Understanding SAP Reports: Classical, Interactive, and ALV Reports

SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products) is a powerful ERP software used by businesses worldwide. One of the key features of SAP is its reporting capability. Reports help users extract, process, and display data in a meaningful way. SAP provides three main types of reports: Classical Reports, Interactive Reports, and ALV (ABAP List Viewer). Each type serves different business needs. Let’s understand them in detail.

1. Classical Reports

Classical Reports are the simplest type of reports in SAP. These program display data in a basic list format. They do not allow user interaction beyond scrolling. Users can only view the displayed data without further navigation.

Features of Classical Report:

• Simple and easy to develop.
• Data is displayed in a structured format.
• No user interaction beyond viewing.
• Uses the WRITE statement to display data.
• Good for static reporting needs.

Steps to Create a Classical Report:

1. Retrieve Data – Use an SELECT statement to fetch data from database tables.
2. Process Data – Use ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) logic to process the data.
3. Display Data – Use the WRITE statement to print the data on the output screen.

Example of a Simple Classical Report:

REPORT ZCLASSICAL_REPORT.
DATA: lt_data TYPE TABLE OF mara.

SELECT * FROM mara INTO TABLE lt_data.
LOOP AT lt_data INTO DATA(ls_data).
    WRITE: / ls_data.matnr, ls_data.maktx.
ENDLOOP.

This fetches material details from the MARA table and displays them in a list format.

2. Interactive Report

Interactive Reports provide users with additional functionality. Unlike Classical, Interactive Report allow users to interact with the output. Users can click on a row and drill down into detailed information.

Features of Interactive Report:

• Users can select a row and navigate to a secondary screen.
• Allows multiple levels of detail.
• Uses the HIDE statement to store row data for interaction.
• Uses AT LINE-SELECTION event for user actions.

Steps to Create an Interactive Report:

1. Display Basic List – Create a Classical Report as the base.
2. Enable Interaction – Use the HIDE statement to store row data.
3. Handle User Clicks – Use the AT LINE-SELECTION event to show more details.

Example of an Interactive Report:

REPORT ZINTERACTIVE_REPORT.
DATA: lt_data TYPE TABLE OF mara.

SELECT * FROM mara INTO TABLE lt_data.
LOOP AT lt_data INTO DATA(ls_data).
    WRITE: / ls_data.matnr, ls_data.maktx.
    HIDE ls_data.
ENDLOOP.

AT LINE-SELECTION.
    WRITE: 'Detailed Information: ', ls_data.matnr, ls_data.maktx.

In this report, clicking on a row displays additional details about the selected material.

3. ALV Report (ABAP List Viewer)

ALV (ABAP List Viewer) Report are advanced reports with powerful features. They provide a structured way to display data using grid controls. ALV reports improve readability and offer sorting, filtering, and exporting features.

Features of ALV Report:

• Displays data in a tabular format with column headers.
• Supports sorting and filtering.
• Provides export functionality to Excel, PDF, etc.
• Uses function modules or classes to display data.
• More user-friendly compared to Classical and Interactive Reports.

Steps to Create an ALV Report:

1. Fetch Data – Retrieve data using a SELECT query.
2. Define Field Catalog – Structure the table columns.
3. Call ALV Function Module – Use REUSE_ALV_GRID_DISPLAY to show data in ALV format.

Example of an ALV Report:

REPORT ZALV_REPORT.
DATA: lt_data TYPE TABLE OF mara,
      gs_layout TYPE slis_layout_alv,
      gt_fieldcat TYPE TABLE OF slis_fieldcat_alv.

SELECT * FROM mara INTO TABLE lt_data.
CALL FUNCTION 'REUSE_ALV_GRID_DISPLAY'
    EXPORTING
      i_structure_name = 'MARA'
    TABLES
      t_outtab = lt_data
      t_fieldcat = gt_fieldcat.

This ALV report displays material data in a structured format with sorting and filtering features.

4. SAP Query: A Powerful Reporting Tool

SAP Query is a user-friendly tool that allows users to create reports without programming knowledge. It helps extract data from SAP tables using a simple interface. With SAP Query, users can generate customized reports without writing ABAP code.

Key Features of SAP Query:

• No programming required – suitable for functional users.
• Allows data extraction from multiple tables.
• Provides sorting, filtering, and formatting options.
• Supports basic calculations and field grouping.
• Can be converted into an ABAP report for advanced customization.

Steps to Create an SAP Query:

1. Create a User Group – Assign users who can access queries.
2. Create an InfoSet – Define tables and fields for the report.
3. Build the Query – Select fields, apply conditions, and set output format.
4. Execute & Save – Run the query to generate a report.

SAP Query is a great alternative for users who need quick reports without coding. It enhances productivity and makes reporting more accessible in SAP.

Conclusion

SAP provides different types of reports based on business needs. Classical Reports are simple and easy to create. Interactive Reports allow users to interact with data and drill down for more details. ALV Reports offer advanced features like sorting, filtering, and exporting. Choosing the right type of report depends on the requirement. SAP Query helps to create programs for non technical users.

Understanding these reports helps SAP developers create efficient solutions for businesses.

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