Exploring SAP Analytics Cloud (SACE 11): Explaining Data Sources and Connections

🎯 Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to understand the types of connections in SAP Analytics Cloud and when to use each.

🔗 Connections Overview

Connections allow SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) to communicate with your data sources, which can be either:

  • Cloud-based (e.g., SAP Data Warehouse Cloud, Google Drive)

  • On-premise (e.g., SAP BW, SQL Server)

👉 Each data source requires its own connection.

🧭 Two Types of Connections in SAC

1️⃣ Live Connection

  • Real-time access to data — no data is imported into SAC.

  • Data stays in the source system, SAC only queries and displays it.

  • Only available for SAP sources, such as:

    • SAP HANA

    • SAP BW

    • SAP S/4HANA

    • SAP Datasphere

🟢 Benefits:

  • Real-time data updates

  • No data replication

  • Data privacy maintained

🔴 Limitations:

  • Requires stable network and access setup

  • Fewer transformation capabilities inside SAC

2️⃣ Import Connection

  • Data is copied into SAC, allowing deeper manipulation and transformation.

  • Supports both SAP and non-SAP sources, like:

    • Google Drive

    • Excel

    • SQL databases

    • OData

    • SAP S/4HANA, SAP BW

🟢 Benefits:

  • Greater flexibility for data modeling

  • Available for many more data sources

  • Works offline once data is imported

🔴 Limitations:

  • Data must be refreshed manually or on a schedule

  • Potential data privacy and volume issues

🧩 Choosing the Right Connection Type

When deciding between live or import, your organization should evaluate:

CriteriaWhy It Matters
Functional needsDo users need real-time data or advanced modeling?
Data privacyCan data be moved out of the source system?
Data volumeIs the dataset small enough to import efficiently?
System compatibilityDoes your SAC version support the connection?

🛠️ Next Steps for Admins

Before setting up any connection:

  • Review the system requirements

  • Confirm supported versions for your target source and SAC

  • Ensure technical prerequisites (network access, drivers, certificates)

✅ Key Takeaway

There are two connection types in SAC:

  • Live: Best for real-time access to SAP data

  • Import: Best for flexibility and non-SAP sources
    Choose based on your business needs, security requirements, and system capabilities.

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