Importing Custom CDS Views from S/4HANA Public Cloud into SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC)

When live connection isn't the preferred option, whether due to performance needs, snapshot reporting, or scheduling requirements, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) offers an import connection to bring in data from S/4HANA Public Cloud. This blog walks you through how to make a custom CDS view consumable as an OData service and connect it via import into SAC.

When to Use Import Instead of Live?

• You want to store data in SAC

• You need data scheduling or data transformation

• Your reporting use case involves snapshot analysis

• You need to combine S/4 data with other imported sources

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify or Create the CDS View

Just like with live connections, start by checking if a standard CDS view meets your needs:

• Open the View Browser app in S/4HANA Public Cloud

• Filter by:

  • Released Views

  • Cloud Dev Release State = Released

If no view fits, move on to creating your own.

Step 2: Create a Custom CDS View – Type API

Use the Custom CDS Views app to create your own CDS view.

• Click Create

• Provide a name and description

• Set View Type as External API

• Choose your primary data source (preferably a released standard CDS view)

• Add required fields and associations

• Publish the view

This step makes your CDS view available for external OData consumption.

Step 3: Add to a Communication Scenario

To expose the CDS view as an API, add it to a Communication Scenario.

• Use the Custom Communication Scenarios app

• Click New

• Give it a name and description

• Add your custom CDS view as an inbound service

• Save and publish the scenario

This packages the CDS view into a format SAC can later access.

Step 4: Create a Communication Arrangement

Now expose the scenario via a communication arrangement:

• Go to the Communication Arrangements app

• Click New

• Choose the Communication Scenario you just created

• Select a Communication System (create one if needed)

• Choose authentication method (Basic Authentication is often used for SAC)

• Save the arrangement

Take note of the service URL generated — this is your API endpoint.

Step 5: Set Up an Import Connection in SAC

Now switch to SAC:

• Go to Connection in the SAC menu

• Click Create Connection > Import Data Connection

• Choose SAP S/4HANA

• Enter the Service URL from the communication arrangement

• Enter Authentication Details matching the communication arrangement

• Test and save the connection

You now have an import-ready connection to your CDS-based API.

Step 6: Import the Data into SAC

• Go to Modeler > Create Model

• Choose Import Data Connection

• Select the S4HANA connection you just created

• Choose the entity (CDS view) to import

• Map fields, rename, set data types, and apply transformations

• Save the model

This model can now be used in stories, data actions, and other planning or analytics features.

Final Notes

• Always ensure your CDS view is released and stable before exposing it as an API.

• Test the OData service in a browser or Postman before using it in SAC. Don't forget!!

• You can also schedule the data import in SAC if needed.