Data Import Methods in Import Data Connections – SAP Analytics Cloud

In SAP Analytics Cloud, there are different Data Import methods in Import Data(Data Acquired) Connection.

When we schedule/refresh an import(data acquired) model, how does the new data import work? If we edit a dimension in the SAP system, will it add as a new row in the data model? or will it edit and update the dimension in the previous row? Let’s find out.

Import Methods

There are four import methods available. You can select the appropriate import method. In this blog, We are trying to convey the working of these four import methods.

Go to Data Management tab in the model. In the Import Jobs section, find the Import Settings.

Import Settings

When we click the Import Settings, we will find the different Import Methods.

Import Methods

Now let’s understand more about these Import Methods.

• Update
  •  Strategy 
    • Records for existing tuples present in the new data with new values – Overwrite records
    • Old records with no match with tuples in the new data – Retain record
    • New records which do not match with any of the tuples – Include record

Update Method – Example

• Append
  • Strategy
    • Records for existing tuples present in the new data with new values – Retains both records and aggregate
    • Old records with no match with tuples in the new data – Retain record
    • New records which do not match with any of the tuples – Include record

Append Method – Example

• Clean and replace selected version data

  • Strategy
    • Records for existing tuples present in the new data with new values – Retain only new record
    • Old records with no match with tuples in the new data – Ignore records
    • New records which do not match with any of the tuples – Include records

Clean and replace selected version data – Example

• Clean and replace subset of data

  When selective delete and load is to be performed, clean and replace a subset of the data should be used.

  You can add dimension(s) to the scope.

• • Strategy
    • The list of members in the new import is taken
    • Records in the existing model containing the list of members matching the new import data for the dimension (specified in the scope) is dropped
    • The records in the new import are added to the data model

Let’s see three different use case of defining scope and how it works during new data import:

• • Dimension – Bike Type is defined in the scope
  • Dimension – Model Year is defined in the scope
  • Both Dimensions – Model Year and Bike Type are defined in the scope

Conclusion: Hope all of you got a better understanding about the different Data Import methods in the Import Data Connection in SAC. All the details provided in this blog is based on my experiences. Please feel free to point out mistakes and suggestions through comments.

References:

https://visualbi.com/blogs/sap/sap-analytics-cloud/sap-analytics-cloud-importing-new-data-existing-model/