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Added by Jens Bleuel, last edited by Jens Bleuel on Nov 15, 2011
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Most users know the file based option to create a text file (prepared by ABAP programms) and load this data with the CSV Input step, but there are other ways:
- You can use the Webservices Lookup step and load queries or infoproviders via XML for Analysis. This does not work out-of-the-box and needs special customizing and writing special transformations, SAP BI may be needed. The OLAP Input step simplifies this and was tested successfully.
- You may access the SAP tables direct in the database, but there are security considerations and there may be unknown side effects not going via the application level.
- It's also possible to connect via a transformation step and access the application level connecting to SAP data. At this time there are three steps available with similar functionality:
| SAP Connector / Step | SAP Input | ITN Connector ERP | ProERPConn |
|---|---|---|---|
| License | Open Source | Open Source | Commercial |
| Developed/supported by | Aschauer EDV GmbH | it-novum GmbH | PRORATIO GmbH |
| Distribution | Included | Plug-In | Plug-In |
| Supported PDI Versions | 4.x | 3.x, 4.x | 3.x, 4.x |
| Connection Method | RFC via SAP JCo | RFC via SAP JCo | RFC via SAP JCo |
| Table Access | via RFC_READ_TABLE or customized RFC/BAPI |
via RFC_READ_TABLE | via RFC_READ_TABLE or customized RFC/BAPI |
| Partial table load (filter) | yes | yes | yes |
| Chunk loading of big tables | via customization | via customization |
yes (automatic) |
| Unlimited record length | via customization | via customization | yes (option 1: automatic selection of the suitable modified RFC_READ_TABLE or option 2: automatic split and combine of the fields using the default RFC_READ_TABLE. This method in the background ensures unlimited record length.) |
| Data type support for negative packed, floating points and raw hex fields |
no | no | yes |
| Search for tables/fields in the user interface (data dictionary) |
no (Table DD02L could be selected) | no (Table DD02L could be selected) | yes (via user interface) |
| Lookup / join functionality |
via customization | via customization | yes |
| Call other RFCs (also for calling functions to read, look-up and write back) |
yes | no | yes (since version 4.0 of the plug-in) |
| Call BAPIs (also for calling business functions to read, look-up and write back) | yes |
no | yes (since version 4.0 of the plug-in) |
Please see also the feature request: Combine the functionality of the SAP Input step and ITN Connector ERP