Migrating from SAP Process Orchestration (PO) to SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) Integration Suite is a massive task that goes beyond just the technical execution. This blog article is the third and final blog that highlights the process of migrating to SAP BTP from PO. You can read our first blog “SAP PO Is Retiring—Here’s What Enterprises Must Do to Stay Ahead” and “How to Choose the Best SAP BTP Integration Route” to gain more context, or simply download our “SAP PO to SAP BTP Playbook” at the end of this article. Having supported multiple clients through this transition, we’ve identified 7 key lessons that can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a successful migration.

SAP PO to BTP Migration Lessons

Lesson 1: Migrate Using a Phased Approach

We have established that migration is not a relatively simple process. Attempting to migrate all interfaces simultaneously can overwhelm teams and increase risk. A phased approach focusing on individual scenarios allows for thorough testing, issue resolution, and knowledge transfer.

Lesson 2: Know the Limitations and Workarounds

Certain SAP PO features don’t have direct equivalents in the SAP BTP Integration Suite. For example:

• User-defined functions (UDFs) can be migrated but cannot be edited in the cloud platform.
• RFC lookups used for value mapping or receiver determination require redesign using request-reply steps in iFlows.

Understanding these limitations upfront avoids surprises during migration.

Lesson 3: Not All Interfaces Are Equal

While some interfaces are simple and can be lifted and shifted with minimal changes, others, especially those involving complex business logic or external partners, require redesign. It will be important to prioritise by focusing on the parts that will bring about the most value for your business.

Lesson 4: Engage Business Stakeholders Early

Migration is not purely technical. Business stakeholders must be involved in prioritisation, testing, and acceptance to ensure the new integrations meet business needs. It is important to ensure that you have change management strategies in place to aid with the migration and get everyone in alignment.

Lesson 5: Connectivity Challenges Are Common

On-premises connectivity, Cloud Connector setup, and authentication often cause delays. Early testing and validation of connectivity reduce risks.

Lesson 6: Invest in Comprehensive Testing

Unit testing, system integration testing, and user acceptance testing are critical. Testing uncovers issues early and reduces post-go-live disruptions.

Lesson 7: Plan for Decommissioning

Once migration is complete, decommission SAP PO systems to reduce costs and complexity.

Why You Need the Playbook

Our “SAP PI to BTP Playbook” consolidates these lessons, tools, and best practices into a comprehensive guide. Avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your migration by downloading the playbook today.