There’s no strict rulebook for building integrations in SAP CPI, but over time, some patterns clearly separate smooth-running projects from the ones that turn into daily firefighting. Here’s what tends to work in the real world.

1.  Design Modular, Reusable iFlows

First instinct: build one big integration that does everything. Tempting, but not a good idea.
It’s much better to break complex logic into smaller, modular iFlows. 

Make pieces that can be reused, plugged together, and replaced without rewriting half your project.

For example, if you have common authentication steps or reusable mappings, put them into standalone flows. Later, when requirements change (and they always do), you’ll thank yourself for keeping it modular.

2.  Naming Conventions Are Not Optional

It feels like a small thing early on, but consistent naming saves massive headaches.

When you have dozens—or hundreds—of artifacts (iFlows, scripts, certificates, mappings), you need a predictable way to find things. 

Developers come and go. Six months from now, you might not even remember your own logic.

Some basics that help:

• Prefix artifacts based on the project or system involved (e.g., HRM_SuccessFactors_EmployeeSync)

• Use clear versioning (e.g., _v1, _v2)

• Avoid lazy names like Final_final_update2

Consistency here is way more important than creativity.

3.  Secure Every Integration Point Properly

Security isn’t just IT overhead anymore—it’s core to every integration. Make sure every single endpoint you connect to or expose is secured:

• Prefer OAuth 2.0 authentication for APIs.

• Always enforce TLS encryption, even for internal connections.

• Use API Keys and certificates where needed, and rotate them regularly.

One forgotten security header can open the door to very ugly problems down the line, especially when regulators or auditors get involved.

4.  Build Robust Error Handling from the Start

Here’s a harsh truth: your integrations will break.

Maybe the target system goes offline. Maybe the payload format changes without warning. Maybe someone fat-fingers a config.

The point is—good error handling matters.

Some practices that really help:

• Catch and log errors early in the flow

• Build notifications for critical failures (email alerts, monitoring dashboards)

• Use exception subprocesses to route failed messages to recovery queues

• Never just silently swallow errors unless you absolutely have to

If you plan for failure, recovering from it becomes routine instead of a full-blown disaster.

5.  Version Control and Rollback Planning

SAP CPI does basic versioning of iFlows, but it’s still up to you to manage it properly.

Every time you deploy a change, make sure you can rollback quickly if something goes wrong. Tag major deployments clearly. Archive old versions properly.

And when possible, keep detailed notes or comments inside your iFlows about major changes—future-you (or someone else) will appreciate it.

6.  Plan Transports Between DEV, QA, and PROD

Transporting artifacts between tenants sounds straightforward—Design to Test to Production. But without a clear process, things go sideways fast.

Best practices here include:

• Freezing versions before transporting (no surprise edits mid-transport)

• Testing everything thoroughly in QA—not just “it deploys,” but real end-to-end data flows

• Documenting dependencies (like value mappings, external certificates) so they move together

Bad transports usually aren’t technical failures—they’re process failures.
Fix the process early before it becomes the project bottleneck.