Technical Articles
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
- Strategy
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
- Strategy
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
- Strategy
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
- Strategy
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
- Dimension – Bike Type is 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/
Hi Joyal,
Great contribution, especially around the option to clean and replace a subset of data. Keep up the good work!
Kind regards,
Martijn van Foeken | Interdobs
Hi Martijn van Foemen,
Thanks for the kind words and support. Will try to write more as I come across different scenarios.
Regards,
Joyal Laj
Best Blog. Very clearly explained. Even a 10th class guy can understand.
Great and clear explanation. Thanks for sharing
Marisol Antonieta Cruz Vega Happy to share my knowledge!
Hello Joyal Laj,
Good article. Import side, we are these options and it is clear.
But, i have an issue while exporting Plan data from SAC to S/4Hana OP. Everytime, i export, the data is getting appended. New entries are added for the same field values. Company code, Ledger, Period, Cost center etc. Is there any option to overwrite the data
Hi Joyal,
thanks for this explanation - do you have anymore detail on the update method, such as how the system recognises an updated row? How does it differentiate it from just being a new row, is there a key generated somehow?
thanks
Keith
Hi Joyal,
Thank you for the detailed explanation.
Thanks,
Narendra
Hi Joyal,
First of all thanks for the clear explanation about the import settings in SAC.
Here I have a requirement.
In Clean and Replace Subset of Data, we can define scope. For instance, as you did that Model Year is in Scope. Suppose there are more than one year 2018, 2019, and 2020 in the newly imported data. I need to do delta load only for 2018, rest other years data must not be changed.
Data is from Redshift (Cant do delta load there).
Thanks,
Vijay B
fantastic blog
Thank you
Hi,
Thanks for the detailed explanation.
How about performance? Are there big performances differences between the different methods?
Hi,
I have the same question as Keith, on the update method - how do you set up the key for the update process?
Thanks,
Gina