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Procedure documentationCreate Connector Instance Locate this document in the navigation structure

Procedure

To specify which data source is to be used for the dashboard, create a connector instance. You can use various types of data source. Typically, you use InfoCubes, but database tables are also possible.

  • The connector connects to the InfoCube (or database table) in an SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse (BW) which contains the business process monitoring data.

  • It converts the data from, for example a Business Process Monitoring Analytics InfoCube, Business Process Monitoring alerts InfoCube or Business Process Monitoring alert table into a format that SAP Solution Manager can use.

To create a connector instance, proceed as follows:

  1. In the Business Process Operations work center, under Common Tasks, choose the view Set Up BvGP Dashboards.

  2. Depending on the structure of your system landscape, an InfoCube, for example, can be instantiated in one or more distributed data sources (SAP NetWeaver BW systems). Possible constellations include:

    • You have one SAP Solution Manager system with an internal SAP NetWeaver BW component.

    • You have a central SAP Solution Manager system and several decentral SAP Solution Manager systems, each with an internal SAP NetWeaver BW component (e.g. for the regions America, Europa, Asia).

    • You have one or more SAP Solution Manager systems and one or more external SAP NetWeaver BW systems. SAP Solution Manager and SAP NetWeaver BW are installed in separate systems.

    Depending on how many SAP NetWeaver BW systems you have, you must create the number of instances of a connector required to get all data from the various systems. Proceed as follows:

    1. In the Setup Analytical Key Figure tab, choose Maintain Connector Instances.

      You go to the Data Source Manager view.

    2. Under Connectors, choose the connector type. The connector type depends on how you set up your key figures. The following scenarios are possible:

      • You created your key figures and monitor objects, since SAP Solution Manager 7.0 EHP1 SP23, in the business process analysis setup, referring to logical components. For more information, see Setting Up Monitoring Objects. In this case, choose the connector type Business Process Monitoring Analytics Cube (BPM_ACube).

      • You created your key figures referring to business process steps before SAP Solution Manager 7.0 EHP1 SP23. In this scenario, you can:

        • The alert data is stored in the alert table. In this case, choose the connector type Business Process Monitoring Alert Table (BPM_ATable).

          Note Note

          The time period covered by the data in the alert table depends on the retention period (typically 30 days).

          End of the note.
        • To enable reporting over long periods, you have specified that the data in the alert table is passed to SAP NetWeaver BW. For more information, in the Service Marketplace, see the Setup Guide Trend Analysis Reporting in Business Process Monitoring. In this case, choose the connector type Business Process Monitoring Alerts Cube (BPM_AlCube).

      • You used both methods to create your key figures, (until SAP Solution Manager 7.0 EHP1 SP23, with reference to business process steps, and since SAP Solution Manager 7.0 EHP1 SP23, with reference to logical components). The data is then distributed between two InfoCubes. To be able to display the data from both data sources in one panel, you must create a connector instance for each data source.

    3. Under Connector Instances, choose Change.

    4. Choose Add.

      A dialog box appears.

    5. Proceed as follows:

      1. In the Name field, enter a meaningful, unique name for the connector instance (e.g. “business process EMEA”).

        Note Note

        You can no longer change the name.

        End of the note.
      2. Optional: Enter a meaningful description of the connector instance. You can change the description later.

      3. Specify the RFC connection to the SAP Solution Manager system with the data source. Note:

        • If SAP NetWeaver BW is installed in the same system as the installation of one, or the central, SAP Solution Manager, leave the field RFC Connection empty.

        • If SAP NetWeaver BW is installed in the same system as the installation of a decentral SAP Solution Manager, enter the RFC destination of the system in which SAP Solution Manager is installed.

        • If SAP NetWeaver BW is installed in a different system from SAP Solution Manager, enter the RFC destination of the (central or decentral) SAP Solution Manager installation in which the connection to the separate SAP Solution Manager NetWeaver BW system was configured.

      4. Optional: In the System field, enter the ID of the SAP Solution Manager system whose RFC destination you entered.

        Note Note

        Entering the system ID makes administration easier, but has no technical effect.

        End of the note.
      5. In the Application field, with Add, choose the application DASHBOARD.

      6. Specify the managed systems whose data you want to display in dashboards.

        Typically, enter the names of all production systems to be monitored (e.g. ERP, CRM, SCM systems).

        Note Note

        If you do not specify a system, the data of all managed systems, including, for example, development and test systems, is used.

        End of the note.
      7. Choose Add. You go back to the Data Source Management view. The connector instance is displayed in the list, but is not yet saved in the database.

      8. Save your entries.

        The ID of the connector instance is generated automatically, and displayed in the lower half of the screen. The connector details are below it.

        • A green traffic light in the table shows that the RFC connection was established correctly.

        • A red traffic light indicates that the RFC connection was not established.

          Note Note

          You can activate and deactivate the connector instance, with (De)Activate.

          End of the note.
    6. Choose Update AKF Repository. A message indicates that the repository has been updated with the new entry, and all supported key figures are then available for further setup.

    7. Exit the function.

      You are in the Set Up Dashboards view.