Roadmap to Onboarding a New Customer for SAP CPI or SAP BTP Integration Suite

Onboarding a new customer for SAP CPI (Cloud Platform Integration) or the SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform) Integration Suite requires meticulous preparation, both technically and strategically. Here’s a complete roadmap that outlines the prerequisites, preparation, and best practices for successful onboarding.

1. Understanding Customer Needs

Key Activities

Conduct discovery workshops with the customer to understand:
- Current business processes.
- Integration requirements (e.g., SAP ERP, third-party systems, API consumption).
- Data security and compliance needs.
- Desired outcomes and KPIs.
Identify specific business pain points.
Document current system architecture and data flow.

Deliverable

A comprehensive requirements document highlighting the customer’s integration goals and expectations.

2. Preparing to Convince the Customer while onboarding a new customer for SAP CPI or SAP BTP Integration Suite

Why SAP BTP Integration Suite?

Highlight these key advantages:

Flexibility: Supports multiple integration patterns like A2A, B2B, and API management.
Cost Efficiency: Reduces infrastructure and operational costs.
Innovation: Leverages AI/ML, IoT, and advanced analytics via SAP BTP.
Pre-built Content: Access to 2,500+ pre-packaged integration templates in SAP API Business Hub.

Address Customer Concerns

Security: Explain enterprise-grade security features (encryption, tenant isolation).
Scalability: Discuss the platform’s ability to scale with growing business needs.
ROI: Present real-world use cases and testimonials.

Presenting a Demo

Prepare a live or simulated demo showcasing:

Pre-built integration flows.
How quick deployment saves time and effort.
Real-time monitoring of integration processes.

3. Technical Prerequisites Before Setup

Customer-Specific Preparations

Confirm network readiness, including VPN or firewall settings.
Verify access to customer’s source and target systems (SAP and non-SAP).

SAP Account and Licensing

Acquire an SAP BTP global account (via a trial or enterprise license).
Ensure that the required services, such as Integration Suite and API Management, are provisioned.

Configure an account hierarchy:
- Global Account → Subaccount → Service Instances.

System Landscape Design

Plan the landscape (e.g., dev, test, and production environments).
Set up connectivity requirements, such as:
- Secure access via SAP Cloud Connector.
- Authentication mechanisms like OAuth 2.0 or SAML.

4. Step-by-Step Technical Implementation

Step 1: Setting Up SAP BTP Integration Suite

Subaccount Creation:
- Create a subaccount in SAP BTP Cockpit.
- Enable required entitlements (e.g., Integration Suite, Cloud Foundry).
Provision Integration Suite:
- Subscribe to Integration Suite services.
- Access the Integration Suite from the Cockpit.
Configure Capabilities:
- Set up Integration Flow, API Management, and Open Connectors as per customer needs.

Step 2: Connectivity Setup

Configure secure communication using the SAP Cloud Connector.
Set up destinations to integrate with customer systems (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, Salesforce, etc.).
Test connectivity to ensure seamless communication.

Step 3: Develop and Deploy Integration Flows

Utilize pre-built templates from SAP API Business Hub.
Develop custom integration flows using the SAP Web IDE or Eclipse IDE.
Perform unit testing on each flow.

Step 4: Monitoring and Governance

Enable Integration Monitoring via SAP Cloud ALM or Solution Manager.
Configure alerts for errors and performance issues.
Provide the customer access to monitoring dashboards.

5. Enablement and Handover

Customer Training

Conduct training sessions for the customer’s IT team on:
- Using the Integration Suite.
- Troubleshooting basic issues.
- Monitoring and managing integration flows.

Documentation

Provide detailed technical and user documentation.
Share troubleshooting guides and best practices.

Go-Live Support

Offer hypercare support during the initial phase after go-live.
Address any bottlenecks or performance issues promptly.

6. Continuous Engagement

Schedule regular reviews to ensure customer satisfaction.
Share updates on new features in SAP BTP.
Suggest additional solutions (e.g., SAP Data Intelligence or SAP Business Application Studio) for enhanced digital transformation.

By following this roadmap, you can effectively onboard customers onto SAP BTP Integration Suite while addressing their technical and business requirements. A well-prepared and transparent process not only builds trust but also ensures long-term success.