API Approach/ File Based System

[former_member587654]

Hi Team,

We have a requirement to send the data to an external system from SAP.

Currently, in ECC we are sending the data using a file-based approach.

Now we are migrating to HANA and looking for an approach to use in  S/4 HANA.

Which one should be better File base/ creating an API and sending data in JSON format.

Appreciate help here!

Thanks

[Amith_Nair · Accepted solution]

Hi satyadevdutta

As I understand, you're trying to send file from S4HANA Cloud system to an external system( replacing the ECC system) So, either options works depending on what Business requires. The first consideration is you should identify a whitlested API/custom CDS View available from api.sap.com, that way, you're making sure, the data is exported outside of the S4HANA Cloud System.

So once the first part is confirmed, you can choose whether you want to extract the file in a flat file approach or using an API from the third party system.

Flat-file integration works exceptionally well for periodic bulk data transfers. Flat-file integration may be the only method available for some older accounting systems. If you have to use a Flat file approach, then the file has to be placed in an SFTP folder( for better security and so some scripting is required to place the file in an SFTP to work in a 'cloud' world).

If an API is available and can be consumed from the third Party system, then this has an upper hand, since API itself offers much more flexibility that includes a seamless Integration with your existing software system, a better user experience and most of all a real time shared data through API file feed as compared to flat file approach. For either approach, you should have a middleware to process the file in the required format of your choice, in this case JSON.

Hope this gives some insight.

Thanks!

Amith Nair