Why Integrating SAP and Non-SAP Systems is No Longer Optional

The modern enterprise landscape has evolved far from the monolithic structures of the past and encompasses a vibrant, interconnected ecosystem today. As revealed in a recent SAPinsider Research titled SAP BTP Data, Integration, and Application Development, this evolution is accelerating. The study indicates that 52% of organizations now operate with SAP at their core, strategically complemented by a carefully curated selection of third-party applications.

Diversity Means Integration

Even more telling is the increase—from 13% in 2024 to 19% this year—of companies embracing a truly best-of-breed approach, seamlessly weaving together SAP and non-SAP solutions for optimal functionality. Conversely, reliance on predominantly SAP environments has dwindled, dropping from 24% to 18%, according to the study, which included integration platform Boomi as a sponsor.

These findings paint a clear picture: while SAP remains a critical backbone for many, the need to integrate it effectively with a diverse array of non-SAP applications is no longer a peripheral concern but a central imperative for business success. This growing complexity underscores the vital role of integration.

SAP Integration Tools

SAP Integration Suite has witnessed a significant surge in adoption within SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), now the most utilized service. This growth is partly fueled by the impending end of mainstream maintenance for legacy SAP integration solutions, pushing organizations towards a modern, unified approach. However, the research highlights that a substantial 67% of respondents continue to employ a blend of SAP and non-SAP integration tools and that exclusive use of non-SAP integration tools has even seen a notable increase, albeit from a smaller base.

Why this persistent need for diverse integration approaches? The answer lies in the inherent complexity of modern business. Organizations are focused on streamlining processes, accelerating innovation through system modernization, and unlocking the power of centralized data for enhanced analytics.

Achieving these goals demands seamless data flow and process orchestration across all critical systems, regardless of their origin. Non-SAP solutions, like those provided by Boomi, often excel in specific domains, offering functionalities that perfectly complement the core SAP landscape. Integrating these best-of-breed applications allows businesses to tap into specialized capabilities without sacrificing the foundational strength of their SAP investments.

Additionally, the SAPinsider research indicates that while organizations are exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within SAP BTP, many are experimenting with AI use cases outside the SAP ecosystem. This necessitates robust integration capabilities to connect these disparate AI initiatives with core business processes and data residing within SAP.

Developing Integration Strategies

Thus, organizations must proactively develop comprehensive integration strategies that acknowledge the reality of their increasingly hybrid IT landscapes. This involves:

• Embracing unified platforms: Moving towards centralized integration platforms capable of handling diverse connection types and protocols is crucial for simplifying management and enhancing visibility.
• Cloud-first mindset: Leveraging cloud-based integration solutions offers scalability, flexibility, and the ability to effectively connect both cloud and on-premise systems.
• Strategic automation: Implementing automation tools within the integration layer streamlines data flows, reduces manual errors, and accelerates business processes.

Finally, integrating SAP and non-SAP systems expands the data landscape and necessitates a unified security posture. Organizations must, therefore, prioritize security from the outset of their integration initiatives, embedding robust controls and governance policies to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance across all connected systems.

What This Means for SAPinsiders

An increasingly hybrid ERP landscape demands agnostic integration. The market is clearly moving towards complex, hybrid environments where SAP coexists with a growing number of non-SAP, best-of-breed applications and cloud services. Thus, the strength of platforms like Boomi lies in its agnostic connectivity, seamlessly integrating SAP with a vast array of other systems, regardless of vendor or deployment model. This addresses the increasing need for organizations to connect their SAP core with specialized solutions for CRM, HR, e-commerce platforms, and more.

Organizations are seeking user-friendly, rapid integration for their systems. Boomi’s solutions for SAP integration are used by organizations that prioritize ease of use and speed in connecting their SAP systems to a diverse range of applications. Its capabilities are particularly relevant for companies with lean IT teams or those wanting to empower business analysts to participate in integration efforts. Moreover, Boomi’s low-code, drag-and-drop interface and pre-built connectors for SAP and non-SAP systems enable faster deployment and reduced reliance on specialized coding skills.

Integrations enable end-to-end business processes and data visibility. SAP partners like Boomi facilitate numerous critical use cases for SAP integration, focusing on creating seamless end-to-end business processes and achieving comprehensive data visibility. Key examples include integrations for order-to-cash and order-to-fulfillment, supply chain optimization, customer 360 initiatives, and data migration and modernization.