The SAP Integration Suite is the latest evolution of CPI (Cloud Platform Integration), previously known as HCI.
As a cloud component of SAP’s Business Technology Platform (BTP), it enables seamless integration across IT systems
Here, our SAP Integration Suite technical advisor at Sileron provides an in-depth look at what Integration Suite offers, using the Oodrive_sign project as a practical example.
SAP Integration Suite: Enabling Connectivity Across Information Systems
The SAP Integration Suite facilitates smooth data exchanges between various IT solutions with different levels of complexity through a robust set of technical tools and connectors.
It includes a library of connectors compatible with various protocols, including:
- Open web protocols (e.g., web services, OData),
- Business-focused protocols (e.g., EDI),
- SAP solution connectors (e.g., SuccessFactors, Ariba, SAP XI),
- Open connectors for third-party applications, including Salesforce, Workday, GSuite, Amazon, Jira, Magento, SQL databases, and more…
Establishing a Variety of Interconnection Types
Data exchange between IT systems often requires more than just a simple transfer; information may need transformation or enrichment to match each system’s unique “language.” SAP Integration Suite ensures that data reaches the target system accurately and in the correct format, even if the source system doesn’t directly output data externally. In such cases, SAP Integration Suite retrieves and sends the data to the receiving system.
Asynchronous Connections for Greater System Efficiency
Often, loosely coupled, asynchronous connections are ideal to avoid disruptions during data exchanges. The SAP Integration Suite enables autonomous flow management, ensuring that error scenarios can be replayed if needed. For optimal efficiency, tasks such as retrieving updated data from SAP Business ByDesign can be scheduled to occur within specific timeframes.
SAP Integration Suite for SAP Business ByDesign ERP
SAP Integration Suite opens up vast possibilities for SAP Business ByDesign ERP, allowing integration with various third-party applications and processes.
Levels of Service in SAP Integration Suite
SAP Integration Suite is available as a subscription on the BTP platform, with three service tiers:
- Basic: Access to standard technical connectors and open connectors.
- Standard: Includes standard connectors, open connectors (e.g., Salesforce), and an advisor tool for workflow design and optimisation.
- Premium: A comprehensive package with development and production capabilities.
Each subscription offers monitoring of system interactions; however, Sileron also provides email notifications for ease of monitoring.
Benefits of SAP Integration Suite at a Glance
- Automates IT processes
- Minimises manual actions between systems, reducing errors and delays
- Manages asynchronous interconnections invisibly to systems and users
- Customises Business ByDesign without extensive development
- Builds cross-functional applications accessible via web interfaces
- Integrates the company’s varied application ecosystems
- Enables migration of on-premises software to the cloud
An Integration Example with SAP Business ByDesign ERP: The Oodrive_sign Project
The Oodrive_sign Project Using SAP Integration Suite
Oodrive_sign is an external, secure electronic signature tool. With SAP Integration Suite, documents requiring signatures, such as quotes, timesheets, and service orders, can be sent to Oodrive_sign from SAP Business ByDesign and returned directly to the ERP upon completion.
Project Overview
Type: API creation between Oodrive_sign and SAP Business ByDesign ERP
Objective: To automate document approval and signature processes and securely record the data in SAP Business ByDesign ERP.
Technical Details of the Project
This project involves transferring data from Business ByDesign ERP (documents requiring signatures) to Oodrive_sign for signature and then returning the signed documents to SAP Business ByDesign ERP. Using APIs in REST format, multiple HTTP calls (GET and POST) were employed to gather the necessary data and prepare it for the ERP system.
Steps in an Integration Project like Oodrive_sign with SAP Integration Suite :
Needs analysis
Functional and technical specifications
Feasibility study and technical workload estimate
Technical design
Development and testing
Go live
For a project like Oodrive_sign with SAP Business ByDesign ERP, these steps typically take about one month.
If you’re interested in setting up other integrations—such as e-invoice digitisation, automating exchange rate updates, or creating APIs with Salesforce—Sileron can help enhance your SAP Business ByDesign or SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP.
