Change pointers are essential to SAP systems’ ability to manage data changes and guarantee the correct exchange of information between systems. To make sure the database is optimized and clear of extraneous information, processed change pointers are deleted using transaction BD22. Users occasionally run into problems, though, where BD22 fails to properly detect or remove the processed change pointers. In order to address this issue, this blog explores common causes, solutions, and recommended practices.
What Are Change Pointers in SAP?
When master data or transactional data changes, SAP generates change pointer entries. These entries keep track of which data has changed and cause interfaces like IDocs to handle the appropriate message types. By doing this, linked systems are guaranteed to receive only the most recent data.
Key Components of Change Pointers:
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BDCP2: Table storing the change pointer records.
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BDCPV: View that consolidates relevant change pointers for processing.
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BD21: Transaction used to process change pointers and generate IDocs.
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BD22: Transaction used to delete processed change pointers.
Role of BD22 in Change Pointer Management
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By removing processed items, BD22 primarily aims to maintain the change pointer tables slim. Entries that have been successfully used by transactions, such as BD21, to generate IDocs are designated with a particular status. Running BD22 on a regular basis allows you to:
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In the BDCP2 table, make room.
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Boost the efficiency of the system.
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Steer clear of processing old change pointers twice.
Common Issue: BD22 Not Picking Correct Processed Messages
Numerous customers describe instances in which BD22 is unable to remove processed change references, which can result in database clutter and possible reprocessing issues. One or more of the following factors frequently contribute to this problem:
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Incorrect Message Status: It’s possible that BDCP2 did not properly record the change points as processed.
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Incorrect Selection Parameters: BD22 was executed with incorrectly set filters or parameters.
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Incomplete Processing: It’s possible that BD21 did not fully process all of the change points, which leaves their status unclear.
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Customizations or Enhancements: Standard change pointer functioning may be hampered by user exits or custom code.
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Table Index Issues: Inaccurate identification of processed data may be hindered by corruption or missing indexes in the BDCP2 table.
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Inconsistent Data: Errors in the data or inconsistencies in related tables can block BD22 from functioning correctly.
Steps to Diagnose the Problem
Use these procedures to determine the underlying cause when BD22 does not function as intended:
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Check BDCP2 Table Entries:
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The BDCP2 table can be inspected using transaction SE16N.
Look for entries with statuses that are unexpected or inaccurate.
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Verify Processing with BD21:
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Verify that BD21 processed change points correctly.
Verify whether IDocs were generated successfully.
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Analyze Selection Parameters:
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Examine the settings that were entered in BD22.
Make that the processed entries meet the message type and other criteria.
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Check Application Logs:
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To access the logs pertaining to BD21 and BD22, use transaction SLG1.
Check for warnings or errors that point to processing problems.
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Inspect Custom Code:
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If your system has enhancements or user exits related to change pointers, review them for potential conflicts.
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- Run Consistency Checks:
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Use SAP’s standard tools to check for inconsistencies in the BDCP2 table and related objects.
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Solutions to Fix BD22 Issues
Use the following remedies in accordance with the diagnosis:
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Update Change Pointer Status Manually:
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To manually update the BDCP2 table for items with wrong statuses, utilize transaction SE16N or a custom application.
Make sure you don’t change the entire table, just the impacted entries.
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Adjust BD22 Parameters:
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Run BD22 again with the updated filters.
To make sure no entries are overlooked, start with a wider selection.
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Reprocess with BD21:
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For the impacted message types, rerun BD21 if change pointers were not handled completely.
Check the status update and IDoc generation.
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Delete Corrupt Entries:
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After careful examination, think about manually removing any BDCP2 entries that are faulty or lacking.
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Implement Notes and Patches:
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Check SAP Notes for known issues with BD22.
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Apply relevant patches to ensure your system is up-to-date.
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Rebuild Table Indexes:
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Use database tools or transaction DB02 to rebuild or repair indexes for the BDCP2 table.
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Enhance Logging:
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Temporarily increase logging for BD21 and BD22 to capture more details about the issue.
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Use these logs to refine your troubleshooting.
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Delete Corrupt Entries:
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After careful examination, think about manually removing any BDCP2 entries that are faulty or lacking.
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Implement Notes and Patches:
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Look for known BD22 issues in the SAP Notes.
Make sure your system is up to date by applying the necessary updates.
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Rebuild Table Indexes:
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Rebuild or fix the BDCP2 table’s indexes using database tools or transaction DB02.
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Enhance Logging:
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Temporarily increase logging for BD21 and BD22 to capture more details about the issue.
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Use these logs to refine your troubleshooting
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Preventive Measures
To avoid future issues with BD22, implement these best practices:
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Regular Maintenance:
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Schedule periodic runs of BD22 to keep the BDCP2 table clean.
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Monitor Table Sizes:
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Use transaction DB15 to monitor the size of BDCP2 and related tables.
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Validate Processing Statuses:
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Ensure all processed change pointers are correctly updated with the status.
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Implement Custom Alerts:
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Create alerts for anomalies in change pointer processing or deletion.
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Update SAP Notes:
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Stay current with SAP’s recommended updates for change pointer functionality.
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Document Customizations:
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Maintain clear documentation of any customizations to avoid conflicts during troubleshooting.
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Preventive Measures
To avoid future issues with BD22, implement these best practices:
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Regular Maintenance:
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Schedule periodic runs of BD22 to keep the BDCP2 table clean.
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Monitor Table Sizes:
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Use transaction DB15 to monitor the size of BDCP2 and related tables.
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Validate Processing Statuses:
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Ensure all processed change pointers are correctly updated with the status.
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Implement Custom Alerts:
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Create alerts for anomalies in change pointer processing or deletion.
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Update SAP Notes:
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Stay current with SAP’s recommended updates for change pointer functionality.
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Document Customizations:
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Maintain clear documentation of any customizations to avoid conflicts during troubleshooting.
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Preventive Measures
To avoid future issues with BD22, implement these best practices:
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Regular Maintenance:
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Schedule periodic runs of BD22 to keep the BDCP2 table clean.
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Monitor Table Sizes:
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Use transaction DB15 to monitor the size of BDCP2 and related tables.
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Validate Processing Statuses:
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Ensure all processed change pointers are correctly updated with the status.
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Implement Custom Alerts:
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Create alerts for anomalies in change pointer processing or deletion.
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Update SAP Notes:
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Stay current with SAP’s recommended updates for change pointer functionality.
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Document Customizations:
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Maintain clear documentation of any customizations to avoid conflicts during troubleshooting.
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Preventive Measures
To avoid future issues with BD22, implement these best practices:
-
Regular Maintenance:
-
Schedule periodic runs of BD22 to keep the BDCP2 table clean.
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-
Monitor Table Sizes:
-
Use transaction DB15 to monitor the size of BDCP2 and related tables.
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Validate Processing Statuses:
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Ensure all processed change pointers are correctly updated with the status.
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Implement Custom Alerts:
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Create alerts for anomalies in change pointer processing or deletion.
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Update SAP Notes:
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Stay current with SAP’s recommended updates for change pointer functionality.
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Document Customizations:
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Maintain clear documentation of any customizations to avoid conflicts during troubleshooting.
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Preventive Measures
To avoid future issues with BD22, implement these best practices:
-
Regular Maintenance:
-
Schedule periodic runs of BD22 to keep the BDCP2 table clean.
-
-
Monitor Table Sizes:
-
Use transaction DB15 to monitor the size of BDCP2 and related tables.
-
-
Validate Processing Statuses:
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Ensure all processed change pointers are correctly updated with the status.
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Implement Custom Alerts:
-
Create alerts for anomalies in change pointer processing or deletion.
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Update SAP Notes:
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Stay current with SAP’s recommended updates for change pointer functionality.
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-
Document Customizations:
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Maintain clear documentation of any customizations to avoid conflicts during troubleshooting.
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Preventive Measures
Use these best practices to steer clear of BD22 problems in the future:
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Regular Maintenance:
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To maintain the BDCP2 table clean, schedule BD22 to run on a regular basis.
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Monitor Table Sizes:
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To keep an eye on the size of BDCP2 and associated tables, use transaction DB15.
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Validate Processing Statuses:
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Make that the status is accurately updated in all processed change points.
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Implement Custom Alerts:
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Set up notifications for abnormalities in the deletion or processing of change pointers.
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Update SAP Notes:
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Follow SAP’s suggested upgrades to ensure that change pointer functionality is up to date.
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Document Customizations:
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Keep thorough records of all modifications to prevent misunderstandings when troubleshooting.
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Key Transactions and Tables
Here’s a quick reference for transactions and tables related to change pointers and BD22:
Transaction/Table Purpose BD21 Process change pointers and create IDocs BD22 Delete processed change pointers SE16N View and analyze table data SLG1 Check application logs BDCP2 Stores change pointer entries BDCPV Consolidates relevant change pointers DB15 Monitor table sizes Conclusion
By eliminating processed change points, the BD22 transaction is necessary to keep the SAP system operating at peak efficiency. It may not work properly, though, due to problems like erroneous statuses, selection parameters, or faulty data. You may guarantee seamless and effective management of change pointers in your SAP system by following the procedures described in this blog, which include detecting the problem and putting targeted fixes and preventive measures in place.
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