Designed for small and medium enterprises, SAP Business One, also known as SAP B1, is a popular ERP solution that can integrate and deliver effective business management. Among its main strengths, SAP B1 can efficiently integrate disparate business functions, including sales and marketing, customer service, finances and accounting, and inventory management.
How is SAP Business One able to provide this functionality? What type of architecture does SAP Business One use? Let’s find out.
What Type of Architecture does SAP Business One Use?
SAP Business One can be deployed on the cloud platform or on-premises. In both scenarios, SAP B1 provides remote access through a mobile app, desktop client, or web application.
The SAP Business One architecture is based on a two-tiered client-server model comprising:
1. SAP B1 Client
Typically, the SAP B1 client is a Microsoft Windows-based client that connects to the backend SAP B1 server. The SAP B1 architecture also supports client tools for Android and iOS devices with a subset of the full SAP B1 functionality (needed for mobile users).
2. SAP B1 Server
The SAP B1 server typically runs on an MS Windows-based server or the Linux-based SAP HANA system.
With this ERP software architecture, the SAP B1 client can connect any user to the SAP B1 server. Most ERP transactions are performed on the backend server.
Next, let’s understand this process by using the SAP Business One architecture diagram.
Image source: Introducing SAP Business One Version 9.0
Every SAP B1 user uses a local client installed on their system. With this client-server architecture, most of the processing is independent of the backend server and is performed locally.
As shown in the diagram, SAP B1 Analytics for SAP HANA performs data analytics by using the SAP HANA in-memory system. SAP HANA’s in-memory technology is particularly beneficial for handling and processing massive volumes of tabular data.
Here’s a detailed understanding of the SAP Business One architecture diagram:
- The left side of the diagram illustrates the SAP Business One client running on the backend server. This connects every SAP B1 user to the SAP B1 server and performs all transactions.
- The right side of the diagram illustrates the Linux server used for SAP B1 analytics.
- Every master data and transaction is replicated in real time from the SAP Business One database server to the SAP Business One analytics server. The replicated data is stored in the columnar database using SAP HANA’s in-memory technology.
- In addition to the transactional layer, the SAP HANA database has a semantic layer that enables data analysis using views, cubes, and procedures.
Benefits of the SAP Business One Architecture
What are the benefits of the SAP B1 architecture compared to other ERP deployments? Here are some of them:
1. Centralized System
With its centralized architecture, SAP Business One enables various business teams to access their functions efficiently. This includes financial accounting, bookkeeping, customer relationship management, and more.
2. Operational Transparency
SAP Business One’s client-server framework ensures that organizations can manage their integrated business processes from a single location. This provides them with end-to-end operational transparency.
3. Data Integration
As an efficient data integration platform, SAP Business One uploads and syncs data across all ERP modules and business functions. This means the same data need not be duplicated or entered multiple times. For instance, authorized users can obtain the company’s latest financial data.
4. Minimum Business Disruption
The entire SAP B1 infrastructure can be installed and deployed within a few weeks. With the expertise of an authorized SAP B1 partner, companies can complete this deployment process with minimum disruption to existing business operations. Additionally, SAP B1 can process real-time data quickly.
Conclusion
With its efficient client-server architecture, SAP Business One is a powerful ERP tool for small and growing enterprises. For a smooth installation and deployment process, companies need the expertise of an ERP service provider like Praxis Info Solutions.
As an authorized partner for SAP Business One, Praxis is the best ERP provider for your business needs. With over 13 years of industry experience in the ERP domain, we have honed our expertise to deliver exceptional solutions. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our extensive portfolio, boasting over 120 satisfied customers across the globe. Praxis offers more than 15 industry vertical solutions and add-ons, ensuring a tailored fit for your unique business requirements. Are you looking for a reliable SAP business partner? Contact us today.