SAP: Setting up the SMTP Adapter BC-SMTP Connector

SAP S/4HANA can send emails through external mail servers using BC-SMTP (Business Communication Services – SMTP) integration. This configuration enables the automated sending of invoices, notifications, and reports. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on setting up an SMTP relay in SAP S/4HANA.

Prerequisites

Retarus:
- Transactional Email Description
- Active Transactional Email account with SMTP gateway credentials
SAP:
- Installed and running SAP system
- Access to SAP transaction codes (SPRO, SCOT, SOST)
- Network connectivity between the SAP system and the Retarus SMTP relay

How to get started

1. Configure SMTP in SAP S/4HANA

Log in to SAP S/4HANA.
Navigate to Transaction Code: SCOT.
In the SCOT screen, under Settings, select SMTP Node.
Right-click on the SMTP node and choose Create.

2. Set up the SMTP Node

Node Name
Enter a descriptive name for your SMTP relay (e.g., External SMTP Relay).
Output format
Set the output format as needed (e.g., PDF).
Mail Host
Enter the hostname or IP address of your SMTP relay.
Mail Port
Set the correct port (e.g., 25 for non-secure, 587 for TLS, or 465 for SSL).
If authentication is required, select the Authentication checkbox and enter the credentials for the SMTP server (username, password).

3. Configure security settings

If the SMTP relay requires secure communication (TLS/SSL), configure the security protocol:

Navigate to SCOT - Settings - Security.
Choose the appropriate encryption method (TLS or SSL).
Ensure the required certificates are installed in the SAP system (using STRUST if needed).

4. Define the address areas

In SCOT, under your SMTP node, define the address area for which the relay will handle emails, for example:

To handle all email addresses, enter *@*.
To restrict emails to a specific domain, enter *@domain.com.

5. Schedule a background job for sending emails

Go to Transaction Code: SOST.
Verify that the background job RSCONN01 is scheduled to run regularly to process outgoing emails.
- If it’s not set up, schedule it using SM36.

6. Testing the configuration

Send a test email from SAP using Transaction Code: SBWP.
Check the SOST transaction for the status of outgoing emails.
- If emails are not being sent, review error messages and recheck the SMTP configuration.

Troubleshooting tips

Network connectivity
Verify that the SAP system can successfully connect to the SMTP relay.
Configuration checks
Double-check the port and security settings (SSL/TLS) to ensure they align with the SMTP server's configuration.
Error monitoring
Review error logs in SOST if emails fail to send for detailed diagnostics.