Build Semantic Layer Views for Sage 50 UK Data in APOS Live Data Gateway

APOS Live Data Gateway (LDG) is a data connection and data transformation solution that enables live data connectivity and expanded data source options for SAP Analytics Cloud and other SAP solutions. When paired with CData Connectors, users can build semantic layer views for live Sage 50 UK data, enabling real-time analytics on Sage 50 UK just like working with a relational database.

With built-in optimized data processing, the CData Connector offers unmatched performance for interacting with live Sage 50 UK data. When you issue complex SQL queries to Sage 50 UK, the driver pushes supported SQL operations, like filters and aggregations, directly to Sage 50 UK and utilizes the embedded SQL engine to process unsupported operations client-side (often SQL functions and JOIN operations). Its built-in dynamic metadata querying allows you to work with and analyze Sage 50 UK data using native data types.

Download and Install the Connector Files

In order to access Sage 50 UK data through the APOS Live Data Gateway, you will need to download the connector files from APOS and install them on the machine hosting the Live Data Gateway. An APOS representative can deliver the necessary files.

• Install the CData DLL file (System.Data.CData.Sage50UK.dll) to the APOS Live Data Gateway installation directory (C:\Program Files\Live Data Gateway\Admin\ by default).
• Install the CData JAR file (cdata.jdbc.sage50uk.jar) to the ConnectionTest_lib folder in the installation directory (C:\Program Files\Live Data Gateway\Admin\ConnectionTest_lib\ by default).
• Install the CData JAR file (cdata.jdbc.sage50uk.jar) to the lib folder in the Web UI installation directory (e.g.: C:\LDG_WebUI\lib\)

Configuring the Sage 50 UK Connection String

Before establishing the connection to Sage 50 UK from the APOS Live Data Gateway, you need to configure the Sage 50 UK JDBC Connection String.

Built-in Connection String Designer

For assistance in constructing the JDBC Connection String, use the connection string designer built into the Sage 50 UK JDBC Driver. Either double-click the JAR file or execute the jar file from the command-line.

Fill in the connection properties and copy the connection string to the clipboard.

Note: Only Sage 50 UK 2012 and above are supported.

The User and Password properties, under the Connection section, must be set to valid Sage 50 UK user credentials. These values will be the same used to log in to the Sage 50 UK software.

Additionally, the URL property, under the Connection section, will need to be set to the address of the company dataset desired. To obtain the address, do the following:

1. If you have not already done so, open the Sage 50 UK software.
2. Click Tools -> Internet Options.
3. Select the SData Settings tab.
4. Click the Details button next to Sage 50 Accounts. A window is displayed containing a list of company names along with the address to their corresponding datasets.
5. Set the URL property to the value in the address field next to the company desired.

Your connection string will look similar to the following:

Connecting to Sage 50 UK & Creating a Semantic Layer View

After installing the connector files and configuring the connection string, you are ready to connect to Sage 50 UK in the Live Data Gateway Admin tool and build a semantic layer view in the Live Data Gateway Web UI.

Configuring the Connection to Sage 50 UK

1. Log into your APOS Live Data Gateway Manager
2. If you haven't already, update your APOS LDG license file
   1. Click File -> Configurations
   2. Click on the "..." Menu for the License
   3. Select the license file from the APOS team that includes your CData Connector license
3. In the APOS Live Data Gateway Manager, click "Add"
4. In the APOS Live Data Gateway On the Connection tab, configure the connection:
   • Set Data Source to "Database"
   • Set Database to "CData Drivers"
   • Set Database CData Drivers to "Sage 50 UK"
   • Set Connection String to the connection string configured earlier (e.g.: jdbc:Sage50UK:URL=http://your-server:5493/sdata/accounts50/GCRM/your-address;User=Manager;
   • Set Driver Class to "cdata.jdbc.sage50uk.Sage50UKDriver" (this should be set by default)
5. Click Test Connection
6. Click Save
7. Give your connection a unique prefix (e.g. "sage50uk")
8. Highlight the newly created connection and click File -> "Approve Users For Web UI"
9. Approve the appropriate DB users to create views and click "Save"

At this point, we are ready to build our semantic layer view in the Live Data Gateway Web UI.

Creating a Semantic Layer View

1. In your browser, navigate to the APOS Live Data Gateway Portal
2. Select a Connection (e.g. "sage50uk")
3. Click "Login"
4. Once connected, click "Semantic Layer" to create a new semantic layer view
5. Click "New Semantic Layer View"
6. Set the Semantic Layer View Prefix and Semantic Layer View Name
7. Click "Step 2"
8. Select the table(s) and column(s) you wish to include in your view
9. Click "Step 3"
10. Select the Measures from the available table columns
11. Click "Step 5" (we skipped the "Extra Dimensions" step)
12. Add any Variable Prompts
13. Click "Step 6"
14. Define any Table Joins
15. Click "Review"
16. Review you semantic layer view and click "Save"

With the Semantic Layer View created, you are ready to access your Sage 50 UK data through the APOS Live Data Gateway, enabling real-time data connectivity to Sage 50 UK data from SAP Analytics Cloud and other SAP solutions.

More Information & Free Evaluation

Please visit APOS Systems - APOS Solutions - Request Evaluation Software to request evaluation software or email info@apos.com for more information on working with your live Sage 50 UK data in APOS Live Data Gateway.