SAP AIF Enablement Approach for the Service

To overcome these issues, the service was migrated from ECH-based handling to SAP AIF, using the same standard proxy but with a different execution model:

• ECH framework was disabled for this interface

• Interface logic was executed via Proxy Engine, controlled by AIF

• Full AIF feature set was activated: mapping, checks, monitoring, restart, and payload correction

Key AIF Capabilities Applied

• Structured Mapping & Validation
  
  

The inbound XML structures (e.g. Consignee Party, Ship-To Location) were mapped using AIF structure mappings with controlled execution order.
This allowed SKF to introduce deterministic and reusable mapping logic instead of custom code in the proxy.

• BRF+ Driven Address & Country Logic
  
  

AIF was combined with BRF+ decision tables to handle country-specific inconsistencies:

• Country derivation based on organization and city

• Region mapping rules (e.g. Brazil-specific logic)

• Postal code normalization per country (Brazil, Canada, non-EU rules, T005 templates)

This moved fragile logic out of ABAP and into maintainable business rules.

• Controlled Payload Correction
  
  

AIF was configured with explicitly changeable fields in the message payload (addresses, postal codes, region codes). Business users could correct errors directly in the AIF UI and reprocess messages safely without re-triggering the source system.

• Business-Oriented Monitoring in Fiori
  
  

SKF used AIF Monitor in Fiori Launchpad, giving business users better visibility and accessibility from web browser.

• Recipient & Responsibility Model
  
  

The interface introduced recipient determination based on business keys (e.g. shipper country).
Errors were routed automatically to region-specific teams, with a fallback group for unmatched cases