With the continuous further development of SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP), a significant change is imminent: the discontinuation of Smart Data Integration (SDI). As of December 31, 2027, SDI will no longer be supported for Order-Based Planning (OBP). Companies that want to continue to benefit from a modern and future-proof planning landscape should proactively plan the migration to Real-Time Integration (RTI) and flexible master data models. A key component of this change is the Harmonized Planning Area (HPA), which offers new opportunities for closely integrated and transparent planning.
In this blog post, we highlight the most important aspects of the migration from SDI to RTI and show why the HPA will play a central role in future planning.
SDI or RTI is not used: What changes in my system?
With IBP as a cloud product, all existing and new systems have the opportunity to benefit from innovations. HPA also offers many advantages for processes that have already been implemented. In fact, the changeover can also be worthwhile for existing systems. However, unless there is a strategic or specific need, such as when replacing SDI, the costs will generally outweigh the benefits at the present time.
SDI is being replaced by RTI: What does this mean?
SAP has already announced with the IBP 2505 release that support for SDI will be discontinued as expected. This decision is part of the continuous product development and the focus on new, more powerful technologies. Real-Time Integration (RTI) replaces SDI and offers a much faster, extensible and more reliable way to seamlessly exchange data between systems. RTI makes it possible to integrate data in real time, which is particularly important for order-based planning.
The Harmonized Planning Area (HPA): a look into the future
The HPA is more than just a new technical feature - it is a central building block for the next generation of planning processes in SAP IBP. For the first time, HPA creates a common database that supports both time series-based planning in demand & network planning (IBP for Demand & Supply) and order-based planning. This enables integrated planning in which historical data and current orders can be seamlessly linked.
Advantages
- Common database: Say goodbye to isolated data models. The HPA creates a uniform basis for all planning activities and ensures data consistency.
- Greater transparency: Companies gain a holistic view of their supply chains, enabling faster and more informed decisions.
- Flexibility: HPA is based on a master data model that adapts flexibly to your specific requirements.
- Closely interlinked planning: By combining the technical structures, planners benefit from improved synchronization and optimization of their processes - across all processes supported by IBP (Demand, Supply, Inventory, S&OP and Response).
- Synchronized planning: Only with RTI is synchronized planning with PP/DS possible with IBP. If rough-cut planning in IBP is to be linked to detailed planning, RTI is absolutely essential.
- Standardized interface technology: If RTI is used for integration with ERP or S/4HANA, the HPA eliminates the need for further integration technologies.
Migration made easy: the technical changeover
The switch from SDI to RTI and the introduction of HPA require careful planning and implementation. SAP supports this process with tools. These offer a migration path for the transition from the static planning area to the new flexible planning area, which is compatible with RTI. Migration to the HPA is then possible. This is not currently supported with tools. In this respect, there are several options for replacing SDI in good time before it is discontinued.
Depending on the degree of usable system support for the migration and the desire for new functionalities provided by the HPA, there are three possible migration scenarios for the current use of SDI:
- System-supported migration from SDI-based planning to RTI-based planning with subsequent migration to the HPA.
- Direct migration from SDI-based planning to the HPA with RTI.
- System-supported migration from SDI-based planning to RTI-based planning without migration to the HPA.
Other planning processes that may already be mapped in IBP must always be taken into account. As a consulting company with many years of experience in planning processes and a vision of available functions and technologies, we also support our partners in the IBP migration from SDI and introduction of HPA. We work with you to ensure that the transition runs smoothly and that you benefit from the advantages of the new technologies.
To summarize: Why you should act now
The discontinuation of SDI is not just a technical change - it is an opportunity to take your planning processes to the next level and benefit from future developments. Companies that switch to RTI and the HPA at an early stage will secure competitive advantages through greater transparency, seamless data integration and optimized planning processes.
Our services: Your partner for a successful migration
We support you every step of the way on the way to the Harmonized Planning Area:
- SDI migrations: We seamlessly migrate your processes from SDI to RTI.
- HPA implementation: We implement the HPA and adapt it to your specific requirements.
- Synchronized Planning: We support you with the connection of your IBP planning processes to PP/DS as well as with an APO migration.
- Long-term support services: We will be at your side as a reliable partner even after the migration to keep your systems up to date.
Don't miss the opportunity to benefit from the latest developments in SAP IBP. Contact us and let's transform your planning landscape together!
The discontinuation of SDI is more than just a technical change - it gives companies the opportunity to use RTI and the Harmonized Planning Area to reorganize their planning processes in a future-proof, transparent and integrated way.
