Can we extract data from SAP S/4HANA using extractors (not CDS views) with CDC capabilities in the same way as we are doing for SAP ECC?

Question

Our client is using Azure Data Factory (ADF) to extract data with CDC capabilities from SAP ECC, utilizing extractors to load data into Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS Gen2).

Now, they are planning a Brownfield conversion from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA.

According to SAP Note 2500202, whitelisted extractors will remain functional.

Can we extract data from SAP S/4HANA using extractors (not CDS views) with CDC capabilities in the same way as we are doing for SAP ECC?

For reference, we are following this official documentation.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/data-factory/sap-change-data-capture-prepare-linked-service-source-dataset

Answer 1

Hi Devendra Singh Rathore,

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

Yes, you can extract data from SAP S/4HANA using extractors with CDC capabilities, similar to how you do it with SAP ECC. According to SAP Note 2500202, whitelisted extractors will remain functional in S/4HANA, which means that the existing extraction methods can still be utilized.

Key Points:

• Whitelisted Extractors: These extractors are designed to remain operational post-migration to S/4HANA, allowing for continuity in data extraction processes. This is crucial for clients transitioning from SAP ECC to S/4HANA, as it minimizes disruption in their data workflows.
• CDC Capabilities: ADF supports CDC for various SAP systems, including S/4HANA. This means you can continue using ADF to capture changes and load data into ADLS Gen2 effectively, just as you have been doing with SAP ECC.
• Operational Data Provisioning (ODP): While traditional extractors are available, SAP has shifted towards using ODP for data extraction in S/4HANA environments. ODP allows for both full and incremental data extracts, enabling more efficient data handling and integration with Azure services.
• Alternative Methods: In addition to using extractors, consider leveraging CDS views exposed as OData services for more advanced extraction capabilities. This method is increasingly favored due to its flexibility and the growing number of CDS extractors available in S/4HANA

It's important to note that while this approach should work, SAP's long-term strategy is to move towards CDS views for data extraction in S/4HANA. You might want to consider planning a gradual transition to CDS views in the future for better performance, maintainability, and alignment with SAP's roadmap.

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