can be leveraged for background tasks, perfect for automated reporting.

• Rich Formatting Capabilities:
  • Create tables with fully customizable styles (fonts, colours, borders).
  • Support for multiple sheets within a single Excel file.
  • Automatic column sizing and cell merging for clean, professional layouts

• Independence: Generates Excel files without requiring Microsoft Office to be installed on the server or client.
• Open Source: Being open-source means it's free to use, and you have access to the source code for deeper understanding and customisation. This also fosters a community for support and further development.

Getting Started: Your First Flexible Excel Report

Ready to dive in? The journey to creating dynamic Excel outputs with ABAP2XLSX begins with a straightforward setup.

1. Installation: First, you'll need to install the ABAP2XLSX framework. Follow the detailed instructions available at the ABAP2XLSX GitHub repository to successfully complete this initial step.
2. Code Implementation: Once the framework is in place, you're ready to start coding!

Initializing Your Excel Workbook

The first step in creating any Excel file is to initialise the Excel object, which represents your workbook. You'll also want to define custom styles for your sheets to control the look and feel of your output.

ABAP

" Initialize Excel object (Excel book)
DATA(lo_excel) = NEW zcl_excel( ).

" Create objects for working with the active sheet with a custom style
" (Example: for wrapping text)
DATA(lo_style_wrap_text) = lo_excel->add_new_style( ).
lo_style_wrap_text->set_wrap_text( abap_true ). " Enable text wrapping

Applying Custom Styles and Alignment

ABAP2XLSX gives you granular control over cell appearance. You can define specific styles for fonts, colours, and borders, and apply them as needed. Text alignment within cells is also easily managed.

ABAP

" Apply a specific style to a cell (e.g., text wrapping)
lo_worksheet->get_cell( ip_column = 'A' ip_row = 1 )->set_style( lo_style_wrap_text ).

" Helper for text alignment within a cell
DATA(lo_alignment) = NEW zcl_excel_style_alignment( ).
lo_alignment->set_horizontal( zcl_excel_style_alignment=>horizontal_center ).
lo_alignment->set_vertical( zcl_excel_style_alignment=>vertical_center ).
lo_worksheet->get_cell( ip_column = 'B' ip_row = 1 )->set_alignment( lo_alignment ).

Populating Data with set_cell()

The set_cell() functionality is your primary tool for populating data into your Excel worksheet.

ABAP

" Fill data into a cell
lo_worksheet->set_cell( ip_column = 'A' ip_row = 1 ip_value = 'Header Text' ).
lo_worksheet->set_cell( ip_column = 'A' ip_row = 2 ip_value = 'Some value' ).

Navigating Your Worksheet: Essential Functions

ABAP2XLSX provides a suite of intuitive functions to help you navigate and interact with your worksheets:

• get_active_worksheet(): Retrieves the currently active worksheet.
  ABAP
  lo_worksheet = lo_excel->get_active_worksheet( ).
  
  
• get_worksheet_by_name(): Finds a worksheet by its name.
  ABAP
  lo_worksheet = lo_excel->get_worksheet_by_name( 'list1' ).
  
  
• get_worksheet_size(): Returns the number of worksheets in the workbook.
  ABAP
  DATA(lv_size) = lo_excel->get_worksheet_size( ).
  
  
• get_sheet_name(): Returns the name of the current worksheet.
  ABAP
  DATA(lv_sheet_name) = lo_worksheet->get_sheet_name( ).
  
  
• get_highest_row(): Determines the last filled row in the worksheet.
  ABAP
  DATA(lv_highest_row) = lo_worksheet->get_highest_row( ).
  
  
• get_highest_column(): Determines the last filled column in the worksheet.
  ABAP
  DATA(lv_highest_column) = lo_worksheet->get_highest_column( ).
  
  
• get_cell(): Retrieves a specific cell's value.
  ABAP
  DATA(lv_cell_value) = lo_worksheet->get_cell( ip_column = 'A' ip_row = 1 )->get_value( ).
  
  

Outputting Your Excel File

You have two main approaches to outputting your generated Excel file:

1. Built-in Output Mechanism: For quick and simple output, the framework provides a convenient built-in class.

ABAP

INCLUDE  zdemo_excel_outputopt_incl.
lcl_output=>output( lo_excel ).

2. Flexible Output for Web Dynpro/Fiori Applications: For more control, especially in scenarios involving Web Dynpro or Fiori applications, you can generate the XSTRING content and attach it to the response. This approach allows for custom file naming and direct download in web environments.

ABAP

DATA(lo_creator) = zcl_xlsx_creator=>get_instance( ).

DATA(lo_writer)  = CAST zif_excel_writer( NEW zcl_excel_writer( ) ).

" Assuming lt_report_data holds your data for multiple Excel files or a single file

LOOP AT lt_report_data ASSIGNING FIELD-SYMBOL(<ls_report_data>).

  TRY.

      DATA(lo_excel_file) = lo_creator->get_file( is_data = <ls_report_data> ). " Get the Excel file object

      DATA(lv_file_xstring)  = lo_writer->write_file( lo_excel_file ). " Write to XSTRING

      " Attach the file to the HTTP response for download

      cl_wd_runtime_services=>attach_file_to_response(

          i_filename      = 'MyReport.xlsx' " Customize filename as needed

          i_content       = lv_file_xstring

          i_mime_type     = 'application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet' " Correct MIME type for XLSX

          i_in_new_window = abap_false

          i_inplace       = abap_false

      ).

    CATCH zcx_excel INTO DATA(lx_excel_error).

      " Error handling: Log or display the message

      MESSAGE e020(zmy_message) WITH lx_excel_error->get_text( ) INTO DATA(lv_msg).

      " Further error logging or user feedback as appropriate

  ENDTRY.

ENDLOOP.

Note: The i_mime_type should be 'application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet' for XLSX files.

Explore the Extensive Example Library

One of the greatest assets of ABAP2XLSX is its comprehensive example library. This library provides a wealth of practical applications and demonstrations that can significantly accelerate your learning curve. Simply go to transaction SE38 and execute program ZABAP2XLSX_DEMO_SHOW to explore these examples.

The LeverX Advantage with ABAP2XLSX

By leveraging ABAP2XLSX, LeverX can deliver unparalleled flexibility and power in your SAP reporting:

• Unmatched Flexibility: Create custom reports that precisely meet complex business requirements, going far beyond standard SAP offerings.
• Zero External Dependencies: Generate professional Excel files without relying on external tools like Microsoft Office installations on the server.
• Seamless SAP Integration: Enjoy full compatibility with your existing SAP landscape, simplifying automation and integration into your business processes.
• Open-Source Power: Benefit from a free, open-source solution with access to the source code, fostering continuous learning and customization opportunities.

Furthermore, the ABAP2XLSX framework comes with an extensive example library. To explore its practical applications and see its capabilities firsthand, simply navigate to se38 and run the program ZABAP2XLSX_DEMO_SHOW.

Conclusion

The ABAP2XLSX library is an incredibly powerful and flexible tool for generating professional-grade Excel reports directly from your SAP system. While it requires a foundational understanding of ABAP, the benefits – including its ability to create highly customised outputs, operate independently of external tools, and integrate seamlessly with SAP – are undeniable. For SAP professionals looking to enhance their reporting capabilities and deliver dynamic, user-friendly Excel files, ABAP2XLSX is an invaluable addition to their toolkit.