SAP Integration Suite: Tools, Licensing, and Real-World Scenarios
Integrating SAP into a broader system landscape can feel like solving a puzzle where some pieces just do not seem to fit. Different tools, platforms, and data formats all competing for attention. It can be overwhelming, especially when there are so many integration options—SAP Integration Suite among them—claiming to be the best fit. I have seen teams spend weeks comparing platforms, only to realize they missed something basic, like licensing impacts or system latency under load.
So, this page tries to make things clearer. Not perfectly clear, maybe, but clear enough to make confident choices. We are looking at SAP integration platforms in practical terms:
- What tools actually work well together
- Where indirect licensing might trip you up
- How SAP Integration Suite, CPI, PI, and BTP really compare
- When third-party tools make more sense than SAP’s own
There is no single answer for every project. But once the use case is nailed down, the right integration path usually becomes obvious. At least, that’s the hope.
1. Introduction to SAP Integration Suite
SAP implementation is rarely just about setting up SAP. More often, it is about making SAP work with everything else—the legacy systems, cloud apps, databases, and whatever custom tools the business has relied on for years.
That’s where integration becomes critical. It can either hold the entire landscape together or quietly cause friction no one notices until something breaks.
In practice, integration tends to get underestimated. Teams focus on functionality, process design, and testing. Late in the game, someone realizes:
Key data does not sync in real-time
API limits were hit weeks ago
Licensing costs just doubled due to indirect usage
The middleware chosen cannot handle the volume under load
These things are not always obvious at the start. But they end up affecting timelines, budgets, and even compliance.
This page looks at the SAP Integration Suite with that in mind—how they really work in project settings, what problems they solve, and where the risks tend to hide.
2. Common Integration Scenarios in SAP Projects
SAP projects do not usually begin with a blank slate. They begin with a mix of existing systems—some well-documented, others barely understood. Integration has to make sense of it all, often without much room for delay.
There are a few patterns that show up in most landscapes:
- SAP to non-SAP connections. Legacy ERPs, CRMs, or homegrown apps still in use.
- Hybrid setups. A mix of cloud services and on-premise systems trying to stay in sync.
- Real-time vs batch flows. Fast is good, but reliable often wins.
- API-driven vs middleware-based. Sometimes both, depending on the situation.
Tools like SAP Integration Suite are designed to handle many of these patterns, especially in hybrid or cloud-heavy environments. But the tool itself is only part of the solution.
Linking SAP to external platforms often sounds simple—until formats, security, or timing gets in the way. I have seen teams stuck for days on small mismatches. One side speaks REST, the other insists on flat files.
Hybrid setups can seem flexible at first. In practice, they are usually built on a patchwork of exceptions. One service pushes data instantly. Another still relies on nightly jobs.
Real-time integration appeals to everyone in planning stages. But it only works when both systems can handle it. That is not always the case.
Middleware offers structure, while APIs offer speed. Picking one over the other depends less on preference and more on what is already in place—and what the team can realistically manage.
Cross Application Integration Scenarios to Consider
1. SAP to non-SAP Integration
SAP often needs to connect with platforms like Salesforce, Oracle, or industry-specific tools. These integrations ensure continuity across critical business systems and processes.
- Enables structured data exchange between SAP and third-party platforms
- Involves authentication, field mapping, and transformation layers
- Helps preserve existing business workflows during SAP rollouts
2. Hybrid Landscapes (On-Prem / Cloud)
Most SAP customers operate in hybrid environments. On-premise SAP systems coexist with cloud platforms, making seamless integration essential for data consistency and business agility.
- Connects SAP ECC or S/4HANA with cloud solutions like SuccessFactors or Ariba
- Bridges different protocols and security models
- Requires strong governance to avoid latency and sync issues
3. Real-Time vs. Batch Integration
Choosing between real-time and batch integration depends on system capability, data volume, and business needs. Not all processes benefit equally from instant data sync.
- Real-time works well for transactions like order creation or inventory updates
- Batch is better for large datasets like pricing, master data, or historical loads
- Most landscapes use both, depending on process criticality
4. API-Based Integration
API-based integrations allow applications to communicate directly using lightweight protocols. They are well suited for cloud-native services and modern development environments.
- Ideal for connecting SAP with mobile apps, portals, or microservices
- Faster to deploy, but needs strict versioning and security handling
- Commonly used with SAP API Management and OData services
5. Middleware-Based Integration
Middleware adds a central control point for integrating SAP with multiple systems. It helps manage complexity through orchestration, message queuing, and data transformation.
- Used in landscapes where multiple systems interact with SAP
- Provides centralized monitoring and error handling
- Examples: SAP PI/PO, SAP Integration Suite, MuleSoft, Dell Boomi
6. Mixed Integration Approaches
Most enterprises use a combination of API and middleware strategies. This hybrid model adapts to system constraints, team skills, and long-term support needs.
- Combines direct and managed integration methods
- Provides flexibility for future expansion or tool changes
- Helps align integration with both technical and business priorities
3. Overview of SAP Integration Suite
When it comes to SAP integration, choosing the right SAP Integration suite matters more than most teams expect. It is not just about features or speed. The decision can affect timelines, support models, and even licensing. I have seen projects get stuck not because the integration failed, but because the platform did not fit the way the business worked.
SAP offers several integration options—some older, some newer, and some that overlap more than people realize. There is often debate around which tool to use. It depends, of course. On what you are connecting. On how data needs to move. On what the team knows.
No one tool covers everything. Each comes with trade-offs. But if you understand where each one fits best, the bigger picture starts to make more sense.
Here is a quick breakdown of the most widely used SAP integration platforms, based on how they are actually applied in real-world projects—not just how SAP markets them.
SAP Integration Platforms
1. SAP PI / PO (Process Integration / Orchestration)
PI/PO has been the standard for on-premise SAP integration for years. It handles message transformations, workflows, and various protocol conversions. While reliable, it feels a bit heavy in more dynamic environments. Still, it gets the job done when dealing with complex backend logic.
- Well-suited for SAP-to-SAP and legacy integrations
- Supports IDoc, BAPI, RFC, SOAP, and more
- Often used in ECC-based or hybrid setups
2. SAP CPI / Integration Suite
SAP CPI is more adaptable, designed for cloud-first and hybrid landscapes. It is easier to get started with, especially for teams new to SAP. The pre-built iFlows help, though real customization still takes time. For most new S/4HANA projects, this is usually the default choice.
- Supports cloud and hybrid integrations
- Includes reusable content packages and adapters
- Part of SAP Integration Suite licensing model
3. SAP API Management
More focused on governance than actual movement of data. API Management helps you control who accesses what, under what conditions. Think of it more like a front gate than a delivery vehicle. It is useful when exposing APIs to partners or internal consumers.
- Used for traffic control, throttling, and authentication
- Useful when exposing SAP APIs to external apps
- Often complements CPI or other backend tools
4. SAP BTP Integration Services
This is a broader umbrella that includes CPI, API Management, event handling, and more. It gives you a central place to manage tools, but the tools themselves still behave somewhat independently. The value is in having them bundled and loosely unified.
- Combines several SAP integration components
- Centralized access via SAP BTP cockpit
- Useful for multi-tool integration landscapes
5. SAP Data Intelligence
Data Intelligence is for when data needs to flow across platforms in a structured pipeline. Think more analytics than transactions. It connects SAP with data lakes, ML tools, or other external sources that are not part of daily process flows.
- Focuses on data orchestration across platforms
- Integrates with analytics and machine learning stacks
- Best for data pipelines, not high-frequency transactions
6. Choosing the Right Tool
There is no single “best” platform. The right tool depends on what is being integrated, the scale of the integration, and how much flexibility is needed. Sometimes it is a matter of what your team is already comfortable with. That counts too.
- Start with the use case, not the tool
- Evaluate licensing, skill availability, and support model
- Often, more than one tool is used in parallel
Third Party Integration Platforms that work with SAP
1. Dell Boomi
Dell Boomi offers a low-code, cloud-based platform well-suited for organizations that need quick deployment and reusable integrations. It connects to SAP using pre-built connectors and handles both real-time and batch workflows effectively.
- Low-code interface for faster implementation
- Connects SAP with cloud apps, CRMs, and legacy systems
- Good fit for mid-sized enterprises with hybrid needs
2. MuleSoft
MuleSoft is often used in enterprises with large-scale integration needs beyond SAP. It offers API-led connectivity and a rich developer experience. The SAP connectors are strong, but it may require more effort upfront to configure well.
- API-first model for flexible service design
- Used when integrating SAP into broader enterprise architecture
- Better fit for complex or distributed systems
3. Informatica
Informatica shines in data-heavy environments. It is frequently chosen for integrations focused on ETL, master data management, or analytics. Direct SAP integration is supported, though usually less real-time focused than other platforms.
- Ideal for high-volume data movement and cleansing
- Often paired with SAP for reporting or MDM use cases
- Suited to organizations with mature BI environments
4. When to Use Third-Party Platforms
Sometimes SAP’s native tools do not fit, especially in mixed-system landscapes. A third-party tool may offer better connectors, simpler interfaces, or just align with existing internal practices.
- When teams are already trained on external platforms
- When SAP is just one part of a much larger architecture
- When real-time, low-code, or advanced data integration is needed
5. Licensing and Cost Factors
Licensing can vary widely across platforms. SAP tools often bundle integration into existing subscriptions. Third-party tools might offer flexibility, but pricing models can grow quickly based on volume or users.
- Evaluate cost based on transaction volume and connectors
- Watch for overlap with existing licensed SAP capabilities
- Consider TCO, not just licensing fees
6. Integration Maintenance and Support
Third-party platforms may require different support models. Some offer strong vendor backing, while others depend heavily on internal skills. Long-term maintenance should be part of the decision—not just initial setup speed.
- Check vendor SLAs and update cycles
- Factor in internal knowledge or need for external consultants
- Plan for governance, versioning, and security updates
4. Choosing the Right Components in the SAP Integration Suite
There is no perfect integration tool. What works in one SAP project might create unnecessary overhead in another. Choosing the right components in the SAP Integration Suite comes down to the landscape you are working with, and the kind of pressure your integrations will be under—technical, operational, and sometimes even political.
Start by narrowing the field based on a few criteria:
System landscape – How many systems are involved? Are they all SAP, or a mix of cloud and non-SAP tools?
Latency needs – Does data need to move instantly, or is a delay acceptable?
Extensibility – Will new systems be added frequently? Is flexibility important over standardization?
Volume – Are you moving a few records per hour or tens of thousands per minute?
Here is a rough view of how platforms align to different needs:
- SAP-to-SAP – PI/PO or CPI
Cloud-to-cloud – CPI, MuleSoft, Boomi
API management – SAP API Management, MuleSoft
High-volume ETL – Informatica, SAP Data Intelligence
Complex orchestration – PI/PO, MuleSoft, BTP Integration Services
5. SAP Integration Suite with Oracle, Microsoft, and Salesforce
In real-world SAP landscapes, it is rare to see SAP working in isolation. Many environments include large, business-critical platforms like Oracle, Microsoft, or Salesforce. Each brings its own integration challenges—some technical, some structural, and some that fall into licensing gray areas.
1. SAP ↔ Oracle (ERP, HR, SCM)
SAP and Oracle often coexist in larger enterprises. One handles finance, while the other manages supply chain or HR. Getting them to share data reliably can feel slow at first—especially when the models differ more than expected.
Oracle tables often need to be exposed via APIs or staging layers
SAP usually pushes IDocs or uses BAPIs, which need translating
Timing is key—batch windows can cause sync delays
Indirect access risks are common if Oracle apps trigger SAP processes automatically
2. SAP ↔ Microsoft (Azure, Power Platform, M365)
Microsoft and SAP touch in more places than most expect. Whether it is Power BI pulling data from SAP or Teams showing live KPIs, the connections are growing. But integration requires careful setup. Some parts are smooth. Others, not so much.
Azure Logic Apps can call SAP APIs, but credentials need to be managed carefully
Power Platform offers connectors, but may need custom functions for complex flows
Microsoft 365 (like Excel) is often used to edit SAP data offline, then sync back—this setup can quietly create licensing issues if not tracked
SAP Azure connectivity is improving, but hybrid models still need strong authentication, especially when on-prem systems are involved.
3. SAP ↔ Salesforce (Customer Data, Orders, Support)
Salesforce is almost always customer-facing. SAP handles the backend. Bridging the two is usually about syncing customer records, order status, and service history.
Use of SAP CPI or MuleSoft is common for these flows
Object models differ—Salesforce is more flexible, SAP is more rigid
API rate limits in Salesforce can stall high-volume syncs
Risk of indirect licensing if Salesforce triggers SAP transactions without a licensed user
Sometimes these connections seem simple. But once the volume picks up or the process changes mid-project, the complexity shows up. Planning for these exceptions early is rarely wasted effort.
6. What is Indirect Licensing?
Indirect licensing happens when systems outside SAP interact with it behind the scenes. No one logs into SAP directly, yet business processes still rely on it. A common example would be Salesforce creating sales orders in SAP automatically, without any SAP user touching the screen. That counts.
SAP calls this “indirect access.” And it matters, because it is still considered a licensable event—even if the user never sees SAP at all.
To manage this, SAP introduced the Digital Access model, which shifts the focus from users to documents.
Some typical triggers include:
A third-party portal pushing orders into SAP
A mobile app checking stock levels through an API
A bot updating customer data without logging in
A CRM pulling pricing from SAP in real time
It is not always clear where the line is. But if SAP is processing something on behalf of another system, it is worth checking.
7. Licensing and Compliance Considerations (Direct + Indirect)
Licensing in SAP projects tends to surface late—sometimes after integration decisions have already been made. But it matters. More than most people expect. Especially when third-party systems start reading from or writing to SAP without a named user.
The core issue often comes down to direct versus indirect access. Direct access is straightforward. A named SAP user logs in, triggers a process, and that action is licensed. But indirect access happens when an external system—Salesforce, a custom portal, maybe even a bot—interacts with SAP in the background. That can still count as usage under SAP’s terms.
To handle this, SAP introduced the Digital Access model. Instead of charging by user, it counts the number of specific document types created through indirect access. That includes things like sales orders, invoices, or material movements. On paper, it is clearer. In practice, there are still gray areas.
Compliance risks often come from well-meaning automations. For example:
A mobile app that pulls pricing from SAP without user login
A CRM that creates customer records in SAP automatically
A scheduling tool that checks stock levels every hour
These are all useful. But they may trigger license exposure if not tracked and reported properly.
There are ways to manage the cost. SAP offers Digital Access Adoption Program (DAAP) incentives for moving to document-based licensing. Some companies also implement usage monitoring tools—SAP Passport or external logging solutions—to track where the risk sits.
Audits are another story. They can be technical, commercial, or both. Some audits are predictable. Others are less so. Either way, being proactive tends to cost less than getting caught off guard.
1. Salesforce Creates Sales Orders in SAP
Sales reps enter deals in Salesforce, which then sends order data into SAP automatically. No SAP user logs in, but backend documents are created.
- What’s wrong: Sales orders are generated via indirect access, which falls under SAP digital licensing.
- Mitigation: Use SAP’s Digital Access model and count these as documents, or restructure to trigger through named SAP user workflows.
2. Custom Portal Reads Pricing from SAP
A public or partner-facing web portal displays real-time prices pulled from SAP via API. No SAP authentication is used.
- What’s wrong: Pricing data access bypasses named users, exposing SAP backend without traceability.
- Mitigation: Route access through SAP API Management and apply proper user authentication or quota controls.
3. Mobile App Checks Inventory Availability
Warehouse teams use a mobile app that queries live SAP inventory without logging into SAP directly.
- What’s wrong: Data is accessed indirectly, and depending on volume or frequency, this may trigger licensing liability.
- Mitigation: License mobile users or ensure access complies with document-based licensing thresholds.
4. E-Commerce Platform Creates Invoices
Online purchases result in automated invoice postings to SAP. The process is fully system-to-system, with no SAP user involved.
- What’s wrong: Invoice creation is a licensable event under SAP’s Digital Access model if done indirectly.
- Mitigation: Include invoice documents in your digital access license count and monitor volume trends.
5. HR System Writes Employee Data to SAP
Third-party HR software manages employee master data and updates SAP HCM through batch jobs.
- What’s wrong: Master data creation without a licensed SAP user may be non-compliant depending on how the data is processed.
- Mitigation: Clarify with SAP whether these are considered licensable documents and implement usage tracking or routing via named users.
6. BI Tool Pulls Reports from SAP Regularly
Reporting platforms like Power BI or Tableau connect to SAP tables through OData or JDBC on a schedule, pulling data silently.
- What’s wrong: Frequent data extraction can violate access policies if not authenticated or if users are not licensed.
- Mitigation: Route access through authorized reporting users or use SAP-certified analytics connectors that track licensing properly.
8. How Can I Help You?
With over two decades in SAP and digital transformation, I’ve seen projects from kickoff to go-live—and the messy middle no one talks about. Sometimes I lead from the start. Other times, I’m brought in to steady the ship when things go sideways.
Either way, my role is the same: connect what the business really needs with what the system can actually deliver. No jargon. No fluff. What you’ll find here isn’t theory—it’s shaped by years in the field, solving real problems under real pressure.
9. Here are some Integration Best Practices
Early in a project, integration usually means making things work. Move data from one system to another, check a few boxes, and move on. But the real challenge shows up later—when something breaks quietly, or no one remembers how the interface was set up in the first place.
Best practices are not about following a rigid standard. They are about reducing avoidable risk. That might mean using stronger authentication, or setting up monitoring before things scale. Sometimes it just means documenting more than feels necessary at the time.
A few things help keep integrations healthy over the long term:
Use secure protocols like OAuth2, SAML, or X.509
Set up monitoring—even if the flow seems simple
Build iFlows or APIs that can be reused or extended
Document how it works and what to do when it fails
These steps are rarely urgent. But later, they save hours. Sometimes days.
1. Secure Every Integration Point
Security tends to get addressed late, usually just before go-live. But that is when it's hardest to fix. Use OAuth2, SAML, or certificates based on the scenario. And if static credentials are used, log and rotate them properly—do not just leave them in a config file and hope no one forgets.
- Use encryption end-to-end, not just externally
- Choose authentication protocols based on data risk
- Test token expiry and renewal early
2. Monitor from the Beginning
Monitoring is often added after an incident. But it works best when it is there before anything breaks. Even minimal logging helps. It is not about fancy dashboards—just knowing what failed, when, and why. Without that, even a small issue can take hours to trace.
- Set up alerts for failures and timeouts
- Log response times and retry counts
- Use existing SAP monitoring if available
3. Design for Reuse, Not the Moment
It is tempting to solve the immediate problem with a quick, hardcoded solution. But every one-off adds friction later. Reusable iFlows, shared transformation logic, and parameterized inputs save time when processes evolve—which they almost always do.
- Use templates where possible
- Avoid business rules in mapping steps
- Separate logic from transport layers
4. Document with Operations in Mind
Documentation tends to stop at the design phase. But support teams need more than diagrams. They need to know what happens when the endpoint is down, or when a field is missing. Good documentation answers those questions before tickets get raised.
- Include retry logic, failure handling, and version info
- Describe assumptions about upstream and downstream systems
- Keep documents updated as flows change
5. Assign Clear Ownership
Some integrations run for months before anyone realizes no one owns them. When it fails, everyone assumes someone else is watching it. Avoid this. Assign ownership. Even if informal. That one step reduces downtime more than most technical solutions.
- Define responsibility for each flow or interface
- Ensure the owner has access to logs and tools
- Include ownership in onboarding and handover docs
6. Build for Change, Not Just Launch
Interfaces are not static. Fields change. APIs get versioned. Volumes grow. If the flow is too rigid, it breaks under even small changes. Plan for adjustments from the start, even if the requirements seem stable now.
- Use version control on mappings and configurations
- Document known limits and constraints clearly
- Review integration flows during release cycles
10. Total Cost and ROI Considerations
Integration projects often start with technical goals—connect systems, sync data, get things running. But underneath that, cost plays a bigger role than most realize. Not just upfront licensing, but the kind of cost that shows up later: when workloads scale, when requirements shift, or when a workaround becomes permanent.
Cloud tools like SAP CPI might seem more cost-effective early on. No hardware, faster setup. But with usage-based pricing, costs can climb with volume. On-prem options like PI/PO are more stable in pricing but come with infrastructure overhead.
Then there are third-party platforms. Each with its own licensing model—some charge by user, others by transaction or connector. It adds up.
So looking at integration from an ROI perspective means asking more than “what does it cost now?” It means looking ahead. How will this scale? And who pays when it needs to change?
1. Cloud vs On-Premise Costs
Cloud platforms like SAP CPI offer faster setup and lower infrastructure costs, but pricing often scales with usage. On-premise tools like PI/PO require more upfront investment but may offer cost stability over time, especially if hardware is already in place.
- Cloud: subscription-based, often per message or connection
- On-prem: CAPEX-heavy, with lower recurring license costs
- Pricing depends on system volume and IT footprint
2. SAP CPI Licensing Impact
SAP CPI uses a tiered, usage-based model. You are charged based on message volume and throughput. It is predictable in low to moderate scenarios, but heavy traffic or unoptimized flows can lead to sharp cost increases.
- Starting tiers typically begin around €1,000–€2,000/month
- Extra charges for high-volume messages or non-standard adapters
- Track usage monthly to manage costs proactively
3. Third-Party Middleware Pricing
MuleSoft, Dell Boomi, and Informatica follow varied pricing models—per connector, per user, or per transaction. Base pricing might look affordable, but scaling often uncovers limits that trigger new fees.
- MuleSoft: license + API volume + core packs (~$18K+/year)
- Boomi: per integration process, connector, or user tier
- Informatica: cost driven by ETL volume and platform services
4. Cost of Change Over Time
Initial setup costs are just part of the story. Changes—new endpoints, updated mappings, or business rule shifts—can introduce additional licensing or development costs, especially in rigid environments.
- Estimate 15–30% annual change cost in complex landscapes
- More modular platforms tend to reduce change friction
- Customizations may require license extensions or consulting
5. Support and Maintenance Costs
Support often gets overlooked in cost projections. SAP CPI includes basic support tiers, but response times and SLAs vary. Third-party tools may offer faster support—at a price, or require additional service contracts.
- SAP support tied to existing enterprise agreements
- Third-party tools may charge 15–20% of license annually for support
- Internal support needs can increase with system complexity
6. Evaluating ROI Beyond Setup
True ROI includes cost of ownership over time—not just implementation. A cheaper platform may lack flexibility, while a higher-cost tool might reduce downtime or change effort later. Evaluate on lifecycle, not just launch.
- Factor in total license + maintenance + support + change cost
- Estimate ROI over a 2–3 year horizon, not just project phase
- Include cost of failed or delayed integrations as potential risk
1. What is SAP CPI?
SAP CPI, or Cloud Platform Integration, is part of SAP Integration Suite. It helps connect SAP and non-SAP systems, mainly in cloud or hybrid environments. Think of it as middleware, but built for distributed landscapes.
It includes:
Pre-built integration flows (called iFlows)
Support for protocols like HTTPS, SFTP, and OData
Options for custom mapping, scripting, and routing
CPI is especially useful when moving from on-premise to cloud, or when third-party apps need to talk to SAP securely.
2. How does SAP integrate with Salesforce?
SAP and Salesforce typically exchange data through APIs or middleware like SAP CPI, MuleSoft, or Dell Boomi.
Common use cases include:
Syncing customer master data
Transferring order and invoice details
Sharing support case history or pricing information
Challenges often come from data model differences and API limits on the Salesforce side. Careful mapping and throttling are key.
Licensing can also be a concern. If Salesforce triggers actions in SAP, indirect access might apply.
3. What is SAP indirect access?
Indirect access happens when external systems interact with SAP without a user logging in directly. For example, a portal or third-party app creates a sales order in SAP through an API.
SAP considers this licensable under its Digital Access model, where usage is tracked by document type (orders, invoices, etc.).
It can catch teams off guard. Systems run quietly in the background, but generate documents that trigger licensing exposure.
To manage it:
Evaluate how external systems use SAP
Monitor document creation volume
Consider SAP’s digital document-based licensing structure
4. Which SAP integration tool is best?
That depends on what you are integrating, how often it changes, and who is maintaining it.
For cloud-to-cloud or hybrid: SAP Integration Suite (CPI)
For on-premise SAP-to-SAP: SAP PI/PO
For API governance: SAP API Management
For data pipelines and analytics: SAP Data Intelligence
For broader enterprise integration: MuleSoft or Dell Boomi
Most landscapes use a mix. What is “best” depends more on fit than features.
5. Can SAP integrate with Microsoft and Oracle?
Yes, and it happens often.
SAP ↔ Microsoft
Azure Logic Apps, Power Automate, or SAP connectors in Power BI
Common use: pulling SAP data into Excel, Teams, or dashboards
SAP ↔ Oracle
Usually involves middleware (CPI, PI, or third-party)
Use cases include finance, procurement, or HR integration
Challenges include different auth models, timing mismatches, and in some cases, licensing.
6. What is SAP Integration Suite?
SAP Integration Suite is SAP’s cloud-native platform for connecting systems, apps, and data. It includes CPI, API Management, Open Connectors, and event mesh capabilities.
You can think of it as a toolkit. Some parts are prebuilt, others are configurable. It is designed for cloud-first and hybrid environments.
Core benefits:
Prebuilt content for common integrations
Real-time and batch processing
Tools for security, monitoring, and governance
It is positioned as SAP’s strategic integration layer for modern landscapes.
7. Is SAP CPI replacing PI/PO?
In cloud-heavy or hybrid landscapes, yes—SAP CPI is the preferred direction. But PI/PO is still supported and widely used, especially in ECC-based systems or on-premise setups.
SAP recommends moving to Integration Suite over time, but there is no forced switch. It depends on project timing, system roadmap, and cost.
Some companies use both, phasing CPI in gradually.
8. How does SAP handle API security?
SAP supports standard security protocols:
OAuth2 for token-based authentication
SAML for federated identity
X.509 certificates for system-to-system trust
Integration Suite also provides API throttling, quota enforcement, and policy management. Most teams combine SAP security tools with corporate identity providers like Azure AD or Okta.
Security needs vary by scenario, so plan for this early.
9. What drives SAP integration cost?
Several factors influence cost:
Type of tool (cloud vs on-prem)
Volume of transactions or messages
Number of interfaces and systems
Licensing model (e.g., CPI is usage-based)
For example, SAP CPI licensing may seem low at first but can scale quickly with volume. Third-party middleware may charge by connector or user.
Always include support and change costs—not just license fees—in your estimates.
10. How do I monitor SAP integrations?
SAP Integration Suite includes built-in monitoring dashboards, logs, and trace tools. You can:
View message logs and errors in real time
Track performance and latency
Set alerts for failed or slow flows
For on-premise systems like PI/PO, monitoring is handled in the Integration Engine or through SAP Solution Manager.
The key is to set up monitoring early. Waiting until something fails usually costs more than planning ahead.
