What is the SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform)?
- Hilmi Günay
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
What is SAP BTP?
SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) is a cloud-based integrated technology platform offered by SAP. It enables organizations to develop, integrate, and manage their data, applications, and business processes under a unified environment. The platform combines capabilities such as data management, application development, system integration, analytics, and artificial intelligence. SAP BTP supports integration with both SAP and non-SAP systems.
Purpose of SAP BTP
The primary purpose of SAP BTP is to bridge different systems and data sources, offering modular and flexible solutions for businesses. It facilitates the development of business-oriented applications for both developers and business users.
Key Use Cases:
Developing New Applications
Build cloud-native web and mobile applications integrated with SAP systems.
Use languages like Java, Node.js, and Python (especially with SAP CAP – Cloud Application Programming Model).
Integrating with Existing SAP Systems
Real-time integration with systems like S/4HANA, SAP ECC, SuccessFactors, Ariba, and Concur.
Utilize tools such as API Management, Event Mesh, and SAP Integration Suite.
Advanced Reporting and Analytics
Create real-time dashboards and reports using SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC).
Offers capabilities for data modeling and visualization.
Data Management
Perform high-performance data processing and analytics with SAP HANA Cloud.
Combine data from multiple sources using a Data Fabric approach.
Artificial Intelligence and Automation
Build custom AI models with SAP AI Core.
Automate manual tasks using RPA (Robotic Process Automation).
Core Components of SAP BTP
SAP BTP brings together various digital capabilities under four core categories, each comprising several services:
Application Development & Automation
Enables developers to build integrated applications and automate business processes.
Key Services:
SAP Build Apps: No-code/low-code application development.
SAP Business Application Studio (BAS): Advanced IDE for professional developers.
SAP Extension Suite: Predefined services for extending SAP applications.
Workflow Management: Modeling and monitoring workflows.
RPA: Automating repetitive tasks with bots.
Data & Analytics
Manages data collection, storage, analysis, and integration into decision-making processes.Key Services:
SAP HANA Cloud: In-memory data platform for operational and analytical workloads.
SAP Data Warehouse Cloud: Enterprise data warehousing solution.
SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC): Real-time analytics, dashboards, and predictive insights.
SAP Datasphere: Data harmonization and modeling across systems.
SAP Data Intelligence: Integration and processing across distributed data landscapes.
Artificial Intelligence
Provides services to rapidly develop and deploy AI-powered applications.Key Services:
SAP AI Core / Foundation: Train, deploy, and manage machine learning models.
SAP AI Launchpad: Centralized interface for managing AI workflows.
Pre-Trained AI Services:
Document Processing
Image Recognition
Predictive Analytics
SAP Joule: Next-gen AI-powered digital assistant (LLM-based).
Integration
Facilitates integration between SAP and third-party systems.
Key Services:
SAP Integration Suite:
Cloud Integration
API Management
Open Connectors (for Salesforce, Dropbox, etc.)
Event Mesh (publish-subscribe model)
Additional Component: Security & Identity
SAP Identity Authentication Service (IAS): User authentication.
SAP Identity Provisioning Service (IPS): Role and access management.
Authorization Management: Service-level authorization and security policies.
Runtime & Environment
Supports application development across various runtimes:
Cloud Foundry Runtime: For Java, Node.js, Python, etc.
Kyma Runtime: Kubernetes-based microservice development.
ABAP Environment (Steampunk): Cloud-based ABAP development.
Key Benefits of SAP BTP
1. Side-by-Side Extension Without Modifying the Standard SAP System
Enables independent development in the cloud without interfering with the core structure of the SAP system.
Ensures that your custom developments remain unaffected during future SAP updates.
2. Unifies Different Technologies on a Single Platform
Offers a wide range of technologies under one roof, including database (HANA), integration (Integration Suite), artificial intelligence (AI Core), analytics (Analytics Cloud), and development tools (SAP BAS).
Allows you to manage multi-layered solutions from a single platform.
3. Full Integration Compatibility with SAP Systems
SAP BTP provides pre-built integration adapters for systems such as SAP S/4HANA, SuccessFactors, and Ariba.
Also offers APIs and connectors for integration with non-SAP systems such as Oracle, Salesforce, Google, and AWS.
4. Modern Application Development Approach
Enables the creation of user-friendly interfaces using SAP Fiori, UI5, CAP (Cloud Application Programming Model), and Low-Code/No-Code tools.
Cloud-based IDE usage is possible via SAP Business Application Studio (BAS).
5. High-Performance Data Processing (SAP HANA Cloud)
In-memory database provides real-time analytics and processing power, capable of handling massive datasets within seconds.
Supports advanced features like HANA SQL, Calculation Views, and Graph processing.
6. Support for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Automation
Intelligent solutions can be developed using tools such as SAP AI Core, RPA, IoT, and Business Rules.
Repetitive tasks can be automated, and learning systems can be integrated into processes.
7. Cloud-Based and Scalable Infrastructure
Offers horizontal and vertical scalability based on system needs.
No physical hardware concerns; consumption-based billing ensures you pay only for what you use.
8. Security and Identity Management
Supports modern security protocols like SAP Identity Authentication Service (IAS), OAuth 2.0, XSUAA, and SAML.
Provides centralized user management and single sign-on (SSO) capabilities.
9. Support for Both Developers and Business Users
Provides tools for both developers (ABAP, Node.js, Java, Python) and business users (citizen developers):
For developers: BAS, CAP, Steampunk
For business users: SAP Build Apps, SAP Build Process Automation
10. Fiori-Compatible Modern User Interfaces
Applications developed on SAP BTP comply with SAP Fiori design principles and work seamlessly across all devices.
Ensures compatibility with mobile, tablet, and desktop platforms.
SAP BTP Sample Use Case Scenarios
1. Extending SAP S/4HANA (Extension Scenario)
🎯 Scenario:The company uses SAP S/4HANA but wants to implement a custom business process not included in standard S/4HANA (e.g., field service request management).
SAP BTP Services Used:
SAP Business Application Studio
SAP Build Work Zone (Application Portal)
SAP BTP ABAP Environment (Steampunk)
SAP Destination & Connectivity Services
Example:
Field service teams report malfunctioning devices via a mobile app.
This app is developed on SAP BTP and sends service requests to the PM module in SAP S/4HANA using REST APIs.
2. Business Process Automation (Process Automation & RPA)
🎯 Scenario:Customer invoice validation is performed manually, which is time-consuming.
SAP BTP Services Used:
SAP Build Process Automation
SAP Intelligent RPA (IRPA)
SAP Workflow Management
Example:
The system reads incoming invoices (in PDF or XML format) and extracts key fields using AI Document Processing.
A bot validates the data, logs into the SAP system, and reports any errors.
3. Integration with Third-Party Systems
🎯 Scenario:Customer data integration is required between SAP S/4HANA and Salesforce CRM.
SAP BTP Services Used:
SAP Integration Suite
SAP Open Connectors
API Management
Example:
When a new customer is created in SAP, the same data is replicated in Salesforce.
Authentication and security are managed through SAP BTP.
4. Data Analytics and Dashboard Utilization
🎯 Scenario:Management needs real-time KPIs related to warehouse operations.
SAP BTP Services Used:
SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC)
SAP Datasphere (formerly DWC)
SAP HANA Cloud
Example:
Data from the SAP EWM system is modeled through Datasphere.
SAC generates dynamic charts, maps, and forecasting reports.
A mobile-accessible management dashboard is created.
5. AI-Based Prediction and Recommendation Systems
🎯 Scenario:An e-commerce company wants to offer product recommendations based on customer purchase history.
SAP BTP Services Used:
SAP AI Core & AI Launchpad
SAP AI Foundation
SAP HANA ML (Machine Learning)
Example:
Data from SAP Commerce Cloud or SAP Sales Cloud is analyzed.
An AI model recommends the most relevant products based on user behavior.
Recommendations are displayed in real-time on the user interface.
6. Low-Code/No-Code Application Development with SAP Build
🎯 Scenario:The HR department wants to digitize the annual leave request and approval process, but the IT team is occupied.
SAP BTP Services Used:
SAP Build Apps (low-code development)
SAP Build Process Automation
SAP Build Work Zone
Example:
HR staff creates a form and approval screen using drag-and-drop in SAP Build Apps.
The app integrates with SAP SuccessFactors and sends notifications to managers.
Once the process is completed, the system automatically creates the leave record.
7. IoT and Real-Time Monitoring
🎯 Scenario:The company wants to analyze machine data (temperature, vibration, etc.) to predict failures before they occur.
SAP BTP Services Used:
SAP Internet of Things (IoT)
SAP Edge Services
SAP Predictive Analytics
Example:
Sensors on machines send data.
SAP IoT collects and stores this data.
AI analyzes the data to detect anomalies and automatically generates maintenance recommendations.
8. Integrating Non-SAP Applications (3rd Party Apps)
🎯 Scenario:A company wants to build an application that works within Microsoft Teams but pulls data from SAP.
SAP BTP Services Used:
SAP Graph / API Hub
SAP Integration Suite
SAP Business Application Studio
Example:
Users can check inventory levels in SAP from within the Teams app.
The user enters a material code, and the system fetches and returns the stock information directly from SAP to Teams.
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