SAP Business One Data Integration via ODBC Queries
SAP B1 is open for external data integration, such technologies as EDI, Sales and Purchase Order Processing in partner networks through several tools. Assuming that you are small or mid-size business, likely that you would like to use free instruments, versus purchasing something comparable to your SAP BO software cost (iBolt for example). In this small publication we would like to review free SBO integrating methods: Data Transformation Workbench, SAP Business One SDK programming:
1. First of all we would like reassure you that in the integration you can go beyond simple Microsoft Excel templates filling up and saving them in CSV format. Instead you should think about flexibility of ODBC connection for SB1 Data Transformation Workbench or even direct manipulation of SAP Business One objects in SB1 SDK or Software Development Kit
2. ODBC connection in Data Transformation Workbench. SB1 DTW was intended for initial data conversion or ongoing data import to SAP Business One. You may also know that if you are using CSV files - you can schedule DTW integration in Batch file. In this scenario, if you have external legacy Database: Oracle, DB2, Lotus Notes, Pervasive SQL, Ctree, Microsoft Access, or even tab delimited text file - then using MS SQL Server Data Transformation Package you can reshape the export from your legacy application and save it into CSV templates to be imported in scheduled batch job. ODBC connection at this time is not supported for automatic scheduling by SB1 DTW. Instead, you can create SQL views, including cross-platform views (where data is pulled from non-Microsoft Database: PHP mySQL for example) and having simple DTW operator procedure import them on demand
3. SAP Business One EDI programming. If you are working in the small company, but you are at the same time reasonably technical, then you dont have to purchase SB1 EDI add-ons and configuration tools. Instead you can deploy SQL DTS package, reading EDI text file and transforming it into CSV DTW templates or opening it to the DTW via ODBC SQL view
4. SAP BO SDK programming. SDK opens unlimited access to SB1 objects and their creation, modification and deletion. SAP B1 SDK programming requires programmer certification, which might lead you to the idea to subcontract SB1 SDK software development project to your SAP Business One Technology Partner and Reseller
Andrew Karasev, Alba Spectrum LLC, help@albaspectrum.com 1-866-528-0577, http://www.albaspectrum.com. Serving ERP and MRP community since 1994, local service in Chicago, Houston, San Diego, Atlanta. Information portal: http://www.pegasplanet.com We serve you USA and Canada nationwide from our SAP B1 call center and Software Development Factory: California, Illinois, New York, Florida, Minnesota, New Jersey, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Ontario, Quebec, Washington, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Oregon, New York, New England. International clients welcome from Australia, New Zealand, Oceania, South Africa, UK, Brazil, Caribbean, Central America