Data Insight User Guides
DDR Import File – Manual File Import & Backup Restore Guide
This guide explains how to use the DDR Import File function from the Dashboard. Import File allows authorised users to select an exported DDR file or backup file and import it into the required SAP target system.
DDR can automate file export and file import as part of a controlled refresh process. However, DDR also provides manual Import File functionality so users can import or restore files as and when needed. This is useful for backup restore, controlled recovery, offline file processing, repeated test cycles, and situations where a specific exported file needs to be loaded into a selected system.
Purpose of DDR Import File
The DDR Import File function is used to import a previously exported DDR file into a selected SAP target system. This may be a normal export file created during file-based processing, or a backup file created before a target system refresh.
When the DDR backup option is used, DDR takes a backup of the relevant target system data and stores it in file format. If required, this backup file can be selected and reimported back into the system. This gives customers a controlled recovery option where the previous target data can be restored without rebuilding the whole refresh from the beginning.
Key point: DDR provides both automated file export/import and manual Import File processing. Manual import is used when the user wants to select a specific file and import it into a specific SAP target system on demand.
Open the Dashboard and Select the Export
From the DDR Central Console, select Dashboard from the left-hand navigation menu. The Dashboard displays the available export jobs, template names, export IDs, run IDs, source systems, target systems, execution status, and runtime analytics.
Select the export line you want to work with by clicking the radio button before the export. Once selected, click Import File from the Dashboard toolbar.
Select File Source, File Name and Target System
The File Import popup allows users to define the source file parameters and target import system. This gives administrators full control over which exported file is imported and where it should be loaded.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| File Source | Selects the source location or source file area where the DDR export or backup file is available. |
| File Name | Selects the specific file that needs to be imported. This can be a normal export file or a target backup file depending on the process used. |
| File Target | Selects the SAP target system or file target where the selected file should be imported. |
| Execute | Starts the import process after the correct source and target values have been selected. |
Using Import File for DDR Backup Restore
If the backup option was enabled during the DDR refresh process, DDR creates a backup of the target system data before loading the new refresh data. This backup is stored as a file and can be reimported if the customer needs to restore the previous target state.
This is useful when testing needs to be reversed, when validation identifies an issue, when the target data needs to be restored, or when a recovery point is required after refresh execution.
Good practice: Before importing a backup file, confirm the correct file source, file name and target system. Backup restore should be handled carefully because it can overwrite or restore target data depending on the configured import process.
Technical Behaviour
| Area | Technical Detail |
|---|---|
| Export file import | DDR reads the selected export file and imports the dataset into the selected target system. |
| Backup file restore | DDR can reimport backup files created before target refresh processing, supporting rollback and recovery activities. |
| Manual import | Users can import files on demand without waiting for an automated schedule or full replication rerun. |
| Target control | The File Target selection controls where the selected file will be imported. |
| Operational recovery | Import File gives customers a recovery option for exported files and backup files when needed. |
Benefits of DDR Import File
DDR Import File provides operational flexibility and recovery control for customers using DDR file-based export, automated import, backup, and restore functionality.