Standard SAP Attachment Services vs. docuflow DocManager

Why consider docuflow DocManager for your SAP Users?

Should you give users access to SAP’s Attachment Service to attach documents to SAP business objects?

In most cases, yes. It enables users to store relevant documents directly in SAP for easy access, improving efficiency and governance. Without this, documents end up scattered across emails, file shares, and personal OneDrive’s, leading to duplication, poor sharing, and inefficiencies from constant app switching.

If you allow this and use VersaFile docuflow, what are your options, and why choose one over the other?

Understanding SAP's Standard Attachment Services

SAP’s Attachment Service enables seamless attachment handling, including upload, download, rename, and delete functions. It integrates with SAP DMS or GOS to link attachments to business objects and is available by default unless intentionally disabled.

Pro’s

  • Available by default, very little effort to configure and make available

Con’s

  • Stores attachments in the SOFFCONT1 table, bloating the SAP database and increasing costs, backup time, and downtime.
  • Limited user experience.
  • Inefficient user experience with separate menus for attaching and retrieving documents.
  • SAP viewer has limited mime-type support, forcing document downloads to local desktops.
  • Documents are stored separately from the enterprise document management system, creating governance challenges, lack of collaboration, and increased duplication.
SAP Attachment Service vs. docuflow DocManager

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Understanding docuflow's DocManager

docuflow’s DocManager is the core engine for managing document processes in SAP. Driven by “rules,” it controls inbound and outbound workflows, integrates with Custom API Usage, DocMigrator, Workflow, and Publisher, and supports dynamic content routing. It also enables multi-level folder creation, real-time metadata sync, and connections to external repositories like Box, IBM, SharePoint Online, and AWS S3.

Pro’s

  • Easily configurable with SAP or third-party ArchiveLink Content Servers for storing content outside the SOFFCONT tables using docuflow.
  • Meets basic requirements and offers advanced document attachment features for organization and viewing.
  • Supports browser-based viewing and short-lived URLs, eliminating desktop downloads, requiring no viewer installation, and efficiently handling hundreds of mime types.

Con’s

  • Currently requires the deployment of an SAP transport (a BTP version currently under development available in coming release)

Key Features Comparison

  1. Attachment Management
    • SAP Attachment Service: Standard interface for managing attachments (upload, download, rename, delete).
    • docuflow DocManager: Enhanced attachment list with:
      • Cosmetic Folder Filing: Visually structured folders for better organization.
      • Classification-Based Grouping: Documents categorized by type for easy retrieval.
      • Extension-Based Sorting: Filter attachments by file type (e.g., PDFs, images).
      • Virtual Linking: Displays attachments linked to related SAP objects.
      • Fiori Compatibility: Seamless integration with SAP Fiori for enhanced features.
  2. User Interface Consistency
    • SAP Attachment Service: Drag-and-drop support on Windows only.
    • docuflow DocManager: Consistent drag-and-drop interface across Windows and macOS.
  3. Interface Navigation
    • SAP Attachment Service: Multi-menu interface, requiring navigation between screens.
    • docuflow DocManager: Multi-tab interface for seamless document viewing and storage.
  4. Advanced Integration
    • SAP Attachment Service: Integrates with SAP DMS and GOS.
    • docuflow DocManager:
      • Dynamic Content Routing: Automates content processing.
      • Multi-Level Folder Creation: Customizable folder structures.
      • Real-Time Metadata Sync: Ensures data consistency.
      • Third-Party Repository Integration: Direct integration with Box, IBM, SharePoint, AWS S3, including Box Relay, Tasks, and Sign.

Additional Features of docuflow DocManager

  1. Inbound/Outbound Processing: Supports document storage, assignment, and API usage.
  2. Advanced Viewing Options: Show or hide SAP database notes and attachments, ideal for migrations.
  3. Activity Logging: Provides detailed logs for compliance and audits.

Why Choose docuflow DocManager?

SAP’s standard Attachment Service provides basic attachment management, but docuflow’s DocManager offers a more intuitive interface and advanced integrations. With features like complex folder structures and better third-party tool integration, docuflow enhances document management in SAP. For organizations seeking a flexible, comprehensive solution, DocManager is a valuable addition.

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