SAP PI/PO to Integration Suite: Essential Migration Guide

As businesses embrace cloud-first strategies, ensuring your integration landscape keeps pace is vital. For many organisations, the transition from SAP Process Integration/Process Orchestration (PI/PO) to SAP Integration Suite marks a critical step in modernising processes, optimising performance, and future-proofing operations.

However, this migration journey is nothing short of complex, with questions around planning, execution, and maximising the value of SAP’s cloud-native capabilities. Whether you’re concerned about retaining business-critical integrations, minimising downtime, or leveraging new features, this guide is here to provide clarity.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the migration—from understanding why Integration Suite is the logical next step, to practical tips for ensuring a smooth transition.

What is SAP PI?

SAP Process Integration (PI) is a middleware platform that facilitates seamless communication and data exchange between different systems within an organisation’s IT landscape. Acting as a central hub, It provides tools for building, managing, and monitoring integration scenarios, typically involving protocols like SOAP, REST, and IDoc. SAP PI is often used as a standalone solution, focusing solely on the technical side of integrating disparate systems.

What is SAP PO?

SAP Process Orchestration (PO) is an advanced version of SAP PI that extends its capabilities by incorporating Business Process Management and Business Rules Management. While PI focuses solely on system integration, PO enables organisations to design, execute, and monitor end-to-end business processes. This makes SAP PO not just an integration tool but a comprehensive orchestration platform that supports process automation, decision management, and enhanced workflow capabilities. Some organisations, however, opt to use only the PI component of PO, depending on their specific integration needs.

SAP PI/PO VS Integration Suite

SAP PI/PO and SAP Integration Suite serve as key integration platforms, but they cater to different technological eras and business needs. SAP PI/PO, as on-premise solutions, are designed for integrating SAP and non-SAP systems within a controlled IT environment. While PI handles basic system integration, PO adds advanced capabilities like BPM and BRM. In contrast, SAP Integration Suite is a cloud-based, next-generation integration platform, built on SAP BTP, offering greater scalability, flexibility, and modern integration patterns such as APIs, event-driven architecture, and hybrid integrations. Integration Suite also delivers industry-standard security, AI-powered automation, and pre-built content for faster implementation. As businesses migrate to the cloud and adopt agile methodologies, Integration Suite is emerging as the preferred choice, providing a more future-proof and innovative alternative to PI/PO, which are nearing the end of their support lifecycle.

The case for migrating to SAP Integration Suite

The case for migrating from SAP PI/PO to SAP Integration Suite begins with the reality of SAP PI/PO reaching the end of mainstream support in 2027. Beyond this, organisations risk operating on outdated technology without access to essential security updates, compliance features or innovation opportunities.

This doesn’t mean migrations can wait until 2027 or just before. Starting your migration early not only ensures access to skilled professionals- which will see a skyrocket in demand and price as the deadline approaches but also allows you to proactively adopt and leverage the advanced capabilities of Integration Suite ahead of your competitors.

Migration to Integration Suite not only ensures continued support but also unlocks modern integration capabilities that are crucial for competitive advantage. With its cloud-native architecture, Integration Suite offers greater scalability and support for hybrid landscapes, enabling businesses to integrate across on-premise systems, cloud solutions, and APIs seamlessly.

By making the move now, organisations can avoid the headache of a last-minute migration- If they can get an SAP partner with the availability to help, while positioning themselves to take full advantage of SAP’s latest integration innovations.

The benefits of migrating to Integration Suite

Migrating to SAP Integration Suite brings significant advantages, empowering businesses with modern tools to enhance integration, improve efficiency, and future-proof their operations.

Enhanced Functionality and Seamless Integration
SAP Integration Suite is built to handle today’s diverse and complex integration needs. It connects on-premise systems, cloud solutions, and third-party applications with ease, offering pre-built integration templates and tools that simplify workflows and reduce implementation time. This ensures seamless operations across your entire IT landscape.

Real-Time Connectivity and Smarter Data
Real-time integration capabilities mean your systems can exchange data instantly, ensuring that decisions are always based on the most up-to-date information. By leveraging advanced features like event-driven processes and data intelligence, businesses can identify trends, respond faster to changes, and operate with greater precision.

Unmatched Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows, SAP Integration Suite grows with you. Its cloud-native design allows you to scale up or down effortlessly while accommodating hybrid environments. Whether your focus is on API integration, on-premise connections, or expanding into new markets, the platform adapts to your needs without disruption.

API Management and Monetisation
SAP Integration Suite not only helps you manage APIs but also turns them into new opportunities. You can efficiently control, monitor, and monetise APIs, creating revenue streams and enabling innovative business models that boost your bottom line.

Future-Ready Integration
Migrating ensures your organisation is prepared for what’s next. SAP Integration Suite keeps you at the forefront of technology, equipping you to meet the challenges of digital transformation head-on. With ongoing updates and industry-standard security, you’ll always have the tools you need to stay competitive in a fast-evolving world.

The ramifications of not migrating to Integration Suite

Choosing not to migrate from SAP PI/PO to Integration Suite can have serious implications for your organisation, both in the short and long term. Let’s explore a few.

End of Support Risks
With SAP PI/PO reaching the end of mainstream support in 2027 and extended maintenance only available until 2030, businesses that delay migration risk operating on outdated technology. This means no access to critical security updates, limited technical support, and an inability to leverage new features, leaving systems vulnerable and less competitive.

Increased Costs Over Time
The longer you delay migration, the higher the cost of catching up. As demand for migration resources increases closer to the support deadline, prices for expertise and services are expected to skyrocket. Additionally, outdated systems may incur higher maintenance costs and inefficiencies that drain IT budgets.

Operational Inefficiencies
Sticking with legacy integration platforms like PI/PO limits your ability to adopt modern technologies, such as real-time data processing, hybrid integration, and API management. This can result in slower processes, disconnected systems, and missed opportunities to optimise business operations.

Lost Competitive Edge
Businesses that fail to migrate risk falling behind competitors who are already leveraging the advanced capabilities of SAP Integration Suite. The inability to adapt to industry changes, integrate new technologies, and support digital transformation initiatives can weaken your market position over time.

Future Migration Challenges
Delaying migration only makes it harder to transition later. As Integration Suite continues to evolve, the gap between legacy PI/PO systems and modern integration standards will grow, requiring more time, effort, and cost to bridge. By postponing, you risk turning a manageable project into a complex and disruptive undertaking in the future.

Ultimately, not migrating puts your organisation at risk of stagnation, inefficiency and vulnerability.

Challenges Associated with Migrating from SAP PI/PO to Integration Suite

Migrating from SAP PI/PO to SAP Integration Suite can be a transformative step, but it is not without its challenges. Proper planning and a clear understanding of these obstacles are essential to ensure a smooth transition.

1. Legacy Interface Complexity
   Older PI/PO systems often have interfaces developed using legacy methodologies, such as classical scenarios with configuration and mappings. These interfaces require manual reconfiguration or redevelopment in the Integration Suite, which can significantly increase the migration effort.
2. Skill and Knowledge Gaps
   The shift from an on-premise to a cloud-based platform introduces a learning curve. Teams familiar with PI/PO may require training on Integration Suite’s tools, architecture, and best practices, which can slow down the migration process if not addressed early.
3. Dependency on Customisations
   Many PI/PO systems rely on custom adapters, mappings, or extensions that may not have direct equivalents in Integration Suite. These customisations need to be identified and either rebuilt or replaced with supported alternatives, adding complexity to the migration.

Considerations for a Successful Migration to SAP Integration Suite

Migrating from SAP PI/PO to SAP Integration Suite is a significant undertaking, but with the right tools, partners, and approach, the process can be streamlined and efficient. Careful planning and leveraging SAP’s migration resources are key to ensuring a seamless transition. Here are some key points we would suggest considering before moving forward.

1. Leverage the Free Trial to Explore Integration Suite
   Before beginning your migration, take advantage of the SAP Integration Suite free trial. This provides a risk-free opportunity to familiarise your team with the platform, explore its features, and assess its fit for your organisation’s integration needs. The trial period allows you to experiment with various tools and build confidence in the platform’s capabilities.
2. Conduct a Detailed Landscape Analysis with the SAP Migration Assessment Application
   The SAP Migration Assessment Application is an essential starting point for a successful migration. It enables a comprehensive analysis of your existing PI/PO landscape, providing a clear inventory of all integration objects, systems, and processes. This analysis is the foundation for developing a tailored migration strategy, helping you identify key integration scenarios, uncover optimisation opportunities, and anticipate potential risks.
3. Partner with the Right SAP Expert
   If your team lacks the in-house skills or capacity to handle the migration, finding the right SAP partner is essential. Look for a partner with deep expertise in SAP Integration Suite, a demonstrated ability to deliver successful migrations, and a passion for helping businesses unlock their integration potential. A skilled partner will guide you through the process, from planning and execution to post-migration optimisation, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum value.
4. Use SAP Migration Tooling for Efficiency
   SAP Migration Tooling is designed to simplify and accelerate the migration process. By automating tasks like analysing interfaces, converting mappings, and mapping scenarios to Integration Suite components, the tooling significantly reduces manual effort. This not only speeds up the migration but also ensures accuracy, lowers costs, and minimises the risk of errors. The tooling incorporates SAP’s best practices and provides real-time transparency with progress reports and dashboards, enabling centralised control and smooth decision-making.
5. Prioritise Testing and Risk Mitigation
   Thorough testing is critical to ensure that all migrated integration scenarios perform as expected in the new environment. Address risks identified during the assessment phase by testing high-priority interfaces first and validating them under real-world conditions. A phased approach to implementation can also help minimise service disruptions.

By combining SAP’s tools, the right expertise, a detailed migration plan, and a proactive approach to risk management, organisations can transform the migration process into an opportunity to optimise their integration landscape and prepare for the future.

4. Limited Automation for Migration
   While tools like the SAP Migration Assessment Tool and Migration Factory Program can aid the process, not all integrations can be automatically converted to Integration Suite. Manual adjustments and testing are often required, particularly for non-standard or highly customised scenarios.
5. Ensuring Minimal Downtime
   During migration, ensuring continuous integration and minimal disruption to business operations can be challenging, especially for critical interfaces. Careful planning, testing, and phased rollouts are necessary to avoid service disruptions.
6. Data Volume and Performance Optimisation
   Large data volumes and high transaction loads in PI/PO systems may require performance tuning and optimisation when moved to the Integration Suite. This includes adapting to cloud-native architecture and hybrid connectivity requirements.
7. Security and Compliance Adjustments
   Migration often involves reconfiguring security protocols and ensuring compliance with modern standards like OAuth and industry-specific regulations. This can be particularly demanding for organisations handling sensitive or regulated data.
8. Resource Availability and Cost Management
   As the 2027 end-of-support deadline approaches, competition for skilled migration resources will intensify, leading to increased costs and limited availability. Starting early is critical to securing the right expertise and managing costs effectively.

Despite these challenges, careful planning, leveraging migration tools, and partnering with experienced consultants can mitigate risks and ensure a successful transition to SAP Integration Suite.

Final thoughts on migrating to Integration Suite

Migration from SAP PI/PO to SAP Integration Suite isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic decision that shapes the future of your organisation’s integration capabilities. It’s an opportunity to reassess how your systems connect, how data flows, and how technology can better support your long-term goals. The question isn’t whether the migration is worth it—it’s whether waiting until the last moment to act is a risk you’re willing to take.

If you’ve made it this far, it’s clear that you’re already considering the possibilities. Whether you’re mapping out your next steps or still weighing up the challenges, this is the time to think boldly about what’s next for your business. If you’d like to explore the options or discuss how we can support you on this journey, check out our Integration Suite service page here.