SAP WF and Document Management

[Griffiths, Mark]

In answer to your questions:
 
SAP workflow is widely used by customers and has strong integration with 3rd
party systems.
 
Specifically, as you have dicovered, you can use Archivelink to connect SAP
objects with an external archive - similarly you can use workflow to route
these documents around an organisation (in addition to using attachments).
 
SAP also has its own Document Management System which has features including
version control - this can also be linked to an extenal archive (like
FileNet, IXOS, Easy etc.) and used by Workflow.
 
If customers have a large SAP user base it would be unusual for them to use
an external workflow system, as SAP workflow as a stand alone product is the
equal of anything on the market, and when taken as part of a broader SAP
solution is streets ahead.  If you only have a small SAP user base, and
already have another workflow product you can integrate the two as SAP
complies with the standards of the WfMC (Workflow Management Coalition).
Particularly useful in this area is the relatively new concept of WF-XML
which enables workflow systems to communicate with one another - this can
either be within your SAP landscape, within your company, or even within
your Supply Chain.
 
In terms of 3rd party integration, as well as integrating with other
workflow and document imaging systems, SAP workflow is fully supported on
the Web, and has out of the box integration with Microsoft Products.
Additionally you can use Lotus Notes or Outlook as alternative inboxes.
 
I hope this information helps!
 
Mark
 
SAP UK
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Muttaqi, Easin [mailto:easin.muttaqi at atosorigin.com]
Sent: 13 September 2001 03:41
To: SAP-WUG at MITVMA.MIT.EDU
Subject: SAP WF and Document Management
 
 
Hi,
We got a enquiry from a customer which had implemented SAP as their
corporate ERP system and we helped them to implement a corporate electronic
document management system using FileNET. In addition, we implemented a
archive link between the SAP HR module and the FileNET system
 
Right now they are considering to set-up a workflow system to automate their
business process. They want to know the following:
 
1.      Does SAP workflow document attachment function can allow document
version control and access control based on the roles of the users?
2.      Does the document attachment function allow logically group all
related documents into a logical object for ease of access?
3.      From your observations, is it popular for SAP customer to use SAP
workflow? Any other workflow package is used instead of the SAP one?
4.      Any areas you think SAP workflow can improve, particularly on the
document attachment areas?
5.      Does SAP workflow possess strong capability on third parties system
integration?
 
Thanks for your assistance.
 
regards.
 
Easin Muttaqi
Atos Origin Australia