Integration: Every Functional Consultant’s Phobia. I just know the ‘module’. ‘They didn’t teach it. Integration is for ‘technical’ guys! I am an SAP functional consultant. I did MBA from a top university. Not bachelor’s in information technology.
Yes, it is indeed for ‘technical’ guys, but even latter do not fully understand the pros and cons of choosing one method of integration over the other. Because you, the functional consultant DIDN’T sufficiently elaborate the use cases and its life cycle. Unless you have some intuitive understanding of what is being integrated with what, why and how, the developer isn’t bothered re what can go wrong with a particular integration approach. To be fair, it’s hard to comprehend so many possibilities and technologies out there. Even by technical consultants.
Not exactly funny but ChatGPT made this up for me because Dilbert is no longer free.
Jerry (SAP Consultant): So, Mike, I just finished writing up the requirements for the new integration between SAP and, uh… whatever system that is. Can we make it, like, “plug and play”? You know, just connect and bam, everything works?
Mike (Developer): Uh, Jerry, that’s… that’s not really how integrations work. This isn’t Legos. We need to map data, handle APIs, error-handling—stuff like that.
Jerry: Oh, come on, Mike! How hard can it be? SAP has IDOCs, right? Can’t we just throw those at the other system?
Mike: Yeah… and they’ll catch them like a dodgeball to the face. Look, just because you can send an IDOC doesn’t mean the other system can magically understand it.
Jerry: So, what you’re saying is… the other system doesn’t speak “SAP-ese”?
Mike: Exactly. It’s like sending Shakespeare to a toddler. They’re just gonna drool on it and look confused.
Jerry: Okay, okay, fair enough. But listen, can’t we just convert it into something… friendlier? Like a PDF?
Mike: Wait, you want to integrate with a system… using PDFs?
Jerry: Yeah! Everyone loves PDFs, right? Can’t the other system just, I dunno, read it?
Mike: I mean, sure, if the other system’s goal is to appreciate fine typography, then yeah, a PDF is a great idea.
Jerry: See! I knew I was onto something!
Mike: Jerry, for the last time… PDFs aren’t for integration. They’re for making things look nice. You know, like a PowerPoint slide for management.
Jerry: Ohhhh, I see! So, we do a PowerPoint! With… pie charts?
Mike: I need coffee.
Let’s start with where it all started.
1) The CSV File Upload
The most ancient method. Integrate Excel with SAP.
Analogy: CSV uploads are like loading groceries into a car. You prepare and pack your data (groceries) and then transport it to the destination (SAP system).
If you uploaded a CSV file somewhere in SAP, you integrated CSV or Excel with SAP. Somehow. The file was saved on your desktop or on the application directory or in some network server. Simple. Straight. The file either loaded or didn’t (sometimes it loaded only partial data and then terminated. that’s bad code at work). Latter because of some erroneous data that didn’t pass the data types expected by SAP. E.g. Customer = 1010100 and you entered Ramlal and Sons in your CSV file. or you keyed in 0 instead of o. Spotting that in the middle of string is like finding a needle in a haystack. Because the SAP program that ‘reads’ this file is not necessarily coded to spot this character and pop up an error message in so many words. or there could be duplicate records, missing mandatory fields in file, or the SIZE of the file may be too large for the program to process with the Memory allocated. (This is computer science. don’t bother now. I don’t understand either)
Ok why CSV. Why not Excel – Even I asked this. Every first timer does it.
A: CSV protects the data types. Excel might format it ‘automatically’. like removing leading zeros if any. or a NUMC data type being read as NUM. e.g. Employee code 0100 is read as 100.
Pros:
- Simplicity: Easy to create and manipulate using spreadsheets.
- Batch processing: Good for loading large datasets in one go.
- Minimal setup: No complex configurations are needed.
Cons:
- Manual effort: Requires manual handling and monitoring.
- Limited error handling: Difficult to manage errors during upload.
Use Cases:
- Data migrations and initial data loads into SAP systems.
Limitations:
- Not suitable for real-time updates or frequent data changes.
T-Code (shortcut to access in SAP)
- LTMOM: For creating migration objects in SAP LTMC for data migration.
- Any custom t-code to load CSV files
Moving on
2) The File Transfer Protocol
Analogy: FTP is like a delivery truck transporting goods from one location to another, moving files between systems.
Pros:
- Reliable file transfer: Proven method for moving files.
- Batch handling: Good for transferring large files.
Cons:
- Security concerns: Basic FTP is not secure; requires FTP over SSL (FTPS) for security.
- Slower transfer speeds: Performance can be an issue with larger files.
Use Cases:
- Batch data transfers to and from SAP systems.
Limitations:
- Not ideal for real-time integration and can be affected by network stability.
T-Code:
- None (Managed externally via FTP clients and automation scripts).
3) IDoc (Intermediate Document)
Analogy: IDocs can be thought of as postal mail. Just as a letter is sent to a specific address, an IDoc carries structured data from one SAP system to another.
Pros:
- Standardized format: Widely used across SAP systems.
- Reliable and robust: Ensures accurate data transfer.
- Asynchronous communication: Allows for sending data without immediate acknowledgment.
- Error handling: Good built-in error management.
Cons:
- Complex to configure: Requires expertise to set up.
- Limited flexibility: Mostly suited for traditional SAP environments.
Use Cases:
- Order-to-cash (O2C) and procure-to-pay (P2P) processes.
- Integration between SAP systems (e.g., SAP ERP to SAP S/4HANA).
Limitations:
- Best for asynchronous data transfer.
- May not efficiently handle large datasets.
T-Code:
- WE02: For IDoc monitoring.
- WE19: For IDoc testing.
4) RFC (Remote Function Call)
Analogy: RFC is like a phone call between two systems, allowing for real-time interactions and data exchange.
Pros:
- Synchronous or asynchronous: Suitable for real-time integration.
- High performance: Efficient for smaller interactions.
Cons:
- Tightly coupled: Both systems need to be available for synchronous communication.
- Limited error handling: More manual effort required for error management.
Use Cases:
- Real-time integration between SAP systems (e.g., SAP ERP and SAP S/4HANA).
Limitations:
- Not ideal for large amounts of data in a single transaction.
T-Code:
- SE37: Execute or view RFCs.
- SM59: Maintain RFC connections.
5) SOAP Web Services (Simple Object Access Protocol)
Analogy: SOAP Web Services resemble formal diplomatic communication, adhering to strict protocols to ensure reliability and security.
Pros:
- Standardized: Uses XML for data formatting.
- High security: Robust security features.
- Platform-agnostic: Can be integrated with various systems.
Cons:
- Performance overhead: Slower due to XML complexity.
- Configuration complexity: Requires careful setup, especially for security.
Use Cases:
- Integrating with external systems like payment gateways and financial services.
Limitations:
- Not optimal for high-speed or high-volume data exchanges.
T-Code:
- SOAMANAGER: Manage Web Services.
6) REST APIs (Representational State Transfer – Application Programming Interfaces)
Analogy: REST APIs can be likened to instant messaging—quick, simple, and flexible.
Pros:
- Lightweight: Uses JSON, leading to faster data exchanges.
- Scalable: Ideal for cloud-based and mobile applications.
- Platform-agnostic: Compatible with various platforms.
Cons:
- Security: Requires additional measures for encryption.
- Inconsistency risk: Less formal structure can lead to implementation variations.
Use Cases:
- Integrating with modern web and mobile applications.
Limitations:
- Less robust for complex transactions compared to SOAP.
T-Code:
- None (Usually configured via SAP Cloud or external API management tools).
7) OData (Open Data Protocol)
Analogy: OData is like a vending machine for data, providing easy access to resources.
Pros:
- Standardized: Facilitates CRUD operations. (Create, Read, Update, Delete)
- Simple and lightweight: Built on REST principles.
- Integrated with SAP Fiori: Natively supports SAP UI5.
Cons:
- Limited complexity handling: Not suited for complex data scenarios.
- Scaling issues: Performance may decline with large datasets.
Use Cases:
- SAP Fiori applications and mobile interfaces interacting with SAP data.
Limitations:
- Best for basic CRUD operations, may need additional handling for security and performance.
T-Code:
- SEGW: To create and manage OData services.
8) SAP Process Orchestration (SAP PO)
Analogy: SAP PO acts as a traffic cop, directing data flows and managing transformations.
Pros:
- Centralized management: Good for orchestrating complex processes.
- Supports multiple protocols: Can integrate various data formats.
- Extensive mapping capabilities: Robust transformation tools.
Cons:
- High cost: Significant licensing and setup expenses.
- Complexity: Requires skilled personnel for management.
Use Cases:
- Enterprise-level integration across multiple systems.
Limitations:
- Not ideal for real-time data handling.
T-Code:
- SXMB_MONI: Monitoring of SAP PO processes.
9) SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI)
Analogy: SAP CPI is like a cloud-based bus service, managing data movement across systems.
Pros:
- Cloud-native: Flexible and scalable for cloud integrations.
- Pre-built packages: Reduces implementation time.
- Supports multiple protocols: Integrates with various data sources.
Cons:
- Subscription cost: Ongoing operational costs.
- Network dependency: Requires stable internet connectivity.
Use Cases:
- Connecting on-premises SAP systems with cloud applications.
Limitations:
- Performance can be affected by network latency.
T-Code:
- Managed via SAP Cloud (no specific on-premises T-Code).
10) SAP Data Services (BODS)
Analogy: BODS operates like a conveyor belt, refining raw data into useful information.
Pros:
- Data transformation: Robust ETL capabilities.
- Multi-source integration: Pulls data from various systems.
- Error handling and monitoring: Good tools for managing datasets.
Cons:
- Performance issues: Can be slower with very large datasets.
- Complex configuration: Requires specialized knowledge.
Use Cases:
- Master data management (MDM) and migration projects.
Limitations:
- Best for batch processing rather than real-time integration.
T-Code:
- None (Accessed via SAP BusinessObjects Data Services interface)
12. SAP HANA Smart Data Integration (SDI)
Analogy: SDI is like a smart logistics hub, managing data flow in real time.
Pros:
- Real-time replication: Streams data effectively.
- Wide compatibility: Connects to multiple data sources.
- In-memory processing: Fast data handling.
Cons:
- Cost: Potentially high licensing costs.
- Complex setup: Requires experienced staff.
Use Cases:
- Real-time data integration scenarios and data virtualization.
Limitations:
- Complex configurations can lead to increased maintenance overhead.
T-Code:
- SDI monitored via HANA Studio or HANA Cockpit.
13) SAP SLT (System Landscape Transformation)
Analogy: Think of SLT as a real-time data streaming service, constantly synchronizing changes in data between systems, ensuring that all connected systems remain in sync with the latest updates.
Pros:
- Real-Time Synchronization: SLT ensures low-latency replication, ideal for keeping systems updated in near real-time.
- Flexible Transformations: SLT allows for on-the-fly data transformations as data is replicated, which is useful when target systems have different data formats or structures.
- Supports Multiple Sources/Targets: SLT can replicate data to multiple target systems at the same time, increasing flexibility for different integration needs.
Cons:
- Complex Setup: SLT setup can be complex, requiring a solid understanding of both the source and target systems.
- Resource Intensive: Real-time replication can demand significant system resources, especially for high-volume transactional systems.
- Replication Overhead: Depending on the amount of data being replicated, SLT can place extra load on the network and systems.
Use Case:
- Real-Time Replication from SAP S/4HANA to SAP BW: A company wants to generate near real-time reports in SAP BW based on sales orders created in SAP S/4HANA. SLT is set up to replicate any changes in the sales order tables (e.g., VBAP, VBAK) to the BW system, ensuring that the latest sales data is always available for reporting.
Limitations:
- Not a Comprehensive ETL Tool: While SLT supports transformations, it’s not as feature-rich as dedicated ETL tools like SAP Data Services (BODS).
- Limited Error Handling: SLT lacks advanced data profiling and validation features seen in ETL tools, meaning it’s less suited for complex data cleansing operations.
- Primarily for SAP Source Systems: Although SLT can connect to non-SAP systems, its real strength lies in replicating data from SAP source systems.
T-Code:
- LTRC: SLT Replication Configuration (to set up and monitor replication jobs).
- LTR: SLT Cockpit (manage SLT system connections).
Thats it for now… for whatever educational purposes it serves.
In the next Article I will explain Integration Technologies developed outside of SAP. I will also delve into some concepts like ‘Synchronous, Asynchronous, Real Time, Data Streaming, Queuing and related concepts. I will also explain with some real examples use cases that will help visualize the context of these integration methods. Again, keeping only functional consultants in mind.
The author is an accidental, originally ‘reluctant’ SAP Functional Consultant and now runs a small SAP Consulting company ‘Lydian’. Serving APAC and ASEAN markets. Lydian specializes in Supply Chain Planning, ERP Optimus, Data Engineering, Data Discovery Services and Systems Integration in whatever way it best ‘works’ to get the most business value out of customer’s Enterprise Technology investments. SAP++
Lydian is an SAP PE Services Partner.
