Types of Transports in SAP

 SAP transports help move changes—like custom programs, configurations, and user roles—across different systems (DEV → QA → PROD). Here’s a breakdown of the main transport types and when to use them:

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1. Workbench Transport (Development Objects & Transport of Copies)

What it does:

• Moves ABAP programs, reports, function modules, and dictionary objects (tables, views, etc.).
• These changes are usually client-independent (available across all clients).

When to use:

• When developing custom ABAP reports, function modules, or making dictionary changes.

Example:
A developer updates an ABAP report (Z_SALES_REPORT) in DEV and needs to transport it to QA and PROD.

Process:

1. Developer creates a Workbench Request using SE10.
2. Basis team releases the transport and imports it into QA → PROD via STMS.

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2. Customizing Transport (Configuration Changes)

What it does:

• Moves client-dependent configurations (IMG settings, company codes, pricing, tax settings, etc.).

When to use:

• When making configuration changes using SPRO (IMG transactions).

Example:
A functional consultant configures a new payment term in DEV for Finance.

Process:

1. System prompts for a Customizing Transport Request when saving the change.
2. Basis team moves the transport to QA for testing and then to PROD.

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3. Transport of Copies (ToC) – For Testing Before Final Transport

What it does:

• A temporary copy of an existing transport request, used for testing.
• Does not affect the original transport.

When to use:

• If testing is needed in QA before moving the final transport to PROD.

Example:
A developer updates a BAPI in DEV but wants to test it in QA first.

Process:

1. Creates a Transport of Copies (ToC).
2. Moves it to QA for testing.
3. Once approved, the original transport is moved to PROD.

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4. Relocation Transport – Moving Objects Between Development Systems

What it does:

• Moves objects from one development system to another (e.g., Sandbox → DEV).
• Useful in dual-track development (parallel DEV environments).

When to use:

• When an object is created in a sandbox system and later needs to be moved to the main DEV system.

Example:
A consultant tests a new configuration in a sandbox. Once finalized, they use a Relocation Transport to move it to the main DEV system. The object is then transported through the standard landscape.

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5. Client-Specific Transport (Client Export/Import)

What it does:

• Moves client-dependent data from one client to another (e.g., copying data from DEV to QA).

When to use:

• When setting up a new client and copying existing configurations or data.

Example:
A new training client is created in QA.

Process:

1. Data from DEV Client 100 is exported via SCC8.
2. The exported data is imported into the new QA client using SCC7.

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6. Cross-Client Object Transport (Client-Independent Objects)

What it does:

• Moves client-independent objects like ABAP Dictionary objects, user roles, and authorization profiles.

When to use:

• When modifying user roles, authorizations, or global system settings.