Side-by-Side Extensibility with SAP Business Technology Platform
Side-by-side extensibility involves developing applications or extensions on a separate platform and integrating them with the SAP S/4HANA Cloud system. SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) is the primary environment for this, offering both low-code/no-code and pro-code development solutions.
SAP Business Technology Platform allows developers to build and secure loosely coupled extension applications. This approach enables the implementation of additional workflows or modules without modifying the core SAP solution.
Loosely coupled extensions offer maximum flexibility because they operate independently of the core ERP system. While development on SAP BTP can address complex customer requirements effectively, it typically requires specialized resources to support the development lifecycle.
Development Tools on SAP Business Technology Platform
SAP Build is the central low-code/no-code solution, which includes:
- SAP Build Apps
- SAP Build Process Automation
- SAP Build Work Zone
SAP Business Application Studio (BAS) is the primary pro-code environment and requires a separate license. In BAS, developers use languages such as Java, JavaScript, and Python to build applications using the SAP Cloud Application Programming Model (CAP).
Software Developer Kits (SDKs) provide libraries that simplify application development for various use cases, including Java, JavaScript, iOS mobile, and Android mobile.
For a complete list of services available for side-by-side extensibility, refer to the SAP Discovery Center.
Note
If a requirement cannot be met through in-app key user tools, escalate it to the project manager. The following staffing options can be considered:
- Assign a partner resource to develop custom extensions using in-app developer extensibility with ABAP. This requires experience with SAP ERP and proficiency in ABAP.
- Assign an internal customer resource for in-app developer extensibility with ABAP. Ideally, this person should have existing ABAP knowledge and familiarity with the organization's internal business processes.
- Assign a partner resource for side-by-side extensibility using either SAP Build (no coding required) or SAP Business Application Studio (coding required).
- Assign an internal customer resource for side-by-side extensibility using either SAP Build or SAP Business Application Studio, depending on their technical background.
Hint