For manufacturers embarking on their journey to SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud, the need for robust e-commerce integrations has never been more critical. As the backbone of your digital transformation, SAP S/4HANA enables real-time insights and operational efficiency—but how do you connect your e-commerce platform to unlock these benefits?

Historically, manufacturers relied on SAP Process Integration (PI) and Process Orchestration (PO) to bridge systems. However, with SAP announcing the end of mainstream maintenance for PI/PO in 2027 (with extended support only until 2030), manufacturers moving to S/4HANA Public Cloud must shift their focus to SAP Integration Suite, a cloud-native platform designed for modern, scalable integration.

In this post, we’ll compare PI/PO and SAP Integration Suite, exploring why the latter is the future-proof choice for manufacturers adopting S/4HANA Public Cloud and scaling their e-commerce operations.

 

Why Manufacturers Need to Rethink PI/PO

SAP PI/PO has served manufacturers well for decades, offering centralized integration for on-premises systems. While reliable, its architecture was designed for legacy environments.

Key Limitations of PI/PO in Today’s Context:

• On-Premises Focus: Difficult to support hybrid cloud or fully cloud-based ecosystems like SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud.
• Batch Processing: Limited capabilities for real-time, event-driven e-commerce scenarios.
• End-of-Maintenance Risks: Mainstream support ends in 2027, making PI/PO costly and risky to maintain.

For manufacturers moving to S/4HANA Public Cloud, the need for agile, scalable integrations far exceeds what PI/PO can deliver.

 

The Rise of SAP Integration Suite for E-Commerce

SAP Integration Suite, part of SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), is designed for modern integration needs. It enables seamless connectivity between cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments, making it the ideal solution for manufacturers moving to S/4HANA Public Cloud and looking to scale their e-commerce platforms.

Core Benefits of SAP Integration Suite:

• Cloud-Native Design: Fully aligned with S/4HANA Public Cloud’s architecture.
• Real-Time Integration: Supports event-driven architecture for instantaneous data updates between e-commerce and ERP.
• Prebuilt Content: Includes integration packages for SAP S/4HANA and leading e-commerce platforms, accelerating time-to-value.
• API Management: Offers comprehensive tools for designing, monitoring, and securing APIs—essential for modern e-commerce operations.

 

Key Differences: PI/PO vs. SAP Integration Suite

Feature	SAP PI/PO	SAP Integration Suite
Deployment	On-premises only	Cloud-native, hybrid-ready
Integration Speed	Batch processing	Real-time, event-driven
API Management	Limited	Advanced API design and monitoring
Prebuilt Integrations	Few, often custom-built	Extensive library tailored for SAP systems
Scalability	Hardware-limited	Dynamic cloud scalability
Future-Readiness	End-of-life by 2030	Continuous innovation, SAP-supported

 

Why Integration Suite is Critical for Manufacturers Moving to S/4HANA Public Cloud

As manufacturers adopt S/4HANA Public Cloud, integration challenges become more complex. E-commerce platforms must not only exchange real-time data with ERP systems but also scale with evolving customer demands. Here’s why Integration Suite stands out:

1. Real-Time Data for Seamless Customer Experience

E-commerce success depends on real-time inventory updates, pricing accuracy, and order confirmations. Integration Suite’s event-driven architecture ensures instant communication between your e-commerce platform and SAP S/4HANA, keeping customers informed and satisfied.

2. Cloud-Native Alignment with S/4HANA Public Cloud

Unlike PI/PO, Integration Suite is purpose-built for the cloud. It supports SAP BTP’s vision of connected, scalable systems, ensuring a smooth transition for manufacturers adopting S/4HANA Public Cloud.

3. Accelerated Deployment with Prebuilt Integrations

SAP Integration Suite includes prebuilt content for common e-commerce use cases. This reduces the time and effort required to integrate S/4HANA with your platform, allowing you to achieve ROI faster.

4. Scalable for Growth

With cloud scalability, Integration Suite can handle increasing transaction volumes and new system integrations, giving manufacturers the flexibility to grow their e-commerce operations without rearchitecting integrations.

5. Unified API Management for E-Commerce Ecosystems

Manufacturers often use multiple systems—e-commerce platforms, customer portals, and third-party tools. Integration Suite’s API management capabilities simplify connecting these systems, ensuring consistent performance and security.

 

The Cost of Delaying Migration

Relying on PI/PO while moving to S/4HANA Public Cloud carries significant risks:

• Operational Delays: Incompatible systems can disrupt order processing and customer experience.
• Increased Costs: Extended PI/PO maintenance is costly, and resolving integration issues often outweighs migration costs.
• Missed Opportunities: Delayed adoption of Integration Suite may prevent manufacturers from leveraging the full potential of S/4HANA and e-commerce.

 

Preparing Your Business for the Transition

1. Evaluate Current Integrations: Assess which PI/PO integrations are critical for e-commerce and prioritize them for migration.
2. Adopt a Phased Approach: Implement Integration Suite for new projects (e.g., S/4HANA and e-commerce) while gradually migrating existing integrations.
3. Leverage SAP BTP Partners: Work with experienced SAP systems integrators like Mouri Tech to streamline the transition and optimize for your specific needs.

 

Build Your E-Commerce Strategy on a Future-Ready Platform

For manufacturers adopting S/4HANA Public Cloud, the transition to SAP Integration Suite is more than a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in scalability, agility, and customer experience. By enabling seamless e-commerce integrations, Integration Suite ensures your digital transformation aligns with modern business demands.