The benefits of switching from SAP PI/PO to SAP Integration Suite

With the end of maintenance for SAP Process Integration (PI) and SAP Process Orchestration (PO) approaching in 2027, companies need to explore SAP Integration Suite as the middleware solution of the future. Moving from SAP PI or SAP PO to SAP Integration Suite offers numerous opportunities, but also comes with some challenges. This blog post outlines the biggest potentials and challenges and explains what companies need to consider when switching to SAP Integration Suite.

11 tips for switching from SAP PI or SAP PO to SAP Integration Suite

What opportunities does SAP Integration Suite offer?

Improved functionality and integration

SAP Integration Suite offers enhanced functionality and improved integration capabilities compared to SAP PI/PO. Companies have the opportunity to further optimize their business processes and ensure smooth communication between the individual applications in their system landscape.

Real-time connectivity and data intelligence

With real-time data access and a range of data intelligence capabilities, SAP Integration Suite gives companies the foundation they need to make informed decisions based on real-time data.

Scalability and flexibility

SAP Integration Suite is scalable and flexible, allowing organizations to easily adapt their middleware as they grow and meet new business needs.

API management and monetization

SAP Integration Suite enables companies to efficiently manage and monetize their APIs, creating new revenue streams and business opportunities.

Prepare for the future

Switching to SAP Integration Suite ensures that companies are on the cutting edge of technology – and therefore well equipped to meet the current and future demands of digital transformation.

What are the challenges associated with the switch?

Complexity of the existing landscape

One of the biggest challenges is mapping the complexity of the existing SAP PI/PO landscape. Companies need to conduct a thorough analysis of existing integration points, interfaces and processes to ensure they can be seamlessly transferred to the new platform.

Adaptation of interfaces

Existing interfaces may need to be adapted to meet the requirements of SAP Integration Suite. This can take some time and resources, as some interfaces may need to be extensively reworked.

Migration and compatibility

With SAP Cloud Integration (part of SAP Integration Suite), data processing and forwarding between different systems takes place via so-called standard integration flows (iFlows). Accordingly, the data flows previously used in SAP PI/PO must be converted to iFlows. While the transfer of data flows that are available as predefined content in the SAP Business Accelerator Hub can usually be done easily and without major effort, other data flows must be completely or at least to a considerable extent redeveloped.

Training and onboarding

Since SAP Integration Suite is a new platform, employees and IT teams must be trained accordingly and get familiar with the functions and possibilities. The onboarding process may well take some time before a smooth transition is finally achieved.

Risk management

Moving from a proven platform to a new one can be risky in terms of critical business processes. Careful risk management is therefore essential.

Conclusion: Leveraging the potential of SAP Integration Suite

Switching from SAP PI/PO to SAP Integration Suite offers companies the opportunity to optimize the integration of their applications as well as their business processes – and thus increase their competitiveness. If companies take advantage of the opportunities that arise and proactively address the associated challenges, nothing will prevent them from successfully switching middleware and leveraging the full potential of SAP Integration Suite.