How to Merge a Microsoft Access Database With a SAP Database
Merging a Microsoft Access database into an SAP database is not that uncommon. More than likely in this scenario the SAP product Exchange Interface, or XI, or Product Integration, PI, will be utilized given the fact that an SAP skill set already exists in the organization. Using the XI or PI tool depends on your SAP release version and the skill set of the organization's IT developers. Another option is Microsoft Fusion, although it is not as robust as XI/PI. The XI/PI tool is also very useful when dealing with business-to-business interfaces.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine the file format of the data to be exported out of MS Access. XML is the most popular and is used by both MS Access and SAP XI/PI.
-
2
Write the export program in MS/Access. This is done by opening the table to be exported. Under the tab "Table Tools" navigate to "External Data" and choose the XML file type. A very good source to learn detailed information on MS Access is the Functionx website. A link is in the Resources section. This site is based on the 2010 version of MS Access.
-
-
3
Select a shared file directory which will be used to export the data out of MS Access and can be accessed by the SAP database.
-
4
Determine the timing of the MS/Access extract based on how critical the data is for the users and overall organizational needs. This could be daily, weekly or monthly. More critical is how the MS Access data will be submitted -- manually or via an automated schedule.
-
5
Write the SAP import program, which supports XML, to retrieve the exported data from the shared directory. This will be accomplished by the internal SAP development group and business users.
-
6
The timing for this import must be coordinated with the export of the MS Access data and scheduled in the SAP software accordingly. You may choose to use a third party process scheduling software, which would handle job scheduling of your various software vendors.
-
7
Ensure that there are both export and import logs that provide record counts and other valuable data in order to provide integrity of interface results.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The timing of the interface is critical. Real-time interfacing is certainly possible but can lead to a degradation of either system and network traffic.
When determining the interface tool of choice, verify there is enough knowledge of the tool and depth of knowledge within the organization.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit computer image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com
