How to Query Live SAP SuccessFactors Data in Perplexity MacOS Desktop

Perplexity is an AI-powered research and answer engine that allows users to combine web search, structured data, and connected tools through a unified conversational interface. With Perplexity Desktop for macOS, users can bring local tools and data sources directly into their workflow using MCP, enabling fast, context-aware insights powered by live data.

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an emerging, open-source standard for connecting LLMs with external services and enterprise data sources. Using MCP Servers, AI clients such as Perplexity Desktop can securely interact with applications and data, performing actions, retrieving live information, and enabling natural language access to data.

In this article, we guide you through installing the CData MCP Server for SAP SuccessFactors, configuring the connection to SAP SuccessFactors, and interacting with your live SAP SuccessFactors data from Perplexity Desktop.

Step 1: Download and install the CData MCP Server for SAP SuccessFactors

1. To begin, download the CData MCP Server for SAP SuccessFactors
2. Find and double-click the installer to begin the installation
3. Drag the CData MCP Server app into the Applications folder

When the installation is complete, you are ready to configure your MCP Server by connecting to SAP SuccessFactors.

NOTE: Since you downloaded the application from the internet and not the Apple App Store, you may see a warning that the application was not opened because Apple could not verify its security. You may continue with the installation.

Installing a trusted, unverified App

CData's solutions are trusted across the globe by some of the largest software vendors in the world. That said, if you have any concerns about continuing, please consult with your IT and/or security team.

1. In the warning message that pops up, click "Done"
2. Open "System Settings" on your machine and navigate to the "Privacy & Security" page

3. Scroll down to the "Security" section and click "Open Anyway"
4. Authorize the installation (passkey or password)

Step 2: Configure the Connection to SAP SuccessFactors

1. After installation, you can open the CData MCP Server for SAP SuccessFactors from the Applications folder on your mac
2. Click the dropdown menu in MCP Configuration > Configuration Name and select "new configuration"
3. Name the configuration (e.g. "cdata_sapsuccessfactors") and click "OK"

4. Enter the appropriate connection properties in the configuration wizard.

   You can authenticate to SAP Success Factors using Basic authentication or OAuth with SAML assertion.

   Basic Authentication

   You must provide values for the following properties to successfully authenticate to SAP Success Factors. Note that the provider will reuse the session opened by SAP Success Factors using cookies. Which means that your credentials will be used only on the first request to open the session. After that, cookies returned from SAP Success Factors will be used for authentication.

   • Url: set this to the URL of the server hosting Success Factors. Some of the servers are listed in the SAP support documentation (external link).
   • User: set this to the username of your account.
   • Password: set this to the password of your account.
   • CompanyId: set this to the unique identifier of your company.

   OAuth Authentication

   You must provide values for the following properties, which will be used to get the access token.

   • Url: set this to the URL of the server hosting Success Factors. Some of the servers are listed in the SAP support documentation (external link).
   • User: set this to the username of your account.
   • CompanyId: set this to the unique identifier of your company.
   • OAuthClientId: set this to the API Key that was generated in API Center.
   • OAuthClientSecret: the X.509 private key used to sign SAML assertion. The private key can be found in the certificate you downloaded in Registering your OAuth Client Application.
   • InitiateOAuth: set this to GETANDREFRESH.
   
5. Click "Connect" to authenticate with SAP SuccessFactors.
6. Click "Save Configuration" to save the MCP server

With your MCP Server configured, you are ready to connect it to Perplexity Desktop.

Step 3: Connect the MCP Server to Perplexity Desktop

1. Download the Perplexity Desktop application for macOS and sign in with your Pro or Premium account
2. Open Settings > Connectors. If the Perplexity Helper App is not installed, you will be prompted to download it. Install the Helper App, then restart Perplexity Desktop
3. After restarting, return to Settings > Connectors and click Add Connector
4. Select the Simple tab and assign a name for the connector (e.g., "CData SAP SuccessFactors MCP"). In the Command box, enter the absolute path to your MCP Server executable.

   For example:

   	/Applications/CData MCP Server for SAP SuccessFactors.app/Contents/Payload/jre/Contents/Home/bin/java \
   	-jar /Applications/CData MCP Server for SAP SuccessFactors.app/Contents/Payload/lib/cdata.mcp.sapsuccessfactors.jar \
   	cdata_sapsuccessfactors
   

   
5. Click Save. Your MCP Server should now appear in the connector list with a "Running" status

Step 4: Query Your Live SAP SuccessFactors data in Perplexity Desktop

1. Open a new chat in Perplexity Desktop. Click the Sources toggle and enable your MCP Server
2. Start asking questions about your SAP SuccessFactors data. For example:

   "List all the tables available in my SAP SuccessFactors data connection."

   

Connect your AI to your SAP SuccessFactors data today!

CData MCP Servers make it simple to connect Perplexity and other LLM clients to real-time enterprise data. Download a free, 30-day trial and join the CData Community to share insights, ask questions, and help shape the future of enterprise-ready AI.