Converting Simple Date format to JSON date format with User Defined Functions (UDF)

As an SAP Integration Developer working with SAP S/4 HANA API’s with JSON Schema format, I encountered the necessity to adeptly convert simple date formats received from both SAP and non-SAP systems to JSON date format prior posting the payload to SAP S/4 HANA for required operations.

In this case, if payload posted to S/4 HANA consists of simple date format (DD/MM/YYYY), it reverts with date-related errors that arise due to unrecognized formats by the system.

To address this issue, I couldn’t find an existing guide, prompting me to share my approach with fellow Integration Consultants.

Well recognizing the necessity for transformation, I opted to use Groovy script (UDF).

Scenario:

Our Integration layer receives data from various SAP as well as Non-SAP systems which requires to be posted to S/4 HANA system via API’s after required conversions based on business requirements.

The date format present in the data was simple format (i.e. “DD/MM/YYYY”) but S/4 HANA expects it in JSON date format (i.e. “/Date(478321400000)/”).

Resolution:

To handle the conversion, I have developed a simple groovy UDF and added it to the message mapping layer of SAP CPI.

Steps to follow: 

1. Create your message mapping structure and select the relevant date fields which requires conversion.

2. Select the create Functions tab (highlighted below) for creation of the UDF Groovy script and give it a relevant name. (Note: You can first add the script in references section of Integration flow and assign script from here as well, by clicking on the adjacent icon.)

After naming, click ok to proceed further.  

                                                                                             

3. Paste the following Groovy function.(Note: You don’t need to do any modifications to the script apart from adjusting the date format based on the request payload input accordingly.)

import com.sap.it.api.mapping.*

def String JSONDateFormatting(String datefield) {

    

    if (datefield && !datefield.isEmpty()) {

        // adjust simple date format based on input

        def dateformat = new java.text.SimpleDateFormat("dd/MM/yyyy")

        def date = dateformat.parse(datefield)

        def timestamp = date.time

 

        def jsonDate = "/Date(${timestamp})/"

        return jsonDate

        

    } else {

        return null

    }

}

​

4. Map the relevant field with the function pallet.

Voila, you’re all set!

Let’s test now to check how things go ahead.

Development Assessments:

The request payload was triggered from an end system was passed through the message mapping structure for required transformation. 

(It’s an XML structure, I have internationally hid rest of the data apart from the date field.)

Prior to message mapping transformation.

The date field with simple date format was likewise transformed to JSON date format using the UDF.

After message mapping transformation.