Bridging the Gap: How Low-Code Connects and Customizes Heterogeneous Enterprise Solutions

A recently published whitepaper on sapinsider.org details how different systems from SAP and Microsoft complement each other and empower an enterprise with a more custom and strategic operational system. 

It’s no secret organizations face a persistent challenge in adapting to changing demands with limited resources. Outdated systems and labor shortages exacerbate the struggle to develop fit-for-purpose applications. 

While enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions like SAP provide robust support for core functions with a standardized framework, standardization can be at odds with customization. But by combining SAP with Power Platform, organizations can introduce additional flexibility, enabling industry-specific customizations and seamless integrations across diverse technology providers. 

It’s in this combining where technology agnostic partners like Argano—a digital consultancy that delivers solution expertise across multiple platforms (Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, and more)—play a critical role in ensuring enterprise systems and data from any and all providers are connected and working in harmony. 

Traditional ERP and the rise of low code 

SAP, a cornerstone for many organizations, excels in managing finance, HR, and supply chain processes.  With SAP’s standardized implementation providing efficiency and scalability for core operations, and Power Platform extending these capabilities to further streamline complex, end-to-end processes, an organization can more easily enhance automation, data accuracy, and compliance while improving the overall user experience. 

Extending ERP with low-code tools is critical as traditional development cycles for ERP, spanning months, are no longer viable in a fast-paced environment. Low-code and no-code solutions, by empowering citizen developers to collaborate with professional developers, democratize development, enabling organizations to quickly build and deploy tailored solutions.    

Power Platform: An agility layer for diverse technology ecosystems 

Power Platform acts as an "agility layer," enabling organizations to connect and customize their solutions across various technology providers. Power Platform is a suite of low-code tools that allow users to create business solutions without extensive programming knowledge. Here's a breakdown of its key components: 

• Power Apps: Enables the creation of custom business applications for web and mobile  

• Power Automate: Automates repetitive tasks and workflows between various applications and services. 

• Power BI: Provides business analytics tools for visualizing data and gaining insights. 

• Copilot Studio (formerly Power Virtual Agents): Supports the creation of AI-powered chatbots for customer service and internal support. 

And while it is designed for the citizen developer, much of the functionality inherent in extending ERP systems like SAP requires both expertise and experience. With Microsoft Advanced Specializations in Low-Code Application Development and Intelligent Automation, Argano is uniquely qualified to meet this need. 

With over 1,400 prebuilt data connectors, the platform simplifies integration with internal and external systems, significantly reducing the need for costly custom integrations. This capability is particularly beneficial for companies using a mix of technology providers, as it allows them to seamlessly connect disparate systems and create cohesive, end-to-end workflows.    

The following graphic details just a few functional areas in which Power Platform helps drive more complete and strategic benefits for companies utilizing both systems. 

 

Enhancing SAP functionality with Power Platform 

Power Platform significantly enhances SAP functionality by addressing its limitations in customization and integration. 

By leveraging tools like Power Apps, organizations can create mobile-friendly interfaces for SAP data entry, streamlining processes for frontline workers. Power Automate can automate the ingestion and processing of critical documents from shared mailboxes, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency. Moreover, Copilot Studio enables natural language queries of SAP data, facilitating faster decision-making and improved user experience.    

The integration of Power Platform with SAP can be achieved through various methods, including API-based connectivity, robotic process automation (RPA), and data synchronization. The platform offers specialized connectors for SAP Business Suite, SAP S/4HANA, and SAP BAPI, enabling seamless data exchange and process automation. These connectors facilitate tasks such as data extraction, record updates, and process automation, simplifying the integration process. 

Implementation strategy: Defining objectives and selecting the right approach 

Successful integration of SAP and Power Platform requires a well-defined implementation strategy. Organizations must clearly outline their objectives, identify specific business processes for integration, and select the appropriate integration approach. This involves assessing various methods, such as API-based connectivity, RPA, and data synchronization, and choosing the one that best aligns with the organization's needs. 

Here again the right partner makes all the difference. Only a partner with experience across multiple stacks will be able to manage the intricacies in getting disparate systems to “talk to each other.” And it’s more than simple connectivity: it’s in ensuring such connections are secure as well, which is where a partner equally adept in governance plays a central role. 

Establishing robust data governance is also crucial for maintaining data integrity and security. This includes defining data ownership, access controls, and quality standards. By following these steps, organizations can effectively leverage low-code platforms to connect and customize their solutions, enhancing agility, efficiency, and user experience. 

It can be challenging for competing technologies “cooperate,” but SAP and Power Platform are demonstrating remarkable synergy in providing a more adaptable and responsive enterprise ecosystem. By integrating the strengths of both platforms, organizations can accelerate innovation, streamline operations, and better meet their evolving needs.  

Contact us today to explore how we can help you bridge the gap between your existing systems and your future needs, creating a more connected, customized, and strategic operational framework that drives your business forward.