SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) – Introduction, Functionality and Modules

SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) adapters are a collection of data provisioning adapters used to access and interact with SAP ECC data and metadata.

SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) – Introduction, Functionality and Modules

What is SAP ECC?

SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC) is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that runs on-premises. In real-time, ERP integrates digital information created in one area of a business with data from other parts of the same business. This means that changes in one aspect of the business, such as sales, will cause changes in other areas, such as inventories. Managers may make data-driven decisions that optimize essential business operations when they have a unified perspective of corporate resources.

What does SAP ECC Stand for?

ERP Central Component (ECC) is a SAP-only term for ERP Central Component. SAP’s ERP software includes ECC.

SAP ECC Adaptor Functionality:

ECC Adaptor functionality is crucial in connecting SAP ECC with other systems and applications. This functionality bridges, enabling data exchange and communication between ECC and external systems. The ECC Adaptor ensures a smooth flow of information, supporting integrations with third-party applications and enhancing the overall flexibility of the SAP ECC system.

SAP ECC VS SAP ERP, SAP HANA, SAP S/4 HANA:

Feature	SAP ECC	SAP ERP	SAP HANA	SAP S/4HANA
Architecture	Traditional R/3	Traditional R/3	In-memory Database	In-memory Database
Database	Various (e.g., Oracle, DB2, MS SQL)	Various (e.g., Oracle, DB2, MS SQL)	SAP HANA	SAP HANA
User Interface	SAP GUI, Web-based interfaces	SAP GUI, Web-based interfaces	SAP Fiori, Web-based interfaces	SAP Fiori, Web-based interfaces
Data Processing	Batch and Real-time	Batch and Real-time	Real-time	Real-time
Analytics	SAP BW (Business Warehouse)	SAP BW (Business Warehouse)	Integrated Analytics, SAP BW	Integrated Analytics, SAP BW
Customization	Highly Customizable	Highly Customizable	Limited	Limited (More standardized processes)
Deployment Options	On-Premise	On-Premise, Cloud	On-Premise, Cloud	On-Premise, Cloud

SAP Modules:

When SAP migrated from R/3 to SAP ECC, the documentation officially switched from the term SAP module to the term component, yet many in the industry still use the term module. SAP ECC components have been merged so that they can function together. Both modules and components, in normal usage, refer to a segment of the software that is independently designed to handle a certain set of business processes (see figure). ECC is made up of ten functional core components, sometimes known as modules, and two technical components.

The business functions covered by the functional modules that are typically implemented in SAP ECC are listed below.

• SAP FICO: SAP FICO (SAP Finance and SAP Controlling) is made up of two modules that handle financial accounting and reporting, as well as cost planning and monitoring. They allow enterprises to manage and keep all of their financial data and transaction history in one location, as well as execute financial analytics.
• SAP Sales and Distribution (SD): The SAP SD module manages the major sales and distribution processes. This includes selling products or services to customers directly or through distribution networks. SD is also in charge of customer returns, billing, and credit issuance.
• SAP Materials Management (MM): The SAP MM module handles supplier procurement of materials and services, as well as inventory processes such as counting and reconciling physical inventory. MM also oversees all goods issuance, receipts, and material transfers from one plant or storage location to another.
• SAP Human Capital Management (HCM): SAP HR-related functions are managed by the HCM module. Payroll, time management activities such as attendance and leave, career development, travel, and workplace safety are all included. Submodules within functional modules can be implemented as needed.
• SAP Customer Service (CS): The CS module manages the business processes for providing customer equipment maintenance services. CS also includes the option to bill customers for maintenance services rendered.
• SAP Quality Management: The QM module is deeply integrated into the procurement, production, sales, and equipment maintenance processes. Advanced features include the ability to manage full internal or external audits. QM can also assist in determining the root causes of product failure to ensure that a company’s business processes continue to improve in quality.

SAP ECC technical components:

For an SAP ECC implementation, the technical components ABAP and NetWeaver were required. The ABAP component allows for company-specific custom development. It was used by businesses to create custom reports or specific reporting formats to meet legal or financial reporting requirements.

SAP ECC Implementation:

SAP has its eyes on S/4HANA. Companies that implemented SAP ECC, on the other hand, faced a major undertaking that necessitated the SAP-focused project implementation methodology known as the ASAP (Accelerated SAP). Project preparation, creating a business blueprint of remodeled processes, ECC configuration and development, final preparation, and go-live and support were major steps.

Companies typically chose to implement the functional modules SAP FICO, Materials Management, and Sales and Distribution first, though they had the option of choosing which modules to implement. For example, while working with a SAP implementation partner, a customer may have determined that the SAP Project System was unnecessary because it does not manage a large number of projects.

Future of SAP ECC:

SAP is urging businesses to adopt S/4HANA while promising to support ECC and other core Business Suite 7 applications until the end of 2027, with the option of extending support until the end of 2030.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of enterprise resource planning. From its foundational principles to its technical components and modules, SAP ECC has been a stalwart solution for organizations seeking to streamline business processes.