In the realm of SAP B2B integration, adapters serve as critical connectors that enable seamless communication between diverse systems and trading partners. While traditional B2B protocols such as AS2 remain popular, the integration landscape increasingly demands the use of varied communication protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, SFTP, FTP, and more. Understanding how to work effectively with these adapters is essential for SAP professionals managing B2B integrations to ensure secure, reliable, and flexible data exchange.
Adapters act as protocol translators that facilitate message transfer between SAP middleware platforms—such as SAP Process Integration/Process Orchestration (PI/PO) or SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI)—and external systems or partners. Each adapter supports specific protocols and has unique configuration settings, capabilities, and security considerations.
Commonly used adapters in SAP B2B scenarios include:
- AS2 Adapter: For secure, encrypted EDI communication over HTTP/S.
- HTTP/HTTPS Adapter: For RESTful or SOAP web service communication.
- SFTP/FTP Adapter: For secure or standard file transfers.
- IDoc Adapter: For SAP-specific document exchange.
- SOAP Adapter: For web services integration.
This article focuses on working with HTTP and SFTP adapters, two versatile and widely adopted protocols in B2B integration.
¶ HTTP and HTTPS Adapters
¶ Purpose and Use Cases
HTTP and HTTPS adapters enable communication via web protocols, supporting synchronous and asynchronous messaging. They are often used to:
- Connect with partner web services (SOAP or REST APIs).
- Receive or send XML, JSON, or other payloads over HTTP/S.
- Facilitate lightweight integrations without the overhead of traditional EDI protocols.
- Transport Layer Security: HTTPS provides encryption and ensures data integrity.
- Support for Various Methods: GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, enabling RESTful interactions.
- Authentication Options: Basic Auth, OAuth, client certificates.
- Flexible Content Handling: Ability to work with XML, JSON, or custom formats.
- Synchronous and Asynchronous Modes: Supports both real-time requests and queued message processing.
- Endpoint URL Setup: Accurately specify the partner’s service endpoint.
- Security: Configure SSL/TLS certificates, enable mutual authentication if required.
- Timeouts: Define appropriate connection and response timeouts.
- Error Handling: Implement retry mechanisms and exception monitoring.
- Payload Conversion: Use message mappings or scripts to convert data formats as needed.
¶ Purpose and Use Cases
SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) adapters facilitate secure file exchanges between SAP systems and external partners. It is widely used for batch processing scenarios where files (e.g., purchase orders, invoices, reports) need to be transferred securely.
- Encryption and Security: SFTP encrypts both commands and data, preventing unauthorized access.
- File Operations: Supports file upload, download, rename, delete, and directory listing.
- Authentication: Uses username/password and/or SSH key-based authentication.
- Reliable Transfers: Supports resume of interrupted transfers.
- Batch Processing: Ideal for large volumes of files exchanged periodically.
- Host and Port Settings: Ensure correct SFTP server details and port number.
- Authentication Setup: Use secure SSH keys and rotate credentials regularly.
- File Naming Conventions: Agree with partners on naming to prevent conflicts.
- Polling Intervals: Set optimal polling frequency to balance performance and system load.
- Error Handling: Monitor for failed transfers and implement alerting mechanisms.
¶ Integrating HTTP and SFTP Adapters in SAP B2B Landscapes
- SAP Process Integration/Process Orchestration (PI/PO): Provides built-in HTTP and SFTP adapters with rich configuration options.
- SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI): Supports modern cloud-based adapter versions with simplified management and scalability.
- HTTP Adapter: Consuming a supplier’s REST API to retrieve real-time product availability.
- SFTP Adapter: Sending batch purchase order files overnight to a logistics partner’s SFTP server.
- Hybrid Integration: Receiving HTTP web service notifications and then transferring related files via SFTP.
¶ Security and Compliance Considerations
- Always enforce encryption (HTTPS, SFTP).
- Use secure authentication methods (OAuth, SSH keys).
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards like GDPR.
- Audit and log all message exchanges for traceability.
| Issue |
Possible Cause |
Solution |
| Connection timeouts |
Network/firewall blocks, wrong URL |
Verify network access and URLs |
| Authentication failures |
Invalid credentials or keys |
Recheck credentials and renew keys |
| File transfer failures |
File locked, wrong path |
Verify file availability and paths |
| Payload format errors |
Incorrect mapping or transformation |
Review message mappings and payload structure |
| SSL Certificate errors |
Expired or untrusted certificates |
Update or import valid certificates |
Working effectively with HTTP and SFTP adapters is vital for modern SAP B2B integration projects, enabling versatile, secure, and scalable communication with trading partners. By following best practices in configuration, security, and monitoring, SAP professionals can build robust integration scenarios that meet dynamic business demands. Leveraging these adapters alongside other SAP integration tools ensures flexible and efficient B2B ecosystems capable of supporting complex procurement and supply chain operations.