Understanding Process Integration and Orchestration
Apr 16, 2025
Process Integration and Process Orchestration Course Notes
Course Overview
Introduction to process integration (PI) and process orchestration (PO)
Differences between process integration and process orchestration
Hands-on exercises related to various scenarios in PI and PO
Course Structure
Initial theory covered in slides
Focus on minimal theory, but essential concepts need to be explained before hands-on exercises
Breakdown of components of PI and how they interact
Architecture options of PI
Key Concepts
1. What is Process Integration (PI)?
SAP PI is a part of the SAP NetWeaver suite, known as an Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) platform.
Functionality: Integrates both SAP and non-SAP applications.
Role: Provides a governed and sophisticated means of application integration.
2. Importance of PI
Avoids Spaghetti Model: Direct point-to-point connections lead to a complicated and hard-to-manage architecture. PI provides a more structured approach.
Integration Example: SAP ECC needs to send data to a third-party payroll system. Using PI allows for a more organized interaction between applications.
3. Components of PI
System Landscape Directory (SLD): Like a telephone directory for systems in the landscape. It helps PI understand what systems are available.
Enterprise Services Repository (ESR): Design-time component where interfaces are designed and defined, including data formats and mappings.
Integration Directory (ID): Configuration-time component where the details of how interfaces work are defined.
Integration Server: The runtime environment that processes messages and includes:
Central Adapter Engine
Integration Engine
Business Process Engine (for CC BPM)
4. Integration Types
A2A (Application to Application): Integration within a single corporate landscape.
B2B (Business to Business): Integration between different corporate entities.
5. Architecture Options of PI
Dual Stack Architecture: Combination of ABAP and Java stacks.
Single Stack Architecture: Java-only installation known as Advanced Adapter Engine (AEX).
Differences between PI and PO:
Process Orchestration combines PI with Business Process Management (BPM) and Business Rules Management (BRM) in a single product offering.
Summary of Components
SLD: Registers all systems in the landscape.
ESR: Design-time repository for interfaces.
ID: Configuration of the interfaces.
Integration Server: Runtime component of PI with three engines (Adapter, Integration, and Business Process).
Next Steps
Move on to hands-on exercises starting with the SLD.