Understanding the SAP PI/PO to Integration Suite Migration Journey
- Alina Ioana Furtuna
- Dec 5, 2025
- 3 min read
As SAP continues its cloud-first evolution, organizations running SAP Process Integration (PI) or Process Orchestration (PO) are preparing for the next step: moving to the SAP Integration Suite. This transition isn’t just a technical upgrade - it’s a strategic opportunity to modernize integration landscapes, increase agility, and future-proof connectivity for the cloud era.
Let’s explore what changes, what remains familiar, and what to expect during the migration journey.
What’s Changing
The most significant shift lies in where and how integrations are managed:
From On-Premise to Cloud-Native
SAP PI/PO is deployed on-premise, while SAP Integration Suite is a cloud-based, multi-tenant solution on SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). This means no more local infrastructure management, easier scalability, and continuous feature updates from SAP.
Architecture & Runtime Environment
The Integration Suite uses cloud integration runtime (CPI) instead of the PI/PO dual-stack (ABAP + Java). This new runtime leverages modern APIs, message protocols, and adapters tailored for hybrid and cloud-to-cloud scenarios.
Development & Operations Experience
The familiar Enterprise Service Repository (ESR) and Integration Directory (ID) are replaced with web-based design and monitoring tools. Developers work directly in a modern browser interface, with streamlined deployment and monitoring dashboards.
Integration Approach
While PI/PO often relied on message mappings and classical integration patterns, the Integration Suite embraces API-led and event-driven integration, offering components like:
Cloud Integration for process flows
API Management for lifecycle control
Event Mesh for asynchronous communication
Integration Advisor for AI-assisted mapping guidance
What Remains Familiar
Despite the cloud transformation, SAP has ensured continuity for integration professionals:
Core Integration Concepts
Message flows, mappings, adapters, and integration patterns still play a central role. The existing knowledge of synchronous/asynchronous flows, content-based routing, and error handling remains highly relevant.
Mapping Logic & Adapters
Many familiar adapters (IDoc, SOAP, SFTP, etc.) and mapping techniques have equivalents - or direct support - in Integration Suite, easing the technical transition.
Integration Governance
Even with new dashboards and tooling, the essentials - governance, versioning, and monitoring - still apply. Managing integrations in complex landscapes demands the same discipline.
What to Expect in the Migration Journey
Migrating from PI/PO to Integration Suite isn’t a “lift-and-shift.” It’s a phased transformation that includes assessment, design adaptation, and optimization.
Assessment Phase
Evaluate your existing PI/PO landscape using SAP’s Migration Assessment Tool to identify which interfaces can be migrated automatically and which require redesign.
Preparation Phase
Remove outdated interfaces, optimize existing mappings, and prepare for related dependencies including certificates, connectivity, and third-party integrations.
Migration & Testing
Use SAP-provided migration and content tools to move integration assets to the cloud, and rigorously test for performance and stability to maintain business continuity.
Enablement & Optimization
Once live, leverage cloud capabilities such as API governance, real-time monitoring, and scalability to optimize the integration landscape. Investing in CPI development skills within your team is essential for long-term success.
Conclusion
Moving from SAP PI/PO to Integration Suite isn’t just about changing platforms - it’s about upgrading your whole integration strategy. The tools and deployment methods may change, but the core principles stay the same.
Companies that take a thoughtful approach - evaluating needs, modernizing designs, and training their teams - will be ready to succeed in SAP’s cloud-focused future.
Cover designed by Freepik
