Importing transactional data from files and sources systems
Data can be imported into public dimensions and models from files as well as source systems. However, note that date and version dimension data is system-provided so there is no import option for date.
A dimension can receive data from one source system or several depending on the scenario. The same is true for models.
Master data is normally imported before transaction data. When transaction data is imported, it is stored in the model’s fact table.

Data import workflows
We will show you the steps required to import transaction data, however, please note that the workflows describe the import process for new models not classic models.
Steps for importing transaction data from files
Workflow to import transaction data from a file:
- Go to data management
- Choose import data → File
- Select the source file
- Set up import:
- Prepare data
- Map to target
- Map properties
- Review import
- Run the import and read the log
- If records fail, debug and re-import
- In order to run another import, repeat the process manually
Steps to importing transaction data from SAP source systems
Workflow to import transaction data from an SAP source system:
- Go to data management
- Choose import data → Data source
- Select the source system → select the connection
- Choose the source system object
- Select fields to be imported
- Add filters where needed
- Set up import:
- Prepare data
- Map to target
- Map properties
- Review import
- 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
The worklow for importing transaction data is similar to master data. One key difference is the steps for setting up the import, which are shown in both of the examples above.
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, for example a filter for year and period.
- 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.
- Selected data: The fields that have been selected to be imported are displayed here.
- 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.
After creating the import query, the filter can be changed but the field selection can not be changed.

When the import is created, it appears in the data management workspace of the model with a hyperlink: Set Up Import.