SharePoint as a data source for BW/DS

1. SharePoint as a data source for SAP BW/DS: Seamless integration for optimized BI processes

SharePoint as a data source for BW/DS is an integration solution that allows you to import and process data from SharePoint lists, libraries, and files directly into SAP BW and DS systems. This solution uses special connectors that convert SQL statements into SharePoint API calls to read and write data.

This allows companies to combine the advantages of SharePoint as a collaborative platform with the powerful analysis and reporting functions of SAP BW and DS. The solution includes the following main components: 

1. SharePoint Platform: Serves as a central data source and collaboration platform. 
2. Special SharePoint Connector: Enables access to SharePoint data via SQL-like queries. 
3. SAP BW/DS System: Processes and analyzes the data imported from SharePoint. 
4. Integration Layer: Controls the data flow between SharePoint and SAP BW/DS. 

This solution enables companies to effectively use SharePoint as a flexible and user-friendly data source for their BI processes without sacrificing the performance of SAP systems.

2. Why use SharePoint as a data source?

SAP offers SDI adapters for SharePoint (File/Excel) - but only for accessing files stored in SharePoint, not for accessing data lists/tables (see note: https://me.sap.com/notes/2726024)  

With a SharePoint connector, SQL statements are converted into API calls to read from and write to SharePoint. This also enables reading data lists, document libraries, etc., from SharePoint, and updating metadata of files (e.g., supplier name), etc. 

3. SharePoint offers numerous advantages as a data source for BW/DS:

• Widely used and already familiar to users 

• No SAP user is required to capture relevant master data / mapping information.

• Standardized user interface 

• Easy setup and expansion of required lists 

• Integrated data validation and default values

• Version control and change tracking.

• Integrated authorization concept

• Notification functions 

• Centralized data entry without sending emails or dealing with multiple document versions 

• Customizable views 

• Bidirectional synchronization with SAP systems is possible 

4. These are possible application scenarios

SharePoint is particularly suitable as a data source for the following use cases: 

• Maintain mapping tables 

• Management of supplier contracts and evaluations.

• Provision of exported data 

• Maintain country- or product-specific groupings 

• Creation of new hierarchies for BI 

• Approval of specific data by Controlling 

5. Advantages over other methods 

Compared to alternative methods such as S/4 data entry, BW InfoObject maintenance or file upload, SharePoint offers the following advantages as a data source:

• Access also for non-SAP users 
• Integrated framework for data validation and notifications
• Cell-level change tracking 
• Users can set up lists themselves 
• Document storage at element level

6. Conclusion

Using SharePoint as a data source for BW/DS allows for flexible and user-friendly integration of company data. Due to its widespread use and extensive functions, SharePoint offers an attractive alternative to traditional data sources, simplifying data maintenance and provision for business intelligence purposes.