Transaction SE16N on SAP #
Transaction SE16N #
Objectives #
- View data stored in SAP tables
- Analyze and filter data quickly
- Troubleshoot inconsistencies in the system
- Test and verify data during development
- Export data for custom reports
Definition #
Transaction SE16N is an SAP tool that allows access to and visualization of SAP table data without requiring advanced programming knowledge.
Imagine SE16N as an Excel workbook explorer where each SAP table is a workbook, each row is a record, and each column is a field.
SE16N is a direct data access tool. It allows you to understand what is stored, test values, and generate simple reports without programming.
Selection screen #
Main menu and options #
| Function | Description | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Execute | Displays data according to selected criteria | F8 |
| Background processing | Allows query execution in background | Ctrl + F8 |
| Number of entries | Limits the number of displayed rows | F7 |
| Select all | Selects all table fields | Shift + F1 |
| Deselect all | Deselects all fields | Shift + F6 |
| Delete line / all entries | Clears selection criteria | Shift + F2 / Ctrl + F1 |
| Sort by columns | Sorts data according to selected columns | Ctrl + Shift + F1 |
| Display options | Modify table presentation | Ctrl + F12 |
| Where-used | Checks where the table is used | Ctrl + F2 |
This menu is like the Excel toolbar for filtering, sorting, and adjusting column display.
Selection criteria #
- Target table: name of the table to view
- Text table: table containing field labels
- Formatting: option to modify display
- Maximum number of hits: limits the number of returned rows
- Set field to: move a specific field to the first column
Comparison options #
- Search for a specific value
- Search within a range of values
- Multiple selection of values and/or ranges
- Show or hide fields
Selection criteria are like Excel filters to display only the rows you’re interested in.
Data display window #
After execution, SE16N displays the table with the following functionalities:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Details | Displays all information for the selected record |
| Sort ascending / descending | Sort selected columns |
| Find | Search for a value in the table |
| Set filter | Apply a filter on columns |
| Total | Sum of values in a column (if applicable) |
| Export | Export data to Excel or CSV |
| Display / Hide empty columns | Hides or displays columns without data |
| Detailed view | Displays all columns of a complete record |
| User documentation | Link to SAP help |
The display window is like an interactive Excel table with built-in filters, sorting, and search options.
Empty columns can be hidden to make the display clearer and more understandable.
Data tables #
In SE16N, each table is composed of fields (columns) and contains records (rows).
- Fields: name and type of each column
- Values: data contained in each column
- Keys: unique identifiers for each record
Each table is like an Excel workbook: fields are columns, rows are records, and primary keys ensure uniqueness.
Never modify standard tables directly in SE16N without authorization, as this can corrupt SAP data.
Best practices #
- Always verify the target table before executing
- Limit the number of hits to avoid overloading the system
- Use filters to analyze specific data
- Do not modify standard tables directly without authorization
- Export data for analysis or reporting outside of SAP
SE16N is ideal for verification, control, and analysis of SAP data, as well as preparing simple reports for Excel or other tools.
Summary #
- SE16N allows access to and visualization of SAP data without programming
- Enables quick filtering, sorting, and searching of information
- Each table contains fields (columns) and records (rows)
- Ideal for data control and reporting
- Always follow best practices to avoid any risk to SAP data