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SAP integration: this is how to get more out of your ERP

05 March 2025

Juliette Juffermans, Business Analyst | ISPnext

Organisations are constantly looking for ways to make processes smarter and more efficient. SAP integration with a Clean Core approach plays an essential role in this. Linking SAP S/4HANA or other SAP solutions smartly to your financial and procurement processes creates a fully integrated system that brings together data, processes and decision-making.

But why is ERP integration with SAP so important? And how do you ensure that your organisation gets the most out of it? In this blog, we take a closer look at the benefits, challenges and success factors of a seamless SAP ERP integration.

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Contents

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The power of ERP integration with SAP

A successful SAP integration offers a wide range of benefits. "By connecting systems, you create a single truth within the organisation. This prevents errors and increases the reliability of your data," says Juliette Juffermans, Business Analyst at ISPnext.

A good SAP link ensures continuity, scalability and flexibility within your organisation. You make use of a powerful ERP system as well as benefit from specialised solutions for AP Automation, supplier management and contract management.

Key benefits of SAP integration:

  • Efficiency and automation
    Manual tasks are minimised. Think automated invoice processing, real-time data transactions and streamlined approval flows.

  • Better data analysis and reporting
    SAP S/4HANA provides powerful real-time insights, enabling organisations to make faster, data-driven decisions.

  • Improved compliance and risk management
    A single central data structure means you always work with up-to-date, complete and verified information.

  • Seamless interfacing with other tools
    SAP can be integrated with solutions such as SuccessFactors, CRM, contract management and digital invoicing, ensuring a consistent flow of information.
A SAP S/4HANA integration is therefore not only technically valuable, but above all a strategic foundation for scalable growth.

View the factsheet

View the factsheet ‘SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public’ and discover how real-time integration and automation can optimise your financial processes and procurement management. Click below to get instant access!

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SAP HANA vs SAP S/4HANA: what's the difference?

Many organisations wonder what exactly is the difference between SAP HANA and SAP S/4HANA.
  • SAP HANA is the powerful in-memory database on which modern SAP systems run. It is lightning fast and enables real-time data processing.

  • SAP S/4HANA is the ERP suite built on HANA, bringing together advanced functions for finance, procurement, manufacturing and analytics.
"SAP S/4HANA enables organisations to respond faster and more flexibly to market developments. It goes beyond a traditional ERP system by providing real-time insights," says Juliette Juffermans

Moving from legacy SAP systems to S/4HANA is inevitable for many organisations. A smart ERP integration with SAP S/4HANA ensures that additional processes, such as contract management or AP Automation, are seamlessly integrated and the added value is maximised.
Juliette Juffermans - Hexagon
"SAP S/4HANA enables companies to respond faster and more flexibly to market developments. It goes beyond a traditional ERP system by providing real-time insights."

- Juliette Juffermans, Business Analyst | ISPnext

The biggest challenges in an SAP integration

While an SAP integration brings many benefits, there are also challenges that you should not underestimate:
  • Implementation complexity
    SAP systems are often customised. Links require technical knowledge as well as process insight.

  • Data migration and data quality
    Incorrect or incomplete data can affect the reliability of your processes. Consistent master data is crucial.

  • User acceptance and adoption
    The best solution only works if users want to and can work with it. Training and change management are therefore essential.
A successful SAP integration requires an integrated approach in which IT, Finance, Procurement and suppliers work together towards one clear goal: process optimisation without complexity.

Without proper preparation, these challenges can lead to project delays, inefficiency or insufficient use of functionality.

Wondering how Asito optimises their invoice processing with an SAP integration? Read the customer case and discover their approach.
Henri Timmerhuis - Asito
"Asito processes over 70,000 invoices annually in SAP and now achieves this with 2.5 fte. A reduction of 2 FTEs!"

- Henri Timmerhuis, Hoofd Financiële Administratie | Asito

View customer case

How do you get the most out of your SAP integration?

"An SAP integration is more than just technology; it is about optimising processes and increasing usability for employees," says Juliette.

To really benefit from an SAP ERP integration, these best practices are crucial:
  • Automate where possible
    Design workflows so that manual work is kept to a minimum. Think of automatic matching of purchase orders and invoices.

  • Choose scalability
    Make sure your integration is future-proof. Easily add new entities, countries or modules without customisation.

  • Work with experienced specialists
    A reliable implementation partner with knowledge of both SAP and financial processes makes the difference between frustration and success.

  • Ensure adoption in the business
    Involve end users from day one. Provide training, facilitate feedback and work from a shared vision of change.
An integration is only successful if employees actually use the system as intended. User-friendliness and consistency are therefore just as important as technical performance.

Is an SAP integration the right choice for your organisation?

Smart SAP integration is indispensable for organisations that want to be more efficient, scalable and future-proof. Connecting your SAP environment with specialised solutions such as AP Automation or Contract Management creates an integrated process that is fully traceable from purchase to payment. "Organisations that invest in strong SAP integration lay the foundation for sustainable growth and a future-proof IT environment," says Juliette.

Whether working with SAP ECC or switching to SAP S/4HANA, integration makes the difference between manual work and strategic insight. Linking data streams, minimising errors and making real-time data available creates room for better decisions and lower costs.

Wondering how we can help you with a smooth ERP integration? Request a demo and discover the possibilities!

Juliette Juffermans - Hexagon

About the author

Juliette Juffermans

Business Analyst

Juliette Juffermans is a driven professional in her role as Business Analyst and specialises in translating user needs into effective software solutions. She works closely with clients to analyse their needs and design appropriate solutions that add value. Her areas of expertise include data analysis, UI/UX, and digital transformation. This is reflected in Dynamic Discounting, for example.

FAQ

Did you already know this?

SAP HANA is a powerful in-memory database that provides lightning-fast data analysis and processing. SAP S/4HANA is the latest generation of SAP ERP software built on SAP HANA, offering enhanced functionalities, a user-friendly interface and real-time insights. Companies switching to SAP S/4HANA benefit from greater flexibility and advanced AI functionalities.
An ERP integration with SAP ERP software ensures more efficient business processes, less manual input and real-time insight into data. This increases productivity and helps companies make faster and more informed decisions. Good SAP integration minimises errors and optimises workflows between different departments.
A SAP ERP integration ensures that SAP ERP software works seamlessly with other business systems, such as financial tools, HR solutions and procurement software. Smart SAP integration automates processes, synchronises data in real-time and minimises manual input. Companies that choose ERP integration with SAP S/4HANA benefit from more efficient workflows, better data analysis and a future-proof SAP system.
An SAP integration can be complex due to data migration, system linkages and employee adoption. Moving to SAP S/4HANA requires a strategic approach to keep business processes running smoothly. With the right planning and an experienced integration partner, companies can successfully implement their SAP ERP system.

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