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The Importance of Custom Object Identifier in SAP CRM Cloud for Customer
Custom object identifier is a unique identifier assigned to a custom business object in SAP CRM Cloud for Customer. It serves as a key field to identify and access the custom object in the system. Without a valid custom object identifier, the custom object cannot be created, modified or viewed in the user interface or via API calls.
Custom objects are widely used in SAP CRM Cloud for Customer to store additional business data that cannot be accommodated in standard objects, such as accounts, contacts, opportunities, and tickets. Custom objects can be created and maintained via the Custom Business Objects work center in the SAP CRM Cloud for Customer Administration console.
When creating a custom object, the system automatically generates a custom object identifier field, which is usually named as External Code. The custom object identifier can also be defined as a custom field, with an alphanumeric data type and a maximum length of 40 characters. It must be unique within the scope of the custom object, and cannot be modified once set.
However, there are cases where the custom object identifier does not exist, or is not visible in the user interface or API. This can cause various issues in the custom object lifecycle, such as creation, update, deletion, search, and reporting. This article will explore the main causes and solutions of the custom object identifier issue in SAP CRM Cloud for Customer.
The Main Causes of Custom Object Identifier Does Not Exist Issue
1. Custom Object Is Not Properly Activated
The custom object needs to be activated in the Custom Business Objects work center before the custom object identifier is generated and enabled for use. If the custom object is not activated, the custom object identifier field will not exist and cannot be used. To activate a custom object, go to the Custom Business Objects work center, select the custom object, and click on the Activate button.
2. Custom Object Identifier Field Is Not Visible
The custom object identifier field may not be visible in the default layout of the custom object in the user interface or API. This can happen if the field is not added to the view or form used to display or edit the custom object records. To make the custom object identifier field visible, go to the Custom Business Objects work center, select the custom object, and open the Layout Designer. Then, drag and drop the custom object identifier field to the desired view or form.
3. Custom Object Identifier Field Is Hidden or Deleted
The custom object identifier field may be hidden or deleted in the field configuration of the custom object. This can happen if the field is marked as not visible or deleted by mistake or by a system update. To check and restore the custom object identifier field, go to the Custom Business Objects work center, select the custom object, and open the Field Definition. Then, search for the custom object identifier field and make sure it is marked as visible and not deleted.
4. Custom Object Identifier Field Is Not Mapped
The custom object identifier field needs to be mapped to the corresponding field in the underlying database table of the custom object. If the mapping is not properly set, the custom object identifier field will not exist or be available in the system. To map the custom object identifier field, go to the Custom Business Objects work center, select the custom object, and open the Database Table Definition. Then, map the custom object identifier field to the External Code field of the database table.
5. Custom Object Identifier Field Is Not Unique
The custom object identifier field must be unique within the scope of the custom object. If the field contains duplicate values, the custom object identifier will not be able to uniquely identify the custom object records. To ensure the uniqueness of the custom object identifier field, go to the Custom Business Objects work center, select the custom object, and open the Field Definition. Then, mark the custom object identifier field as a Key field, which will enforce the uniqueness of the field values.
The Solutions to Custom Object Identifier Does Not Exist Issue
1. Check and Activate the Custom Object
Make sure the custom object is properly activated in the Custom Business Objects work center. If the custom object is not activated, activate it and regenerate the custom object identifier field.
2. Add the Custom Object Identifier Field to the Layout
Make sure the custom object identifier field is added to the desired view or form of the custom object in the Layout Designer. If the field is not visible, drag and drop it from the Available Fields pane to the desired position.
3. Restore the Custom Object Identifier Field
Make sure the custom object identifier field is not hidden or deleted in the Field Definition of the custom object. If the field is hidden or deleted, mark it as visible and restore its settings.
4. Map the Custom Object Identifier Field
Make sure the custom object identifier field is properly mapped to the External Code field of the database table in the Database Table Definition of the custom object. If the mapping is not correct, adjust it and regenerate the custom object identifier field.
5. Ensure the Uniqueness of the Custom Object Identifier Field
Make sure the custom object identifier field is unique within the scope of the custom object. If the field contains duplicate values, adjust the values and mark the field as a Key field in the Field Definition of the custom object.
Table: Complete Information about SAP CRM Cloud for Customer Custom Object Identifier
| Field Name | Data Type | Maximum Length | Mandatory | Unique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External Code | Alphanumeric | 40 | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions about SAP CRM Cloud for Customer Custom Object Identifier
1. Can I change the custom object identifier once it is set?
No, you cannot change the custom object identifier once it is set. The custom object identifier is a key field that uniquely identifies the custom object and its records. Changing it would require modifying the database schema and the dependent applications, which is not recommended.
2. How can I retrieve the custom object identifier value via API?
You can retrieve the custom object identifier value via OData API or SOAP API. In OData API, the custom object identifier field is named as ExternalCode and is one of the default fields returned by the GET entity operation. In SOAP API, the custom object identifier field is named as ExternalCode and is one of the default fields included in the response.
3. Can I reuse the custom object identifier value after deleting a custom object record?
No, you cannot reuse the custom object identifier value after deleting a custom object record. The custom object identifier is unique and cannot be duplicated. If you need to create a new record with a similar identifier, you need to generate a new identifier value.
4. Can I use special characters in the custom object identifier value?
Yes, you can use special characters in the custom object identifier value, but it is not recommended. Special characters may cause issues in database queries, API calls, and user interface rendering. It is recommended to use only alphanumeric characters in the custom object identifier value.
5. How can I search for custom objects using the custom object identifier value?
You can search for custom objects using the custom object identifier value via the Advanced Search function in the user interface or via OData API. In the Advanced Search function, you can add a search criterion for the custom object identifier field and specify the value. In OData API, you can specify the custom object identifier field and the value in the $filter parameter of the GET entity operation.
6. Can I create a custom object without a custom object identifier?
No, you cannot create a custom object without a custom object identifier. The custom object identifier serves as a unique key to identify and access the custom object in the system. Without it, the custom object cannot be created, modified, or viewed.
7. Can I convert a custom object identifier field from non-key to key?
Yes, you can convert a custom object identifier field from non-key to key in the Field Definition of the custom object. However, you need to ensure the uniqueness of the field values before making it a Key field.
8. How can I know if the custom object identifier is properly set?
You can check if the custom object identifier is properly set by creating, modifying, or viewing a custom object record in the user interface or via API. If the custom object identifier field is visible and contains a unique value, then it is properly set. If the field is not visible or contains a null value, then it is not properly set.
9. How can I generate a random custom object identifier value?
You can generate a random custom object identifier value by using a custom script or a third-party tool. The value should be unique and comply with the data type and length requirements of the custom object identifier field. However, it is recommended to use a meaningful or structured custom object identifier value that reflects the business context of the custom object.
10. Can I customize the name and data type of the custom object identifier field?
Yes, you can customize the name and data type of the custom object identifier field in the Field Definition of the custom object. However, you need to make sure the field name and data type are unique and compatible with the dependent applications and interfaces.
11. How can I access the custom object identifier value in the user interface?
You can access the custom object identifier value in the user interface by navigating to the custom object record and checking the External Code field. You can also add the External Code field to the view or form of the custom object via the Layout Designer.
12. Can I use the custom object identifier field in the reporting and analytics functions?
Yes, you can use the custom object identifier field in the reporting and analytics functions of SAP CRM Cloud for Customer. You can define the custom object identifier field as a filter, a group by, or a calculated field in the Reports work center, and create custom reports and dashboards based on it.
13. How can I troubleshoot the custom object identifier issue?
You can troubleshoot the custom object identifier issue by following the steps outlined in this article, and by checking the system logs, the API response messages, and the error messages displayed in the user interface. You can also contact the SAP support team or the community forum for further assistance and guidance.
Conclusion: Why Custom Object Identifier Matters in SAP CRM Cloud for Customer
Custom object identifier is a critical element in SAP CRM Cloud for Customer, as it serves as a unique key to identify and access the custom objects and their records. Without a valid custom object identifier, the custom object cannot be created, modified, or viewed, causing various issues in the business processes and the user experience.
However, the custom object identifier may not exist or be visible in the system due to various reasons, such as improper activation, configuration, mapping, or uniqueness. To address these issues, it is important to follow the best practices and to use the available tools and resources in SAP CRM Cloud for Customer.
If you encounter custom object identifier issue or need further information, do not hesitate to contact the SAP support team or the community forum. With a proper understanding and implementation of the custom object identifier, you can enhance the flexibility, scalability, and innovation of your SAP CRM Cloud for Customer solution.
Closing: Disclaimer and Acknowledgments
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, technical, or professional advice. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official policies or positions of SAP SE or its affiliates.
The author acknowledges the contributions and feedback of the SAP CRM Cloud for Customer community, the SAP support team, and the editors and reviewers of this article. The author also thanks the readers for their interest and attention, and encourages them to share their comments and feedback on the article and the topic.
