SAP Architecture
What is SAP Architecture?
SAP Architecture is the technical requirements of your system landscape and the applications that you need for that. SAP’s major step forward in architecture came when it introduced SAP R/3 — the three references a three-layer architecture — in the late 1990s. SAP ERP applications ever since, including SAP S/4HANA, still follow these basic architectural layers:
- The Presentation Layer is the component specialized in interacting with end-users, the user interface. SAP GUI is the traditional SAP interface, but newer SAP applications utilize SAP Fiori design principles.
- The Application Layer is the component that specializes in processing the SAP application — such as SAP S/4HANA. Development at the SAP application layer has been done traditionally with the ABAP coding language. The HTML5-based UI5 is growing in importance as a language for building applications that can run on a variety of devices.
- The Database Layer is the software component that specializes in the management, storage, and retrieval of data. The key difference in SAP S/4HANA vs. previous ERPs at this level is a simplified data model that is specifically designed to run on the SAP HANA in-memory database.
What is SAP Architecture?
SAP Architecture is the technical requirements of your system landscape and the applications that you need for that. SAP’s major step forward in architecture came when it introduced SAP R/3 — the three references a three-layer architecture — in the late 1990s. SAP ERP applications ever since, including SAP S/4HANA, still follow these basic architectural layers:
- The Presentation Layer is the component specialized in interacting with end-users, the user interface. SAP GUI is the traditional SAP interface, but newer SAP applications utilize SAP Fiori design principles.
- The Application Layer is the component that specializes in processing the SAP application — such as SAP S/4HANA. Development at the SAP application layer has been done traditionally with the ABAP coding language. The HTML5-based UI5 is growing in importance as a language for building applications that can run on a variety of devices.
- The Database Layer is the software component that specializes in the management, storage, and retrieval of data. The key difference in SAP S/4HANA vs. previous ERPs at this level is a simplified data model that is specifically designed to run on the SAP HANA in-memory database.
There’s a wide range of vendors that support at least part of the SAP Architecture. Red Hat and SUSE specialize in the Linux operating system, on which the SAP HANA database runs. SAP architecture needs a foundation, and a vendor such as Dell Technologies can provide on-premise hardware such as servers. Microsoft is one of the hyperscalers that can set up cloud environments for SAP applications. Companies like Deloitte offer consulting services to assist companies in building out their SAP Architecture.
Key Considerations for SAPinsiders:
- ABAP coders are still important to SAP Architecture. If your company is looking to adopt SAP S/4HANA and other SAP applications with consumer-grade user experiences, then you will likely need UI5 and SAP Fiori skillsets.
- Legacy SAP ERP systems typically have heavy customization at the application layer and potentially complex data models. Many customers that are adopting SAP S/4HANA are choosing to eschew customization and instead are adapting their processes to the technology to provide cleaner data and easier upgrades.
- SAP HANA’s in-memory capabilities are meant to speed up data retrieval significantly. However, with the rise of low-cost and open-source data storage, many companies are storing their data in “hot” and “cold” locations. Hot, or frequently accessed, data may be stored in-memory, but cold, or sporadically accessed, data may be stored in a Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) or cloud storage.
935 results
-
Effortlessly Manage Your Service-Oriented Architecture Landscape with SOA Manager
Discover how to create templates for services configuration (profiles). Then see how to apply these templates (bundled in a business scenario) to services to create endpoints together instead of separate endpoint creation for each service. Service-oriented architecture (SOA) Manager, as a configuration tool for ABAP Web Services, offers additional configuration objects to easily carry out...…
-
Centralized or Federated? Select the MDG Architecture Best Suited for Your Needs
Compare SAP’s master data governance (MDG) architecture options and determine which is suitable for your project. The options work for both a centralized operating model and a federated operating model. Key Concept Master data governance (MDG) introduces controls over the data maintenance process, minimizes data quality issues, and eliminates redundant data. The IT operating model...…
-
Managing Data with SAP Data Replication and Transformation Tools
Data and solution integration is becoming one of the most important aspects in enterprise architecture. Learn about the functionalities provided by SAP data replication and transformation solutions and their proper use. Key Concept Modern business solutions often run in a complex enterprise landscape that requires extensive use of data replication and transformation functionality. Tools such...…
-
Optimize Data Management in All Phases of Your SAP Implementation
Poor data management can lead to many problems, from incorrect data, to a lack of integration, to bad analysis. Learn ways an effective data management strategy can help you in your efforts to optimize your system’s performance while increasing your compliance and reducing cost. Key Concept Data management is a critical component of running a...…
-
Live from SAPinsider Studio: Anil Chintaparthi of Accenture on the Enterprise Data Warehouse
Anil Chintaparthi, Senior Manager, Accenture Digital Group, joins SAPinsider Studio at the 2016 BI-HANA event. Chintaparthi discusses the top three considerations for leveraging SAP HANA architecture in an enterprise data warehouse, and what SAP S/4HANA means for the future of the enterprise data warehouse. This is an edited version of the transcript: Ken Murphy, SAPinsider:…
-
Technical Guide: Transitioning to SAP Cloud Platform Integration Suite
Seamless integration across applications and systems — whether they are SAP, non-SAP, on-premise, cloud, or hyperscaler systems — enable organizations to digitalize their end-to-end processes and make the enterprise more connected and intelligent. Forward-thinking organizations are taking a holistic and strategic approach to their enterprise integration initiatives as they pursue digital transformation, embracing the agility…
-
Elevating Customer Experience with SAP C/4HANA for Consumer Goods and Retail
The explosion of digital technologies and the new possibilities they have created has dramatically reshaped customer behaviors and expectations, and the pace of change is only increasing. Customer interactions are evolving rapidly, the number of communication channels has exploded, and customers expect to engage across them seamlessly. As today’s customers segment themselves into tribes that…
-
GuiXT Lets You Easily Add HR Photos and Tips
GuiXT is the standard SAP solution for SAP R/3 screen customization. Learn how to integrate images and screen tips using GuiXT without any ABAP code changes or IMG customization. Key Concept GuiXT is free SAP software for users starting with R/3 4.0. In R/3 Release 4.6 and up, GuiXT comes standard with SAPGUI. It is...…
-
Making Custom Themes Future Ready Using SAP UI Theme Designer
Obtain clarity on the steps to follow for applying a custom theme to any SAPUI5/HTML5-based applications both in the cloud and on premise. Learn some best practices for creating custom themes that are future ready and the multiple deployment options of the UI theme designer. Key Concept The UI theme designer is a browser-based tool...…
-
Creating and Modifying a SAPUI5 Custom Control
By Cord Jastram, Software Developer at DXC. SAPUI5 offers a large set of controls ranging from simple ones like the Label to complex controls like the PlanningCalendar control. The available set of SAPUI5 controls covers most use cases for SAPUI5, but sometimes the requirements for a developer go beyond the scope of the existing controls.…
Your request has been successfully sent