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SAP® Interactive Forms by Adobe – Interactive PDF Forms for Your Business Processes
Interactive PDF forms connect employees, field staff and external partners with your SAP® business processes – even without direct access to SAP®. Data can be captured in a structured way, completed offline and transferred into SAP® through a controlled process when returned. solidforms designs not only the form itself but the entire workflow, from data capture to integration.
Offline Data Capture
Capture and save business data even when a connection to the SAP® system is temporarily unavailable.
Interactive PDF Forms
Defined input fields, selection options and appropriate validation checks instead of manual paper-based processes.
SAP® Integration
Form return, data validation and subsequent processing are integrated into a traceable business workflow.
Interactive Forms: More Than a Fillable PDF
SAP® Interactive Forms by Adobe enable structured capture, validation and further processing of business data in SAP®. Unlike traditional SAP® print forms the focus here is on data entry. Offline forms can be particularly useful for external users or when a system connection is not always available.
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Digital Data Capture
Replace handwritten paper forms with predefined input fields, selection options and validation checks.
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Without Direct SAP® Access
External partners and mobile employees can enter data into a PDF designed for that purpose.
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Fewer Data Transfer Errors
Structured inputs simplify validation and avoid unnecessary manual re-entry.
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Integration with SAP®
Returned form data can be imported in a controlled manner and processed in business objects.
How an Interactive Offline Form Works
The entire process must be planned – from form generation and return through to posting and error handling.
01
Generate the Form
An ABAP process supplies the data and generates the interactive PDF using the designated forms infrastructure. Learn more under SAP® Form Development.
02
Distribute the Form
The PDF is sent to the responsible user, for example by email.
03
Complete Offline
The user enters the required information and saves the completed form using suitable PDF software.
04
Manage Form Return
The completed PDF is returned through a defined, secure channel.
05
Extract Data
The form data is extracted and validated using the appropriate technical services.
06
Process in SAP®
ABAP validates the content and initiates the appropriate creation or modification of business data.
Illustrative workflow. The technical implementation depends on factors including the SAP® release, ADS configuration, PDF capabilities and security requirements.
Three Success Factors for Implementation
1
Involve Pilot Users Early
Business users review real-world scenarios during the design and prototyping phases. Our SAP® Consulting & Workshops.
2
Prototype Iteratively
The form, return process and data transfer are tested iteratively – not just shortly before go-live. Proven components from our SAP® Form Archive can serve as a starting point.
3
Processing Cockpit and Error Monitor
Returned forms, processing statuses and errors should be traceable, with reprocessing available when needed.
Real-World Form Development Examples
Use Case 01
Service Notifications from Field Operations
A care service provider records activities using interactive forms. Once returned, the information is checked and processed as service notifications in SAP®.
Use Case 02
Structured Material Master Data Capture
A trading company uses a defined offline workflow to capture new material master data and subsequently transfer it into SAP®.
Technical Requirements and Limitations
Whether interactive forms are the right solution depends on more than form design. The SAP® landscape, PDF environment and intended processing workflow are key factors.
Adobe Document Services (ADS) and Returned Data
Form generation and, depending on the scenario, interactive data processing require suitable Adobe Document Services and correctly configured SAP® integration. Data extraction and error handling must also be developed and tested.
PDF Readers, JavaScript and Licensing
Interactive PDF features are not supported equally by all PDF viewers. Form completion, saving and return must be tested with the intended reader versions. Relevant Adobe and SAP® licensing terms must also be checked according to the features and deployment model.
On-Premise, Private Cloud and Public Cloud
Capabilities vary by SAP® product, release and deployment model. An overarching SAP® forms architecture accounts for these differences from the outset. In particular, traditional ABAP/ADS-based offline processes cannot automatically be transferred to SAP® S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition. We assess the target architecture and available extension points before making commitments.
When Is a Fiori Application a Better Choice?
If users work online continuously, require complex validation or need immediate feedback from SAP®, a browser-based application may be more suitable. Interactive PDFs are particularly useful when the document itself is needed as a portable data-entry medium.
Our Approach: Not every paper form needs to become an interactive PDF. We first analyze the process and then select the most suitable technical solution.
SAP® Interactive Forms by Adobe
Looking to Digitize a Paper-Based Process?
solidforms supports you with solution design, form development, processing returned forms and integration into your SAP® business processes. We can also assist with migrating existing forms to SAP® Adobe Forms .