Importing Data Into a Model.

Just as with public dimensions, data can be imported into models from files as well as source systems. However, note that the Date and Version dimension data is system-generated; therefore, there is no import option.

Master data is normally imported before transaction data is imported into the model. When transaction data is imported, it is stored in the model’s fact table. A model can receive data from one or several source systems depending on the scenario.

The work flow for importing transaction data into the model is similar to importing master data into a dimension. One key difference is the Set Up Import activity. The Set Up Import process is made up of four work steps.

The following figure shows the workflow for importing transaction data into the model.

In this lesson, you learned how to import transaction data into an SAP Analytics Cloud measure-based model. The import process summarized below.

The workflow below describe the import process for a measure-based model, not an account-based model.

When you import data into a model from an SAP source system, you will need to select the fields to import. In addition, you can set a filter for the import.

1. In the model, choose the Data Management workspace.
2. Choose Import Data→Data Source.
3. Select the Source System and then the Connection.
4. Choose the data source.
5. Select fields to be imported; add filter(s) if necessary. When the import is created, it appears in the data management workspace of the model with a hyperlink: Set Up Import.

   The following figure illustrates how you select the data to import into the model structure.

   1. Available data: The source system fields are shown on the left side of the dialog. You can scroll through the list or search for specific fields that are required.
   2. Selected data: The fields that have been selected to be imported are displayed here.
   3. Filters: Filter the data where needed. In the example, week 53 is not required so the filter is set to Less than or equal to 52.
   
6. Set up the import:
   1. Prepare the data.
   2. Map the source to the target.
   3. Map properties.
   4. Review the import.
7. Run the import and read the log. If records fail, debug and re-import.

In order to run another import, repeat the process manually or schedule it to repeat on a regular basis.