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Get the Report →CData SAP Driver Deep Dive: Which Driver Should I Use With SAP S/4HANA and SAP HANA Databases?
SAP S/4 HANA, developed and provided by SAP SE, is a popular ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) product.
In this article, we introduce three methods to integrate SAP S/4 HANA data with other systems (based on our research).
Legacy SAP ECC Access Methods
Before we talk about SAP S/4HANA integration, if you are using legacy SAP ECC 6.0+(BW, R/3, SAP ERP), access will be through RFC (BAPI).
Matching CData Product:
SAP S/4 HANA: Three Access Methods
Now let's find out the ways to integrate data with SAP S/4 HANA:
- Using APIs
- Using RFC (BAPI: Business Application Programming Interface)
- Direct connection to HANA DB
Types of SAP S/4 HANA and Integration Methods
SAP S/4 HANA comes in three types: On-Premise, Cloud Public Edition, and Cloud Private Edition.
The available data integration methods vary depending on the type of SAP S/4 HANA you are using.
The table below shows which integration method is available for each SAP S/4 HANA type:
Integration Method |
On-Premise |
Cloud Public Edition |
Cloud Private Edition |
---|---|---|---|
API |
Yes (1-1) |
Yes (2-1) |
Yes (3-1) |
RFC (BAPI) |
Yes (1-2) |
No |
Yes (3-2) |
HANA DB Direct |
Yes (1-3) |
No |
Yes (3-3) |
Below, we provide detailed information for each type of SAP S/4 HANA, including which CData product provides connectivity using the specified method.
Legacy SAP ECC users
If you are using SAP ECC or other legacy SAP products, access will be through RFC (BAPI).
Matching CData Product:
1. SAP S/4 HANA On-Premise

1-1. Using API (OData API)
-
Matching CData Product:
- CData SAP Netweaver Gateway Drivers
- Alternatively, you can use any client with an OData connection menu.
Note: Using APIs requires pre-configuration on the SAP S/4 HANA side (publishing OData API using SAP Gateway).
1-2. Using RFC (BAPI)
Matching CData Product:
Note: Using RFC (BAPI) requires pre-configuration on the SAP S/4 HANA side.
1-3. Direct Connection to HANA DB
Matching CData Product:
Note: Direct connection to HANA DB requires pre-authorization for direct DB connection on the SAP S/4 HANA side.
2. SAP S/4 HANA Cloud Edition (Public)

2-1. Using API (SAP Gateway API)
Matching CData Product:
- CData SAP Netweaver Gateway Drivers
- Alternatively, since SAP Gateway API conforms to OData, you can use any client with an OData connection menu.
Note: Using SAP Gateway API requires pre-configuration on the SAP S/4 HANA side.
3. SAP S/4 HANA Cloud Edition (Private)

3-1. Using API (SAP Gateway API)
Matching CData Product:
- CData SAP Netweaver Gateway Drivers
- Alternatively, since SAP Gateway API conforms to OData, you can use any client with an OData connection menu.
Note: Using SAP Gateway API requires pre-configuration on the SAP S/4 HANA side.
3-2. Using RFC (BAPI)
Matching CData Product:
Note: Using RFC (BAPI) requires pre-configuration on the SAP S/4 HANA side.
3-3. Direct Connection to HANA DB
Matching CData Product:
Note: Direct connection to HANA DB requires pre-authorization for direct DB connection on the SAP S/4 HANA side.
Conclusion
The above is an introduction of three ways (based on our research) to integrate SAP S/4 HANA data with other systems. As mentioned above, the available linking methods vary depending on the type of SAP S/4 HANA you use, and the data you can obtain and the usability of each method also vary. We offer a free 30-day trial version of each product, so we hope you will use it to find the best method for you!