SAP^{^®} BTP in shipping and logistics: How companies can benefit

SAP's Business Technology Platform is attracting a lot of attention. We spoke to Dominik Wagenfort about opportunities, challenges, and benefits it offers.

Jens Verstaen

15.09.2025

SAP's Business Technology Platform is one of the most important trend topics in this area. Very briefly: What is SAP BTP and why is it so important?

The SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) forms the innovation and integration backbone of the SAP world. It combines data management, integration, application development, automation, and AI in a centralized cloud platform.

Why is this so important? Because companies today have to react quickly to changes - be it due to new market requirements, technological developments, or internal process optimizations. This is exactly where SAP BTP comes into play: It creates the technological basis for flexibly expanding SAP systems, developing new applications, and intelligently automating existing processes - all without interfering with the SAP standard. This is at the heart of the "clean core" strategy.

What role does SAP BTP play for shippers in logistics and shipping?

SAP BTP can be used as a central hub. It enables seamless integration of shipping and logistics processes into SAP - even if external systems or cloud services need to be connected.

We leverage precisely that with Carrier Cloud for SAP. Consequently, changes and extensions to processes can be easily implemented. An example: New carriers, modified label formats, or additional tracking options can be implemented quickly and "side-by-side", i.e. without interfering with the SAP core. This fits in perfectly with the clean core principle: Staying close to the SAP standard, using cloud-compliant extensions, and updating easily at any time.

You are offering the connection of Carrier Cloud for SAP via SAP BTP. Who would benefit from this and what are the advantages of such an integration?

Generally, the solution is suitable for all companies that use SAP - regardless of whether they are already running on S/4HANA or are still operating a (recent) SAP ECC system. Integration via SAP BTP becomes particularly relevant when companies want to use it strategically as a central platform for data exchange, process integration, and extensions.

For companies that use SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud, the connection via BTP is even the optimal solution: It enables uncomplicated, standardized, and fully integrated implementation of shipping processes - including label printing, tracking, and dangerous goods handling, for example. And all this via modern APIs and services that integrate seamlessly into the cloud architecture.

My recommendation is to first take an unbiased look at your own shipping processes: What works well and where are there still issues? Because despite all the technology, the focus is on a smooth process. That's why you shouldn't just think in terms of functionality, but take a holistic view of the process and ensure seamless integration. After all, the processes should not only be technically possible, but also provide a benefit for users. It is best to start with a manageable pilot project to quickly create tangible added value and then scale up step by step.