XLSM to CSV via Data Integration Jobs (+ automating upload) versus XLSM to XLSX Master Data Workbook

[vincentverheyen]

I have created an Excel sheet with custom VBA which converts data (meant for user data entry) automatically into an exported CSV (UTF-8 suitable for IBP) which can be uploaded into IBP via Data Integration Jobs (manually uploading the exported CSV).

However, I would like to ask if there is a quicker process.

1) I wrote "manually uploading the exported CSV" above. Can we automate this step? Is there a way to interface directly from XLSM into Data Integration Jobs, or interface with the backend upload process of IBP via VBA hookups or other/API methods? Not considering/using CI-DS here. Has anybody made such a flow without CI-DS? Can we connect thus interface data directly into IBP via OData for example without using CI-DS and the Data Agent? I am asking since, manually selecting the .CSV file, and selecting the necessary dropdown values in IBP's Data Integration Jobs is not always seen as user friendly enough by users.

2) One possible way to do this, I believe, might be to interface an XLSM template with the Master Data Workbook. Has anyone tried to have an Excel sheet meant for user data entry, to interface directly into a Master Data Workbook? In this sense, the need to convert XLSM into CSV might be redundant altogether, if the connection can be made from XLSM (external template) into XLSX (a certain IBP's Master Data Workbook) directly, to have master data and key figure data flow without conversion. If you can share any of your experiences or tool, please let me know. Otherwise, I will see if I can develop this in custom VBA.

[vincentverheyen]

I would consider 1) using VBA Hookups (set global configuration ACTIVATE_MD_VBA_HOOKS to OPTIONAL, install the .XLAM: see https://launchpad.support.sap.com/#/notes/2421657 for instructions), and work directly inside the Master Data Workbook. This allows for custom VBA inside the Master Data Workbook, making it suitable for user-friendly data entry.

The following hooks are available for master data workbooks:

• IBPMDAfterRefresh
• IBPMDBeforeUpdate

2) seems unnecessary, as you can stay within the Master Data Workbook, using custom VBA, to change the template to your liking. If still necessary to work with an external Excel template, create a custom VBA code which copies into the correct Master Data Workbook.