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How do I integrate an ERP with a BI tool?
Extract data from the ERP into a separate reporting database or warehouse, model it into business-friendly tables, and connect the BI tool to that. Avoid reporting directly on the ERP's live tables, which are complex, can affect performance and may not match business terminology.
ERP databases are built for transactions, not analysis. Tables are numerous, codes are cryptic and business rules are buried in application logic.
Steps:
- Identify the entities you need, such as customers, items, orders and stock movements.
- Extract them via API, ODBC or vendor-supported export, using read-only access.
- Translate codes into meaningful names in a modelling layer.
- Test totals against ERP reports.
Involve someone who knows how the ERP is configured, since custom fields and processes differ between companies.
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