How to Create an RTI Profile in SAP IBP? Step by Step Guide

Real-time data integration is critical for ensuring speed and accuracy in supply chain management. SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) offers businesses the ability to enable instant data transfer between ERP systems (such as SAP ECC/S4HANA) and IBP through Real-Time Integration (RTI) profiles. In this blog, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to create real-time integration profiles and explain the key points to consider during this process in detail.

What is Real-Time Integration?

Real-time integration in SAP IBP enables data transfer between IBP and ERP without any delay. This feature is particularly critical for the following scenarios:

• Fast Order Management: Real-time processing of orders through IBP.
• Demand and Inventory Management: Synchronization of stock information from ERP with IBP planning models.
• Production and Supply Planning: Transfer of up-to-date production and supply plans to ERP.

Advantages of Real-Time Integration

Fast Data Flow: Enables real-time data transfer between ERP and IBP.

Accurate Planning: Integrated data enhances the accuracy of planning processes.

Flexibility: Data sharing between IBP and ERP can be dynamically configured.

Reduced Risk of Errors: Eliminates the need for manual data transfer, minimizing human error.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Real-Time Integration Profile

Key Considerations for Integration Profile Configuration

Connection Checks: Ensure uninterrupted connectivity with SAP Cloud Connector.

Updates: Use the latest versions of your IBP and ERP systems.

Backup: Back up your existing integration settings before making any changes.

Step 1: Necessary Preparations

Before creating an RTI profile, ensure that the following settings are configured:

• Logical System Definition: Define the Logical System ID of your ERP system in SAP IBP.
• SAP Cloud Connector: Establish the connection between on-premise ERP systems and IBP.
• Planning Area: Ensure the planning areas used in IBP are correctly configured.

Note: If you are experiencing connection issues with SAP Cloud Connector, ensure that the correct host and port numbers are configured.

Step 2: Manage Real-Time Integration Profiles Application

From the SAP IBP main menu, open the Manage Real-Time Integration Profiles

application to start managing profiles.

Step 3: Profile Definition

• Profile Name: Choose a name that describes the purpose of the profile (e.g., RTI PROFILE).
• Planning Area: Select the planning area to which the profile will be linked.
• Logical System: Define the source and target systems for data transfer.

Step 4: Configuring Profile Details

Configure the details of your real-time integration profile as follows:

• Data Flow Direction: Choose the direction of data flow, either from IBP to ERP or from ERP to IBP.
• Types of Data to Transfer: Specify the types of data to be transferred, such as orders, inventory levels, or demand forecasts.
• Scheduling: Define how frequently the integration should run (e.g., real-time or hourly).

Note: It is recommended to set a scheduling interval that aligns with the needs of your planning area.

Step 5: Mapping and Data Transformation

Mapping settings ensure the correct alignment of data types:

• Master Data Mapping: Align master data types such as product codes and customer numbers between ERP and IBP.
• Key Figure Mapping: Map performance indicators accurately (e.g., inventory levels or order quantities).

Note: During the mapping process, ensure that the data formats in the source and target systems are compatible.

Step 6: Testing and Validation

After creating your profile, follow these steps:

• Test Integration: Verify that the integration works correctly using a test data set.
• Error Logs: Check log files in SAP IBP to analyze any potential errors.

Note: If you encounter an “Access Denied” error during testing, review the SAP Cloud Connector settings and confirm the necessary permissions.

Step 7: Activating the Profile**

Once testing is complete, activate your profile to make it ready for live use.

Conclusion

Creating a real-time integration profile in SAP IBP enables businesses to establish a dynamic and seamless connection between ERP and IBP systems. In this blog, we discussed how to configure this process and highlighted the key points to consider.

Yazar: Korhan UYANIK
SAP IBP Team Lead & Certified Consultant