¶ Understanding SAP SSO for Multi-System Integration
Subject: SAP-Single-Sign-On
Large enterprises often operate complex SAP landscapes comprising multiple systems such as SAP ERP (ECC or S/4HANA), SAP CRM, SAP BW, and SAP Solution Manager. Managing user authentication across these disparate systems can be cumbersome, leading to repeated logins, password fatigue, and increased security risks.
SAP Single Sign-On (SSO) for multi-system integration offers a unified authentication framework that allows users to log in once and seamlessly access multiple SAP systems without re-entering credentials. This article explores the fundamentals of SAP SSO in multi-system environments, its key technologies, and implementation best practices.
SAP SSO for multi-system integration is a set of technologies and configurations enabling a single user authentication event to grant access to multiple SAP systems and applications within an enterprise landscape. It eliminates the need for users to authenticate separately for each system, improving user convenience and security.
- User Experience: Reduces login prompts, enhancing productivity.
- Security: Minimizes password exposure and supports strong authentication methods.
- Centralized Access Control: Simplifies user management and auditing.
- Operational Efficiency: Decreases helpdesk tickets related to password issues.
- What: A cookie-based ticket issued by one SAP system after successful login.
- How: When the user logs in to System A, they receive an SAP Logon Ticket. This ticket can be presented to System B, C, etc., to gain access without additional login.
- Use Case: Ideal for SAP GUI and web applications within the same domain or trusted domains.
- What: Digital certificates issued by a trusted Certificate Authority.
- How: Users authenticate using certificates (often stored on smart cards or tokens). Certificates serve as credentials across multiple systems.
- Use Case: High-security environments requiring strong authentication.
- What: Uses Microsoft Windows Active Directory credentials for authentication.
- How: When users log into their Windows domain, they receive a Kerberos ticket that SAP systems trust.
- Use Case: Enterprises with Windows infrastructure seeking integrated SSO.
- What: A web-based federated authentication protocol.
- How: An Identity Provider (IdP) authenticates users and issues security tokens, which SAP Service Providers (SP) trust.
- Use Case: For SAP web applications like SAP Fiori, Enterprise Portal, and cross-domain SSO scenarios.
- Initial Login: User authenticates once on the primary SAP system or Identity Provider.
- Ticket/Token Issued: SAP Logon Ticket, X.509 certificate, Kerberos ticket, or SAML assertion is generated.
- Access Other Systems: The user accesses other SAP systems presenting the ticket/token.
- Authentication Validated: Target systems validate the ticket/token and grant access without prompting for credentials again.
- Define Trust Relationships: Establish and maintain trust between SAP systems and identity providers.
- Align User Master Data: Ensure consistent user IDs and attributes across systems.
- Secure Communication: Use HTTPS and secure channels for ticket/token exchange.
- Plan for Session Management: Configure timeout and logout behavior uniformly.
- Leverage SAP Solution Manager: For centralized monitoring and management of SSO configurations.
- Test Extensively: Validate SSO workflows across all integrated systems and applications.
| Benefit |
Description |
| Streamlined Access |
One login for multiple systems reduces friction. |
| Improved Security |
Less password usage lowers risk of compromise. |
| Simplified IT Admin |
Centralized management of authentication and users. |
| User Satisfaction |
Enhanced experience leads to higher productivity. |
SAP Single Sign-On for multi-system integration is a foundational element for enterprise SAP landscapes. It delivers seamless, secure access across diverse SAP systems and applications, improving both user experience and security posture. By understanding and implementing SAP SSO technologies like logon tickets, certificates, Kerberos, and SAML, organizations can build a resilient and efficient authentication framework tailored to their complex environments.