User`s guide

Objects supported by the Open SQL driver
The Open SQL driver provides access to several low-level objects within SAP: transparent tables, pool
and cluster tables, views, and ABAP data clusters and functions.
Transparent tables
This type of database object is similar to the traditional database table. Transparent tables contain the
majority of the SAP application data from which you can derive Business Intelligence. Most SAP
applications use one or more transparent tables to store and retrieve business transactions. You can
link these tables to other transparent tables in order to pull information from other application areas of
the SAP system.
Pool and cluster tables
Pool and cluster tables are made up of a logical grouping of other database tables. They are primarily
used to store application configuration and control information rather than the actual application data.
Because these tables are only a logical view of several tables combined, they are accessible only
through the Open SQL driver. Native database access does not provide the same view of this data.
Views
A view appears as one table with a list of fields, but actually consists of several tables linked together.
Views provide a more abstract view of the data and allow you to build reports without having to worry
about linking multiple tables in a report. Views are maintained within SAP and need to be configured
before you use them for reporting. For more information about views, see your SAP documentation.
ABAP data clusters and functions
Reporting off ABAP data clusters and functions are advanced topics that usually require some
understanding of the ABAP programming language. For details, see Reporting off ABAP functions and
Reporting off ABAP data clusters.
Selecting tables, views, functions, and clusters
Once you have selected the Open SQL driver and provided valid SAP user credentials, use the Options
dialog box to choose the tables, views, functions, or clusters that you want to add to the report. You
can filter by the type of table and by the actual table name. Note that, in this situation, table also refers
to views, ABAP data clusters, and ABAP functions.
To select tables, views, functions, and clusters
1.
Start Crystal Reports.
2.
Click the Start Page tab if the Start Page is not already visible in Crystal Reports.
3.
Click Blank Report in the New Reports area.
The "Database Expert" dialog box appears.
2012-03-14597
Integrating Business Applications with Crystal Reports