Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Beginner-Level Sap Basis Interview Questions
2.1.
1. What is the Tcode for displaying & deleting the locked objects?
2.2.
2. What is SAP Basis?
2.3.
3. How to define logon groups?
2.4.
4. What is Transactional RFC?
2.5.
5. Explain the SAP single stack system.
2.6.
6. Define SAP GUI.
2.7.
7. Explain the concept of SAP ALE & IDocs.
2.8.
8. What is SAP EarlyWatch Alert?
2.9.
9. Explain the concept of SAP Workload Analysis.
2.10.
10. Explain the purpose of the SAProuter.
3.
Intermediate Level Sap Basis Interview Questions
3.1.
11. How can the SAP system be locked or unlocked?
3.2.
12. Mention the various categories that help in executing SAP Background jobs.
3.3.
13. What is the difference between support package, kernel & SAP note?
3.4.
14. Define RFC. How many different kinds of RFCs are there?
3.5.
15. How do you monitor & tune database performance in SAP?
3.6.
16. Explain the process of an SAP upgrade.
3.7.
17. What are the different type of users in SAP?
3.8.
18. How do you perform a client copy in SAP, and what are the key steps involved?
3.9.
19. What is the purpose of the STMS_IMPORT transaction?
3.10.
20. What are the standard stages of the SAP Payment Run?
4.
Advanced Level Sap Basis Interview Questions
4.1.
21. In CMC (Central Management Console), how do we set up an OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) connection?
4.2.
22. In SAP, distinguish between S/4HANA On-premise & S/4HANA Cloud.
4.3.
23. What is the purpose of the ztta/roll area profile parameter?
4.4.
24. What are the authorization objects in the user master record that are always present?
4.5.
25. How to perform a SAP-export & import tables in SAP from OS level?
4.6.
26. How do you handle high availability in an SAP environment?
4.7.
27. What are SAP Enhancement Packages & how do you install them?
4.8.
28. Explain the steps for troubleshooting an SAP performance issue.
4.9.
29. What are the steps involved in SAP disaster recovery planning?
4.10.
30. How do you handle SAP system security?
5.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Jan 29, 2025
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SAP Basis Interview Questions

Author Gaurav Gandhi
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Introduction

SAP Basis is the technical foundation of the SAP system, handling tasks like system administration, database management & performance tuning. It ensures smooth operation of SAP applications. 

Sap Basis Interview Questions

In this article, we will cover key SAP Basis concepts through common interview questions, helping you gain a solid understanding of this critical area.

Beginner-Level Sap Basis Interview Questions

1. What is the Tcode for displaying & deleting the locked objects?

The transaction code for displaying & deleting locked objects in SAP is SM12. It allows viewing details of the locks, analyzing the lock situations & manually deleting the locks if necessary.

2. What is SAP Basis?

SAP Basis refers to the technical foundation layer of the SAP system. It handles core tasks like system installation, maintenance, database administration & performance optimization to keep the SAP landscape running smoothly.

3. How to define logon groups?

Logon groups are created in transaction SMLG to categorize servers into groups. When a user logs on, the message server directs the user to the appropriate application server within the assigned logon group, balancing the load.

4. What is Transactional RFC?

Transactional RFC (tRFC) is a type of Remote Function Call in SAP that ensures the remote system executes the same COMMIT or ROLLBACK as the calling system. This keeps the systems synchronized even if a failure occurs.

5. Explain the SAP single stack system.

A single stack SAP system has all components like database, application server & other services installed on a single host. It is a simple setup suitable for non-production use, but lacks scalability & high availability.

6. Define SAP GUI.

SAP GUI (Graphical User Interface) is the frontend client software used to access SAP systems. It allows users to interact with SAP applications, enter data & execute transactions through a user-friendly interface.

7. Explain the concept of SAP ALE & IDocs.

SAP ALE (Application Link Enabling) is a framework for exchanging business data between SAP & non-SAP systems.

IDocs (Intermediate Documents) are the standard data format used in ALE for the data exchange.

8. What is SAP EarlyWatch Alert?

SAP EarlyWatch Alert is a monitoring service that proactively checks the health of an SAP system. It collects performance data, analyzes it & sends alerts & recommendations to help prevent issues & optimize the system.

9. Explain the concept of SAP Workload Analysis.

SAP Workload Analysis helps analyze & optimize system performance by collecting & reporting data on hardware resource utilization, application response times, user activity & more. It identifies bottlenecks & helps with capacity planning.

10. Explain the purpose of the SAProuter.

The SAProuter is a program that acts as an intermediate station, controlling & securing communication between SAP systems & external networks. It works like a firewall, allowing only authorized & authenticated access.

Intermediate Level Sap Basis Interview Questions

11. How can the SAP system be locked or unlocked?

The SAP system can be locked or unlocked using transaction SM04. Locking the system prevents new users from logging in, which is useful during maintenance. This ensures that no additional users can access the system, allowing for safe updates or troubleshooting. Unlocking the system afterward allows users to log in again and resume their activities. 

12. Mention the various categories that help in executing SAP Background jobs.

The categories for executing SAP background jobs are:

  • Immediate: Starts the job immediately
     
  • Scheduled: Starts the job at a scheduled date & time
     
  • Calendar: Uses factory calendar to determine job start
     
  • Forecast: Job is proposed & may be scheduled later

13. What is the difference between support package, kernel & SAP note?

A support package is a bundle of corrections & enhancements for the SAP system.

The kernel is the core of the SAP system that manages memory, processes & programs.

An SAP note is a document with information on issues, corrections or enhancements.

14. Define RFC. How many different kinds of RFCs are there?

RFC (Remote Function Call) allows communication between SAP systems. The main types are:

  • Synchronous RFC: Waits for a response before proceeding
     
  • Asynchronous RFC: Continues without waiting for a response
     
  • Transactional RFC: Ensures COMMIT/ROLLBACK actions are synchronized

15. How do you monitor & tune database performance in SAP?

Key steps to monitor & tune database performance in SAP:

  • Use transaction ST04 to check database performance
     
  • Analyze SQL statements using transaction ST05
     
  • Monitor & optimize database memory usage
     
  • Regularly check for & correct database errors
     
  • Perform database statistics update & reorganization

16. Explain the process of an SAP upgrade.

Main steps in an SAP upgrade process:

  • Plan the upgrade & assess impact on customizations
     
  • Prepare development, quality & production systems
     
  • Perform pre-upgrade tasks & checks
     
  • Execute upgrade in maintenance window
     
  • Perform post-upgrade steps like testing & transports
     
  • Apply manual activities & test the upgraded system

17. What are the different type of users in SAP?

The main types of users in SAP are:

  • Dialog users: Used for interactive activities
     
  • System users: Used for background processing
     
  • Communication users: Used for external system communication
     
  • Service users: Used for specific SAP services

18. How do you perform a client copy in SAP, and what are the key steps involved?

  • Step 1: Log into the target client using the transaction code SCCL.
     
  • Step 2: Choose the client copy profile according to the requirements (e.g., SAP_ALL, SAP_CUST).
     
  • Step 3: Specify the source client details.
     
  • Step 4: Start the client copy process, either immediately or schedule it for later.
     
  • Step 5: Monitor the client copy process using transaction code SCC3.
     
  • Step 6: Review the log files for any errors or issues to ensure successful completion.
     
  • Step 7: Post-copy activities like adjusting user authorizations and verifying data integrity.

19. What is the purpose of the STMS_IMPORT transaction?

Transaction STMS_IMPORT in SAP is used to import transport requests into an SAP system. It enables users to select the transport directory, where transport requests are stored, and review the contents of the transport. The transaction also provides options to control the import behavior, such as whether to import immediately or schedule for later, and whether to overwrite existing objects or keep the originals. Additionally, STMS_IMPORT allows for the checking of transport logs and handling of any errors or conflicts that arise during the import process, ensuring a smooth integration of new changes into the system.

20. What are the standard stages of the SAP Payment Run?

The standard stages of the SAP Payment Run are:

  • Create payment proposals
     
  • Modify payment proposals & post payments
     
  • Control payment results & output payment media
     
  • Transmit payments & execute post-processing

Advanced Level Sap Basis Interview Questions

21. In CMC (Central Management Console), how do we set up an OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) connection?

To set up an OLAP connection in CMC:

  • Log into CMC & select OLAP Settings
     
  • Choose "Create New OLAP Server Connection"
     
  • Enter system details like server, port & username
     
  • Test & save the OLAP connection

22. In SAP, distinguish between S/4HANA On-premise & S/4HANA Cloud.

 

S/4HANA On-premise is installed on company servers & offers full control & customization.

S/4HANA Cloud is a subscription model hosted by SAP with automatic updates but limited customization.

23. What is the purpose of the ztta/roll area profile parameter?

The ztta/roll area profile parameter specifies the size of the roll area, which is used for the SAP table logging mechanism. It determines how much data can be kept in the roll area before being written to disk.

24. What are the authorization objects in the user master record that are always present?

The authorization objects always present in the SAP user master record are:

  • S_USER_AGR: Controls user master maintenance authorizations
     
  • S_TABU_NAM: Specifies which tables the user can access
     
  • S_USER_GRP: Determines the user group assignment

25. How to perform a SAP-export & import tables in SAP from OS level?

To export & import tables in SAP from the operating system level:

  • Log onto the OS & navigate to the SAP system directory
     
  • Use the R3trans executable with appropriate parameters
     
  • Specify the export/import command, username, password etc.
     
  • Execute the command to export or import the specified tables

26. How do you handle high availability in an SAP environment?

To handle high availability in an SAP environment:

  • Implement redundant hardware components
     
  • Set up clustering & failover for critical systems
     
  • Configure database mirroring or replication
     
  • Use load balancing for distributing workload
     
  • Regularly test & update the HA/DR plan

27. What are SAP Enhancement Packages & how do you install them?

SAP Enhancement Packages are optional software packages that add new features & functionalities to existing SAP systems. They allow innovation without disrupting the core system.

To install an enhancement package:

  • Check prerequisites & perform backup
     
  • Download & extract the package files
     
  • Run the installer & follow the guided steps
     
  • Perform post-installation configuration & testing

28. Explain the steps for troubleshooting an SAP performance issue.

Key steps for troubleshooting SAP performance issues:

  • Analyze the issue & gather relevant data
     
  • Check hardware resources like CPU, memory & disk
     
  • Review SAP performance monitors & logs
     
  • Identify the bottleneck (database, network, application)
     
  • Apply appropriate resolution & optimize settings
     
  • Monitor to verify the issue is resolved

29. What are the steps involved in SAP disaster recovery planning?

Main steps in SAP disaster recovery planning:

  • Identify critical systems & recovery objectives
     
  • Design the DR architecture & select DR site
     
  • Implement data replication & backup procedures
     
  • Develop failover & failback procedures
     
  • Test the DR plan regularly & train personnel
     
  • Maintain & update the DR plan as the landscape changes

30. How do you handle SAP system security?

Key aspects of handling SAP system security:

  • Assign appropriate authorization roles to users
     
  • Regularly review & adjust authorizations as needed
     
  • Implement strong password policies & authentication
     
  • Monitor security logs & respond to incidents
     
  • Apply security patches & notes in a timely manner
     
  • Perform periodic security audits & penetration tests

Conclusion

We hope you have gained some insights on SAP Basis Interview Questions through this article. We hope this will help you excel in your interviews and enhance your knowledge of  SAP Basis and related stuff. 

You can also practice coding questions commonly asked in interviews on Coding Ninjas Code360

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