SAP interfaces and connection

Interfaces to the SAP system

Software interfaces are logical communication points between different processes and systems. SAP also provides numerous standard interfaces for data exchange. As more and more companies provide web-based services, the number of third-party systems that need to be connected to the central database architecture is also increasing.

In IT, a basic distinction is made between data-oriented and functional interfaces. In connection with the ERP system SAP, data-oriented interfaces are particularly relevant when it comes to connecting third-party systems to already existing business processes. Fortunately, SAP's architecture is open in various directions. This means that data can be extracted and evaluated very easily from the various sources. If data is to be imported back into SAP or existing master data is to be updated, this is of course also possible, but the implementation of a specific function is very complex for reasons of data integrity alone and requires a great deal of testing.

SAP interfaces - ABAP programming language

ABAP is a proprietary SAP programming language used primarily for developing business applications within the SAP system. Originally, ABAP was developed as an extension of the COBOL language. However, over time it has become more powerful than COBOL and is now considered a language in its own right. ABAP was extended in version 6.0 to include object-oriented language commands (OBJECTS). Most SAP interfaces are also programmed in ABAP.

Licensing of interface use

Although the implementation of a functioning interface may be technically very complex in some cases, the greatest costs probably lie in the licensing of its use. Many core SAP functions could probably also be carried out in an external system by using a suitable interface. However, in order to prevent, for example, processes from being handled by a simple web service for which expensive SAP licences might otherwise be required, SAP interfaces cannot simply be used like that. Depending on the application, it must be checked individually whether the interface use is covered by the existing licence.

Documentation interfaces SAP

Below you will find a short SAP interface documentation. An overview of the available interfaces can be found in the SAP help portal.

BAPI-Business Application Programming Interface

Here, individual business objects with their associated methods are called on the basis of RFC.

RFC - Remote Function Call

When processing transactions across different system boundaries, RFC calls are made by default.

IDoc - SAP message format

IDoc is a transaction document format and can also be used across platforms in the form of a structured text document.

REST / SOAP

Standardised network protocols that are mainly used in connection with web services.

SAP HANA

Coupling of database systems is also possible with SAP's HANA platform.

Challenges in the use of SAP interfaces

It should be noted, however, that redundant data storage and delayed transmission can lead to inconsistent information. This leads to problems in decision-making. Furthermore, SAP interfaces must be constantly maintained and checked. If external data is to be imported, manual gatekeeper processes must be set up in many cases, as otherwise incorrect bookings could occur.