Connection between STS (SAM’URAI) and the Customer ERP
⚠️ Important prerequisite
The API is not yet available as of today; however, the SFTP is fully operational. The API is expected to be available soon.
In both cases (SFTP or API), the involvement of a technical contact from the customer’s IT department is mandatory. These topics are technical and require the participation of the customer’s IT team for configuration, security, testing, and deployment.
1️⃣ Context
Within our SAM’URAI storage solution range:
STM = software embedded in the machine (user interface screen)
STS = supervision software (centralization, rights management, inventory, reporting)
Customer ERP = the customer's management system (SAP, Oracle, Sage, etc.)
More and more customers request a connection between STS and their ERP in order to automate:
Stock movements
Consumptions
Users
C&C orders
etc.
Two main technical solutions exist: SFTP or API.
2️⃣ SFTP: file exchange
🔹 Simple definition
SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a system for exchanging files deposited on a secure server.
👉 A file is deposited → The other system retrieves it → It processes it.
🔹 Operation in our context
Example:
The STS generates a CSV file (for example for a consumption report)
It deposits this file on an SFTP server
The customer ERP retrieves the file every X minutes/hours
The ERP imports the data
Conversely:
The ERP can deposit a file containing users, articles, etc.
The STS retrieves it and integrates it
🔹 Characteristics
Criteria | SFTP |
Exchange type | Files |
Real time | ❌ No (delayed processing) |
Complexity | Easy to implement |
Traceability | Files can be archived |
Customer IT dependency | Low to medium (light script required) |
3️⃣ API: real-time communication
🔹 Simple definition
An API (Application Programming Interface) allows two software systems to communicate directly with each other in real time.
👉 The STS sends a request → The ERP responds immediately.
🔹 Operation in our context
Example:
An operator takes an item from a SAM’URAI machine.
The STM sends the information to the STS.
The STS calls the ERP API.
The ERP immediately records the stock output.
Or conversely:
The ERP directly sends the creation of a user to the STS.
The STS integrates it instantly.
🔹 Characteristics
Criteria | API |
Exchange type | Direct requests |
Real time | ✅ Yes |
Complexity | More technical |
Maintenance | API version management |
Traceability | System logs |
Customer IT dependency | High |
🔹 Advantages
✔️ Real-time communication
✔️ Immediate synchronization
✔️ Fewer files to manage
✔️ Advanced automation
🔹 Disadvantages
❌ More complex implementation
❌ Highly dependent on the customer IT system
❌ Requires advanced security (authentication, tokens, etc.)
❌ More technical maintenance
4️⃣ Summary comparison
| SFTP | API |
Communication mode | File exchange | Direct communication |
Real time | ❌ | ✅ |
Complexity | Medium | High |
Robustness | Very stable | Depends on infrastructure |
Ideal for | Customers with simple IT | Large groups / many internal changes |
Data volume | Batch | Continuous |
5️⃣ When to propose which solution?
👉 SFTP recommended if:
The customer has an older ERP
The IT department is limited
The need is not real-time
Data exchanges are daily / hourly
A quick project implementation is required
👉 API recommended if:
The customer requires real-time operations
Inventory must be synchronized immediately
Industry 4.0 project
Advanced integration (dynamic cost centers, real-time validation)
Modern ERP (SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud, etc.)
📌 Current features available via SFTP
🔄 Flow ERP → SFTP → STS
The customer deposits a file on the SFTP server, which is then integrated by the STS.
✅ What we can do today:
STM user updates
User creation
Modification of user information (name, surname, badge, etc.)
Product / article updates
Creation of new articles
Modification of existing articles
Update of references, descriptions, categories, etc.
🔄 Flow STS → SFTP → ERP
The STS generates files deposited on the SFTP server, which the ERP retrieves.
✅ What we can export today:
Export of all reports available in the STS, including:
Stock movements
Inventory status
(and any other report generated by the STS)