Is your organization utilizing the SAP platform? Are you seeking a way to automate your business processes extensively? Then it’s time to explore the capabilities of the UiPath Platform. UiPath is the leading Business Automation platform. Through the collaboration between UiPath and SAP, you can effortlessly automate business processes. In this article, we’ll tell you all about the integration possibilities and benefits of both platforms.

The UiPath Business Automation Platform

UiPath is a platform comprised of various components, including UiPath Studio, UiPath Robot, UiPath Orchestrator, and UiPath AI Center. With UiPath Studio, you can design and test workflows, which are then executed by UiPath Robot on your computer or in the Cloud. UiPath Orchestrator allows you to schedule and monitor your software robots. And with UiPath AI Center, you can integrate existing or custom Machine Learning models (AI) into your automations.

The SAP Business Technology Platform 

SAP is a platform comprised of various applications, including SAP ECC, SAP S/4HANA, SAP Business One, SAP SuccessFactors, and SAP Ariba. With SAP, you can integrate, streamline, and enhance your business processes in areas such as finance, logistics, human resources, procurement, and more.

Partnership between UiPath en SAP 

UiPath and SAP have formed a strategic partnership to assist their customers with digital transformation. In 2018, SAP acquired the RPA software company Contextor, integrating it into the SAP platform under the name SAP iRPA. However, UiPath and SAP have always collaborated closely, and both parties significantly boosted this collaboration in 2023. This is evident in their joint go-to-market strategy, as SAP is also authorized to sell UiPath licenses to existing SAP customers. This aims to help them automate repetitive, time-consuming business processes in SAP and other applications.

Integration Possibilities between UiPath and SAP 

There are several integration possibilities between UiPath and SAP, depending on the process to be automated and the existing SAP setup. The most common integration possibilities include:

1. UI Automation

This is the simplest and fastest way to integrate UiPath with SAP. UiPath Studio is used to simulate user actions on the SAP GUI, such as reading, inputting, and processing data.

2. API Integration

This is a more advanced and robust way to integrate UiPath with SAP. You can use UiPath Studio to leverage the SAP Application Programming Interface (API), providing access to SAP’s business logic and data. You can also utilize the UiPath SAP Connector, offering a simple and secure means to connect to SAP via the Remote Function Call (RFC) protocol.

3. Integration of UiPath and SAP BAPI

BAPI is a technology used to exchange data between SAP systems and external applications. By integrating BAPI with UiPath, business processes can be automated and optimized without the need to write or modify complex code. Additionally, using BAPI can help avoid the need to interact with the UI of SAP.

UiPath Provides Solution for Forced Migration from SAP ECC to S/4HANA

UiPath offers a valuable solution for companies facing the forced migration from SAP ECC to S/4HANA. With SAP’s announcement in 2022 that all customers must operate in the Cloud from 2027 onwards, the need for this transition is becoming increasingly urgent. The majority of current SAP users are still operating on SAP ECC, meaning a significant number of organizations are facing a considerable challenge. An SAP migration journey not only carries financial implications but also places significant pressure on the attention and time of the existing organization.

In this context, UiPath provides valuable support. Firstly, UiPath can assist in automating time-consuming processes within SAP ECC, freeing up employees for other tasks and improving the overall efficiency of the organization. Additionally, UiPath also provides support during the migration itself, using the UiPath Test Suite for SAP. This Test Suite enables organizations to smooth the migration process by automating testing of processes and application functionality. With UiPath on board, companies can navigate the transition to S/4HANA with greater confidence and efficiency.

Reusable SAP Automations in the UiPath Marketplace

The UiPath Marketplace can be likened to an App Store for automations. There are out-of-the-box automations available for various applications, including ServiceNow, Jira, Coupa, and SAP. In the UiPath Marketplace, you can also publish and sell your own automations. Take a look here for a complete overview of SAP automations in the UiPath Marketplace.

Free SAP Training Modules in the UiPath Academy

For building robust and secure UiPath automations in SAP, it’s essential to be well-versed in the latest details. The UiPath Academy provides a solution. In this online, free environment, several SAP modules are available to enhance your knowledge. Here are a few examples:

1. Get Started with SAP Automation with Studio (2 hours) 
2. UiPath SAP Automation with Studio (3 hours) 
3. SAP Automation with Studio Deep Dive (4 hours) 
4. SAP Testing With UiPath (1 hour) 

Want to learn more?

We are frontrunners in the field of UiPath and SAP. With over 15 years of consulting and implementation experience with SAP in our group, we have assisted dozens of organizations with complex architecture and configuration issues through Tacstone Consulting. Through Tacstone Technology, we have successfully worked with the UiPath and SAP platforms for around 20 clients. We have developed our own approach based on our extensive knowledge of both platforms. Whether it’s Purchase-to-Pay, Order-to-Cash, or Record-to-Report processes, we have the practical experience and examples in-house.

Need help with deploying UiPath and SAP?

Are you already working with the UiPath Platform and seeking insights into integrating it with SAP? Or are you just starting out and curious about the benefits of UiPath for your organization? Contact Cees-Willem van Rooij for assistance.