SAP B1iF is essentially a tool that exchanges data between SAP Business One and external systems. Various internal and external systems and objects can be integrated and connected. SAP B1iF therefore makes it possible to connect data sources and automatically integrate all data into a central software solution.
SAP B1if not just for programmers
SAP B1iF is an in-browser solution. It was developed to orchestrate data flows between different systems. The integration framework for SAP Business One is much more flexible than the possibilities via APIs SAP Business One. This makes the framework suitable not only for programmers, but also for ambitious administrators or consultants. While programmers are generally reliant on the possibilities of in-house development in conjunction with the existing APIs, SAP B1if already contains various components and services that simplify most data exchange tasks. The platform provides numerous tools, such as various adapters, load balancers, security functions, message flow controllers, error handlers and much more.
Universal integrator
Another decisive advantage of SAP Business One Integration Framework is that it can be used independently in a decentralised manner. Regardless of where the individual instances of SAP Business One are located, it can always be connected to other systems, either from the cloud or as On-premise installation.
It is a primary tool that is suitable for most SAP products, out of the box. As an open system, the universal integrator goes far beyond the SAP ecosystem and extends the boundaries of an organisation across multiple platforms. This means transforming SAP Business One into a central hub where all information flows converge.
Additional services in SAP B1if
There is no doubt that the tool goes far beyond the integration of different Business One instances and the import of files between them. Within the SAP solution landscape itself, SAP uses B1iF for the following purposes:
- SAP B1 Intercompany Integration Solution
- SAP Customer Checkout (checkout solution)
- SAP B1 request for quotation
- SAP B1 mobile application
SAP HANA Service Layer API technology
The next generation API that makes it possible to create applications that utilise SAP Business One data and services via open core protocols such as HTTP and ODATA.
This technology is only available for SAP Business One in the version for SAP HANA.
SAP Business One DI API
The DI API contains objects and methods that developers can use to read, write, update and remove data objects at database level.
This DI-API is also available for SAP Business One on MS SQL.
Both APIs, the SAP HANA Service Layer and the DI API, can be used for data exchange in both versions of the integration framework, version 1 and version 2.
Ready-made integration scenarios
The range of scenarios is quite extensive. Some of them are designed to cover basic requirements related to standard processes such as requests for quotation or integrations with other SAP products (e.g. Hybris or Ariba). Others help with various legal requirements, for example: They can automate tasks related to electronic invoices.
Below you can see some common integration scenarios used in the SAP ecosystem:
request for quotation
Once created, the system automatically sends the new offer to a built-in destination.procurement
After receiving a request for quotation, suppliers can accept the invitation and enter an automatically generated Collaboration Room.Product Integration
When you collaborate with suppliers on a design file, all related data is automatically transferred from an integrated ERP system. When creating test reports for the design samples, the information is displayed in the corresponding order.parts analysis
Transfer part information from an integrated ERP system to assess its suitability for additive manufacturing.To order
Place orders directly from a collaboration room where a supplier can update the relevant order processing data.order notification
Receive information about orders created in an integrated ERP system.
Bi1P - one level deeper
If you look deeper under the bonnet of the integration framework, you can discover another layer - the integration platform. This is also known as B1iP and forms the foundation of the integration framework for SAP Business One.
The main objective of the platform is to take care of the basic processes, including
- Execution control;
- Internal cache management;
- database management;
- Monitoring of transaction consistency;
- External and internal data exchange.
The integration framework has features such as parallel processing, monitoring and various security functions. More importantly, B1iP offers a programming environment for all customised integrations.
SAP B1if to integrate affiliated companies
SAP B1if is of course also designed to realise integration between affiliated companies that use SAP Business One. The tool enables the management of transactions across multiple SAP Business One subsystems. The implementation of the advanced process enables the automatic replication of master data, the improvement of business transactions, the sharing of journal entries between companies, the provision of cross-company reports and the provision of numerous collaboration functions. In other words, the add-on rationalises cross-company activities with SAP Business One. This is of course of interest to all companies that consist of several business units or subsidiaries.
The following functions are available in SAP B1if:
Business Data Sharing
the intercompany Integration solution supports the replication of base data between partner companies. The following areas can be shared: cargo master, Currency master, terms of payment, item master data, Business partner master dataetc. It is also possible to define which specific data records are to be shared and which fields and master data are to be replicated between the individual companies.Business process synchronisation and automation
All transactions are created and registered in SAP Business One in a standardised and transparent manner. For example, a sales office buys something from a production facility. When a purchase order is created in their SAP B1 application, a corresponding sales order transaction is automatically created in the production plant's SAP B1 installation.Transparent processes and financial consolidation
The intercompany solution was developed to fulfil these requirements with the help of numerous inbound tools and functions. These include multi-level financial consolidation with an aggregated total balance sheet, Profit and Loss Account, balance sheet etc. At the same time, there are various industry-specific reports on stock levels, balance sheets and sales.Intercompany collaboration
Intercompany integration makes it possible to automate numerous business processes between companies. At the same time, you gain insight into the operations of business units and entities. The following tools help: consolidated credit limit check, intercompany workflow, transaction notifications, etc.
Benefits of SAP B1if
Flexibility
Scenarios in SAP B1if can be quickly adapted to new requirements. An existing scenario for data exchange is always flexible enough to implement changes that are necessary or to fulfil special requirements. The system allows you to add new mapping fields or edit/delete existing ones. In addition, existing scenarios are not affected when a new version of SAP Business One is introduced.
Version-independent
The integration framework can be used to realise release-independent data exchange. This means that a single scenario can be used for several SAP Business One company databases. It is possible to work with scenarios across different SAP Business One versions. If a new release contains additional mapping fields, you can add these to the scenario with the framework without any additional effort.
reusability
You can freely reuse the existing components of SAP B1if for SAP Business One. Thanks to the features mentioned above, you can modify a current scenario that you use for synchronising databases and adapt it to the requirements of a new connection. There is no need to create a new integration pattern from scratch, especially if you work with similar instances. The framework makes it possible to modify any existing scenario and use it as a template.
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