Import SAP BW data into TM1 using SAP RFC

[harrytm1]

Hi all,

We have an older version of SAP BW where we wish to import data into TM1 10.1.1.

The TI guide for version 10.1.1 shows that we need to use Framework Manager and Package Connector to publish the package in Content Manager before using TI. However, we must first create a BW Query in SAP Business Explorer Query Designer.

We found that the TI guide in TM1 version 9.4.1 is different. We need to use SAP RFC software and install Tm1 Interface to SAP BW.

I personally have not tried both. What I wish to seek your advice is whether the steps described in 9.4.1 guide i.e. using RFC is still applicable to TM1 version 10.1.1. Or we can simply follow what is described in 10.1.1 guide. My fear is that the BW is version 3 and TM1 may not work.

It would be great if you can share your thoughts on the things to look out for. I'll comb through the older posts for more info in the meantime.

Many thanks in advance!

Harry

[roy2087]

Hi Harry,

Yes, we can import SAP BW data into Cognos TM1 10.1.

1. Framework Manager is required for this task.
The packages from SAP BW should be published in FM.
Here, the FM acts as an intermediate between TM1 and SAP BW.

2. We also need a Package Connector to get the packages from FM.
Since, SAP RFC is not applicable to TM1 version 10.1.1.


3. The TI guide for version 10.1.1 is the right way to proceed.

NOTE : The TI in 10.1 has no option for SAP connection.
You need to install the IBM Package Connector first.

Regards,
Roy.

[moby91]

NOTE : The TI in 10.1 has no option for SAP connection. You need to install the IBM Package Connector first.

Hello Roy,

this is not quite right:

The TM1 SAP RFC Connector was a joint venture between Applix and Syskoplan, a german SAP business partner, thus this SAP Connector is nicknamed the Syskoplan Connector.


IBM Cognos stopped to offer and sell the Syskoplan Connector in August 2010, see the corresponding Software Withdrawal Announcement:

http://www-01.ibm.com/common/ssi/rep_ca ... 10-190.PDF
Software withdrawal: IBM Cognos TM1 Connector for SAP


But the legacy customers who purchased the Syskoplan Connector before August 2010 can use it with TM1 10.1 when they add the optional parameter TM1ConnectorforSAP=T to their TM1 server configuration file tm1s.cfg, see the IBM Technote 1500490:

http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.w ... wg21500490
Importing Data Using the TM1 Connector for SAP Business Warehouse


Since mid 2013 the Syskoplan Connector has a heir, the Cenit BW Connection, developed by the same people responsible for the Syskoplan Connector. The Cenit BW Connection is exclusively offered, sold and supported by Cenit AG, a german IBM Cognos business partner:

http://www.cenit.com/en_EN/news/display ... ap-bw.html
SAP certifies new interface between IBM Cognos TM1 and SAP BW


Please note that there are other third party vendors offering SAP BW Connectors for TM1, for instance Cubeware with it's Cubeware Olap Importer or Taurec with it's SAP Data for TM1, to name a few.

Regards,
moby91

[harrytm1]

Thanks, everyone!

If other companies such as Taurec and Cubeware are offering SAP BW to TM1 connectors, how good are these connectors compared to the one that is bundled free with TM1 10.2? Any advantages that come with the price tag?

Once again, appreciate all the replies!

[stephen waters]

If other companies such as Taurec and Cubeware are offering SAP BW to TM1 connectors, how good are these connectors compared to the one that is bundled free with TM1 10.2?

Harry, we have a couple of TM1 clients who have been successfully using Cubeware Importer to connect with TM1 for several years and a couple of others who have been evaluating it. Cubeware is quick to set up and runs very quickly. It connects not just with SAP BW but also SAP R3 and other external sources such as MSAS ( and Teradata?)

Compared to the Cognos package connector? Well one of the companies evaluating Cubeware has been trying to get the Cognos connector work efficiently for months, if not over a year! They have got lots of help from IBM and their IT department and finally have it just about working at a slow but acceptable speed. It will really struggle if volumes increase or requirements change. They tried Cubeware and had it running fast within a couple of days, with little reliance on IT.

I know a couple of other posters on here who use Cubeware and maybe they can comment.

Let me know if you need further information

[lotsaram]

Cubeware Importer gets 2 thumbs up from me. Hands down the best tool for connecting to SAP. The biggest benefit IMO is it can connect directly to the RFC tables and bypass BW. This is better for performance but more importantly as the RFC tables are more or less standard whereas each BW can be different so you can have a standard set of table extractors and data model. Cubeware can certainly cope with lots and lots of volume. Speed is relative, the throughput is about 100x slower than typical TI to a decent ODBC source like SQL Server or Oracle but how much of this is due to the SAP driver and how much to Importer I don't know. In any case typically you would use Importer to stage in an RDBMS and then pull from there into TM1 so performance on the step loading to TM1 is very good.

I have seen a demo of Taurec but it looks a little immature and incomplete in comparison to Cubeware.

[Michael]

we provide our SAP BW Connector for IBM Cognos TM1 to our customers.
http://www.cenit.com/en_EN/eim/bi/softw ... tware.html

Regards
Michael