Difference Between ALE and EDI in SAP ABAP

Difference Between ALE and EDI in SAP ABAP

The main difference between ALE and EDI is ALE used for internal communications within the SAP Environment and EDI is meant for external communications that is communicating with Non-systems.

ALE(Application Link Enabling):

ALE is technology for SAP ,is used to transfer data between SAP systems.

ALE is used to support integrated processes across several SAP systems.

ALE includes controlled exchange of data messages guarantying data consistency across loosely coupled applications. ALE consists three layers which are Application Services , Distribution Services and Communication Services.

ALE provides a distributed and fully integrated R/3 system. Each application is self-capable. The use of self-capable system implies a certain measure of data redundancy.Hence data has to be both distributed and synchronized.

ALE uses an IDOC format to exchange data between systems, both participating systems should understand the IDOC format.

ALE transfers the data using memory buffers whereas EDI uses file port to transfer the data.

Distribution of applications between specific releases of R/3 Systems
Continued records alternate after a release upgrade without requiring special protection
Customer-specific extensions.
Communication interfaces that allow connections to non-SAP structures.
Coupling of R/three and R/2 Systems.

EDI( Electronic Data Interchange )

EDI means Electronic Data Interchange, is the electronic exchange of structured business data between different applications. Such as purchase orders, invoices, inquiries, planning, acknowledgements, pricing, order status, scheduling, test results, shipping and receiving, payments, and financial reporting.

When you are using EDI technology you always need a translator to convert the IDOC to X12 (Outbound), X12 to IDOC (Inbound).But in the case of ALE you don’t reuire a translator.

EDI Architecture contains EDI-enabled applications which support the automatic processing of business transactions.
The IDoc interface which consists of IDoc types and function modules that form the interface to the application.
The EDI subsystem which converts the IDoc types into EDI message types and vice versa. This component of the EDI architecture is not provided by SAP.

EDI is the independent technology use to transfer data between two systems, they can be SAP systems or non SAP systems.

Below following tasks related to EDI processing:
Conversion of data·
Message and Interchange Handling.
Communication·
Administration of partner profiles·
Monitoring of processing

All data is transferred in files between the R/3 System and the EDI subsystem. Synchronous RFC (Remote Function Call) is implemented to define the time of transfer for a file between the two systems.

Improves data accuracy
With EDI business can eliminate the need to re-enter data from paper documents and thus prevent potential data entry errors.

Lowers personnel costs
EDI can help companies reduce the need for personnel involved in orders and accounting processing. Speeds up information exchange- EDI systems can shorten the lead time between receipt and fulfillment of orders.

Reduces technical complexity related to data interchange
With EDI companies use standardized data formats to exchange documents. EDI allows companies using different business applications and systems to achieve computer-to-computer electronic exchange of business documents.
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