How to Use SAP APO Keyboard Shortcuts

ByShaun Snapp

Executive Summary

  • Reducing Clunkiness of the SAP GUI
  • When are Transaction Codes in APO Useful?

Introduction

I documented the IMG setups for SPP. In doing this, I have to go into and out of many screens; for this, it’s hard to beat keyboard shortcuts. I know most of us would like SAP to behave like a browser, so our same keystrokes could be used.

This link provides an extensive listing of SAP keystrokes.

The ones I find most useful are:

  • F3: To get back to the previous screen.
  • F12: To Exit
  • (Not using F3 and F12 probably wastes the most amount of time as this is so common.)
  • Ctrl-F5: Create new entries (particularly useful for configuration screens)
  • Ctrl-F: Find
  • F8: Execute

Although there is a link above, just hovering over the different icons in SAP will bring up the description and the keyboard shortcut.

Reducing Clunkiness of the SAP GUI

The inherent clunkiness of the interface is reduced, and it appears smoother. The interface design is pre-mouse and pre-web, and while it has been enhanced since then, it still retains the feel of an old design. I am surprised this is not more covered in training.

The GUI is a major impediment to user uptake (that point is well-defined and known) and configuration efficiency and transparency.

(see this link for issues with EWM)

I don’t recall any of my SAP training classes to discuss how the interface should be navigated. A combination of transaction codes and shortcuts would most likely be highly effective, which is excellent for ERP users, but in APO, very few people use transaction codes because they are so long.

When are Transaction Codes in APO Useful?

The only time I find transaction codes in APO useful is when I enter them into blog postings to be easily copied by people who read the blog.

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Conclusion

The SAP keyboard shortcuts are well-known and documented; this post is just a reminder not to forget to use them.