SAP Action Flows
SAP Action Flows in Celonis are automated workflows that allow you to trigger actions directly within your SAP system based on real-time process insights. They bridge the gap between "seeing" a process inefficiency and "fixing" it automatically.
The integration relies on Remote Function Calls (RFC) and the Celonis Agent to communicate with your SAP landscape.
There are two primary ways to execute SAP actions within an Action Flow:
Pre-built SAP Actions: These are best used for standard operations without requiring deep SAP technical knowledge.
Capability: These are "plug-and-play" modules structured by business objects (e.g., Purchase Orders, Sales Orders).
Examples: Automatically releasing a credit block on a sales order or updating a delivery date in a purchase order.
Generic RFC calls: These are best used for custom or complex requirements.
Capability: Allows you to call any RFC-enabled function module in your SAP system. This is highly flexible but requires knowledge of the specific SAP function names and their parameters.
To ensure reliable and secure process automation, SAP Action Flows utilize a robust communication layer designed for enterprise-grade data consistency.
Transaction Management: Group multiple SAP actions into a single sequence using Begin Transaction and End Transaction modules. If any step fails, a Rollback ensures your SAP data remains in its original, consistent state.
The Celonis Agent: Acts as the secure gateway for on-premise systems, using the SAP Java Connector (SAP JCo) library to establish high-performance communication with your SAP landscape.
Real-Time Execution: Action Flows can be triggered automatically by Data Triggers (e.g., when a KPI threshold is met) or manually through Studio components.
By automating high-volume, manual tasks across the SAP ecosystem, organizations can significantly reduce cycle times and eliminate human error in core business processes.
Procurement: Update payment terms or price in a Purchase Order.
Order Management: Remove billing blocks or update shipping conditions.
Accounts Payable: Block or unblock vendors for payment based on compliance checks.
Inventory: Trigger stock transfers or adjust safety stock levels based on real-time demand.
Before configuring SAP Action Flows, ensure your environment meets the following technical and connectivity requirements.
SAP Java Connector (SAP JCo): The latest version of the SAP JCo library must be downloaded from the SAP Service Marketplace and installed on the machine hosting your Celonis Agent.
Celonis Agent: An active Celonis Agent must be installed and configured to act as a secure bridge between the Celonis Platform and your on-premise SAP landscape.
S-User Permissions: Administrative access to the SAP Service Marketplace is required to obtain the necessary connector files.
Network Connectivity: The Celonis Agent requires line-of-sight to the SAP Application Server or Message Server via the standard RFC ports (typically 33xx).
Follow these steps to establish a connection between Celonis and your SAP system for automated execution:
Install JCo Libraries: Place the SAP JCo .jar and native library files (e.g., .dll or .so) into the designated folder of your Celonis Agent installation.
Restart the Agent: Restart the Celonis Agent service to initialize the new SAP connector libraries.
Create a Connection: In the Celonis Platform, navigate to the Connections tab and select SAP.
Configure Parameters: Enter your SAP system details, including:
Application Server/Host
System Number
Client ID
Authentication Credentials (Username and Password)
Test Connection: Use the "Test Connection" button to verify that the Agent can successfully communicate with SAP via RFC.