Import Metadata from SAP HANA
A step-by-step guide to importing your SAP HANA database metadata into Anansi for data lineage and cataloging.
What Is SAP HANA Metadata Import?
Your SAP HANA database organises data into schemas, tables, and columns. These structures — along with primary keys and foreign keys — form the metadata that describes how your data is arranged.
Importing metadata means pulling this structural information from your HANA instance into Anansi so that you can:
- Visualize how data flows across your SAP landscape (data lineage)
- Map relationships between tables and columns — including foreign key dependencies
- Catalog and document your HANA database structure in a centralised location
You only need to perform this import once when connecting a SAP HANA database for the first time. After that, use Sync Metadata to keep everything up-to-date.
Video Walkthrough
Watch the full walkthrough on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e5SrwVP7zy0
Architectural Flow Diagram
The diagram above shows the architecture of the SAP HANA metadata import process — from establishing the HANA connection through to populating your Anansi data catalog.
Getting Started
How to Access the SAP HANA Import Page
From the Dashboard, look for the Data Integration card. Click the dropdown button labelled "Data Import" and select "Database Import".
You will be taken to a clean, 3-step wizard that guides you through the entire process.
The Three-Step Wizard
The SAP HANA metadata import is split into three steps:
| Step | Name | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Setup Connection | Provide your SAP HANA credentials (host, port, user, password, schema) and test the connection. |
| 2 | Import Metadata | Choose where to store the imported metadata inside Anansi's catalog and configure node labels. |
| 3 | Import Result | Review a detailed report of all tables, columns, and keys successfully imported, with an option to download. |
A visual step indicator at the top of the page always shows you where you are.
Step 1: Setup Connection
Please refer to the Setup Connection guide to configure your SAP HANA database credentials and verify connectivity.
Step 2: Import Metadata
Specify how to organise the imported SAP HANA metadata within Anansi.
- Source Identifier (Required): A unique label for this data source — automatically pre-filled from your HANA Schema Name.
- Select or Create a Catalog (Required):
- Create New Catalog: Choose
+ Create New Catalogat the top of the dropdown. Enter a catalog name and configure the Node Names used to label items in the catalog:DBInfo— represents the database/schema levelDBTableName— represents individual tablesDBColumnName— represents individual columns
- Make sure to click "Create Catalog" to register it before proceeding.
- Select Existing Catalog: Choose an existing catalog from the list; its node names will load automatically.
- Create New Catalog: Choose
Click "Submit" to start the import. Anansi will connect to your SAP HANA instance, fetch the schema structure, and advance you to the final step.
Step 3: Import Result
Once the import completes successfully, you will be redirected to the Import Result dashboard.
1. Stats Summary
The summary card displays colour-coded counts of everything imported from your HANA database:
- Tables: Shows the count of tables fetched and posted (e.g.,
+15 added). - Columns: Shows the count of columns fetched and posted (e.g.,
+86 added). - Keys: Displays primary keys (
PK +15) and foreign keys (FK +19) extracted.
2. Side-by-Side Detailed Change Columns
Under Change Details, you will see a two-column grid:
- Tables Column: A scrollable list of all table structures added (e.g.,
ORDERS,CUSTOMERS,PRODUCTS). - Columns Column: A scrollable list of all column attributes added (e.g.,
ORDERS.ORDER_ID,CUSTOMERS.CUSTOMER_NAME).
3. Download Plaintext Report (.txt)
Click "Download Result" to save a plaintext report of this import run.
- File Name: Saved as
import-report-[CatalogName]-[Timestamp].txt - Content: Includes a timestamped summary header, detailed breakdown of tables, columns, and keys, and a full alphabetical list of all structures created in your catalog.
Click "OK" to return to your main Dashboard.
What Happens If I Click "Back"?
If you click "Back" from Step 2, you return to Step 1. All selections in Step 2 (Source Identifier, Catalog, Node Name configurations) are cleared and reset. This is by design — it prevents you from accidentally applying mismatched metadata mappings to a different SAP HANA connection.
Common Issues & Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "401 Unauthorized" error | Expired session or token | Log out and log back in to renew your security access token. |
| "Invalid Port" error | Port number is out of range | Ensure your HANA port is a number between 1 and 65535. Check your instance number (port = 3NN15 for tenant DB). |
| "Catalog Required" error | Create Catalog button not pressed | If you chose to create a new catalog, you must click the "Create Catalog" button before clicking Submit. |
| "Connection refused" | HANA instance not reachable | Verify the host, port, and network access. If behind a firewall, configure an SSH tunnel. |