Pyramid supports native querying of SAP HANA and SAP BW models. This has several advantages for Pyramid users:
- There is no need to perform an ETL, or otherwise copy the data into Pyramid, ensuring data security and governance. .
- Because Pyramid queries the database directly, queries are performed on up-to-date data.
- Native querying enables Pyramid to support a range of SAP functionality that other analytics tools do not.
- Users are able to connect to the SAP datasource easily and quickly, and query it using a sophisticated and user-friendly point-and-click interface.
Direct Querying
Pyramid supports direct querying of SAP HANA and BW models, eliminating the need to copy your data into your analytics framework. Once the SAP database has been added to Pyramid, users can directly query it by opening Discover Pro as usual; simply select the SAP server, choose the relevant database, and open the required data model. There is no need to configure an ETL in Model. However, SAP HANA can be used as a data source and a target in Model.
Support for SAP Functionality
Pyramid's querying engine, PYRANA, is designed to natively query not only data sources that use SQL, but also those that use MDX, including SAP BW Infocubes and BEx queries. Support for SAP HANA and BW includes direct querying of the data source, SAP parameters, time intelligence, and context calculations.
SAP HANA
In addition to the above, Pyramid offers the ability to build data models and mash-ups back into SAP HANA.
SAP BW
Support for SAP BW functionality includes support for ragged hierarchies, numeric formats, currencies, captions, and logical and mathematical functions. A detailed list of features that are and aren't supported can be found here.
SAP Parameters
Parameters that have been defined in the SAP HANA or BW can be configured in Pyramid, both when launching Discover, and from within Discover. When opening SAP HANA and BW models that have parameters, the Define Model Parameters dialog will automatically open, presenting the user with the parameters that exist in the database. You'll need to select and configure the required parameters, which will then appear in the Dimensions panel, allowing you to add them to queries.