SAP Datasphere Connection to SAP ECC – Step-by-Step Integration Guide

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SAP Datasphere (previously known as SAP Data Warehouse Cloud) enables organizations to create a unified, real-time data foundation by connecting various SAP and non-SAP systems. One of the most common and valuable integrations is connecting SAP Datasphere with SAP ECC to extract, transform, and analyze enterprise data centrally.

This article explains the architecture, prerequisites, and detailed steps to connect SAP ECC to SAP Datasphere securely and efficiently.

Why Connect SAP ECC to SAP Datasphere

Connecting SAP ECC to Datasphere allows businesses to:

  • Consolidate ECC transactional and master data in a cloud-based warehouse.
  • Perform advanced analytics using SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC).
  • Combine SAP and non-SAP data for unified reporting.
  • Eliminate manual data exports and improve real-time decision-making.

Essentially, this integration helps organizations modernize legacy ECC data pipelines and transition toward a cloud-ready data foundation.

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Architecture Overview

The connection between SAP Datasphere and SAP ECC uses the SAP Data Provisioning Agent (DP Agent) as a bridge. The agent enables ODP (Operational Data Provisioning) or ABAP CDS-based data extraction from ECC into Datasphere.

Integration Flow:
SAP ECC → ODP Extractors / CDS Views → DP Agent → SAP Datasphere

Components involved:

  1. SAP ECC system (source system)
  2. SAP HANA Cloud / Datasphere (target)
  3. Data Provisioning Agent (middleware)
  4. ODP Framework / Extractors (data providers in ECC)

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Prerequisites

Before starting the connection setup, ensure the following:

  • ECC system version is SAP NetWeaver 7.0 or higher with ODP framework enabled.
  • SAP Note 1931427 (Operational Data Provisioning Support) is implemented.
  • Network ports for HTTPS communication between ECC, DP Agent, and Datasphere are open.
  • A valid SAP Datasphere tenant and HANA Cloud connection details.
  • DP Agent installed on a system that has network access to both ECC and Datasphere.

Step 1: Install and Configure the SAP Data Provisioning Agent

  1. Download the SAP HANA Data Provisioning Agent from SAP Software Download Center.
  2. Install it on a Windows or Linux server.
  3. Open the DP Agent Configuration Tool.
  4. Register the DP Agent with your SAP Datasphere tenant using the following details:
    • Datasphere hostname
    • Tenant ID
    • Agent name and credentials
  5. Verify that the agent status appears as Connected in the Datasphere Connection Management screen.
dpagentconfigtool.sh –registerAgent –agentName ECC_Agent –tenant https://<tenant>.eu10.hcs.cloud.sap –user <datasphere_user>

Step 2: Configure Connection in SAP Datasphere

  1. Log in to SAP Datasphere.
  2. Navigate to Connections → Create Connection → SAP ABAP.
  3. Choose connection type ABAP System (via DP Agent).
  4. Provide the following details:
    • Connection Name: ECC_Connection
    • Data Provisioning Agent: ECC_Agent
    • Application Server and System Number
    • Client, User, and Password
  5. Test the connection to ensure the agent can access ECC.

Once successful, you’ll see the connection listed under the “Connected Sources” tab.

Step 3: Enable ODP Extractors in ECC

To extract standard business content from ECC (e.g., Sales Orders, Material Master, GL Balances), activate ODP-enabled DataSources.

In ECC:

  1. Go to transaction RSA5 or RSA6.
  2. Activate relevant extractors (e.g., 2LIS_11_VAITM for sales order items).
  3. Use transaction ODQMON to monitor delta queues.

These extractors provide delta-enabled data that Datasphere can pull in real time or in scheduled batches.

Step 4: Access ECC Data from SAP Datasphere

  1. In SAP Datasphere, go to Data Builder → New Graphical View → Source → ECC Connection.
  2. Browse available extractors, tables, or CDS views from ECC.
  3. Select the desired object and create a remote table or replicated table.
  4. Optionally, define transformation logic using SQL or calculated columns.
  5. Save and deploy the view.

You can now query ECC data in Datasphere using native SQL or connect it to SAP Analytics Cloud for visualization.

Step 5: Schedule or Automate Data Loads

Datasphere allows you to define data replication modes:

  • Remote (Virtual) Access: Queries data directly from ECC via live connection.
  • Replicated (Persistent) Access: Loads data physically into Datasphere on a schedule.

To schedule data loads:

  1. Open the data flow or replication task.
  2. Set refresh frequency (hourly, daily, or weekly).
  3. Monitor load jobs in the Data Integration Monitor section.

Step 6: Security and User Roles

Ensure that the ECC user configured for connection has the following authorizations:

  • S_RFC for remote function calls.
  • S_ODQ for ODP data extraction.
  • S_DATASET for data file access (if applicable).
    In SAP Datasphere, assign roles like DW Space Administrator and DW Data Integrator to manage source connections and replication tasks.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Connection fails: Check if DP Agent is running and registered correctly.
  • Extractor not visible: Ensure ODP framework and delta queues are active.
  • Performance issues: Use delta-enabled extractors to minimize data volume.
  • Authorization errors: Verify ECC RFC user permissions.

Benefits of Connecting ECC to SAP Datasphere

  • Enables real-time data access for analytics and reporting.
  • Provides cloud scalability without modifying ECC infrastructure.
  • Simplifies transition to SAP S/4HANA by preparing data architecture.
  • Combines SAP and non-SAP data sources in a unified semantic layer.
  • Reduces manual ETL complexity and improves governance.

Summary

The SAP Datasphere to SAP ECC connection is established using the Data Provisioning Agent (DP Agent) and the ODP framework. After installation and configuration, you can extract, replicate, and analyze ECC data directly in Datasphere for unified, cloud-based analytics.

By integrating ECC with Datasphere, organizations bridge legacy systems with the modern SAP data stack — laying the foundation for a future-ready data landscape and a smoother transition to SAP S/4HANA Cloud.

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