SAP XI is a component of the SAP NetWeaver integration environment which facilitates integration of systems within the company and enables communication with business partners.
SAP XI is an XML-based platform for integrating applications. As an important component of SAP NetWeaver, it is closely integrated with SAP applications, and owing to the use of common standards SAP XI is open to non-SAP components.
No more spaghetti
Traditional approach to integration assumes establishing a connection between two systems. This is how the environment, where applications are connected on a 1-1 basis, is created. With numerous systems, the network of connections is growing, and so are the costs of generating and maintaining such connections (“integration spaghetti”).
With SAP XI, applications can be connected to the central integration platform. SAP XI centrally controls flow of processes in all the connected systems.
As a result, many connections become redundant. Instead of technological “spaghetti” and “system patchwork”, we have an elegant, transparent image of integration which is more efficient, effective, and also – easier and cheaper to maintain.
Mapping Savings
One of the integration costs is mapping preparation. As compared to the “old” approach with transformation of incoming and outgoing messages, application of one XML format enables reduction of the required number of mappings.
Example: 4 applications send messages containing the material master data, 6 applications receive these messages; each has a specific entry interface. If the messages are mapped separately for each interface, the number of mappings will total 24 (6*4). If (as for SAP XI) the “common” XML format is applied to the material, the number of mappings will be reduced down to 10.
How does it work?
SAP XI supports the integration landscape by sending the SOAP-XML messages based on defined interfaces. It offers a clear integration landscape thanks to the central repository of the integration information. It supplies unified service for A2A and B2B scenarios.
SAP XI supports communication between SAP systems with the use of own formats, based on the proxy mechanism. It features adapters for communication using RFC, IDoc and non-SAP protocols (such as flat files, JMC queues, HTTP prompts, third-party applications and industry standards). It defines all the integration objects using Internet standards (such as WSDL, XSD).
SAP XI is built based on proven and scalable SAP Web Application Server (SAP WAS) architecture – the same that mySAP ERP and products from SAP NetWeaver family are based on.
SAP XI and SAP Business Connector
SAP Business Connector (SAP BC) has proved its value as a mature and stable product. It is successfully used by many customers and still turns out to be an efficient integration environment whenever fast solutions are required. If faced with a more complex integration landscape, migration to SAP XI will bring invaluable benefits.
Migrate to SAP XI
SAP XI should be used wherever integration is of key importance. If e.g. the previous ERP system was integrated with other systems of the company and mySAP ERP is to maintain these connections, then SAP XI should be considered.
SAP XI is indispensable with such solutions as mySAP CRM, mySAP SRM, SAP MDM, which as a standard use SAP XI for integration with other SAP systems. It is worth noting that the decision to move to SAP XI does not have to mean disposing of all the previous integration solutions in one revolutionary move. Migration to SAP XI may be gradual.
SAP XI with SNP
SNP, as SAP NetWeaver Expert Partner, provides comprehensive services related to SAP XI, from preparation of migration, through training, support during SAP XI launch and development, to outsourcing of the SAP XI environment administration.
SNP supports the largest SAP XI projects in Poland, e.g. migration of several interfaces from SAP Business Connector platform to SAP XI (Polkomtel), integration with external logistics operators (Ferrero Polska, Polkomtel), as well as development and administration of SAP XI, as an integration platform in communication between various SAP, SAP CRM and non-SAP systems (a food sector company).