File-based communication remains one of the most common integration patterns in enterprise landscapes. Whether exchanging data with legacy systems, external partners, or batch-processing environments, handling files efficiently and securely is essential. SAP Process Integration (PI) and Process Orchestration (PO) provide comprehensive support for file handling through flexible adapter configurations and robust management tools.
This article explores how to configure and manage file handling in SAP PI/PO, covering essential concepts, setup steps, and best practices to ensure reliable and scalable file integration.
SAP PI/PO supports file handling primarily via the File Adapter and FTP/SFTP Adapters, which facilitate reading from and writing to file systems or FTP servers. These adapters enable communication with systems that exchange data via flat files (e.g., CSV, XML, EDI) in both inbound and outbound directions.
In the SAP PI/PO Integration Directory, create a communication channel for the file adapter:
*.csv).Define the sender and receiver interfaces and link them with the file communication channel using Integrated Configuration (ICO) or classic configurations.
If file content requires transformation (e.g., CSV to XML), configure the appropriate message mappings in the ESR and link them within the integration flow.
Configure the file adapter to correctly interpret file encoding, delimiters (for CSV or flat files), and end-of-line characters.
A manufacturing company integrates supplier order files received daily via SFTP. The SAP PI/PO file adapter is configured as a sender channel polling the supplier’s FTP server every 15 minutes, reading CSV files matching the pattern orders_*.csv. Files are transformed into XML format and routed to SAP ERP for order processing. Post-processing, files are moved to an archive folder, while errors are routed to a separate directory for manual review.
File handling in SAP PI/PO is a critical capability enabling integration with diverse systems relying on file-based communication. By properly configuring file adapters, communication channels, and message mappings, enterprises can achieve reliable, secure, and automated file exchange processes.
Adhering to best practices and continuously monitoring file processing ensures high availability and performance, supporting business continuity and operational excellence in complex enterprise landscapes.