Claris FileMaker is a low-code database application development tool that enables users to create custom apps for managing and organizing data. It combines a powerful relational database engine with an intuitive interface, allowing both technical and non-technical users to design and deploy applications across desktop, web, and mobile platforms.
In this article, we'll explore how to use the CData ODBC Driver for SAP ByDesign and FileMaker scripting to connect to SAP ByDesign data.
Create an ODBC Data Source for SAP ByDesign
If you have not already, first specify connection properties in an ODBC DSN (data source name). This is the last step of the driver installation. You can use the Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator to create and configure ODBC DSNs.
Set the following connection properties to connect to SAP ByDesign.
- Url: Set this to the Url of your SAP ByDesign site. For example, https://test.sapbydesign.com
- User: Set this to the username of your account.
- Password: Set this to the password of your account.
- CustomService or AnalyticsService: Only one of these must be specified. If you have a custom service you want to retrieve data from, specify CustomService. If you want to retrieve the reports of a analytical service, specify AnalyticsService.
If neither is specified, 'cc_home_analytics.svc' will used as a default for the AnalyticsService property. If you are not sure what service to specify, you can always query the Services view to list available services.
When you configure the DSN, you may also want to set the Max Rows connection property. This will limit the number of rows returned, which is especially helpful for improving performance when designing reports and visualizations.
Connect and Sync SAP ByDesign data with FileMaker Using Scripts
In this section, we walk through the steps to connect live SAP ByDesign data to FileMaker using the CData ODBC Driver for SAP ByDesign and the Script function. During the initial import, FileMaker brings in all data from the external data source. From the second import onward, it updates only the data that has changed in the external source (a differential update). You can also replace the data in the current record order and schedule these differential updates for automated syncing.
You can download and install the latest version of FileMaker Pro for your Mac/Windows/Linux systems from this link.
Connect and sync SAP ByDesign data with FileMaker using scripts
Scripting in FileMaker automates complex tasks and workflows by running a sequence of actions with a single command. By using scripting to integrate with SAP ByDesign, you can automatically connect to, import, update, and replace SAP ByDesign data within your FileMaker applications, streamlining data management and improving efficiency.
First-time importing and adding SAP ByDesign data using script
In this section, we'll use scripts to import SAP ByDesign data into FileMaker by following these steps:
- Open FileMaker Pro. Navigate to Create from the left panel and select Blank > Create.
👁 Create a new application in FileMaker
- Enter a filename of your choice and click Save.
- In the Manage Database window, go to the Tables tab and create or rename the table where you want to display the SAP ByDesign data.
👁 Create or rename existing the table
- In the Fields tab, create and add the fields you want to use in the table.
👁 Add the necessary fields.
- In the Relationships tab, add table relationships if there are multiple tables, then click OK.
👁 Add the table relationships.
- To reopen and modify the table structure, go to File > Manage > Database.
- Navigate to Scripts > Script Workspace.
👁 Open the Script Workspace.
- Select New Script to open a new script workspace.
- From the Steps panel on the right, select Records > Import Records > Insert into Script.
👁 Insert into script from import records.
- In the Specify Data Source dropdown, choose ODBC Data.
👁 Click ODBC Data from Specify data source.
- Select CData SAPByDesign Sys from the Select ODBC Data Source window, and click Continue. Enter your SAP ByDesign credentials and click OK.
👁 Select the data source driver.
👁 Enter the data source credentials to aunthenticate.
- In the Specify ODBC SQL Query dialog, enter the SQL query in the SQL text editor to import the desired SAP ByDesign data.
👁 Specify the SQL query.
- Alternatively, select Query Builder to open the SQL Query Builder window. Choose the target table from the Tables section and relevant columns from the Columns section. Click Insert into SQL Query after each selection to auto-generate the query. You can also manually edit the query using WHERE and ORDER BY clauses or the designated tabs. Click OK to finalize the query.
👁 Specify the columns in the table to auto-generate the SQL Query.
- Click OK.
- In the Specify import order option, click Specify and enter the SAP ByDesign credentials.
👁 Click Specify.
- In the Specify Import Order window, define the import order for the target fields you added earlier. Select Add between the source and target fields to insert the SAP ByDesign data as new records in the table. Click Import.
👁 Select
- The script now appears in the workspace. Click Run to execute the script and process the import.
👁 Click Run to execute the script.
- FileMaker imports the SAP ByDesign data as a table.
👁 The SAP ByDesign data gets loaded.
Update or Replace Imported SAP ByDesign data Using a Script
After importing the SAP ByDesign data into FileMaker, use scripts to update or replace any changes made in SAP ByDesign by following this process:
- Go back to the Script Workspace by following the steps mentioned in the earlier section.
- Select the existing script, click the settings button, choose Specify under Specify Import Order, and re-enter the SAP ByDesign credentials to authenticate.
👁 Click Specify again from the previous script.
- In the Specify Import Order window, choose Update between source and target to update the imported SAP ByDesign data. This updates the target's found set with SAP ByDesign data values from selected fields when the match fields have the same values. You must define at least one match field in the mapping and select the checkbox Add remaining data as new records. Click Import.
👁 Select
👁 Match at least one field in the mappings.
- Alternatively, choose the Replace option instead of Update, based on your use case. This replaces the selected fields in the target's found set with SAP ByDesign data in the current record order. Click Import.
👁 Select
- FileMaker adds the script to the workspace. Click Run to execute the script and process the import query.
- FileMaker imports the updated or replaced SAP ByDesign data as a table.
Get Started Today
Download a free 30-day trial of CData ODBC Driver for SAP ByDesign to integrate SAP ByDesign data into Claris FileMaker and work with SAP ByDesign data in your FileMaker applications.
Reach out to our Support Team if you have any questions.
