Qlik offers multiple SAP connectors to help businesses extract and analyze data efficiently. However, not all connectors work the same way. Each has its own method of retrieving data, making it important to understand their differences to choose the right one for your needs.
Here are the four types of Qlik SAP connectors and their key differences.
1. SAP BAPI Connector – Uses SAP’s Built-in Business Logic
The SAP BAPI Connector retrieves data using Business Application Programming Interfaces (BAPIs), which are standard methods in SAP to access business data. This connector maintains SAP’s structure and logic, ensuring data consistency but making it more complex to work with in Qlik Sense.
🔹 Best for: When you need SAP data with business logic applied.
🔹 Limitation: Can be complex and slower compared to direct extraction methods.
2. SAP Extractor Connector – Optimized for Pre-aggregated Data
The SAP Extractor Connector uses SAP’s standard extractors, which are designed for reporting. These extractors pre-aggregate data, making the extraction process fast and structured with minimal setup.
🔹 Best for: Fast and efficient extraction of structured SAP ERP and BW data.
🔹 Limitation: Less flexible since it relies on SAP’s predefined extractors.
3. SAP SQL Connector – Direct Database Access with SQL
The SAP SQL Connector allows direct access to SAP’s database using SQL queries. It provides the most flexibility, letting users extract any data they need, but it requires manual structuring in Qlik Sense.
🔹 Best for: Users who need full control over SAP data extraction.
🔹 Limitation: Data does not include SAP’s built-in business logic, requiring extra processing.
4. SAP BW Connector – Connects to SAP Business Warehouse
The SAP BW Connector is designed to retrieve data from SAP Business Warehouse (BW). It can either:
- Extract pre-structured reports (simpler but slower).
- Extract raw data (faster but requires setup in Qlik).
🔹 Best for: Companies working with SAP BW that need either reports or raw data.
🔹 Limitation: Requires SAP BW, and raw data extraction needs extra processing.
Understanding the four types of Qlik SAP connectors helps businesses choose the most efficient method for their data extraction needs. Whether you require structured business logic, fast pre-aggregated data, flexible SQL access, or SAP BW reports, there’s a connector that fits your requirements.