Bridging the Gap Between the Shop Floor and SAP — Without Custom Code

Integrating with SAP: A Simple Guide Using OPC Router

In many industrial environments, getting real-time data from machines into SAP can feel like a complex, code-heavy challenge. Whether triggering production orders, tracking materials, or sending print requests, smooth data flow is essential. This is where OPC Router makes a difference — providing a no-code solution to seamlessly connect your OPC UA-enabled systems directly to SAP.

To help you get started, we have put together a quick video demo that walks you through the setup, step-by-step.

Why No-Code SAP Integration Matters for Manufacturing Efficiency

Manufacturers can’t afford gaps and delays between the shop floor and the business systems that run operations. But integrating machines and shop floor solutions with SAP often means expensive, custom-coded middleware that’s hard to scale or maintain. OPC Router changes that. By using SAP’s native protocols and a no-code interface, it empowers teams to automate and streamline data flows without deep involvement from IT, outside consultants or contractors — saving time, reducing errors, and accelerating decision-making where it matters most.

What Is SAP and Why It is Central to Industrial Data Integration

SAP is a leading ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) platform used by businesses to manage things like production, logistics, inventory, finance, and more. It supports structured data exchange using specialized protocols that help external systems like OPC Router communicate reliably and securely.

SAP Communication Protocols Explained

When sending or receiving data with SAP, there are a few key technologies you should know: 

1. RFC (Remote Function Call)
   
   • SAP’s standard for calling functions from external systems.
   • Think of it as SAP’s version of an API.
   • OPC Router uses RFCs to call SAP functions and send or receive data.
2. NetWeaver RFC
   • The newer, Unicode-compliant version of RFC.
   • Required for newer SAP systems (SAP ERP 6.0 and up).
   • Most OPC Router connections use NetWeaver RFC via SAP’s NWRFC SDK.
3. BAPI (Business Application Programming Interface)
   • Predefined RFC functions designed by SAP for common tasks.
   • OPC Router can call BAPIs directly via the BAPI connector.
4. IDoc (Intermediate Document)
   • A structured XML-like format used for exchanging data like orders, confirmations, etc.
   • Great for batch-based communication.
   • Can be triggered to send from SAP or be written to SAP from OPC Router.

Choosing the Right SAP Integration Method for Your Use Case

See OPC Router in Action: Easy SAP Integration Video Demo

Watch our quick video tutorial to see OPC Router in action. Whether you are synchronizing production data, triggering label prints, or pushing updates to SAP, OPC Router makes it easy — no custom code required.

Request a Consultation to Simplify Your SAP Integration 

If you're ready to streamline your SAP integration but aren't sure where to begin, we're here to help. Contact us today to request a consultation and see how OPC Router can fit into your workflow — no custom code, no hassle.

Ready to get started with OPC Router? Download the free trial today!