Implementation of SAP Task Center for ERP ECC Systems (Non-S/4HANA using Third Party Connector)

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Simplify Task Management with SAP Task Center’s Third Party Connector

Looking to simplify and centralize task handling across multiple ERP systems, including non-SAP platforms? With the SAP Task Center's Third Party Connector, you can seamlessly integrate non-SAP systems into a unified task management hub. Experience dynamic task filters, multi-language support, mass approvals, custom attributes, and much more—all in a single interface tailored to your needs.

We’ve successfully implemented and validated the SAP Task Center Third Party Connector for SAP ERP systems (non-S/4HANA). The POC was based on the great and detailed implementation Guidelines provided by SAP.

Proven Results with SAP ERP Systems (Non-S/4HANA)

We’ve successfully implemented and validated the SAP Task Center Third Party Connector for SAP ERP (non-S/4HANA) systems. Using SAP’s detailed Third-Party Adoption Guide, our proof of concept (PoC) demonstrated how the Task Center can efficiently manage tasks from diverse systems, creating a scalable and flexible solution for heterogeneous landscapes.

This article outlines the implementation of a Third Party Connector for ERP systems based on official SAP documentation. We’ll cover the fundamental configuration steps, highlight the achieved results, and showcase the benefits of this solution.

Prerequisites

In fact the integration of any Third Party System needs to fulfill the following prerequisites:

1. Interface definition as described in the adoption guideline provided by SAP. Having a deeper look on the definition it is mostly an oData v4 standard service
   SAP Task Center Third-Party Adoption Guide 
2. User Mapping between local user id and ID in IAS / CIS to assign tasks to the correct SCIM Global User ID. This could also be handled in a dedicated middleware.
3. Technical access to provide capabilities of the interface, task definitions and tasks as described here
   SAP Documentation: Primary Destination with Technical User Third-Party Task Provider
   The primary destination ensures secure and reliable communication between the Task Provider and the Task Center, using a technical user for authentication.
4. Single Sign On access for read further details like description, attachments, comments and to execute the actions on the tasks like approve or reject. Check the following link for more details:
   SAP Documentation: Secondary Destination for Principal Propagation Third-Party Task Provider
   This destination ensures proper user context propagation, allowing actions in the Task Center to be executed on behalf of the authenticated user.

All feature of a Third Party Connector, like attachment, comments, bulk or substitutions can be implemented step by step and switch on after implementation.

Implementation and Architecture

The implementation was split into three parts

• SAP BTP based Cloud Foundry Service to handle the requests (mainly oData v4)
• SAP ERP Task Center Backend Service (odata v2) to handle the requests from BTP based on a technical user
• SAP Standard Task Processing Service used by Standard My Inbox Application to handle the SSO based requests

The following image shows up the final architecture of the implementation:

Integrating SAP Standard Task Processing Standard Service pushed the speed of the development dramatically. We didn't had to cover standard actions, like

• Reading Attachments, Comments, Description of the task
• Claiming, Forwarding Tasks
• Performing Actions (approve, reject a.s.o.) on tasks
• Integrate Detail Screens as used in My Inbox Scenarios (e.g. Approve Leave Request V3)

Now we are focusing on decoupling the Task Processing Service and moving more and more functionalities to our implementation. The following screen shows the integration the Approve Leave Request V3 Service in the Task Center:

The screen is split into three parts

1. Task Center View
2. My Inbox Scenario "Approve Leave Request V3"
3. Task Center Actions to execute them directly via Task Center

Achievements and Features

The implementation of the connector brings numerous benefits that significantly enhance task management:

1. Connector Setup for Standard ERP Systems

The connector enables the integration of tasks from ERP systems that are not based on S/4HANA, bridging the gap to modern task management.

2. Dynamic Task Filters

Through destinations, task filters can be flexibly configured, allowing users to view only the tasks relevant to them. This improves usability and reduces complexity. Additional filter parameter can be passed by configuring the destination properties to the backend logic in order to display dedicated tasks in a separate group e.g. Leave Request Only and to reuse the connector.

3. Multi-Language Support

The application supports multiple languages, which is especially advantageous for globally operating companies. Users can view tasks in their preferred language.

4. Inplace Display of Decision Scenarios (e.g. My Inbox Detail Screens)

Tasks such as leave requests can be directly displayed and processed within the Task Center without switching applications, enhancing efficiency and providing a seamless user experience. We are delivering enhancement spots to adjust the displayed content and integrate dedicated approval screens inplace

Inplace Approval View

Standard View

5. Custom Attributes

The connector supports displaying and processing custom attributes tailored to specific business requirements. This allows to take fast decisions especially when performing mass approvals.

6. Mass Approvals (Bulk Actions)

Users can approve multiple tasks simultaneously, reducing the workload for repetitive tasks (e.g., invoice approvals).

7. Substitution Rules

Tasks can be forwarded to substitutes during absences, ensuring uninterrupted workflows.

8. Additional Features

These include support for task delegation, adaptability to specific business needs, and the ability to integrate tasks from additional systems.

Flexibility and Scalability

With the Third Party Connector, SAP Task Center becomes a versatile platform for task management. It’s not limited to ERP systems—you can also integrate CRM, HR, and further custom or non SAP applications, ensuring a truly centralized and scalable solution for diverse business environments.

Next Steps

More integrations are on the way! If you’re interested in learning how the SAP Task Center Third Party Connector can transform your task management, feel free to reach out directly:

Connect with Christoph Kuczera on LinkedIn

Let’s simplify and scale your task management together! 😊