Business-to-Government (B2G) Integration
In many countries and regions, organizations must comply with local government mandates requiring the submission of electronic documents such as invoices, summaries, transport registrations, and statutory reports to designated communication platforms. Depending on the exchange model in place, these documents are transmitted either through a government authority, a regulated service provider, a secure B2G API, a regulated network, or directly to a business partner. The actual B2G data exchange may be fully electronic (via EDI or government portals), semi-automated (upload/download formatted files), or manually entered into e-government services. This B2G integration reference architecture follows the SAP Integration Solution Advisory Methodology, categorizing B2G integration as a process integration style. The runtime perspective showcases Business-to-Government interoperability, encompassing integration domains such as Cloud2Cloud and Cloud2OnPremise communication.
Flow of B2G Integration
There are three main integration variants through which SAP solutions like SAP S/4HANA, SAP Business Network, SAP Concur, and SAP Business By Design connect with external government platforms:
Electronic Data Exchange (via B2G connectivity solutions)
Manual Download/Upload of Documents
Manual Data Entry into Government Portals
The choice of integration model depends on the technical requirements of the specific local authority. Whenever feasible, secure B2G communication via direct electronic exchange is prioritized. A comprehensive list of available options by country and task can be found in the SAP Help Portal (see: Supported Compliance Tasks by Country/Region for SAP S/4HANA Cloud).
Initial Steps (Applicable to All Variants)
An end user accesses an SAP cloud or on-premise solution to generate data relevant for electronic invoicing, transport compliance, or statutory reporting.
Identity and access management are securely handled using SAP Cloud Identity Services.
Variant 1: Electronic Exchange via SAP Document and Reporting Compliance, Cloud Edition
A cloud-managed, B2G integration platform running on SAP BTP and powered by SAP Integration Suite.
This solution centralizes digital government integration across regions, minimizing the need for multiple localized systems.
Documents are routed either through the Peppol network (for federated eProcurement) or directly to local government authorities or their designees.
Peppol facilitates secure AS4-based B2G connectivity between members of the network, including electronic invoice exchange.
For SAP on-premise systems, SAP Connectivity Service and SAP Application Interface Framework support secure data transfer and error handling.
Variant 2: Electronic Exchange via SAP Integration Suite
SAP cloud/on-premise systems utilize Cloud Integration capabilities to exchange compliance data.
Secure connections from SAP BTP to on-premise landscapes are achieved via SAP Destination Service and SAP Cloud Connector.
Predefined integration flows available on the SAP Business Accelerator Hub help deploy B2G integration scenarios.
Electronic data is formatted and transmitted to tax authorities or designated e-Government portals.
Variant 3: Manual Data Exchange
SAP systems generate formatted output files per local government standards.
Business users manually upload these files to web portals or similar government applications.
Alternatively, users may manually input the required data directly into external e-Government platforms.
Key Characteristics of B2G Integration Architecture
Compliance-Oriented: Focuses on digital compliance with local tax, transport, or legal reporting requirements.
Standardization: Adheres to specific protocols, data formats, and EDI standards as required by public sector data integration mandates.
Continuous Updates: Regular adjustments to support evolving regulations and integration policies.
Auditability & Traceability: Ensures secure, transparent B2G communication with logging and tracking for statutory audits.
Multi-Agency Interactions: Supports integrations across multiple government agencies or departments.
Examples in an SAP Context
Germany VAT Reporting: Advance VAT returns submitted via SAP Document and Reporting Compliance, cloud edition.
France Supplier Invoices: Inbound e-Invoicing via Peppol network using SAP Document and Reporting Compliance.
India e-Invoicing: Invoice Reference Number (IRN) generation through GST Suvidha Provider using SAP Integration Suite.
Reasonable Alternatives for B2G Scenarios
SAP Global Trade Services: Supports customs data exchange, legal compliance, import/export documentation, and interaction with government trade systems.
SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central / Payroll: Manages e-filing of employee payroll and deductions, seamlessly integrated with local tax authorities using B2G API solutions.
These predefined SAP scenarios streamline B2G integration, enabling businesses to maintain continuous compliance, improve automation, and establish secure interoperability with public sector systems.