Integration flows, or iFlows, are the core building blocks in SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI) that define how data moves and transforms between systems. For anyone new to SAP CPI, creating your first integration flow is an exciting step towards connecting cloud and on-premise applications seamlessly.
This article will guide you through the essential steps to create your very first integration flow on SAP Cloud Platform Integration.
An integration flow is a visual design artifact that describes the routing, transformation, and processing of messages between systems. It includes various integration steps like message mapping, protocol conversion, content modification, and error handling.
Before you begin, ensure the following:
The Integration Flow editor provides a canvas where you can drag and drop components:
Add Sender Adapter:
Drag a sender adapter, e.g., File Adapter, to the start of your flow. Configure it with details such as the file directory path and file format.
Add Receiver Adapter:
Drag a receiver adapter, for example, HTTP Adapter, to the end of your flow. Configure the target endpoint URL and connection details.
Add Message Mapping or Transformation (Optional):
If your source and target data formats differ, add a mapping step. You can create a message mapping artifact and link it here.
Add Content Modifier (Optional):
Use content modifiers to set or modify message headers, properties, or body content.
Creating your first integration flow in SAP Cloud Platform Integration is an empowering experience that lays the foundation for mastering enterprise integration. With CPI’s intuitive graphical tools, you can rapidly design, deploy, and monitor integrations connecting diverse systems, enabling streamlined business processes and data flows.
Once comfortable with basics, you can explore advanced scenarios including API integration, complex routing, event-driven flows, and hybrid integration setups.