BizTalk and SAP IDocs

IDocs represent an important part of SAP environments, which is why BizTalk Utilities has extended its SAP connector functionality to incorporate two-way communication with SAP R2, R3 and R4 based systems.

How it works

As shown in the following diagram, BizTalk Utilities Connector components are positioned to interface with the SAP proxy in order to establish communication channels.

BizTalk Utilities accomplishes this by providing a set of components that automatically handle the complexities of this architecture.

1.      First, the SAP IDoc Application Integration Component provides the ability to forward commands from BizTalk Server to destination IDocs. This AIC relies on the existence of a SAP.NET Proxy that represents the target SAP environment. The component is set up using an accompanying Wizard, seen below.

2.      Secondly, the BizTalk Utilities IDoc Receiver is responsible for receiving SAP IDocs, and processing them internally. IDocs are parsed and then passed on to the IDoc Routers and IDoc Destinations associated with their Control Record details. Below are sample screens from the Wizards used to set up these components.

 Note that if an IDoc cannot be properly processed, it is forwarded to the Dead Letter Queue, as shown here.

Summary

When you need to extend your integrated environment in order to make BizTalk and SAP cooperate, there is no easier way of accomplishing this than by enlisting BizTalk Utilities. This proven and cost-effective SAP connector spares you from having to invest in complex development, and greatly simplifies deployment and configuration.

To learn more about these and other features, download an evaluation copy of BizTalk Utilities