GuiXT

GuiXT is a software component which allows the customization of the SAP user interface. It was developed as a standalone solution in 1998 by Synactive GmbH, Germany, and shortly thereafter integrated into SAP GUI by SAP.

Additional tools based on GuiXT are offered by Synactive GmbH (InputAssistant, GuiXT Controls, GuiXT Script Editor Pro) and by Synactive, Inc., a US firm headquartered in Foster City, California (GuiXT Designer, Liquid UI).

Synactive GmbH was founded in 1998 by Dr. Gerhard Rodé. Synactive Inc. was founded in 1998 by Thomas Ewe.

Capabilities and Use Cases of GuiXT

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GuiXT plays a crucial role in enhancing the user interface and user experience of SAP applications. Its primary function is to customize and simplify the SAP screens according to user requirements, thereby making the system more user-friendly and efficient. In conclusion, GuiXT is a powerful tool for enhancing and customizing the SAP user interface. By offering a wide range of customization options and integrations, GuiXT can significantly improve the efficiency, accuracy, and user satisfaction of SAP system operations.

Screen Enhancement

GuiXT provides tools to modify the layout and appearance of SAP screens. Users can rearrange fields, tables, and buttons, hide unnecessary elements, and change labels to create a more intuitive and streamlined interface. This customization can help reduce the complexity of SAP transactions and minimize user errors.

Automation of User Inputs

Through the InputAssistant, another tool offered by Synactive, GuiXT can automate repetitive user inputs, reducing the need for manual data entry and improving the efficiency of SAP transactions. The InputAssistant can also be used to minimize the number of screens in a transaction, further simplifying the user experience.

Embedding Web Pages

With GuiXT, users can embed web pages directly into SAP screens. This feature enables users to access relevant external information without leaving the SAP system, facilitating more efficient work processes and decision-making.

Using Interfaces and Web Services

GuiXT can leverage interfaces and web services to integrate data and functionality from other systems into the SAP GUI. This capability allows users to interact with multiple systems through a single, unified interface, leading to improved productivity and user satisfaction.

Integration of Data and Excel Files

GuiXT provides options for integrating data from Excel files directly into SAP screens. This integration allows for easy data transfer between SAP and Excel, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the potential for input errors.

Activating and Using GuiXT

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The activation and usage of GuiXT involve a series of steps that allow the user to customize the SAP GUI according to their needs.

Activation

GuiXT is shipped with the SAP product CD and is installed along with the SAP GUI. To activate GuiXT, navigate to the standard toolbar of the SAP system and choose 'Adjustment of the local layout', then 'Activate GuiXT'. This option is available from SAP GUI Release 4.6B onward.

Setting Up

GuiXT's profile parameters are stored in the Windows registry, but an alternative option is to use a GUIXT.INI file. This method is particularly useful when installing GuiXT on multiple PCs with a predefined profile. The GUIXT.INI file contains parameters that determine which scripts can be utilized for specific transactions.

If GuiXT needs to be made available to a large number of users, it can be installed on a network server. This requires the SAP GUI and the GuiXT programs (GUIXT.EXE, GUIXT.DLL, GUIXT.INI, and others) to be installed in the central SAP GUI directory. The GuiXT window can be hidden from end users via the profile parameters 'StartMinimized Yes' or 'StartHidden Yes'.

Creating and Storing Scripts

GuiXT scripts, which are used to customize the SAP GUI, are stored as normal ASCII text files. The directory for storing the scripts can be specified with the parameter 'Directory1 directoryname'. Overall, four profile parameters (Directory1, Directory2, Directory3, and Directory4) are available for storing GuiXT scripts. The system searches these directories in reverse order (starting with Directory4) for a suitable script, executing the first one it finds.

Naming a GuiXT Script

Each GuiXT script refers to one screen of a program, and these screens are stored in the Repository under the ABAP program name and a 4-digit number. For instance, screen 0100 of the program SAPMV45A. When creating a GuiXT script for a transaction, activate GuiXT in the standard toolbar, start the transaction, and select 'Edit' > 'Script' in the GuiXT window. The editor opens with a corresponding script name.

GuiXT scripts are language-dependent, and a language key must be specified in the script name (E for English, D for German, I for Italian, J for Japanese, etc.). The script file name follows the format 'pppppppp.Lnnnn.txt', where 'pppppppp' is the ABAP program name, 'L' is the 1-digit language key, and 'nnnn' is the 4-digit screen number