Running Integration Tasks

Import and export tasks, referred to as integration events, can be set up to run via integration or manually through Ariba Administrator.

Files are exported in .csv (Comma Separated Value) format.

While master data is typically integrated, there may be a need to Import or Export data manually during configuration, or as part of troubleshooting activities.

Viewing a .CSV File in Excel

When using the batch file channel integrations, SAP Ariba consumes and produces flat files in the "Comma Separated Value" format (.csv). This type of file can be manually imported or exported to the Ariba Administrator.

Viewing a .CSV File in a Standard Text Editor

While .csv files can be viewed in Excel, it’s recommended best practice to only make edits to .csv files with standard text editors (such as notepad, or notepad++).

This is because with Excel, sometimes trailing commas are dropped, zeros may be truncated, or other formatting may occur that can lead to serious data errors upon import.

Column order does not matter, but Data must "line up" with the column header

The order in which you import common data depends on which SAP Ariba solutions are used. SAP Ariba recommends using Import Batch Data because it runs data import tasks in the proper order.

If you choose to import your data by running individual data import tasks rather than Import Batch Data, make sure you run the tasks in the proper order. For example, if you use SAP Ariba Procurement solutions, you must import payment terms, payment methods, and tax information before importing supplier information.

Some data import tasks depend on the data imported by other data import tasks. When running individual data import tasks, keep the following general rule in mind: any object referenced in the CSV file you are currently importing must already exist in the SAP Ariba system.

After a release, whenever field changes are introduced to an SAP Ariba data integration event (in a hot fix or service pack), you can view these changes in the Integration Manager | Data Definition task.

• The Actions menu for each event allows you to View, Review, or Revert changes.What if you do not accept the changes
• You can Review the changes and accept them. What if you do not accept the changes? If accepted, the integration event changes take effect.
• You must accept all changes to an event for any of the changes to take effect.
• You will not see the new fields on the exports until the Data Definition has been accepted.

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