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PWSAPECM · PaperWork Content Server + BPM

Document Management for SAP Let document management work inside the application you already use.

PaperWork’s SDK, service layer and content services can bring document management and workflows into the screens of ERP, CRM, portal and custom applications. SAP ECM UI is a direct example: SAP users reach the document from their own screen, while the document is managed centrally in PaperWork Content Server.

  • Users do not have to switch applications to search for documents.
  • SAP, PaperWork web and other enterprise applications can use the same central document source.
  • Document-related tasks and approvals can be started from within the screen users are working on.
Request a DemoSee how it works
User screenSingle central document source

Order record

4500021841

ME23N · Illustrative

Supplier
ABC Industries Inc.
Document date
09/23/2026
Material
Technical equipment
Status
Awaiting review
PaperWorkDocuments from within SAP
Search document content or index data
Technical_Specification.pdfv4
Linked record
4500021841
Last action
09/23/2026 14:18
Class
Procurement
Status
Current

The SAP record opens. Users never leave the transaction screen they are working on.

The animations show illustrative screens prepared to explain the architectural approach.

Executive summary

Instead of adding yet another screen, bring PaperWork into the screens people already work in.

When documents multiply across applications, users struggle to figure out which copy of a document is current. PaperWork reduces this fragmentation by keeping the document on a central content server and serving it to the applications that need it. The same service layer also lets workflows be started from other applications.

Users stay on the screen they know

They can reach PaperWork documents and the required workflow steps from their SAP, ERP, CRM or portal screen.

Documents are managed in one place

Versioning, permissions, search and audit history run on PaperWork Content Server under shared rules.

Documents move with the transaction

Documents are not just viewed; they can be part of the related review, task and approval process.

Central security is preserved

No matter which application a document is opened from, the access rules and audit trails defined in PaperWork are applied centrally.

Approach

Instead of storing the same document in four places, connect four applications to one document.

When there is one copy in ERP, another in email and a third in a shared folder, version, permission and audit problems begin. With the Content Server approach, the document stays in one central place, and applications use it from their own screens.

The document is managed once. The application a user comes from may change; the document source and control rules do not.

One document

SAP users access it from SAP; other teams from PaperWork web or their own applications.

Different teams such as finance, procurement, quality and legal may need the same document. Instead of forcing everyone onto the same application, you can connect different screens to the same central document in PaperWork Content Server.
SAPProcurement / invoices / qualityOpens the document from its own screen
CRMCustomer recordAccesses the same document via services
Portal / Custom AppSDK / service layerSearch, view, save
PaperWork Web / MobileTeams that do not use SAPThe same central document source
Linked SAP record: QM-20418Last action: Quality AssuranceThe SAP user opens the document. The document stays in PaperWork and is served to the SAP screen.
PaperWork SAP ECM UI

Add a document management layer to your SAP screens.

PaperWork SAP ECM UI runs document search, scanning, upload, versioning and sharing from SAP S/4HANA and R3 screens on PaperWork Content Server. Documents and their metadata can be linked to the SAP record.

  • Search by index data or by words in the document content; full-text search with OCR for scanned documents.
  • View current and previous versions from within SAP.
  • Teams that do not use SAP can access the same central documents through PaperWork web and mobile.
  • Permissions and audit history are tracked in the central document management layer.
Explore Content ServerPaperWork connectors for SAP
Workflow

Users can start a process without leaving SAP; PaperWork moves the work forward in the background.

PaperWork start forms can be embedded as an iFrame in web, portal or ERP screens. The service layer supports starting workflows from other applications, passing start data into the form and sending results back to enterprise systems.

Start data is pulled from the application. Users do not have to enter the same information again.

Integration

Ready-made connections for standard scenarios; an extensible service layer for custom ones.

PaperWork offers multiple integration paths such as Web Service, Java and .NET SDK, DB Plugin, User Plugin, HTML5 Form, Method and Job Server. This lets document management and workflow functions be adapted to the native experience of enterprise applications.
SDK → BPM + Content Server

Java / .NET SDK

Custom applications can use PaperWork workflow and document management capabilities from their own interfaces.

Service Layer

REST / SOAP services

Call enterprise services from workflows; start process and document operations from other applications.

UI inside UI

HTML5 Form / iFrame

Embed the PaperWork start form in a website, intranet, portal or ERP screen.

DB ↔ Workflow

DB Plugin

Work directly with SQL, Oracle, DB2, HANA and other databases within the process.

Identity sync

User Plugin

Synchronize user and organization data with Active Directory and other user sources.

Custom logic

Method / Job Server

Run custom methods from a form, a process or as a scheduled job.

IntegrationSAP integration
Artificial intelligence

Intelivus understands, ISDD protects, PaperWork manages.

AI layers can also come into play as a document from SAP or another application is brought into central document management. Intelivus classifies the document and extracts the required data; ISDD can mask personal and sensitive data based on permissions. The result is managed in PaperWork Content Server and served to enterprise applications.
  1. 01A document arrivesFrom SAP, email, scanner, mobile, folder, portal or API.
  2. 02Intelivus understandsRecognizes the document type, classifies it and extracts the required data.Learn more
  3. 03ISDD protectsDetects personal and sensitive fields and masks them based on permissions.Learn more
  4. 04Content Server managesCentral storage with the right class, version, permissions and process links.Learn more

The document enters the system. The source application may change; document management stays central.

Problems it solves

What technical integration means for the business.

The real gain is not adding a new interface. It is reducing the time users spend searching for documents, switching applications, re-entering the same information and figuring out which version is current.
Challenge

The same document multiplying across systems

When separate copies are kept in SAP, CRM, email and folders, it becomes unclear which version is current.

PaperWork: a single central document and shared version management.

Challenge

Users jumping between applications

Looking up a record in ERP and its attachment in another system creates unnecessary screen switching in daily work.

PaperWork: can bring the document and the start form into the application users are working in.

Challenge

Re-entering the same data

Retyping order, customer or project information that already exists in ERP into a process form increases the risk of errors.

PaperWork: pulls start data through integration and can send the approval result back to the related system.

Challenge

Separate permissions and document security in every application

As document copies multiply, managing access, masking and audit history becomes harder.

PaperWork: manages permissions, logs, versions and, where needed, ISDD masking in a central layer.

Use cases

Link document-heavy transactions to the ERP record.

In areas such as procurement, invoicing, quality and human resources, linking the document directly to the related SAP record, instead of searching for the transaction and the document in separate systems, simplifies users’ work.

Procurement

Link quotes, technical specifications, order attachments and supplier documents to the procurement record.

Invoices

Search invoices and supporting documents from the SAP record; process them automatically with Intelivus when needed.

Quality

View certificates, inspection reports and procedures together with the material or quality record.

Human resources

Manage personnel documents with central permissions and, where needed, ISDD masking.

Technical documents

Link material drawings, maintenance documents and current procedures to the related SAP record.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

I already use SAP. Why do I need a separate DMS?

SAP has limited document management capabilities. PaperWork offers advanced archiving, full-text search, version control and security features that comply with KVKK (Turkish Personal Data Protection Law). It complements SAP’s weak spots with strong solutions.

How are SAP documents searched in PaperWork?

You can search by SAP transaction code, document number, date or any word in the content. Thanks to OCR, scanned documents are searchable too. The filter-as-you-search feature finds documents quickly.

Which SAP modules is document management provided for?

It works integrated with all main modules: FI (Finance), MM (Materials), HR (Human Resources), SD (Sales) and QM (Quality). It can be linked to any SAP transaction.

Can SAP documents received by email be archived automatically?

Yes. Incoming invoices and contracts are captured automatically, classified and linked to the related SAP record. Intelivus AI automatically recognizes the document type and associates it with the right SAP record.

Is mobile access available for SAP document management?

Yes. SAP documents can be accessed from anywhere with the mobile app. Delivery notes and technical documents can be viewed and approved on mobile devices, which is a clear advantage for field teams.

Features

Enhance Your SAP System with PaperWork

PaperWork’s Document Management for SAP is packed with features designed to enhance your SAP operations.

Two-Way Integration

Applications not only view documents, they can also automatically transfer metadata to PaperWork when saving them.

High Performance

Direct access to documents from SAP interfaces increases productivity.

Support for Multiple Formats

View documents in various formats, including MS Office, PDF, TIFF, BMP, JPEG, DJVU and MSG.

Email Integration

Send documents by email without leaving the system.

Note Attachment

Add notes to documents for additional context or instructions.

Benefits of Our Document Management Solution for SAP

  • Higher productivity, as users access documents directly from SAP interfaces
  • Documents for transactions performed in SAP are archived and linked to the transaction
  • Better cross-department communication, as non-SAP users can access documents archived by SAP through PaperWork web interfaces
  • With PaperWork integrated with SAP, documents archived through PaperWork web interfaces are easily linked to SAP and instantly viewable from SAP interfaces
  • Version tracking prevents work on outdated documents
  • Because documents are archived on PaperWork, no document operations are needed during SAP version upgrades, so upgrades take less time and the system is unaffected
  • Authorization and a detailed log (history) record every action taken on a document, preventing unauthorized use
  • Documents archived in a central system can be viewed from SAP, PaperWork or other enterprise applications
  • Low management and operating costs for the central archive system
  • Higher efficiency, as documents are no longer captured and stored again and again by different applications
  • Higher efficiency from accessing, within SAP, documents archived to PaperWork from other enterprise applications
Videos

Watch

  • Work more efficiently with your documents in SAP: PaperWork ECM SAP UI

  • Global Document Repository: a document management solution that runs inside SAP

Resources

Related success stories and articles

All articles
Contact Us

Let’s start with one SAP screen and one document type.

Using a purchase order, invoice, quality record or technical document, we can show you together how the document is found from within SAP, how it is managed in PaperWork and which workflow comes into play.

What happens next?
  1. 01

    We find a time that suits you.

  2. 02

    We hold an introductory meeting.

  3. 03

    We run a demo tailored to you.

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