SAP IBP Communication Arrangement

SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) offers advanced features for supply chain planning and leverages the concept of “Communication Arrangement” to enable data integration with external systems. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of Communication Arrangement in SAP IBP, the creation processes, and key points to consider.

What is a Communication Arrangement?

A Communication Arrangement is the process of configuring predefined communication scenarios to facilitate data exchange between SAP IBP and other systems. Each communication arrangement is built on a communication scenario and ensures secure data exchange with a specific system.

Steps to Create a Communication Arrangement

1.Prerequisites

• A Communication User and Communication System should be created in accordance with the scenario to be used.
• The user must be granted appropriate authorizations for these operations (e.g., the “Maintain Communication Arrangements” authorization).

2.Creating a Communication User

Application: Maintain Communication Users

Steps:

• Define the communication user.
• Assign a strong password to the user.
• Configure the user’s roles and authorizations.

3.Creating a Communication System

Application: Communication Systems

Steps:

• Enter the system name and ID.
• Add the system’s host name and connection details in the technical details section.
• Prepare the system in alignment with the communication arrangement it will be assigned to.

4.Creating a Communication Arrangement

Application: Communication Arrangements

Steps:

• Select a scenario to create a new communication arrangement (e.g., SAP_COM_0065 – SAP Analytics Cloud Integration).
• Choose a previously created Communication System.
• Make additional settings according to the selected scenario (e.g., tenant ID, user mappings).
• Once the configuration is complete, save the arrangement and activate it.

Example Scenario: SAP Analytics Cloud Integration

Scenario Selection: Select SAP_COM_0065.

Defining the Communication System: Enter the SAP Analytics Cloud tenant details.

Custom Fields: Configure the tenant ID and URL.

Result: A live data connection is established between SAP IBP and SAP Analytics Cloud, enabling visualization of planning data on SAP Analytics Cloud.

Points to Consider

• Security: Implement strong encryption and authentication mechanisms at both user and system levels.
• Authorization: Only users with the necessary authorizations should be allowed to perform operations on communication arrangements.
• Scenario Compatibility: Ensure the selected communication scenarios meet the system requirements.
• Testing Process: After integration, thoroughly test the scenario’s functionality to ensure proper operation.

Conclusion

The Communication Arrangement structure in SAP IBP simplifies and optimizes integration processes with external systems. By following the steps and considerations outlined above, any integration process can be implemented quickly and smoothly. Particular attention should be given to testing and validation processes to ensure data accuracy and security.

Korhan UYANIK

Korhan.uyanik@s4c.com.tr