How to Easily Query SAP Data in OpenOffice Base



Connect to SAP data in OpenOffice Base using the CData ODBC Driver for SAP ERP and generate reports with live data insights.

Apache OpenOffice Base is a versatile, free database tool that makes connecting and managing data easy. With CData ODBC Driver for SAP ERP, you can seamlessly integrate and query live SAP data, bringing real-time insights directly into OpenOffice.

This guide simplifies the setup, showing you how to connect SAP to OpenOffice Base so you can easily generate reports, analyze trends, and make informed decisions right within your familiar workspace.

About SAP Data Integration

CData provides the easiest way to access and integrate live data from SAP. Customers use CData connectivity to:

  • Access every edition of SAP, including SAP R/3, SAP NetWeaver, SAP ERP / ECC 6.0, and SAP S/4 HANA on premises data that is exposed by the RFC.
  • Perform actions like sending IDoc or IDoc XML files to the server and creating schemas for functions or queries through SQL stored procedures.
  • Connect optimally depending on where a customer's SAP instance is hosted.

While most users leverage our tools to replicate SAP data to databases or data warehouses, many also integrate live SAP data with analytics tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and Excel.


Getting Started


Overview

Here is an overview of the steps:

  1. CONFIGURE: Configure the DSN for SAP data in the CData ODBC Driver for SAP ERP, using the required connection properties.
  2. CONNECT: Set up the ODBC connection in OpenOffice Base using the configured DSN.
  3. IMPORT: Once connected, review the available metadata and tables.
  4. CREATE: Create a report based on the queried SAP data data.

Configure the SAP DSN Using the CData ODBC Driver for SAP ERP

To start, configure the DSN (Data Source Name) for SAP data in your system using the CData ODBC Driver for SAP ERP. Download and install a 30-day free trial with all the features from here.

Once installed, launch the ODBC Data Source Administrator:

  • On Windows: Search for ODBC Data Source Administrator in the Start menu and open the application.
  • On Mac: Open Applications, go to Utilities, and select ODBC Manager.
  • On Linux: Use the command line to launch ODBC Data Source Administrator or use unixODBC if installed.

Once launched, double-click on the CData SAP data Source and enter the required values to establish a connection:

You can connect to SAP systems using either librfc32.dll, librfc32u.dll, NetWeaver, or Web Services (SOAP). Set the ConnectionType connection property to CLASSIC (librfc32.dll), CLASSIC_UNICODE (librfc32u.dll), NETWEAVER, or SOAP.

If you are using the SOAP interface, set the Client, RFCUrl, SystemNumber, User, and Password properties, under the Authentication section.

Otherwise, set Host, User, Password, Client, and SystemNumber.

Note: We do not distribute the librfc32.dll or other SAP assemblies. You must find them from your SAP installation and install them on your machine.

For more information, see this guide on obtaining the connection properties needed to connect to any SAP system.

Setup an ODBC Connection in OpenOffice Base

Once you've set up the DSN, it's time to connect to it in OpenOffice Base and start querying data:

  • Launch OpenOffice Base and select Database from the home screen.
  • In the Database Wizard, choose ODBC from the 'Connect to an existing database' option and click Next.
  • Click Browse to locate and select the DSN you created, then click OK.
  • Enter the username associated with the DSN, click Test Connection to verify, and then click Next.
  • Finally, click Finish to save the new database file to your desired directory. This will connect OpenOffice Base to your live SAP data data, ready for querying and analysis.

Your connection is now established — ready to query and analyze data seamlessly within OpenOffice Base.


Review the Metadata and Tables

After the database file is created and the connection is established, the table list will automatically display all available SAP data objects.

  • Review the SAP data Object List: In the left pane, click on Tables to view the SAP data objects now available within OpenOffice Base.
  • View Object Data: Click on any object to view its contents. The SAP data data will display directly within OpenOffice Base, allowing you to review records and fields with ease.

That's it! You have now successfully established a connection to SAP data in OpenOffice Base, with data readily available for analysis and reporting.


Create a Report

Now, let's generate a report based on your SAP data data.

  • Open your database and go to the Reports tab, then select Create Report Using Wizard.
  • In the Report Wizard, choose the SAP data table from the Table or Query section. Select the columns from Available Fields that you want to include in your report and move them to the Fields in Report section using the arrows.
  • After configuring the fields, click Finish to generate your report.
  • Analyze, adjust, save, and publish the report as needed.

Your report is now created, drawing live data directly from SAP data, and ready for analysis.


Try CData Free for 30 Days

Experience the power of live SAP data data at your fingertips and seamlessly integrate it into OpenOffice Base. Start your free trial today!

Ready to get started?

Download a free trial of the SAP ERP ODBC Driver to get started:

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Learn more:

SAP ERP Icon SAP ERP ODBC Driver

The SAP ODBC Driver is a powerful tool that allows you to connect with live SAP ERP, directly from any applications that support ODBC connectivity.

With the SAP ODBC Driver, accessing SAP R/3 and SAP ERP is as easy as querying a database.