The SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) architecture is an essential framework that enables businesses to optimise their operations across a wide variety of fields. As corporate applications require this type of foundation for proper growth and operation, this blog aims to give you in-depth knowledge of the SAP architecture’s levels, deployment choices, and important components.
Table of Contents
Overview of SAP Architecture Layers
SAP architecture is traditionally structured into three layers, each serving a unique purpose in the system:
Presentation Layer (Client Tier)
- Purpose: Acts as the user interface (UI) for interacting with the SAP system.
- Components: SAP GUI (Graphical User Interface), Fiori apps, or browser-based access.
- Role: Sends user input to the application layer and displays the output.
Application Layer (Business Logic Tier)
- Purpose: Processes business logic and manages communication between the presentation and database layers.
- Components: Central Services (e.g., Message Server, Enqueue Server)
- Dialog Work Processes
- Background Work Processes
- Update, Spool, and Gateway services
- Application Server: Hosts ABAP or Java runtime environments.
Database Layer (Data Tier)
Purpose: To store and govern business data and metadata. Supported databases: SAP HANA (most common in S/4HANA), Oracle, MS SQL, IBM DB2, etc. Role: To respond to SQL queries from the application layer.
Types of SAP Architecture
SAP architecture can be categorised into three main types, each evolving with technological advancements:
Classical 3-Tier Architecture
- Used in SAP ECC (ERP Central Component).
- Utilizes an ABAP-based application server with any supported RDBMS (Oracle, MSSQL, etc.).
SAP NetWeaver Architecture
- A technology platform for integrating people, information, and processes.
- Supports both ABAP and Java stacks.
- Integrates SAP and non-SAP applications.
SAP S/4HANA Architecture
- In-memory platform using SAP HANA DB only.
- Simplified data model.
- UI based on SAP Fiori.
- Can be deployed on-premise, cloud, or hybrid.
Deployment Options
SAP offers flexible deployment options to meet diverse organisational needs:
On-Premise: Installed into a company’s servers, allowing full flexibility and control. Cloud: Hosted on SAP’s or a hyperscaler’s (e.g., AWS, Azure) servers, allowing scalability and less maintenance. Hybrid: A combination of on-premises and cloud solutions.
Important Components in SAP Architecture
Several key components ensure the smooth functioning of SAP systems:
- SAP Kernel: The core component that controls runtime.
- Dispatcher: Distributes user requests to work processes.
- Work Processes: Handle various tasks like dialogue, background, update, enqueue, and spool.
- Message Server: Facilitates communication between application servers.
- Enqueue Server: Manages lock tables for SAP transactions.
Integration in SAP Architecture
SAP systems excel in integration, ensuring seamless communication within and outside the enterprise:
- Internal integration between SAP modules.
- External integration with non-SAP systems using middleware like SAP PI/PO or CPI.
- Integration with external APIs/web services using OData, REST, or SOAP.
- Integration with third-party applications using IDocs, BAPIs, and RFCs.
Security and User Management
Security is paramount in SAP architecture, encompassing various authentication and authorisation mechanisms:
- Authentication: SSO, LDAP, SAP Logon credentials.
- Authorization: Role-based using PFCG and authorisation objects.
- Transport System: CTS for moving changes between environments (DEV → QA → PROD).
Key Architectural Highlights in S/4HANA
SAP S/4HANA stands out with several advanced features:
- In-memory processing allows real-time calculations, planning and forecasting.
- Data model simplification: less duplication, better performance, easier to develop.
- SAP Fiori UX: Mobile-enabled, browser-based modern user interface.
- Real-time data integration: New and improved integration with SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).
- Smart and innovative: Machine learning, artificial intelligence, and predictive capabilities are embedded.
SAP ECC vs SAP S/4HANA Architecture Comparison
This comparison highlights the significant advancements in SAP S/4HANA over SAP ECC:
| Feature / Layer | SAP ECC Architecture | SAP S/4HANA Architecture |
| Database | Any RDBMS (Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, MaxDB, etc.) | SAP HANA only (in-memory, columnar) |
| Data Storage | Row-based | Columnar + In-memory |
| Data Redundancy | High (many index/aggregate tables) | Low (simplified data model, fewer tables) |
| ABAP Platform (optimised for HANA) | Slower due to disk-based DB | Much faster with real-time analytics via in-memory processing |
| UI / Frontend | SAP GUI (mostly) | SAP Fiori (web-based, role-based UX), SAP GUI optional |
| Application Layer | ABAP-based Application Server | Custom code needs to be cleaned and optimised |
| Custom Code Compatibility | Custom code needs adaptation for HANA DB | Custom code needs to be cleaned and optimized |
| Integration | Mostly via SAP PI/PO, ALE, IDoc, BAPI | Modern APIs (OData, REST), SAP BTP for extensibility |
| Deployment Options | On-premise only | On-premise, Cloud, or Hybrid |
| Business Functionality | Traditional ECC modules (FI, MM, SD, etc.) | Advanced features, embedded analytics, digital core |
| Real-time Analytics | Not possible natively | Embedded Analytics with CDS Views, Fiori, and HANA |
| Reporting Tools | BW, LIS, ABAP reports | Embedded SAP Analytics, CDS views, Fiori dashboards |
| Data Model | Complex with aggregates, indexes, and redundancy | Simplified (e.g., MATDOC replaces multiple tables like MSEG, MKPF) |
| Table Locking/Concurrency | Slower due to disk-based locking | Faster with HANA’s parallel processing |
Conclusion: SAP ECC vs SAP S/4HANA Architecture
SAP ECC utilizes a three-tier design with relational databases; however, performance and complexity limit its usability. SAP S/4HANA stands out with its in-memory HANA database, simplified architecture, and modern user experience delivered via SAP Fiori; these aspects make for significant advances towards digital transformation plans of any type; real-time analytics are possible along with quicker transactions, enhanced integration capabilities, scalability into the future and real-time scalability capabilities that offer true flexibility to businesses of any size.
S/4HANA is not just an upgrade—it’s a complete architectural evolution aimed at performance, simplicity, and innovation.
You might also find the following articles interesting.
- learn sap btp
- Retail insights with sap car
- leanix an introductory guide
- building side by side extensions on sap btp
- sap ecc vs s4 hana key changes and benefits
- sap ides
- Understanding rfno in sap s4hana
- SAP Clean Core
- SAP ABAP begnner’s journey
- Grow with sap vs rise with sap comparison
- Rise with sap
- Year-end activities in sap
- SAP TM Transaction codes
- ethical ai development
- sap migration data configuration tools
- simplifying sap s4hana custom code migration
- sap ewm integration
- sap project intelligence network
- advanced production integration with sap ewm
- Credit management comparison of sap fscm
- SAP EWM
- sap s4hana migration
- GST E invoice
- understanding abap objects
- SAP interfaces
- Joule ai copilot
- Mastering sap background job processing
- SAP Ewm tcodes a handy guide
- Object-oriented programming in sap abap
- understanding sap license costs
- SAP Datasphere
- industry4.0 with sap
- Condition contract management in sap s4 hana
- Comprehensive guide to go live
- SAP EHS Module
- Power of generative ai in sap
- SAP Joule Comprehensive Guide
- Mastering the dunning process sap
- Creation of chart of accounts in sap fico
- Different roles of an sap consultant
- understanding sap system landscape
- Product costing in sap
- Copa in sap
- subcontracting process in sap mm
- SAP S4hana cloud
- Disaster Recovery in SAP HANA Cloud