Value Mapping in SAP Cloud Integration

What is Value Mapping in SAP CPI?

In SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI), value mapping is used to translate values between various formats or representations. Value mapping can be used to map language codes, units of measurement, product codes, order kinds, and explanation codes, for instance.

The mapping rules for various items are saved through value mapping in a value mapping table. An issuing body and an identification system specify how an object is represented.

Value mapping enables the ability to seek up information both ways. In your value mapping, you can also import CSV files that were exported from process integration (PI) systems.

Value Mapping is a method for converting and transforming data between various formats or systems, and it is utilised in the context of SAP CPI. It serves as a link between source and target systems, ensuring accurate data conversion and mapping throughout integration procedures. When working with diverse data sources including legacy systems, cloud apps, and outside partners, this becomes very important.

The Significance of Value Mapping

1. Data Consistency - Value Mapping ensures data consistency across systems. It helps maintain uniformity in data formats, eliminating inconsistencies that may arise when integrating data from diverse sources. This, in turn, enhances the accuracy and reliability of the integrated data.
2. Compatibility - In a heterogeneous IT landscape, systems may use different data formats or coding schemes. Value Mapping allows for seamless compatibility between these systems, ensuring that data can be exchanged without compatibility issues.
3. Simplified Transformation - Value Mapping simplifies data transformation processes. It enables users to define mapping rules and transformations, reducing the complexity of data integration tasks.

Create SAP CPI Value Mapping

Let us suppose there are too much data that need to value mapped from source to target in message mapping, for example, there is data at the source side which needs to mapped at the target side as shown below.

There is a solution to do it using the function "Fix Value Mapping" in Message Mapping. But the issue is this is very time consuming and may cause the errors when we add more data. Here Value Mapping comes into play, where we can add directly the data with their identifiers and directly call the Value Mapping saved in Message Mapping.

Do you have a lot of fix value mappings to complete but are too lazy to enter as much data? Value mapping is the method of choice! It is simple, efficient, trustworthy, and—believe me—the delight of the lazy.

Let us now look how we can do this.

1. Go to your Integration package -> Artifact tab. Click on Add -> Value Mapping.

2. Select the Create radio button and click on Ok.

3. Click on the new Value Mapping Created.
4. Click on the Edit button and then click on Add button.
5. Provide the Agency and Identifier for both the sender and the receiver side. Once the data has been provided, Add the Values, to add more click on Add ,and continue adding your values.

6. Save and Deploy the Value Mapping.

Now, this is ready to use in the Message Mapping

Best Practices for Value Mapping

To harness the full potential of Value Mapping in SAP CPI, consider the following best practices:

• Clear Mapping Rules - Define clear and comprehensive mapping rules to ensure accurate data transformation. Completely comprehend the target and source data structures.
• Regular Updates - Ensure that your Value Mapping definitions are current. Data formats change along with systems. To maintain data integrity, examine and change mapping rules frequently.
• Error Handling - Implement reliable error-handling procedures. Have systems in place to record, monitor, and quickly address problems in the event of data transformation mistakes.
• Testing - Before using Value Mapping configurations in real-world settings, thoroughly evaluate them. Testing enables the early detection and correction of any problems.

Conclusion

Value Mapping is an effective tool in SAP CPI that makes data transformation and mapping easier while assuring smooth data interaction between systems. Value Mapping is essential for modernising and optimising corporate operations since it upholds data consistency, improves interoperability, and makes data transformation easier. Organisations should follow best practises and maintain their mapping rules as clear, current, and well-tested as possible to get the most out of value mapping. Value Mapping is the key to releasing SAP CPI's full potential for effective data integration and transformation in today's data-driven world.