The product
The VDI_AASX Builder is a product-ready ABAP add-on that we make available to industrial customers who need to deliver their technical documentation in accordance with VDI 2770. Instead of Excel lists, manual ZIP creation and validation ping-pong, you get an SAP-integrated solution that generates delivery packages in minutes.
The generated containers comply with the requirements of the VDI 2770 Part 1 guideline and the IDTA submodel template HandoverDocumentation from the Industrial Digital Twin Consortium. They are XSD-validated and are accepted by common recipients (BASF, Bayer, Evonik, Wacker and other large customers in the process industry) without reworking.
Functions
VDI 2770 Container with Main and Sub-Documents
A main document container (ZIP) with a descriptive VDI2770_Metadata.xml and an embedded document container per source document is created for each delivery. The sub-containers each contain their own metadata XML and PDF file. The selection of the main document follows the standard: the document with class 01 identification is automatically set as the primary reference — fallback is the first available PDF.
AASX package to AAS V3
Parallel to the VDI container, the builder creates an AASX package according to Asset Administration Shell V3. It contains exactly one AAS shell with asset info, a Submodel HandoverDocumentation, and per source document a SubmodelElementCollection with DocumentId, DocumentClassifications, and DocumentVersion. The PDFs are available in the package at /aasx/files/. The package is OPC-compliant and can be opened in the AASX Package Explorer.
Multi-file upload and per-file metadata
You use the SAP selection screen to select several PDFs from the work center. For each file, you maintain the metadata in a follow-up dialog: document ID, version, language, title, VDI class, and class name. Multiple classification is supported — an operating and maintenance manual can be assigned to classes 03-02 Operation and 03-05 Repair at the same time. Input aids (F4) provide the permissible class IDs and product-specific designations.
Documents from SAP Document Info Records
The builder connects to the SAP DMS master data. Documents can be selected directly from document info records (transaction CV04N) instead of exporting them to the desktop in advance. Material and equipment links are evaluated so that the documentation for the equipment from the SAP master is automatically compiled. This feature complements local file upload — both sources can be combined in one delivery. For more information on general DMS integration, see SAP Document Management.
PDF/A conversion via Adobe Document Services
Bulk buyers usually require PDF/A for the long-term archiving of the documentation. The builder checks each PDF for the PDF/A marker in the XMP header. If it is missing, the Adobe Document Services (ADS) program calls and converts the file. With the AUTO option, the add-on first attempts the highest compliance level PDF/A-3A, falling back to PDF/A-2A and PDF/A-1A if necessary. Successfully converted files replace the original in the delivery package.
Foldable selection screen and variant maintenance
The selection screen is divided into seven blocks (File Selection, Manufacturer, Object, Document Metadata, AAS/AASX, Output, Per-File Maintenance). Each block can be opened and closed. You save frequent constellations — such as recurring manufacturer master data — as an SAP variant and call them up every time they are delivered.
What you get out of it
- Delivery time shortened: Delivery package in 5 minutes instead of 2 hours of Excel tinkering.
- Validated output: Tested against the Digital Data Chain Consortium’s XSD validator.
- Double output: VDI-2770-ZIP and AASX in one pass — no tool change.
- Industry 4.0 capable: AASX output can be imported directly into AAS repositories such as Eclipse BaSyx.
- No media discontinuity: Documentation remains in SAP, connection to DIS and equipment master.
- PDF/A included: Conversion over existing ADS infrastructure, no additional license.
Technical architecture
The builder is a single ABAP report program. The creation of the containers uses cl_abap_zip; XML and JSON building blocks are built using string templates. Communication with ADS takes place via CL_FP_PDF_OBJECT and the method SET_TASK_CONVERTPDF2PDFA.
| Component |
Value |
| Platform |
SAP NetWeaver 7.50+ / SAP S/4HANA |
| Language |
ABAP (Objects + Classic Reporting) |
| VDI Schema |
VDI 2770:2018, Part 1 |
| AAS version |
V3 (IEC 63278), IDTA 02004-1-2 HandoverDocumentation |
| PDF/A conversion |
Adobe Document Services, PDF/A-1A to -3A (with fallback levels) |
| Local data source |
Frontend upload via CL_GUI_FRONTEND_SERVICES |
| SAP data source |
DIS / DMS (Roadmap: current integration) |
Application scenarios
We use the Builder for manufacturers in plant engineering and component production. Typical use cases:
- Valve and actuator manufacturers deliver equipment passports, installation drawings, operating instructions, ATEX certificates and declarations of conformity as one package per serial number.
- Pump and compressor manufacturers bundle technical specifications, maintenance plans and spare parts lists for each piece of equipment.
- EI suppliers supplement circuit diagrams and commissioning protocols.
- Plant operators use the AASX output to build Industry 4.0 management shells for their existing plants — see SAP Industry 4.0.
