SAP Native vs. Looply:

Microsoft Teams Integration Comparison

Executive Summary

As SAP organizations seek to optimize productivity and eliminate context switching costs, the choice between SAP’s native Microsoft Teams integration capabilities and third-party solutions like Looply has become strategically critical. This comparison analyzes the functionality, implementation complexity, and business value proposition of both approaches based on current capabilities as of 2025.

Key Finding: While SAP offers several native integration options, they remain largely fragmented, complex to implement, and limited in scope. The Bridge Framework is an integration framework deployed on SAP BTP that allows developers to quickly customize and deploy apps, but requires extensive infrastructure setup across SAP BTP, S/4HANA, and Azure. Looply provides a comprehensive, purpose-built platform that addresses the full spectrum of SAP-Teams integration needs with significantly lower implementation complexity and faster time-to-value.

Comparative Analysis Framework

Integration Scope and Approach

Capability SAP Native Solutions Looply Platform
Integration Philosophy Multiple disconnected solutions requiring separate implementations Unified platform approach with comprehensive workflow integration
Target Use Cases Specific application scenarios (Joule, Fiori sharing, BTP embedding) Enterprise-wide SAP workflow optimization
Implementation Complexity High – requires multiple technical teams and solution components Streamlined – single platform with proven 6-phase methodology
Time to Value 6-12 months across multiple implementations 6-9 weeks for comprehensive deployment

SAP Native Integration Options

1. Sharing Fiori Content

Current Status: Generally available with S/4HANA 2023 onwards, requires SAP S/4HANA for Microsoft Teams app

Capabilities:

  • Share content from inside Fiori apps with colleagues via Teams
  • Two sharing modes: “As Chat” (direct links) and “As Tab” (embedded content)
  • Instant data sharing into conversations for collaboration
  • Access to specific states of SAP Fiori applications

Implementation Requirements:

  • S/4HANA 2023 or later
  • SAP S/4HANA for Microsoft Teams app installation for all users
  • Teams administrator configuration in Teams Admin Center
  • System administrator setup in SAP

Technical Configuration:

  • Microsoft Teams admin must allow third-party apps
  • Azure Enterprise Applications portal permissions required
  • SAP system must add trusted hosts
  • Launchpad plug-in configuration

Limitations:

  • Not supported on mobile devices and tablets [1]
  • Browser compatibility restrictions
  • Not available for SAP GUI for HTML, Web Dynpro apps, or WebClient UI applications
  • Limited to content sharing rather than process automation
  • No approval or process management capabilities
  • Requires SAP S/4HANA for Microsoft Teams app deployment to all users

Use Case: Optimal for enhancing collaboration around existing Fiori applications where the primary need is information sharing rather than workflow optimization or approval processes.

2. Teams Chatbot Development

Current Status: Available through custom development

Capabilities:

  • Custom chatbot deployment in Teams
  • Real-time data queries from S/4HANA
  • Predefined question-response scenarios
  • Ad-hoc information retrieval

Limitations:

  • Custom development required for each use case
  • No active management or audit capabilities
  • Limited to information retrieval rather than process execution
  • Requires ongoing maintenance and content management

Use Case: Suitable for information lookup scenarios but inadequate for comprehensive workflow integration.

3. Standard SAP Solution Apps

Current Status: Available for specific SAP solutions (e.g., SuccessFactors)

Capabilities:

  • Pre-built, fixed functionality for specific modules
  • Example: SuccessFactors app for holiday/absence approvals
  • Relatively quick implementation for standard scenarios

Limitations:

  • Scope limited to delivered app functionality
  • Cannot handle cross-module processes (e.g., HR + Finance approvals)
  • No customization for organization-specific requirements
  • Fragmented approach requiring multiple separate apps

Use Case: Effective for single-module, standard processes but insufficient for complex, cross-functional workflows.

4. Business Process Approvals (Custom BTP Development)

Current Status: Available through extensive custom development

Approach Options:

  1. SAP Bridge Framework (SAP-supported but requires significant setup)
  2. Custom Azure Logic Apps + Power Platform integration
  3. BTP-based custom development with Event Mesh

Technical Requirements for Bridge Framework:

  • SAP BTP subscription with Cloud Foundry Runtime
  • SAP Event Mesh for workflow event handling
  • SAP Connectivity or Private Link services
  • Microsoft Azure subscription with Bot Services
  • Microsoft Teams App development and deployment
  • Custom JSON configuration for UI components
  • Principal propagation setup between Azure and SAP BTP

Detailed Process Flow:

  1. SAP S/4HANA workflow triggers event to SAP Event Mesh
  2. Bridge Framework backend service consumes event from message queue
  3. Service extracts user data and generates notification card
  4. Microsoft Bot Service sends adaptive card to approver in Teams
  5. User response triggers API calls back to SAP via BTP Destination service
  6. Workflow status updated in S/4HANA via Task Gateway Service

Real-World Implementation Example (Siemens):

  • Purchase Order approval workflow through Teams [2]
  • End-to-end implementation required multiple expert teams
  • Significant infrastructure across SAP BTP, S/4HANA, and Azure
  • Custom development for each approval step

Technical Components Required:

  • SAP Side: S/4HANA, BTP subscription, Event Mesh, Connectivity/Private Link services
  • Microsoft Side: Azure subscription, Bot Services, Teams App deployment
  • Integration: Bridge Framework deployment, custom app development, principal propagation

Development Complexity:

  • High technical expertise required across SAP BTP, Azure, and Teams development
  • Custom application development for each workflow integration [3]
  • Complex authentication setup (OAuth 2.0, principal propagation, SAML)
  • Ongoing maintenance of multiple technical components

Cost Implications:

  • SAP BTP licensing and service costs
  • Microsoft Azure infrastructure costs
  • Significant professional services investment
  • Ongoing maintenance across multiple platforms

Limitations:

  • Requires extensive technical resources and expertise
  • Long implementation timelines (6-12 months typical)
  • High maintenance overhead with multiple technical dependencies
  • Limited reusability across different workflow scenarios
  • Dependence on SAP Event Mesh for workflow triggers [4]

Use Case: Suitable for large organizations with extensive technical resources, dedicated development teams, and specific, high-value workflow requirements that justify the investment.

5. Custom Development Using SAP OData and Power Platform

Current Status: Available but requires significant development effort

Capabilities:

  • Custom Copilot creation using Power Automate and SAP OData connectors
  • Adaptive card design for dynamic SAP data display
  • Full customization potential for specific business requirements

Limitations:

  • Requires extensive Power Platform and SAP OData expertise
  • Custom development and maintenance overhead
  • No pre-built templates or proven methodologies
  • Significant ongoing support requirements

6. SAP Joule and Microsoft Copilot Integration

Current Status: Private preview with planned general availability in 2025

Capabilities:

  • Bi-directional integration allowing SAP Joule users to access Microsoft 365 capabilities and Microsoft Copilot users to access SAP data
  • Natural language querying across SAP and Microsoft 365 environments
  • AI agents for complex workflow automation across supply chain, procurement, and finance

Limitations:

  • Limited to organizations with both Joule and Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses
  • Requires licensed SAP solutions already integrated with SAP Joule
  • Still in preview phase with unclear production readiness timeline
  • Focused primarily on AI-assisted tasks rather than comprehensive workflow integration

Looply Platform: Purpose-Built Integration Solution

Comprehensive Workflow Integration Platform

Current Status: Production-ready SaaS platform hosted on AWS

Core Philosophy: “Enabling you to extend more processes to Teams, with less custom development”

Key Differentiators:

1. Multi-Stakeholder Process Transparency

Unlike SAP native solutions that typically focus on individual approvers, Looply provides process transparency where each participant in the process can be updated when a change is made, not just the approver. This creates comprehensive process visibility and control while accelerating decision-making.

2. AI-Powered Adaptive Cards

Looply uses Microsoft Adaptive Cards that can be generated using AI, significantly reducing the design and development time compared to custom BTP development approaches that require manual card creation for each workflow step.

3. No SAP Event Mesh Dependency

Unlike SAP’s native Business Process Approval approach, there is no reliance on SAP Event Mesh or need to build a custom app in BTP for every integration step. This dramatically reduces infrastructure complexity and development overhead while maintaining integration flexibility.

4. Seamless On-Premise Integration

Looply works seamlessly with on-prem SAP installations, even if they are very well-established. The platform ships with an add-on integration to S/4HANA/ECC, a plug-in component which handles the communication to and from the cloud environment.

5. Clean Core Cloud Strategy

For organizations pursuing SAP’s clean core approach, Looply will support SAP Public Cloud installations via BTP with a standard Arch-delivered integration in late 2025. This will deliver a completely ‘clean-core’ option that aligns with SAP’s strategic cloud direction.

6. Beyond SAP Integration

Recognizing that enterprise workflows often span multiple systems, Looply is integrated into other solutions beyond SAP, for instance with Coupa, providing a unified approach to enterprise process integration rather than system-specific solutions.

Technical Architecture Advantages

Unified Approach: Looply provides a single platform that addresses the complete spectrum of SAP-Teams integration needs without requiring multiple separate implementations.

Key Capabilities:

  • Pre-built SAP Connectivity: Native integration with SAP ECC and S/4HANA environments using proven ABAP add-ons
  • Adaptive Card Framework: AI-powered card generation with visual design tools
  • Workflow Automation: Complete approval processes embedded within Teams interface
  • Mobile-First Design: Full functionality across all devices without restrictions
  • Enterprise Security: OAuth 2.0, SSO integration, and comprehensive audit trails

Implementation Advantages

Proven Methodology: 6-phase implementation approach with predictable timelines and outcomes

Resource Requirements: Minimal internal resources required compared to SAP native implementations

Business Value Proposition

Immediate Productivity Gains:

  • Context Switching Reduction
  • Approval Speed Improvement
  • Error Rate Reduction

Technical Implementation Comparison

Technical Implementation Comparison

                     
Implementation Factor SAP Native Solutions Looply Platform
Required Expertise SAP Basis, BTP, Power Platform, Teams Admin, Integration specialists, Custom app developers, Azure Bot Services, ABAP development SAP Basis, Teams Admin (Looply provides Solutions Engineer)
Technical Components Multiple (Bridge Framework, BTP services, Event Mesh, Azure infrastructure, custom apps, principal propagation) Single platform with ABAP add-on
Custom Development Required for each workflow step and integration point, custom JSON configurations, Azure Logic Apps AI-generated adaptive cards, no custom BTP apps needed
Infrastructure Setup Complex multi-platform setup (SAP BTP, Azure, Teams Admin Center, Event Mesh configuration) Streamlined cloud platform with on-premise connectivity
Authentication Setup Complex multi-system OAuth, principal propagation, SAML authentication across platforms Streamlined OAuth 2.0 with guided setup
Event Management Requires SAP Event Mesh for workflow triggers and notifications Independent operation with optional Event Mesh integration
Testing Requirements Multiple solution testing across SAP BTP, Azure, Teams, and S/4HANA integration points Comprehensive testing within single platform
Ongoing Maintenance Multiple vendor relationships, platform updates, custom code maintenance, infrastructure management Single platform updates and support
Mobile Support Limited – Fiori sharing not supported on mobile, Bridge Framework requires additional configuration Full mobile functionality across all devices
Implementation Timeline 6-12 months typical due to complexity across multiple platforms 6-9 weeks with proven methodology

Architecture Approach Comparison

             
Architecture Aspect SAP Native Approach Looply Platform Approach
Integration Philosophy Point solutions requiring separate implementations per use case Unified platform addressing comprehensive workflow spectrum
Process Coverage Limited to specific modules or pre-defined scenarios Cross-functional processes spanning multiple SAP modules
Stakeholder Engagement Typically approver-focused All process participants with transparency and updates
Custom Development Custom app required for every integration step No custom BTP development required
Event Management Reliance on SAP Event Mesh infrastructure Independent operation with optional Event Mesh integration
Deployment Model Varies by solution (Cloud, BTP, On-premise combinations) Consistent SaaS model with on-premise connectivity

Security and Compliance

           
Security Aspect SAP Native Solutions Looply Platform
Authentication Varies by solution – complex multi-system setup Unified OAuth 2.0 with Azure AD integration
Authorization Maintains SAP role-based security per solution Preserves existing SAP authorization models
Audit Trails Fragmented across multiple systems Comprehensive, unified audit documentation
Compliance Multiple compliance frameworks to manage Enterprise-grade compliance built-in
Data Protection Varies by integration method End-to-end encryption and data protection

Cost-Benefit Analysis

SAP Native Solutions – Total Cost of Ownership

Direct Costs:

  • Bridge Framework Implementation: Professional services
  • SAP BTP Services: Event Mesh, Connectivity, Cloud Foundry Runtime subscriptions
  • Microsoft Azure Infrastructure: Bot Services, Logic Apps, Azure Functions
  • Joule Integration: Requires both SAP Joule and Microsoft 365 Copilot licensing
  • Integration Suite: Additional licensing for Teams adapter functionality

Indirect Costs:

  • Implementation Services: 6-12 months professional services across multiple solutions and platforms
  • Training Requirements: Multi-platform expertise development (SAP BTP, Azure, Teams development)
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Coordinated updates across BTP, Azure, Teams, and S/4HANA environments
  • Support Complexity: Multiple vendor relationships (SAP, Microsoft) and escalation paths
  • Custom Code Maintenance: Ongoing development resources for Bridge Framework and custom integrations

Total Estimated Investment: £200,000-600,000+ for 100-user implementation

Looply Platform – Total Cost of Ownership

Direct Costs:

  • Platform Licensing: £15,000-100,000 annually depending on user count
  • Implementation Services: Professional services

Indirect Costs:

  • Training: Minimal – leverages existing Teams knowledge
  • Maintenance: Included in platform licensing
  • Support: Comprehensive support and Academy resources included

Total Estimated Investment: £60,000-150,000 for 100-user implementation

ROI Comparison

             
ROI Factor SAP Native Solutions Looply Platform
Time to Value 6-12 months (Bridge Framework), 12-18 months (comprehensive implementation) 6-9 weeks
Implementation Risk High – multiple integration points, custom development, complex dependencies Low – proven methodology, single platform
Productivity Gains Partial – limited to specific use cases, fragmented across solutions Comprehensive – addresses full workflow spectrum
Scalability Complex – requires multiple solution scaling, custom development for each workflow Seamless platform scaling with AI-generated components
Maintenance Overhead High – multiple platforms, custom code, vendor coordination Low – single platform with included support

Public Cloud vs. Private Cloud/On-Premise Deployment Implications

SAP’s Public Cloud Dependency for Advanced Integration

Critical Limitation: Many of SAP’s advanced integration capabilities, particularly AI-powered features, are only available or fully functional with SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud deployments.

AI and Advanced Analytics Limitations
  • SAP BTP AI Services: SAP’s AI capabilities including SAP AI Core, Generative AI Hub, and Joule for developers are primarily designed for and optimized with SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition [5]
  • AI-Powered Workflow Features: SAP S/4HANA Cloud currently includes over 25 use cases for AI technology, many of which are developed on the SAP BTP platform [6]
  • Joule Integration: Joule includes new and existing features enabled by Joule in SAP Build Code, SAP Build Apps, SAP Build Process Automation, and ABAP in SAP BTP and S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition [7]
BTP Service Availability
  • Enhanced BTP Integration: Larger function modules and enhancements based on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) are only available in the cloud. The full range of functions is not yet available in the public cloud, unlike in the private cloud or the classic on-premises solutions [8]
  • Native Cloud Services: SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition includes integrated BTP services that handle basic functions such as access and authorizations, plus deployment of new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Robotic Process Automation [9]
Teams Integration Implications
  • Bridge Framework Dependencies: The SAP Bridge Framework requires SAP BTP subscriptions and services that work most effectively with public cloud deployments
  • Event Mesh Integration: SAP Event Mesh, crucial for workflow-based Teams integrations, is optimized for public cloud environments and BTP native integration
  • Native Teams Apps: Many SAP solution-specific Teams apps (SuccessFactors, Concur) are designed with public cloud integration in mind
Clean Core Strategy
  • Side-by-Side Extensions: SAP BTP supports side-by-side extensions for public cloud, keeping core ERP clean and uncluttered while enabling Teams integration
  • Modular Approach: Scope Items can be a part of SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public edition, but there are also Scope Items that run as a micro-service on the BTP platform

Private Cloud/On-Premise Challenges

Limited AI Access
  • Restricted AI Capabilities: Private cloud and on-premise deployments have limited access to SAP’s latest AI features that enhance Teams integration
  • BTP Connectivity Complexity: While private cloud can connect to BTP, the integration is more complex and doesn’t provide the same native experience as public cloud
Integration Limitations
  • Reduced Teams Integration Options: Many of SAP’s modern Teams integration approaches assume public cloud architecture
  • Complex Middleware Requirements: Private cloud and on-premise deployments require additional middleware and connectivity solutions for Teams integration

Looply’s Deployment Strategy

Current Strengths – On-Premise Excellence
  • Native On-Premise Integration: Looply works seamlessly with on-prem SAP installations, even if they are very well-established
  • ABAP Add-On Approach: Ships with an add-on integration to S/4HANA/ECC, a plug-in component which handles communication to and from the cloud environment
  • No Public Cloud Dependency: Unlike SAP’s Bridge Framework, Looply doesn’t require public cloud deployment to deliver full functionality
Strategic Gap – Public Cloud Support
  • Limited Public Cloud Integration: Currently, Looply has limited native support for SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud environments
  • BTP Integration Gap: Lacks direct integration with SAP BTP services and clean core architecture approaches
Future Roadmap – Looply Connector for SAP BTP
  • Planned Release: Looply Connector for SAP BTP scheduled for launch in late 2025
  • Clean Core Alignment: Will deliver a completely ‘clean-core’ option that aligns with SAP’s strategic cloud direction
  • Comprehensive Cloud Support: Expected to provide seamless integration with SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud and other SAP cloud-based products
  • BTP Service Integration: Will enable integration with SAP BTP services while maintaining Looply’s simplified implementation approach

Deployment Comparison Matrix

             
Deployment Type SAP Native Solutions Looply Current Looply Late 2025
On-Premise S/4HANA Complex custom development required Excellent native support Enhanced capabilities
Private Cloud Limited AI features, complex BTP integration Good support with cloud connectivity Improved BTP integration
Public Cloud Full feature set, native BTP integration Limited support Full native support
AI Capabilities Public cloud only for advanced features Not dependent on deployment Enhanced AI integration
Clean Core Strategy Native for public cloud only N/A – external integration Full clean core support
BTP Integration Native for public cloud, complex for private External integration only Native BTP connector

Strategic Implications

Organizations with Mixed Deployments
  • SAP Approach: Requires different integration strategies for different deployment types
  • Looply Approach: Unified platform approach works across deployment types, with enhanced public cloud support planned
Migration Considerations
  • SAP Strategy: Organizations moving to public cloud gain access to advanced features but lose some existing integration investments
  • Looply Strategy: Provides migration path that preserves existing integration investments while enabling future cloud capabilities
Future-Proofing
  • SAP Direction: Clearly favoring public cloud with advanced features limited to cloud deployments
  • Looply Direction: Preparing for multi-deployment support while maintaining unified platform approach

Recommendations by Deployment Type

For On-Premise Organizations
  • Current State: Looply provides superior integration with established on-premise systems
  • SAP Limitations: Limited Teams integration options without complex custom development
  • Recommendation: Looply for immediate productivity gains, plan for late 2025 BTP connector
For Public Cloud Organizations
  • Current State: SAP offers comprehensive integration but with significant complexity
  • Future State: Looply’s planned BTP connector will provide simplified public cloud integration
  • Recommendation: Evaluate SAP vs. Looply based on implementation complexity and AI requirements
For Hybrid/Migration Organizations
  • Current State: Looply supports mixed environments better than SAP’s fragmented approach
  • Future State: Looply’s unified platform will support both legacy and modern cloud deployments
  • Recommendation: Looply for organizations with complex deployment scenarios or migration timelines

Strategic Considerations

When SAP Native Solutions Make Sense

Specific Scenarios:

  1. Fiori Content Sharing: Organizations primarily needing person-to-person collaboration around existing Fiori applications without process automation requirements
  2. Single-Module Standard Processes: Companies with straightforward, module-specific needs (e.g., SuccessFactors holiday approvals) that fit within delivered app functionality
  3. Information Lookup Requirements: Organizations needing chatbot-style information retrieval rather than comprehensive workflow integration
  4. Joule AI Strategy: Companies already committed to comprehensive SAP AI strategy with full Joule deployment and Microsoft 365 Copilot licensing
  5. BTP-Centric Architecture: Organizations with significant BTP investments, extensive technical resources, and custom development capabilities for complex, specific requirements
  6. Future AI Integration: Companies prioritizing AI-assisted tasks over immediate workflow optimization

When Looply Provides Superior Value

Optimal Scenarios:

  1. Cross-Functional Process Integration: Organizations needing workflows that span multiple SAP modules (HR + Finance, Procurement + Operations) that SAP standard apps cannot handle
  2. Process Transparency Requirements: Companies requiring all process participants to receive updates and visibility, not just individual approvers
  3. Rapid Implementation with Immediate ROI: Organizations needing measurable productivity improvements in 6-9 weeks rather than 6-12 months
  4. On-Premise SAP Environments: Companies with well-established on-premise installations requiring seamless cloud integration without extensive infrastructure changes
  5. Limited Technical Resources: Organizations without extensive SAP BTP development expertise or custom application development capabilities
  6. Clean Core Strategy: Companies planning migration to SAP Public Cloud who need integration solutions that align with clean core principles (available late 2025)
  7. Multi-System Integration: Organizations requiring integration beyond SAP (e.g., Coupa, other enterprise systems) through a unified platform
  8. Comprehensive Workflow Optimization: Companies seeking to eliminate context switching across all SAP processes rather than addressing specific point solutions

Future-Proofing Considerations

SAP Native Evolution Path

Strengths:

  • Direct SAP strategic alignment and ongoing development
  • Integration with emerging SAP AI capabilities (Joule, Business AI)
  • Potential for deep integration with future SAP innovations

Risks:

  • Multiple solution dependencies create upgrade complexity
  • Preview/beta status of key capabilities introduces uncertainty
  • Technical complexity may limit organizational adoption
  • Fragmented approach may not address comprehensive workflow needs

Looply Platform Evolution

Strengths:

  • Purpose-built for SAP-Teams integration optimization
  • Rapid feature development focused on productivity outcomes
  • Proven track record with enterprise implementations
  • Single platform approach simplifies upgrades and enhancement

Risks:

  • Third-party dependency for strategic business processes
  • Potential feature gaps if SAP dramatically changes integration approach
  • Need for continued platform investment and development

Recommendations

For Organizations with Cross-Functional Process Requirements

Recommendation: Looply Platform

Rationale: SAP’s standard apps are limited to single modules and cannot handle processes that span HR and non-HR approvals or require updates to multiple systems (finance + HR). Looply’s unified platform approach addresses these cross-functional requirements that are common in enterprise environments.

For Organizations with Established On-Premise SAP Environments

Recommendation: Looply Platform

Rationale: Looply works seamlessly with well-established on-premise SAP installations through its ABAP add-on approach, avoiding the complex BTP infrastructure requirements that SAP native solutions demand.

For Organizations Prioritizing Clean Core Strategy

Recommendation: Looply Platform (with 2025 timeline consideration)

Rationale: Looply’s planned clean core BTP integration (late 2025) provides a future-proof approach that aligns with SAP’s strategic direction while delivering immediate value through current on-premise capabilities.

For Organizations Requiring Multi-System Integration

Recommendation: Looply Platform

Rationale: Unlike SAP native solutions that are SAP-specific, Looply integrates with other enterprise systems (e.g., Coupa), providing a unified approach to enterprise process integration rather than fragmented point solutions.

  • Hybrid/Migration Organizations: Looply for organizations with complex deployment scenarios or migration timelines

References and Sources

Academic and Industry Research

[1] SAP Community. “S/4 HANA 2023 is to introduce new integration with Microsoft Teams.” September 6, 2024. https://community.sap.com/t5/enterprise-resource-planning-blogs-by-members/s-4-hana-2023-is-to-introduce-new-integration-with-microsoft-teams/ba-p/13580791

[2] SAP Community. “SAP S/4HANA Integration with MS Teams via SAP BTP: A Siemens Experience Story.” April 19, 2023. https://community.sap.com/t5/technology-blog-posts-by-sap/sap-s-4hana-integration-with-ms-teams-via-sap-btp-a-siemens-experience/ba-p/13540271

[3] SAP Samples. “GitHub – SAP-samples/s4hana-microsoft-team-app-integration: Learn how to build a Microsoft Teams extension app and approve SAP S/4HANA purchase order in Microsoft Teams App.” https://github.com/SAP-samples/s4hana-microsoft-team-app-integration

[4] SAP Community. “Bridge Framework – Integration Framework based on SAP BTP for MS Teams Integrations with SAP.” February 3, 2024. https://community.sap.com/t5/technology-blogs-by-sap/bridge-framework-integration-framework-based-on-sap-btp-for-ms-teams/ba-p/13540021

[5] SAP. “AI in SAP BTP | SAP Business AI.” https://www.sap.com/products/artificial-intelligence/business-technology-platform.html

[6] IgniteSAP. “The Power of AI in SAP S/4HANA.” December 20, 2023. https://ignitesap.com/the-power-of-ai-in-sap-s-4hana/

[7] SAP. “AI in SAP BTP | SAP Business AI.” https://www.sap.com/products/technology-platform/ai.html

[8] KPS. “SAP Cloud: Public vs. Private – how to make the right choice.” June 28, 2024. https://kps.com/global/en/company/blog/2024/sap-cloud-public-vs-private.html

[9] Scheer Nederland. “What is the importance of BTP alongside SAP S/4HANA Cloud?” June 20, 2024. https://scheer-nederland.com/blog-sap-btp-alongside-s4hc/

[10] SAP Samples. “GitHub – SAP-samples/btp-bridge-framework.” https://github.com/SAP-samples/btp-bridge-framework

[11] Arch Global. “Linking SAP Flexible Workflow to Microsoft Teams.” March 13, 2024. https://www.arch-global.com/linking-sap-flexible-workflow-to-microsoft-teams/

[12] SAP Community. “Bridge Framework – Integration Framework based on SAP BTP for MS Teams Integrations with SAP.” February 3, 2024. https://community.sap.com/t5/technology-blogs-by-sap/bridge-framework-integration-framework-based-on-sap-btp-for-ms-teams/ba-p/13540021

SAP Official Documentation and Resources

Technical Implementation Guides

Industry Analysis and Market Research

Third-Party Solution Providers

Educational and Training Resources

Conclusion

Research reveals that SAP offers a comprehensive but complex toolkit of integration options, each requiring significant technical expertise, custom development, and fragmented implementations across multiple platforms. Real-world implementations like Siemens’ Bridge Framework deployment demonstrate the extensive infrastructure requirements across SAP BTP, Azure, and Teams [10], while SAP Flexible Workflow integration requires custom ABAP development for each workflow scenario [11].

In contrast, Looply delivers immediate, measurable value through a unified platform approach that eliminates the need for custom BTP development, reduces infrastructure complexity, and provides process transparency that extends beyond individual approvers to all process participants. Unlike SAP’s approach where “developing a Custom Teams App without the Bridge Framework” requires extensive custom development [12], Looply provides pre-built integration components with AI-generated adaptive cards.

For organizations seeking comprehensive workflow optimization rather than point solutions, Looply provides superior value, significantly lower risk, and faster time-to-benefit while maintaining strategic flexibility for future SAP capability adoption.