Add a read, update, or create entity to a model in Zero Copy Connector for ERP

  • Release version: Yokohama
  • Updated January 30, 2025
  • 3 minutes to read

    • Specify the operation entity, which is the table or BAPI (Business Application Programming Interface) that Zero Copy Connector for ERP uses for read, update, or create operations.

    Before you begin

    You must have already added the read, write, or create operation before you can add an entity to it. For more information, see Add an operation to a model in Zero Copy Connector for ERP.

    Role required: sn_erp_integration.erp_admin, sn_erp_integration.erp_user

    About this task

    • Read operations retrieve ERP data by either reading a table or using a BAPI.
    • Update operations use a BAPI to write updates to the ERP system.
    • Create operation creates a new instance of the business object in the SAP system.

    Procedure

    1. Navigate to All > Zero Copy Connector for ERP > Zero Copy Connector for ERP Home.
    2. Open the ERP model page by selecting the ERP model icon (ERP model icon) in the side panel.
    3. Select the model that you want to add an operation entity to.
    4. Select the Manage model button.
    5. Select an operation.
    6. Select Select entity on the Manage entities tab.

      Add operation entities on the Manage entities tab.

    7. In Select type, select one of the following:
      • Function call (BAPIs) defines a read operation entity that uses a BAPI remote procedure call.
      • Function call (RFCs) defines a read operation entity that uses an RFC call.
      • OData enables you to work with various business objects (for example, read, create, update, and delete) defined in the ERP system.
      • Read table retrieves data by reading it directly from a table on the ERP system.

      Select the type of entity you're adding

      In the Yokohama Patch 3 (May 2025) release, you can select Preview table data to view table details before specifying an entity. For more information, see Preview a model entity in Zero Copy Connector for ERP.

    8. Define the entity by, for example, specifying a table to read or a BAPI to use in Select entity.

      The AI Search for this field can help you find what you're looking for faster, for example by entering Countries instead of T005. AI Search also suggests tables and BAPIs that are in the connected ERP system.

      For table read operations, you may need to check the Model entities tab of the current or another, related model to get the table name, or ask your SAP admin. For more information, see View and edit the foundation of ERP models.

    9. When you're finished, select Add entity.
    10. Optional: Rearrange and delete table entities as needed.
      Important:
      Reordering deletes any existing table joins for the reordered entities.
      1. Select Rearrange order, drag the tables to the order that you want, and select Confirm reorder.
      2. To remove any tables you don't need, select the delete icon (Delete icon) on the card for a table
        Deleting an entity removes all of its related field mappings and table joins.

    Result

    The entity is added to the operation. Zero Copy Connector for ERP connects to the ERP system using the specified entity and retrieves data that you can use to define input and output parameters.

    When you view the entity on the Manage operation entities page, a status shows whether the ServiceNow AI Platform is retrieving data or has finished retrieving data.

    If you added a Read table operation, you can repeat this process to add as many tables as necessary to the operation. Then you can add joins to create relationships between tables.
    Note:
    If you have more than one table for an operation, you must join the tables.
    For more information, see Add joins between ERP tables.

    The Entity fields tab for the ERP model automatically populates for the new table when the table is connected to an ERP system. View their details as needed. For more information, see Zero Copy Connector for ERP ERP model table field descriptions.

    What to do next

    Next, you must specify the input parameters for the operation. For details, see Manage input parameters for an Zero Copy Connector for ERP model operation.