At a glance
SAP wants to offer companies a central database that can be shared by different systems and applications.
SAP interfaces allow data to be exchanged easily and smoothly between all connected systems and applications.
Optimized SAP interfaces can speed up business processes and reduce the potential for errors in data processing.
Connecting SAP to systems such as Salesforce can increase the satisfaction of users and customers alike.
The most important SAP interfaces include IDoc, RFC, BAPI, ODATA and SAP CPI.
SAP interfaces: This is what it‘s all about
SAP is one of the largest software manufacturers in the world and is pursuing an ambitious goal: it wants to offer companies a central database that can be shared by various applications. To achieve this, interfaces between SAP‘s own products and external applications such as the CRM system Salesforce necessary. When used correctly, SAP interfaces can facilitate collaboration between different solutions, for example for finance, sales or even customer service and marketing.
Why do you need an SAP connection?
In everyday working life, whether B2B or B2C, speed and user-friendliness are key. Data should be available quickly and ideally only need to be entered once. Communication should be straightforward and everyone involved should be informed about the customer's history. Appointments should be arranged quickly and everyone should be able to choose their preferred end device.
The more cumbersome and time-consuming it is to solve a problem, the more dissatisfied users become. However, many companies are not yet able to offer a consistent user experience. One reason: outdated technologies. Data is distributed across different On-premise and cloud environments distributed and have to be changed manually. This is time-consuming and error-prone.
For optimal processes, data should be able to be exchanged between all connected systems and applications without disruption. The IT landscape with its SAP interfaces and transactions should enable employees to work more productively instead of slowing them down.
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Advantages of a SAP integration for your company
Simplified processes, global collaboration and more transparency for well-founded decisions – SAP integration is worthwhile for several reasons:
1. Optimized business processes
SAP integrations enable the automation and optimization of business processes through the unhindered exchange of data between different systems. This increases efficiency, can shorten throughput times, reduce costs and influence customer satisfaction.
2. Data update in real time
By connecting SAP to your CRM system companies can ensure that their data is updated and synchronized in real time. This enables more accurate and faster decision-making.
3. Higher data quality
By integrating different systems such as Salesforce with SAP, companies can avoid redundant and inconsistent data. This contributes to a higher quality of data.
4. Better customer experience
The integration of SAP with CRM systems enables companies to offer a comprehensive service and thus strengthen the customer experience. They can respond more quickly to customer inquiries and provide personalized services.
5. Compliance and reporting
Connecting SAP to other systems allows companies to ensure that they meet legal requirements and can create detailed reports. This is particularly important in regulated industries such as the financial services sector or healthcare.
What are the challenges of a SAP integration?
CIOs and IT specialists are always faced with similar (technical) challenges. In order to connect SAP optimally, it is therefore advisable to recognize and take these into account at an early stage.
Overview of the five most important SAP interfaces
Most business processes today require more than one tool. The need to connect external systems to SAP, for example, is therefore great. The following interfaces allow any other software solution to exchange data with the SAP system.
1. Intermediate Document (IDoc)
IDoc is used as an interface for message exchange. It enables communication between SAP systems and between SAP and non-SAP systems.
2. Remote Function Calls (RFC)
RFC can be used to execute functions in other systems. For example, a CRM system can use it to query customer data from an ERP system in order to create quotations. RFC also refers to SAP‘s own protocol interfaces that can be used to call such functions.
3. Business API (BAPI)
BAPIs are also standardized interfaces that allow external applications to access the SAP system. Unlike RFC, however, BAPIs are merely RFC-capable function modules that are enhanced with special properties and a defined range of functions.
4. Open Data Protocol (ODATA)
ODATA is a protocol based on HTTP, AtomPub and JSON that enables easy access to structured data. It is often used to facilitate access to SAP data for mobile applications and other external systems.
5. SAP Cloud Platform Integration (SAP CPI)
SAP CPI is a middleware solution that connects different systems and applications by enabling the transformation and routing of messages between them.
Excursion: Data integration with middleware
Systems do not necessarily have to be directly connected to each other. So-called middleware can be used as a node between the various systems. New systems only need to be connected to the middleware once and can then exchange their data via the central platform. This streamlines the IT landscape and makes it easier to maintain.
Prominent middleware solutions are SAP CPI and Salesforce MuleSoft .
Are you planning to connect and integrate SAP applications and other solutions such as the CRM platform from Salesforce? Our integration experts will be happy to support you with both strategic advice and the technical implementation of the connection. Get in touch with us!
