Purpose
This blog post introduces the latest Data Integration features that will be available as part of the QRC Q2 2023 release. For more information, view the QRC release schedule here.
Overview
The Data Integration team are delighted to announce the latest updates to Data Export Service, Delta UI and the new Data Import API. These combined features open powerful bi-directional data integration use cases for SAP Analytics Cloud. No more data silos! Let’s now take a closer look at these features.
1. Data Import API – Fact Data & Master Data (local dimensions)
Our exciting new feature with SAP Analytics Cloud for Q2 2023 is the Data Import API.
This is an Open HTTP based API allowing for the import of data from external systems into models within SAP Analytics Cloud.
It supports the import of fact data and master data for local dimensions, from external sources into SAP Analytics Cloud models containing both measures and accounts.
JSON and CSV are the supported file formats.
The API also supports OAuth 2-legged (machine to machine) and 3-legged (business user) support.
Internal SAP Integration scenarios are now available, such as data import from SuccessFactors to SAP Analytics Cloud via the SAP Cloud Integration Suite.
External data integration scenarios shall be made available as part of the QRC Q2 2023 release,, which aims to provide open import capability from external engines and 3rd party applications.
When combined with Data Export API, powerful bi-directional flows of data are now possible.
Data Import API Postman Image Showing Fact and Master Data URLs
The above screenshot illustrates how the Data Import API job can be created.
- The first step of the Data Import API is to obtain the model endpoints using the GET request in Postman. This lists all the models available for import into SAP Analytics Cloud and includes the URL to the model’s fact and master data for local dimensions.
- Next, create a Data Import API job for the model using the model URLs that are provided.
- The job is then posted to a staging area, allowing data to be posted multiple times before being eventually persisted into the model in SAP Analytics Cloud.
Sample Data Containing Mapping and Fact Data
The above screenshot shows the mapping of dimensions to the target SAP Analytics Cloud model, followed by multiple rows of fact data.
From QRC Q2 2023 release, you can find out more about Data Import API, by going to the SAP API Business Hub and typing Data Import Service in the search bar. The latest API documentation is included.
2. Data Export API – Delta Load Latest Innovations
Delta Load UI is a user interface extension to the Data Export Service. It handles the export of delta changes of a model, through the creation and monitoring of subscriptions. This reduces the time and overhead involved in full data extraction.
A new Subscriptions Overview tab in the Connections Tool allows users to manage all delta subscription chains on the SAP Analytics Cloud tenant.
Subscriptions Overview
Subscriptions track the changes of fact data within a model, using a start time and end time. Delta changes can include the creation, update and deletion of members.
Multiple subscriptions can be created and gathered into an entity called a ‘subscription chain’, which is chronologically ordered. A history of all delta changes can be tracked within the chain.
Authorized users can monitor changes across all models on a tenant by selecting the View All Subscriptions button within the Subscription Overview tab.
Chains provide search, sort and filter options, for ease of navigation. Individual subscriptions and chains can also be deleted as required.
Individual subscriptions can be viewed further by selecting View Details in the Action column of an entity.
Subscription Details
This provides information such as the start / end time and number of records tracked. The copy delta link copies a list of captured fact data allowing the exported delta content to be reviewed.
See Manage API Subscriptions for Data Exports within the SAP Analytics Cloud documentation, for further information on managing subscriptions.
3. Updates to the Push Data Export Feature
As part of our strategy to transition our customers to use Data Export Service as the preferred tool for exporting Planning Data, the existing Push Export feature is no longer visible by default.
Instead, the feature can be enabled via a toggle within the Data Performance tab of Model Preferences.
Enable Legacy Export Toggle
Once toggled on, and the model is saved, users can switch to Data Management to see the export options to other applications such as SAP S/4HANA, OData Services and IBP.
SAP S/4HANA, OData Services and SAP IBP are listed as export options
Note that existing export jobs will not be disabled with this change.
For more information on how to migrate to Data Export Service, go to the SAP API Business Hub and type Data Export Service in the search bar. The latest API documentation is included.
Data Export Service Documentation
This is also available using the following link SAP Analytics Cloud Rest API .
Conclusion
The new Data Import API completes the circle for Data Integration in SAP Analytics Cloud, allowing bi-directional flows of data to internal SAP systems and external applications.
A new Subscriptions Overview tab in the Connections Tool allows for the management of all delta subscription chains on the SAP Analytics Cloud tenant.
As part of our strategy to transition our customers to use Data Export Service as the preferred tool for exporting Planning Data, the existing Push Export feature is no longer visible by default. Instead, the feature can be enabled via a toggle within Model Preferences. Note that existing export jobs will not be disabled with this change.
For more information on Data Export Service see the following documentation SAP Analytics Cloud Rest API.
If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or post a question to our SAP Analytics Cloud Questions & Answers forum.
See this SAP Knowledge Base Article if you’d like to learn more about FastTrack and Quarterly Release Cycle releases.
For further information, visit our SAP Analytics Cloud Community pages to find more product information, best practices, and more. And check out our SAP Road Map Explorer to see more upcoming features of SAP Analytics Cloud. Thanks for reading!
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