¶ Connecting to SAP Systems: Live Data Connections to S/4HANA, BW, and More in SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC)
One of the greatest strengths of SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) lies in its seamless integration with existing SAP landscapes, enabling businesses to harness live data from core SAP systems such as SAP S/4HANA, SAP BW, and others. These live data connections empower users to access real-time, trusted data directly from the source without the need for data replication, enhancing decision-making with up-to-date insights.
Traditional data analytics often rely on data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) processes, which can introduce latency, data inconsistency, and maintenance overhead. SAC’s live data connection approach eliminates these issues by directly querying SAP backend systems in real time.
This means users can:
- Work with current data reflecting the latest business conditions.
- Avoid complex and error-prone data duplication.
- Maintain data security and compliance by leaving data in its original system.
- Simplify the IT landscape by reducing data movement.
SAP’s next-generation ERP system, S/4HANA, is the backbone for many enterprises. SAC’s live connection to S/4HANA enables users to build dashboards and reports directly on transactional and master data stored in S/4HANA.
- Smart Business KPIs: SAC can consume Smart Business content from S/4HANA, providing predefined KPIs and analytical apps for immediate use.
- Real-Time Analytics: Gain instant insights on inventory, finance, procurement, and more without disrupting S/4HANA operations.
¶ 2. SAP BW and BW/4HANA
SAP BW (Business Warehouse) and its successor BW/4HANA are central data warehousing platforms for SAP customers.
- SAC supports live connections to BW queries and BW/4HANA queries.
- Users can leverage complex multidimensional models and hierarchies defined in BW.
- Real-time reporting on consolidated enterprise data helps monitor operations, plan budgets, and track performance.
- SAP HANA: SAC can connect live to SAP HANA databases, allowing users to tap into powerful in-memory analytics capabilities.
- SAP BusinessObjects BI: Integration options enable the use of universes and reports within SAC for enhanced visualization.
- Other SAP Applications: SAC’s open connectivity supports integration with additional SAP applications through APIs and connectors.
Live connections rely on secure communication protocols such as HTTPS and SAP’s proprietary SAP Cloud Connector. Here’s a simplified flow:
- Connection Setup: The SAC administrator establishes a secure tunnel between SAC and the SAP backend system.
- Authentication: Users authenticate via Single Sign-On (SSO) or other SAP-supported methods.
- Query Execution: When users interact with a SAC story or dashboard, SAC sends queries directly to the backend system.
- Data Retrieval: Results are returned in real time and visualized without storing the data in SAC.
This architecture ensures data freshness, security, and governance while delivering interactive user experiences.
- Real-Time Insights: Access to the latest data supports timely, accurate decisions.
- Reduced IT Complexity: No need for periodic data extraction or synchronization.
- Data Governance: Data stays within the source system, adhering to compliance and security policies.
- Consistent Metrics: Single source of truth maintained across analytics and operational systems.
- Assess System Readiness: Ensure SAP backend systems are optimized for query performance.
- Network and Security: Configure SAP Cloud Connector and firewalls correctly to guarantee secure communication.
- User Roles and Permissions: Align SAC access rights with backend system authorizations to protect sensitive data.
- Monitor Performance: Use SAC and SAP backend tools to monitor query execution and optimize models.
- Leverage SAP Best Practices Content: Utilize prebuilt content for quick wins and standardized reporting.
Live data connections in SAP Analytics Cloud open the door to a new era of connected, real-time analytics directly integrated with enterprise SAP systems like S/4HANA and BW. By eliminating the need for data replication, SAC empowers organizations to gain trusted insights faster and more securely. As a result, decision-makers can respond to business challenges with agility and confidence, unlocking the full potential of their SAP investments.