Our proven solution for smooth integration (without overuse of painkillers)
SAP integration projects often face delays and complications, especially during the implementation phase. Therefore, we propose an approach that combines the flexibility of low-code technology with a well-structured functional path, simplifying the process and reducing unexpected issues.
SAP is the most widely used ERP system by companies. Regardless of the sector, every organization we’ve interacted with uses it for at least one business function.
Its central role has led to a series of customizations aimed at adapting it to the most diverse business needs. However, over time, these customizations have turned into true legacy systems, complicating maintenance and making scalability increasingly problematic.
Faced with this challenge, many companies have realized that the solution is not to keep modifying SAP indefinitely, but rather toextend its functionalities with custom-built applications. This is the heart of the concept of "SAP integration", an operation that is now crucial in the digitalization of business processes.
The downside?Every integration project, once it reaches the implementation phase, brings with it heavy headaches. The discovery of unforeseen technical constraints requires changes in the process, while the presence of legacy systems, the variety of technological scenarios, and the need to coordinate multiple teams extend and complicate the work of analysis, testing, and development. This results in almost inevitable delays, turning the integration into a much more complex challenge than expected.
AtWEGG, we have personally experienced these"blood baths"and asked ourselves:how can we simplify this process?
After facing the issue multiple times, we thoroughly analyzed the key aspects from both a functional and technological point of view.The result is a structured method that enables smooth SAP integration, reducing complexity and respecting predefined timelines.
The first step to tackle a SAP integration more effectively ischoosing the right technology. agnostic low-code development, based on visual development with reduced need for code writing, prove to be particularly suited for this challenge.
As SAP integration becomes an increasingly widespread need, many low-code platforms have developednative connectors ready to, adapt to different versions of SAP and the specific nature of the required integration. Questo semplifica notevolmente il processo, poiché la piattaforma low-code si occupa di gestire automaticamente aspetti che altrimenti sarebbero demandati allo sviluppo.
These connectors cover both technical operations related to implementing the communication flowsuch as establishing the connection with SAP, authentication procedures, handling errors that may occur, call synchronization, testing, and debugging, and functional aspects, such as creating a user interface for configuration and data manipulation.
At WEGG, we offer our clients the Mendix platform . The new is it is the only low-code provider certified as an SAP Endorsed Apps Partner, a recognition that attests to its perfect interoperability with SAP and the quality of the solution. This allows integration projects to be handled more smoothly and efficiently, reducing development times and simplifying connection management.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what tools it offers.
Mendix provides several connectorsto facilitate communication with SAP, based on theversion of SAPand theservices they interact with.
Let’s briefly see the main available connectors:
As we can see, Mendix offers connectors designed toaddress different integration needs, fromdata exchangetomanaging authentication and logging.
But,is everything automatic? Is a single click enough to complete the SAP integration?Obviously not.
While these connectors simplify the process, theydon’t eliminate the complexitybehind a project. To ensure integration success, it is crucial to follow a series of steps that allow each phase to be approachedmethodically and thoughtfully.
AtWEGG, we have formalized astructured approach that guides the activation of the connector, reducing the risk of unforeseen issues and making the process more predictable and effective.
SAP integration is often considered an operation solely assigned to development, but this perception is one of the main causes ofdelays and project rework. Therefore, when supporting our clients in an SAP integration withlow-code Mendix platform, we ensure that a functional analyst leads the process, gathering the necessary information by involving the stakeholders.
There are,two key aspectsto understand:
The first aspect to consider is the version of SAP being used by the client, as each version has specific characteristics that may impact the process. Another determining factor is the system’s location: SAP can be installed on-premises, in a private cloud, or in the SAP cloud. This choice significantly affects how the connection is made and how integration is managed.To better understand these aspects, we involve the client's SAP representative from the start.
Once the architecture is defined, thefunctional requirement of integration must be clarified. The key questions to answer are:
The business side of the projectcan provide crucial insights to clarify these aspectsensuring that requirements are well-defined from the beginning and preventing issues during later integration stages.
Once all necessary information has been gathered, the most suitable connector can be identified, and the connection implemented. At this stage, data exchange hasn’t occurred yet,but technical operations can already be performed, to establish andtest the connection.
Since the connection ismanaged directly by the low-code platform, the required steps are quite simple. After selecting the most appropriate Mendix low-code Mendix platformfor the project’s needs, it’s enough to:
This configuration allows for rapid validation of the connection, simplifying subsequent integration phases.
With theintegration logic already defined in the functional requirements, you canoptimize timeand quickly implement the integration usingmicroflows, which leverageready-to-use actionsprovided by Mendix to interact with SAP.
Alsodata mappinga fundamental step inaligning SAP datawith the Mendix application model can also be handled viamicroflows. While the connector mayautomatically managethe conversion between structures, anyspecific transformation requirements can be customized within the microflows without writing code. Additionally, Mendix offers the Data Mapping Editor, a visual tool that allows for more precise data associations through an intuitive interface.
In aggiunta, Mendix offre il Data Mapping Editor, uno strumento visivo che consente di effettuare associazioni più specifiche tra i dati attraverso un’interfaccia intuitiva.
As we can see, technology offers great potential, but the proposed automations may be ineffective without the awareness gained from solid functional preparation.
Our work doesn’t end with the implementation of the integration logic.We ensure that the connector is optimally, configured by utilizing the available tools tospeed up debugging, handle errors, and test data. This phase is essential to reduce the risk of malfunctions in production.
Integrating with SAP is a complex process, and as we well know,delays and headachesare often part of the deal. However, approaching these projects with a structured approach and solid functional preparation can make all the difference.
Let’s put an end to the overuse of painkillers with every SAP integration!
*Article by Virginia Lazzari, Business Consultant in WEGG.
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