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.
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RFID Primer for the SAP SCM Professional
Introducing RFID to a shop floor, warehouse, or retail environment requires that the SAP professional learn about new kinds of hardware and standards. Discover the differences among the different RFID tags and readers, and see how you might integrate them into an SAP landscape. Key Concept The SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure (AII) integrates data from smart-item...…
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Ease Supply Chain Planning with APO Transportation Lanes
APO allows you to create and maintain lanes of transportation for your own facilities as well as those to and from your suppliers and customers. It also provides the tools to determine the most cost-effective way to transport materials. This overview explains the technology and provides some great tips for using it. Key Concept The...…
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Customize SNP Interactive Planning to Better Display Critical Conditions
You can modify the standard Supply Network Planning (SNP) interactive planning page to better support end users. Here’s how to improve the way that data is displayed so that users can quickly identify critical conditions. Key Concept The interactive planning table in SNP is the primary interface planners use to monitor their supply chains. It...…
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Improve Your Corporate Sustainability Reporting with SAP BusinessObjects Sustainability Performance Management
Walk through the key features of SAP BusinessObjects Sustainability Performance Management and see how you can use it along with other parts of your SAP system for your corporate sustainability reporting needs. Key Concept SAP BusinessObjects Sustainability Performance Management allows you to quickly aggregate information and develop the required documents to meet the goals of...…
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Demystify Safety Stock Calculation Methods in PP/DS
Subtle differences in the way SAP APO SNP and the Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling (PP/DS) applications calculate safety stock are often a source of confusion. Gain an understanding of these differences and see how you use the SAP safety stock methods in PP/DS. In most cases, the safety stock calculation methods in the SAP...…
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Improve Safety Stock Accuracy with APO’s Extended Method
Do your safety stock levels always seem too high or too low? It’s possible that you have not chosen the right APO method or have set it up in a less-than-optimal manner. We explain the considerations, drivers, and settings for using APO’s extended safety stock method and show you why it might be more accurate...…
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Are Your Safety Stock Levels Optimal? Match Your Method with APO Supply Planning Methodology
SAP APO provides two methods for dealing with safety stock–the stock that you keep on hand in the event that you do not have enough material to deliver on orders. They are the Basic and Extended Safety Stock Methods. Each is designed for a specific supply planning methodology. Misalignment between the APO’s safety stock methods...…
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What You Need to Know About SAP xMII to Enable Adaptive Manufacturing
Learn about SAP xApp Manufacturing Integration and Intelligence (xMII) and see how you can use it to improve your manufacturing processes. Through several real-world examples, see how xMII helps your operation monitoring and control, quality management, and manufacturing synchronization. Then, take a look at the technology behind xMII. Key Concept SAP xApp Manufacturing Integration and...…
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SAP HCM Processes and Forms — A Better Alternative to PCRs
Learn about the new features of SAP HCM Processes and Forms that were not previously available with Personnel Change Requests. Get a glimpse of the new HR Administrator portal role. Discover how to configure and implement the framework. Key Concept SAP HCM Processes and Forms is the new SAP standard for processing form-based requests requiring...…
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Build and Implement a Rock-Solid Compliance Framework for Your IFRS Conversion Project
Many countries already operate under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), while the US, among other countries, may be joining the fray. To simplify the conversion from your local reporting standard to IFRS and better manage the associated compliance risk, organizations must adopt strategies and best practices based on a proven compliance framework. Key Concept A...…
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