The SAP IDoc Format

IDocs are used as containers for information, and are used to exchange business data between systems.

Several hundred IDocs are supplied with each SAP R/3 system, serving as templates for a wide variety of applications. The IDoc hierarchy is represented by the following terminology:

• Message Types are related to specific applications such as Orders.

• IDoc Types are different versions of standard Message Types, such as Orders for specific items or services.