SAP S/4HANA Real Estate: SBB Real Estate sets new standards in data exchange with third-party applications
Modernizing an existing, complex IT landscape and increasing the efficiency of real estate management by integrating and optimizing the SAP RE-FX components – these were the main goals of the SAP S/4HANA migration at SBB Real Estate.
THE CHALLENGES
Recently, not only the buildings of the Real Estate division, but the entire SBB portfolio has been mastered in SAP RE-FX – making the distribution of this master data within and, in some cases, outside SBB increasingly important.
The aim of the planned optimization was to harmonize the existing interfaces between SAP RE-FX and the connected third-party systems and to provide a stable architecture for all future consuming third-party systems. Instead of individual (sometimes redundant) interfaces per third-party system, a central, sustainable and event-based interface architecture was required in order to reduce future SAP operating and development costs.
The biggest challenge was to keep the RE-FX master data synchronized even with bidirectional interfaces. The CAFM system or the GIS system of the SBB are leading for certain RE-FX master data and should also be allowed to process the master data on an event-based basis. The complex RE-FX data model had to be broken down into several services in order to enable fast and efficient access to third-party systems. In addition, it had to be ensured that the architecture would be as flexible as possible so that it could also be used for future extensions.
THE CHALLENGES
Recently, not only the buildings of the Real Estate division, but the entire SBB portfolio has been mastered in SAP RE-FX – making the distribution of this master data within and, in some cases, outside SBB increasingly important.
The aim of the planned optimization was to harmonize the existing interfaces between SAP RE-FX and the connected third-party systems and to provide a stable architecture for all future consuming third-party systems. Instead of individual (sometimes redundant) interfaces per third-party system, a central, sustainable and event-based interface architecture was required in order to reduce future SAP operating and development costs.
The biggest challenge was to keep the RE-FX master data synchronized even with bidirectional interfaces. The CAFM system or the GIS system of the SBB are leading for certain RE-FX master data and should also be allowed to process the master data on an event-based basis. The complex RE-FX data model had to be broken down into several services in order to enable fast and efficient access to third-party systems. In addition, it had to be ensured that the architecture would be as flexible as possible so that it could also be used for future extensions.
OUR APPROACH
In order to meet the challenges outlined above, we developed an event-based interface architecture for the RE-FX master data. In doing so, we relied on the implementation of SAP Event Mesh and OData V4 to ensure seamless integration between the various systems and enable real-time data transfers.
Another key part of our solution approach was the creation of RAP objects to enable modern and scalable applications in the RE-FX environment. We conducted a thorough analysis of the current project status and worked with the SBB departments to develop solutions for open issues, which were prioritized and successfully implemented.
A central aspect was the documentation of the RE-FX APIs developed in-house in the central repository of SBB Informatik. This ensures that all APIs made available via SBB API Management can be used transparently and comprehensibly.
OUR APPROACH
In order to meet the challenges outlined above, we developed an event-based interface architecture for the RE-FX master data. In doing so, we relied on the implementation of SAP Event Mesh and OData V4 to ensure seamless integration between the various systems and enable real-time data transfers.
Another key part of our solution approach was the creation of RAP objects to enable modern and scalable applications in the RE-FX environment. We conducted a thorough analysis of the current project status and worked with the SBB departments to develop solutions for open issues, which were prioritized and successfully implemented.
A central aspect was the documentation of the RE-FX APIs developed in-house in the central repository of SBB Informatik. This ensures that all APIs made available via SBB API Management can be used transparently and comprehensibly.
THE RESULT
The close and cooperative partnership with the specialist departments and the structured approach to tracking the progress of the work guaranteed that the project was implemented on time and on budget.
The new interface architecture enables the seamless integration of various systems, thereby significantly improving data availability and consistency. The implementation of an event-based architecture with SAP Event Mesh ensures real-time data transfer, which enables immediate verification of the data in third-party systems. The event-driven approach allows data to be flexibly retrieved from the third-party system at any time or only made available when requested by the third-party system.
All requirements in the area of oData services were successfully addressed and a sustainable solution for their management was created.
THE RESULT
The close and cooperative partnership with the specialist departments and the structured approach to tracking the progress of the work guaranteed that the project was implemented on time and on budget.
The new interface architecture enables the seamless integration of various systems, thereby significantly improving data availability and consistency. The implementation of an event-based architecture with SAP Event Mesh ensures real-time data transfer, which enables immediate verification of the data in third-party systems. The event-driven approach allows data to be flexibly retrieved from the third-party system at any time or only made available when requested by the third-party system.
All requirements in the area of oData services were successfully addressed and a sustainable solution for their management was created.
ABOUT SBB REAL ESTATE
SBB Real Estate is a central division of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and is one of the largest real estate companies in Switzerland. With a portfolio of over 3,000 properties and a total area of more than 3 million square meters, SBB Real Estate plays a key role in the development of urban living spaces and sustainable infrastructure. The company combines economic efficiency with a strong focus on ecological and social responsibility to create attractive living, working and meeting spaces along the rail network and beyond.
