Flowchart example for SAP Business Technology Platform architecture

The flowchart example depicts the architecture of the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), highlighting the components and interactions within a typical deployment that integrates various SAP solutions and services. Below is a detailed explanation of this architecture and best practices for designing flowcharts to effectively depict platform architectures.

SAP Business Technology Platform Architecture Overview

1. Business Technology Platform Core: The central portion of the diagram represents the SAP BTP, which acts as a unified framework enabling integration, extension, and data management for various SAP and third-party applications. It is divided into several key areas:
2. Consumer Subscriptions (Customer Managed): This section highlights the integration suite, extension and automation services, and foundational/cross services that are managed by the customer within the SAP BTP.
3. SAP Integration Suite: Comprising services like Cloud Integration, API Management, and Event Mesh, this suite allows seamless integration of on-premises and cloud applications. It supports multiple communication protocols and data formats, ensuring flexibility and robustness in integrations.
4. SAP Extension & Automation Suite: This includes various tools like Workflow Management, SAP Business Application Studio, and RPA (Robotic Process Automation) services, enabling the extension of core business processes.
5. Foundation / Cross Services: These services provide essential support for connectivity, transport management, and identity authentication. These services are crucial for maintaining security, connectivity, and consistent management across different applications.
6. Data and Analytics: This section shows how data and analytics services, such as SAP HANA Cloud and SAP Data Warehouse Cloud, are integral to the platform, providing real-time data processing and analytics capabilities. These services are essential for deriving actionable insights and supporting data-driven decision-making.
7. Connectivity and Destination: Connectivity services ensure secure and reliable communication between the SAP BTP and external systems, including SAP S/4HANA systems. The destinations configured within this layer define the endpoints for the interactions, ensuring that data flows securely and efficiently between the cloud and on-premises environments.
8. External Cloud Apps: Represented outside the firewall, this section includes third-party cloud applications that interact with the SAP BTP. The platform's robust integration capabilities allow it to communicate and exchange data with these external services, extending the reach and functionality of the SAP ecosystem.
9. SAP S/4HANA On-Premise Systems: On the right side of the diagram, the SAP S/4HANA on-premise systems are shown, connected to the SAP BTP through a secure firewall. These systems represent the core enterprise resource planning (ERP) functions that are extended and enhanced by the cloud-based services in the SAP BTP.
10. End Users: On the left side of the diagram, end users access the platform via application clients or browsers. They interact with the SAP BTP services, utilizing applications like SAP Mobile Start for mobile access.

Principles and Best Practices for Designing Flowcharts for Platform Architecture

1. Simplicity and Clarity: Break down the architecture into logical modules, use standardized icons, and maintain consistent labeling for easier understanding.
2. Flow and Orientation: Ensure a logical, intuitive flow of data with directional arrows indicating interactions between components.
3. Detail and Granularity: Provide sufficient detail to inform without overwhelming; consider a layered approach for complex architectures.
4. Color Coding and Grouping: Use color coding and group related components to enhance visual clarity and emphasize relationships.
5. Security Considerations: Clearly represent firewalls and authentication mechanisms to highlight secure data flows and access control.

Use this SAP Business Technology Platform architecture flowchart as a foundational example. Customize it according to your specific requirements, following the outlined principles and best practices. Tailor the design to reflect your platform's unique components, integrations, and security measures, ensuring that the final flowchart effectively communicates your architecture to stakeholders. Sign up for MockFlow and get started with your architecture flowchart diagram!