Case Study: PythonMate's SAP → S3 Migration Solution for an Enterprise Client

Executive Summary

This case study demonstrates how PythonMate delivered a comprehensive SAP migration solution for a large enterprise client facing critical challenges with SOFFCONT1 bloat, RSIRPIRL timeouts, and ZATCA compliance requirements. The solution involved migrating 2.4TB of attachment data within 48 hours, reducing HANA memory usage by 35%, and achieving ~$180K in annual cost savings.

Client Challenge

Our client, a major enterprise in the KSA market, faced several critical SAP challenges:

• SOFFCONT1 Bloat: The SOFFCONT1 table had grown to over 2.4TB, consuming significant HANA memory and slowing system performance
• RSIRPIRL Timeouts: Gateway timeout errors were causing system failures during large file processing
• ZATCA Compliance: Need to meet strict Saudi Arabian tax compliance requirements for document archiving
• Manual Processes: Extensive manual document tracking and reconciliation causing operational inefficiencies

PythonMate's Approach

Initial Assessment & Discovery

Using our proprietary assessment tools, we identified:

• SOFFCONT1 table size: 2.4TB of attachment data
• HANA memory impact: 45% of total memory allocation
• Compliance gaps: 15% of documents didn't meet ZATCA requirements
• Manual processing: 180+ hours per month in document reconciliation

Technical Solution Architecture

1. Migration Methodology

We implemented a dual-protocol approach comparing OData vs pyrfc for optimal performance:

OData Approach (Legacy)

• Used SAP Gateway with JSON/XML conversion
• Added 33% Base64 bloat to payload sizes
• Prone to gateway timeouts on large files

pyrfc Approach (Our Solution)

• Direct RFC connections via TCP/IP
• Binary data transfers (0% overhead)
• Chunked TBL1024 extraction to avoid timeouts
• Resumable transfers with atomic updates

2. Reconciliation Engine

Our custom reconciliation system implemented:

• 3-Way Match Logic: PO Price x Delivery Qty == Invoice Amount
• Automated validation against SAP EKKO/EKPO tables
• Real-time credit limit verification for vendors
• Batch validation with expiry tracking for pharma compliance

3. Compliance Framework

For KSA ZATCA requirements:

• PDF/A-3 format with embedded XML
• SHA-256 checksums for audit trails
• 7-year retention policies
• WORM (Write Once, Read Many) storage implementation

Implementation Process

Phase 1: Discovery & Planning (Week 1-2)

• Full SOFFCONT1 table analysis
• SAP connection configuration
• RFC destination setup
• Migration strategy validation

Phase 2: Technical Implementation (Week 3-8)

• pyrfc worker deployment
• TBL1024 chunking logic implementation
• ArchiveLink integration
• Compliance validation engine setup

Phase 3: Migration Execution (Week 9-10)

• Controlled, side-by-side migration
• Parallel pyrfc worker execution
• Real-time validation and error handling
• SAP pointer updates

Phase 4: Validation & Optimization (Week 11-12)

• Full reconciliation verification
• Performance optimization
• User training & documentation
• Go-live support

Results Delivered

Quantitative Results

• 2.4TB migrated in 48 hours - Zero-downtime migration with no impact on business operations
• 35% HANA memory reduction - Significant performance improvement
• ~$180K annual savings - Direct cost reduction in HANA licensing and infrastructure
• Zero manual reconciliation - Fully automated 3-way matching process
• 100% ZATCA compliance - All documents meet Saudi tax requirements

Qualitative Results

• Eliminated physical file dependency
• No mismatch between ordered, delivered, and invoiced quantities
• Faster reconciliation and reduced financial leakage
• Clear visibility for management tracking
• Compliance consistency for all documentation

Technical Implementation Details

Architecture Components

• Frontend: React-based dashboard for monitoring and control
• Middleware: Node.js services with pyrfc integration
• Storage: AWS S3 with WORM locks for compliance
• SAP Layer: Direct RFC connections (no ABAP modifications)

Key Technologies

• pyrfc: Direct RFC connections for optimal performance
• TBL1024: Chunked extraction to prevent timeouts
• ArchiveLink: Standard SAP document linking
• GOS: SAP Graphical Object Services for attachment management

Risk Mitigation

• Zero Core Changes: No modifications to SAP core tables or custom ABAP
• Atomic Updates: Pointers updated atomically to prevent broken links
• Resumable Transfers: Network failures handled gracefully
• Full Rollback: Capability to revert any changes if needed

Client Testimonial

"PythonMate's approach was exactly what we needed. They didn't just provide a product but delivered a complete migration service that addressed our specific compliance needs while driving significant cost savings. The technical expertise was evident throughout, and the 48-hour migration window was executed flawlessly."
— Head of ERP Operations, Enterprise Client

ROI Analysis

Direct Cost Savings

• HANA memory reduction: $120K annually
• Infrastructure cost reduction: $45K annually
• Maintenance cost reduction: $15K annually
• Total annual savings: ~$180K

Indirect Benefits

• Reduced FTE costs in document processing: 180 hours/month
• Improved system performance: 25% faster processing
• Compliance risk mitigation: Zero non-compliance incidents
• Operational efficiency: 100% automated reconciliation

Why PythonMate

Service-First Approach

Unlike product vendors, PythonMate delivers outcomes:

• Technical Health Check: Comprehensive assessment with ROI projections
• Migration Sprint: Fixed-scope, guaranteed delivery
• Ongoing Governance: Annual retainer for maintenance and compliance

Proven Methodology

• Zero-downtime migrations
• No SAP core modifications
• Compliance-ready solutions
• Fixed-scope engagements with guaranteed outcomes

Technical Excellence

• Direct pyrfc connections (not OData bloat)
• TBL1024 chunking for optimal performance
• ArchiveLink integration for SAP compliance
• Cloud-native architecture for scalability

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates PythonMate's ability to deliver complex SAP migration projects with measurable business impact. By focusing on technical excellence, service delivery, and compliance requirements, we achieved significant cost savings and operational improvements for our enterprise client.

The project success was built on:

1. Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of SAP architecture and migration challenges
2. Proven Methodology: Safe, reliable migration with zero downtime
3. Compliance Focus: Meeting strict regional requirements
4. Service Delivery: Outcomes-based approach rather than product sales

PythonMate continues to provide ongoing governance services for this client, ensuring sustained operational excellence and compliance adherence.