This project aimed to develop a specialized data import in Akeneo PIM that uses SAP as the master data source for basic product information. Akeneo serves as the central platform for enriching and managing product data, while SAP provides the foundational data. The import process was designed to only consider the products currently available in SAP, updating or deactivating them automatically. By implementing targeted error handling and default values for missing data, the import efficiency was enhanced, minimizing adjustments in SAP and allowing business logic to be flexibly mapped in Akeneo.
Functionalities in Detail
- SAP as the Master Data Source for Product Information:
- SAP provides the essential product data, which is regularly imported into Akeneo PIM to be enriched with additional information.
- The import process was specifically developed to enable seamless transfer of SAP data to Akeneo and ensure that SAP serves as the "single source of truth" for basic data.
- Regular, Automated Import and Data Synchronization:
- The data import from SAP occurs regularly and automatically, with all product data stored in SAP being tagged with a marker.
- Only products present in the current SAP export are updated in Akeneo. Products missing from the SAP export are automatically deactivated in Akeneo to maintain data quality and consistency.
- Error Handling and Product Integrity:
- In cases of data errors or missing values in the SAP import, the affected products are not updated in Akeneo but remain unchanged. This prevents inconsistent datasets and preserves the integrity of the product data.
- Missing import data is supplemented with default values, reducing the need for adjustments in SAP and making data maintenance in Akeneo more efficient.
- Automated Category and Hierarchy Adjustment:
- The import process creates categories and hierarchies based on SAP data directly in Akeneo and correctly links them to the respective products.
- This automated categorization ensures that all products receive the correct structures and associations, facilitating internal organization and product discovery.
- Business Logic in Akeneo to Reduce SAP Adjustments:
- By using default values and automatic rules for missing data, the need for adjustments in SAP was minimized. More business logic could thus be implemented directly in Akeneo, ensuring greater flexibility and adaptability.