SAP B1 blog

An SAP Business One extension has its justification 

Should you invest in a solution that was not developed by SAP itself? 

As a rule, companies go to their (future) customer with a list of functionalities that they require. SAP Business One Partner. They will recommend one or more solutions to you. These solutions are usually developed by a third party, a so-called Software Solutions Partner (SSP). This is where the first concerns often arise. Should you invest in a solution that was not developed by SAP itself? There are at least a few good reasons to do so.  

SAP Business One is a really strong standard software. The restriction is derived from the partial word "default" can be derived. Whenever you standardise, you can't take some circumstances into account. And the SSPs usually have a deep understanding of the specific type of business they serve, so you can really get the best of both worlds: An international branded solution with a very specific extension designed for your type of business. For this, SAP offers a far-reaching Development environment and excellent support for SSPs. 
 

It's the how that counts 

On the other hand, when choosing your extensions, you should realise that not all of them are the same. It's not just about functions. It is also important to know how the SAP Business One extension was implemented. As an SSP, there are a few rules to follow to ensure that your system works cohesively. There is some information you should gather before you have SAP Business One "drilled down".  

Where is the data stored? 

A single database simplifies the management of the system.

Extensions for SAP Business One either have their own database that works together with the SAP Business One database, or they simply use the SAP Business One database. SAP Business One can be extended within its Database all extension data. A single database makes it easier to manage the system. This makes it easier to guarantee data integrity throughout the system. Working with two databases harbours the risk that data located in two places may be inconsistent. 

However, you should not completely write off an SAP Business One extension with its own database. Some even derive their very own advantages from it. However, it must make sense for you and your company. 

When SAP Business One extensions slow down 

 SAP Business One may be SAP's smallest ERP solution, but it is still a full-blown business software with thousands of links. If you "interfere" in the wrong place, you risk slowing down the application painfully. Even the best additional functions won't make the user happy if they have to wait an excessively long time for them to materialise. Extensive testing is required here. How does SAP Business One behave with and without the extension?  

Is the provider keeping pace with the releases of SAP Business One? 

It is also important that the SSP keeps up with the SAP Business One releases to some extent. If you don't want to risk getting stuck on old versions of SAP ERP, it should be clear that the SAP Business One extension always adheres to the SAP update cycle.  

Is the manufacturer understaffed? Or does the development team need to focus on stabilising the solution or troubleshooting

Apart from the limitations of using an older version of SAP Business One, the fact that the vendor is behind schedule can also be a warning sign: Is the vendor understaffed? Or does the development team need to focus on stabilising the solution or fixing bugs instead of keeping up with SAP Business One? Sooner or later, difficulties like these will end up in your company. 

What is planned for the SAP Business One extension 

 The world is constantly changing. The needs of companies are changing in the same way. This is precisely why the software that fulfils all important processes of the company. Check whether the add-on provider is actively developing the solution. If there is no plan to add new things in the future, this does not necessarily mean that the solution is "complete". There could be other reasons (see above).  

It's nice to have an ambitious road map is available. However, you should also check whether future features will only be available at an additional cost.  

In which environment is the SAP Business One extension developed? 

 SAP Business One supports several SDKs. This is a fully developed development environment that offers a great deal of flexibility for your own extensions and customisations. However, there are providers who do not develop with the SAP tools. This means that the SSP is the only instance that can make customisations. In case of doubt or emergency, this can be a disadvantage.  
If the manufacturer also keeps pace with the development tools, future changes in the standard software will also be easier to track in the SAP Business One extension.  

Different code for Microsoft SQL and SAP HANA? 

With SAP Business One, you can choose between SAP HANA and Microsoft SQL Server as a database. The advantages and disadvantages of the two systems would be a blog in itself. The SAP Business One extension should therefore also be able to run on the chosen platform.  

However, you should check whether the HANA and MS SQL version of the add-on is based on a code base.

However, you should check whether the HANA and MS SQL version of the Add ons is based on one code base. Firstly, there are and have been SAP Business One users who have switched from one version to another after a certain period of time. A different basis can make this process difficult or even impossible. Furthermore, you as a user may be the victim of parallel development. This can result in features that are only available for one version or the other, high costs that ultimately have to be borne by the user and a sluggish pace of development. 

What other extensions are compatible with this one? 

 Many SAP B1 users want to use more than one add-on. After all, there are a lot of add-ons to choose from. Although these add-ons are all based on SAP Business One, they are not necessarily harmonised with each other. So the first thing to do here is to keep a sense of proportion. What is really necessary and what does the standard offer, perhaps only at second glance! Furthermore, some SSPs already co-operate with each other, so that the SAP Business One extension of the one not only runs in parallel, but even integrates the functions of the other.  

Who can support you with the SAP Business One extension?  

 If the manufacturer has to be consulted for every question, this can quickly turn into a costly hanging game.  

An SAP Business One extension can sometimes not only have a wide range of functions, but also require good consulting for implementation and operation. Not every SSP has resources earmarked for this and prefers to rely on SAP partners to provide this service. A partner concept should therefore be implemented in which the integration partners are required to have not only SAP knowledge, but also add-on expertise. If the manufacturer has to be consulted for every question, this can quickly turn into a costly hanging game.  

The overall picture around the SAP Business One extension counts 

Choosing the right SAP Business One add-on for your organisation depends heavily on your needs. You need to consider your own priorities and then find out which SSP offers an add-on that suits you. So what may be right for one company may be completely wrong for another, even within the same industry. A thorough look behind the scenes of SAP partners and SSPs is definitely called for. Don't make the mistake of drawing up a list of functionalities and choosing SAP Business Extension, which simply fulfils most of the points mathematically. Take a look at the overall picture and you should be able to create a complete ERP solution that works optimally in the long term and grows with your company, and one or two add-ons to help with this.