Distributed Data Processing
Purpose
SAPRetail provides interfaces with which you can achieve distributed data processing (Distributed Data Processing, DDP). Subtasks that logically belong together are distributed to several computers that are connected together by a network. This results in decentralization for operating tasks that can be achieved immediately, and better, without the need for central processing. If necessary, the system can also provide other computers with data that is saved in different places.
The functions in the SAP System are modular. This simplifies any adjustment of the system to different enterprise organizations You can store individual areas in the central office for example, by decentralized processing of goods receipts in stores, but carrying out invoice verification in the central system. Corresponding interfaces and comparison programs consolidate data.
SAPRetail also provides interfaces for communicating with external systems, for example, for electronically sending purchase orders to vendors and sales data to market research companies, as well as for exchanging data with space management and workforce planning systems.
Distributed data processing has the following advantages:
Improved performance
Greater security
It promotes decentralized company policies, which provides sites with a high degree of autonomy. This allows whole areas of responsibility to be assigned to those organizational units at which information - on customers, vendors or goods movements - is usually gathered.
Integration
Retail uses distributed data processing principally in the area of stores. The following illustration shows how distributed retailing systems are typically used:
The following areas are important for distributed data processing:
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You can use the POS integration to link up the POS systems in your stores to the SAP Retail system.
Master Data Exchange Using Price Catalogs
Using message category PRICTA, you can export price catalog information from an ERP system to an external system, or import it from an external system.
The GDSN standard facilitates a service-based master data exchange between retailers and manufacturers beyond multiple data pools.
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SAP Retail Store is a separate software product that enables you to run SAP Retail functions designed or adapted by SAP for specific use in-store.
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SAP Forecasting and Replenishment
(SAP F&R) controls the internal logistics of retail firms by optimizing the flow of goods within your company. SAP F&R helps you to analyze market requirements and to adjust the warehouse stock to suit these as they change. Distribution of Applications to Multiple Systems (ALE)
The technology described here allows you to distribute the functions contained in the central SAP Retail system among several SAP systems, and to connect non-SAP systems.
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Using this interface it is possible to link an AFS system with SAP Retail.
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This component enables the integration of SAP Demand Management (SAP DM) and SAP Promotion Merchandising Layout (SAP PML) with ERP and SAP NetWeaver Business Intelligence (SAP NetWeaver BI) through use of the SAP Exchange Infrastructure (SAP XI).
See also: