Overview:
SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) is a fully managed SaaS solution designed to unify and govern all SAP data, while also enabling seamless integration with third-party data. By combining the capabilities of SAP HANA Cloud, SAP Datasphere, and SAP Analytics Cloud, BDC empowers businesses to make real-time, data-driven decisions—supported by secure connectivity and a trusted AI foundation.
I’m excited about BDC and the value it brings. Having experienced firsthand the daily challenges of data transfer from SAP systems to data repositories—such as outdated data, transfer failures, and the lack of end-to-end ownership when issues arise—I understand the critical need for a solution that ensures real-time, up-to-date data availability and especially to leverage AI Insights.
Background:
In (Understanding the Technology Behind SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) – Out of the box ‘Insight App“), I provided an overview of BDC and its business benefits. To help you better understand the underlying technologies and concepts, I’ve broken things down into two key scenarios:
- Using “Out-of-the-Box” SAP Insights App with SAP S/4HANA and SAP SuccessFactors as source systems—exploring a step-by-step walkthrough of how the process works.
- BDC Integration with SAP Applications, Third-Party Applications, and SAP BW/4HANA Cloud Private Edition.
This blog dives deeper into Scenario 2.
The architecture below provides a detailed summary of how SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) connects and harmonizes data across SAP and non-SAP applications using a unified data fabric to deliver real-time insights. The key components include data sources, the Business Data Fabric layer, and the consumption layer—enabled through Insight Apps.
Detailed steps:
Step 1: Browse available data products in SAP BDC Cockpit
To extend out-of-the-box Data Products in SAP Business Data Cloud with third-party data, first browse the available Data Products in the SAP Business Data Cloud Cockpit. Select and install the one that best meets your requirements before proceeding with integration.
Step 2: Data Product Installation and Transformation Process
When the Data Product installation begins, the bundled business data from your application is accessed, replicated, and processed through various steps within the Foundation Services of SAP Business Data Cloud and transforming it into a ready-to-use Data Product.
Step 3: Data is now available in SAP Datasphere.
Step 4: Integrating Third-Party Data in SAP Datasphere
You can now build the required data model artifacts directly on top of your Data Product in SAP Datasphere. This is where third-party data integration becomes essential. Leveraging SAP Datasphere’s advanced integration and data modeling capabilities, you can seamlessly enrich the out-of-the-box data model with third-party data.
Step 5: Integrating SAP BW/4 HANA Objects into SAP Business Data Cloud
You can also integrate your existing SAP BW/4HANA objects into SAP Business Data Cloud. Using a dedicated data provisioning tool, you can onboard SAP BW objects into SAP Datasphere and seamlessly combine them with the existing data model.
Step 6: Reports with AI-Powered Insights
SAP Business Data Cloud offers a variety of consumption options for your data model. One example is the AI-powered Just Ask feature in SAP Analytics Cloud. Leveraging natural language processing, it allows you to retrieve insights simply by typing a question about your data. The system instantly responds, presenting the information in the most suitable format or you can also use Insight App dashboards.
Conclusion:
SAP Business Data Cloud enables businesses to seamlessly integrate, harmonize, and analyze data from multiple sources, transforming raw data into actionable insights. By leveraging AI-driven analytics and automation, organizations can make data-driven decisions with confidence. With its out-of-the-box Insight Apps and seamless integration with SAP solutions, it provides a trusted and unified platform for enterprise data management.
