SAP® Output Determination & S/4HANA Output Management

SAP® document output tailored to your business processes. Whether you use established NAST output determination or modern S/4HANA Output Management, solidforms supports you in analysing, designing and implementing your output processes – from form development to reliable email delivery and printing.

NAST or S/4HANA Output Management: The right strategy instead of a blanket technology change

During an S/4HANA migration, an international rollout or the modernisation of existing forms, many companies face the same question: Should they retain classic output determination or switch to the newer Output Management framework? The answer depends on the SAP® application, release, existing enhancements and document output requirements.

We therefore examine not just the form template but the entire process: output determination, data retrieval, ABAP processing, Adobe Forms, recipient determination, reprinting and delivery.

Our SAP® Output Determination and Output Management services

Output architecture: From business document to final output

Depending on the business process, NAST or S/4HANA Output Management controls when and how a document is issued. Adobe Forms defines the PDF layout. The document can then be delivered as a PDF, by email or through a print process.

Simplified illustration: Supported methods and extension options vary by SAP® application and release.

When does it make sense to enhance classic output determination?

An existing NAST solution does not automatically need to be replaced simply because S/4HANA offers a newer output framework. Especially where extensive custom ABAP processing programs, established reprinting procedures or specialised business processes are involved, targeted modernisation can be both cost-effective and technically sound – provided the application still supports classic output determination.

• Reuse existing print programs and form logic where appropriate
• Preserve custom reprinting and special processing
• Modernise email delivery and attachments selectively
• Assess the risks and effort of a full migration realistically

When is S/4HANA Output Management the right choice?

In supported scenarios, S/4HANA Output Management provides integrated, rule-based determination of output parameters. This can be particularly beneficial for standardised processes, email templates and central control of recipients and output channels. The key is to verify that the required features and extension points are available for your specific process.

The solidforms E-Mail Plugin: Enhance established processes selectively

Not every company wants to replace its existing output determination just to enable professional email delivery. The solidforms E-Mail Plugin adds useful electronic document delivery features to classic output processes.

The plugin is especially useful when existing NAST processes should be retained while expanding email delivery capabilities. Explore the solidforms product catalogue.

Our approach: From initial assessment to a maintainable solution

• 1. Current-state analysis: Document output types, processing programs, forms, recipients and output channels.
• 2. Target architecture: Evaluate supported output technologies, extension points and opportunities for reuse.
• 3. Implementation: Develop ABAP logic, Adobe Forms, output determination and email delivery.
• 4. Testing & Rollout: Test business output, reprinting, language and company-code variants, and delivery processes.

Technical insights and related services

Our technical article explains the differences between the two approaches in detail: SAP® Output Determination vs. S/4HANA Output Management – Which is better in practice?

• SAP® Form Development with Adobe Forms – Forms, data logic and technical integration
• solidFormkit in detail – Reusable components for form projects
• SAP® Rollout & Form Strategy – Output processes across multiple entities and countries
• Migration to SAP® Adobe Forms – Modernise existing forms systematically

Frequently asked questions about SAP® document output

Must classic NAST output determination be replaced during an S/4HANA migration?

Not necessarily. Whether NAST remains supported or Output Management is required depends on the business process, SAP® application, release and deployment model. A technical assessment is therefore the first step.

Can NAST send modern emails with multiple attachments?

Yes. Such requirements can be implemented using custom enhancements or suitable add-on solutions. The solidforms E-Mail Plugin is designed for these scenarios.

Can Adobe Forms be used with both approaches?

In suitable scenarios, Adobe Forms can be integrated with both classic output determination and S/4HANA Output Management. The technical integration varies by application.