Google Sheets Connector for SAP Crystal ReportsRead / write Google Sheets data inside your app, perform many Google Sheets operations without coding using easy to use high performance API Connector for Google Sheets In this article you will learn how to quickly and efficiently integrate Google Sheets data in SAP Crystal Reports without coding. We will use high-performance Google Sheets Connector to easily connect to Google Sheets and then access the data inside SAP Crystal Reports. Let's follow the steps below to see how we can accomplish that! Google Sheets Connector for SAP Crystal Reports is based on ZappySys API Driver which is part of ODBC PowerPack. It is a collection of high-performance ODBC drivers that enable you to integrate data in SQL Server, SSIS, a programming language, or any other ODBC-compatible application. ODBC PowerPack supports various file formats, sources and destinations, including REST/SOAP API, SFTP/FTP, storage services, and plain files, to mention a few. |
Connect to Google Sheets in other apps
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Create ODBC Data Source (DSN) based on ZappySys API Driver
Step-by-step instructions
To get data from Google Sheets using SAP Crystal Reports we first need to create a DSN (Data Source) which will access data from Google Sheets. We will later be able to read data using SAP Crystal Reports. Perform these steps:
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Download and install ODBC PowerPack.
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Open ODBC Data Sources (x64):
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Create a User data source (User DSN) based on ZappySys API Driver
ZappySys API Driver-
Create and use User DSN
if the client application is run under a User Account.
This is an ideal option
in design-time , when developing a solution, e.g. in Visual Studio 2019. Use it for both type of applications - 64-bit and 32-bit. -
Create and use System DSN
if the client application is launched under a System Account, e.g. as a Windows Service.
Usually, this is an ideal option to use
in a production environment . Use ODBC Data Source Administrator (32-bit), instead of 64-bit version, if Windows Service is a 32-bit application.
-
Create and use User DSN
if the client application is run under a User Account.
This is an ideal option
-
When the Configuration window appears give your data source a name if you haven't done that already, then select "Google Sheets" from the list of Popular Connectors. If "Google Sheets" is not present in the list, then click "Search Online" and download it. Then set the path to the location where you downloaded it. Finally, click Continue >> to proceed with configuring the DSN:
GoogleSheetsDSNGoogle Sheets -
Now it's time to configure the Connection Manager. Select Authentication Type, e.g. Token Authentication. Then select API Base URL (in most cases, the default one is the right one). More info is available in the Authentication section.
User accounts represent a developer, administrator, or any other person who interacts with Google APIs and services. User accounts are managed as Google Accounts, either with Google Workspace or Cloud Identity. They can also be user accounts that are managed by a third-party identity provider and federated with Workforce Identity Federation. [API reference]
Steps how to get and use Google Sheets credentials
Follow these steps on how to create Client Credentials (User Account principle) to authenticate and access Google Sheets API in SSIS package or ODBC data source:
WARNING: If you are planning to automate processes, we recommend that you use a Service Account authentication method. In case, you still need to use User Account, then make sure you use a system/generic account (e.g.automation@my-company.com
). When you use a personal account which is tied to a specific employee profile and that employee leaves the company, the token may become invalid and any automated processes using that token will start to fail.Step-1: Create project
This step is optional, if you already have a project in Google Cloud and can use it. However, if you don't, proceed with these simple steps to create one:
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First of all, go to Google API Console.
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Then click Select a project button and then click NEW PROJECT button:
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Name your project and click CREATE button:
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Wait until the project is created:
- Done! Let's proceed to the next step.
Step-2: Enable Google Cloud APIs
In this step we will enable Google Sheets API and Google Drive API:
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Select your project on the top bar:
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Then click the "hamburger" icon on the top left and access APIs & Services:
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Now let's enable several APIs by clicking ENABLE APIS AND SERVICES button:
-
In the search bar search for
sheets
and then locate and select Google Sheets API: -
Then enable Google Sheets API:
-
Again, repeat the step and enable Google Drive API as well:
- Done! Let's proceed to the next step.
Step-3: Create OAuth application
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First of all, click the "hamburger" icon on the top left and then hit VIEW ALL PRODUCTS:
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Then access Google Auth Platform to start creating an OAuth application:
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Start by pressing GET STARTED button:
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Next, continue by filling in App name and User support email fields:
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Choose Internal option, if it's enabled, otherwise select External:
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Optional step if you used
Internal
option in the previous step. Nevertheless, if you had to useExternal
option, then click ADD USERS to add a user: -
Then add your contact Email address:
-
Finally, check the checkbox and click CREATE button:
- Done! Let's create Client Credentials in the next step.
Step-4: Create Client Credentials
-
In Google Auth Platform, select Clients menu item and click CREATE CLIENT button:
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Choose
Desktop app
as Application type and name your credentials: -
Continue by opening the created credentials:
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Finally, copy Client ID and Client secret for the later step:
- Done! We have all the data needed for authentication, let's proceed to the last step!
Step-5: Configure connection
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Now go to SSIS package or ODBC data source and use previously copied values in User Account authentication configuration:
- In the ClientId field paste the Client ID value.
- In the ClientSecret field paste the Client secret value.
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Press Generate Token button to generate Access and Refresh Tokens.
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Open your Google Sheets spreadsheet in the browser, e.g.:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QM6WmGloHeGCliCqV3nEj8P-R1RbS59t5xJutN99rU/edit
. -
Extract the spreadsheet Id from the URL and copy it to the clipboard, e.g.
1QM6WmGloHeGCliCqV3nEj8P-R1RbS59t5xJutN99rU
. -
Go back to authentication configuration window and paste it into Default SpreadsheetId field.
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Finally, click Test Connection to confirm the connection is working.
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Done! Now you are ready to use Google Sheets Connector!
Fill in all required parameters and set optional parameters if needed:
GoogleSheetsDSNGoogle SheetsUser Account [OAuth]https://sheets.googleapis.com/v4/spreadsheetsRequired Parameters UseCustomApp Fill-in the parameter... Scope Fill-in the parameter... Default SpreadSheetId Fill-in the parameter... Optional Parameters ClientId ClientSecret Default Tab Name (i.e. Sheet1) RetryMode RetryWhenStatusCodeMatch RetryStatusCodeList 403|429 RetryCountMax 5 Redirect URL (Only for Web App) Service accounts are accounts that do not represent a human user. They provide a way to manage authentication and authorization when a human is not directly involved, such as when an application needs to access Google Cloud resources. Service accounts are managed by IAM. [API reference]
Steps how to get and use Google Sheets credentials
Follow these steps on how to create Service Account to authenticate and access Google Sheets API in SSIS package or ODBC data source:
Step-1: Create project
This step is optional, if you already have a project in Google Cloud and can use it. However, if you don't, proceed with these simple steps to create one:
-
First of all, go to Google API Console.
-
Then click Select a project button and then click NEW PROJECT button:
-
Name your project and click CREATE button:
-
Wait until the project is created:
- Done! Let's proceed to the next step.
Step-2: Enable Google Cloud APIs
In this step we will enable Google Sheets API and Google Drive API:
-
Select your project on the top bar:
-
Then click the "hamburger" icon on the top left and access APIs & Services:
-
Now let's enable several APIs by clicking ENABLE APIS AND SERVICES button:
-
In the search bar search for
sheets
and then locate and select Google Sheets API: -
Then enable Google Sheets API:
-
Again, repeat the step and enable Google Drive API as well:
- Done! Let's proceed to the next step.
Step-3: Create Service Account
Use the steps below to create a Service Account in Google Cloud:
-
First of all, go to IAM & Admin in Google Cloud console:
-
Once you do that, click Service Accounts on the left side and click CREATE SERVICE ACCOUNT button:
-
Then name your service account and click CREATE AND CONTINUE button:
-
Continue by clicking Select a role dropdown and start granting service account Project Viewer roles:
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Find Project group and select Viewer role:
-
Finish adding roles by clicking CONTINUE button:
You can always add or modify permissions later in IAM & Admin. -
Finally, in the last step, just click button DONE:
-
Done! We are ready to add a Key to this service account in the next step.
Step-4: Add Key to Service Account
We are ready to add a Key (JSON or P12 key file) to the created Service Account:
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In Service Accounts open newly created service account:
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Next, copy email address of your service account for the later step:
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Continue by selecting KEYS tab, then press ADD KEY dropdown, and click Create new key menu item:
-
Finally, select JSON (Engine v19+) or P12 option and hit CREATE button:
- Key file downloads into your machine. We have all the data needed for authentication, let's proceed to the last step!
Step-5: Configure connection
-
Now go to SSIS package or ODBC data source and use previously copied values in User Account authentication configuration:
- In the Service Account Email field paste the service account Email address value you copied in the previous step.
- In the Service Account Private Key Path (i.e. *.json OR *.p12) field use downloaded certificate's file path.
-
Press Generate Token button to generate Access and Refresh Tokens.
-
Open your Google Sheets spreadsheet in the browser, e.g.:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QM6WmGloHeGCliCqV3nEj8P-R1RbS59t5xJutN99rU/edit
. -
Extract the spreadsheet Id from the URL and copy it to the clipboard, e.g.
1QM6WmGloHeGCliCqV3nEj8P-R1RbS59t5xJutN99rU
. -
Go back to authentication configuration window and paste it into Default SpreadsheetId field.
-
Finally, click Test Connection to confirm the connection is working.
-
Done! Now you are ready to use Google Sheets Connector!
Fill in all required parameters and set optional parameters if needed:
GoogleSheetsDSNGoogle SheetsService Account [OAuth]https://sheets.googleapis.com/v4/spreadsheetsRequired Parameters Service Account Email Fill-in the parameter... Service Account Private Key Path (i.e. *.json OR *.p12) Fill-in the parameter... Default SpreadSheetId Fill-in the parameter... Optional Parameters Scope https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive https://www.googleapis.com/auth/spreadsheets Default Tab Name (i.e. Sheet1) RetryMode RetryWhenStatusCodeMatch RetryStatusCodeList 403|429 RetryCountMax 5 Impersonate As (Enter Email Id) -
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Once the data source connection has been configured, it's time to configure the SQL query. Select the Preview tab and then click Query Builder button to configure the SQL query:
ZappySys API Driver - Google SheetsRead / write Google Sheets data inside your app, perform many Google Sheets operations without coding using easy to use high performance API Connector for Google SheetsGoogleSheetsDSN -
Start by selecting the Table or Endpoint you are interested in and then configure the parameters. This will generate a query that we will use in SAP Crystal Reports to retrieve data from Google Sheets. Hit OK button to use this query in the next step.
SELECT * FROM [Sheet1]
Some parameters configured in this window will be passed to the Google Sheets API, e.g. filtering parameters. It means that filtering will be done on the server side (instead of the client side), enabling you to get only the meaningful datamuch faster . -
Now hit Preview Data button to preview the data using the generated SQL query. If you are satisfied with the result, use this query in SAP Crystal Reports:
ZappySys API Driver - Google SheetsRead / write Google Sheets data inside your app, perform many Google Sheets operations without coding using easy to use high performance API Connector for Google SheetsGoogleSheetsDSNSELECT * FROM [Sheet1]
You can also access data quickly from the tables dropdown by selecting <Select table>.AWHERE
clause,LIMIT
keyword will be performed on the client side, meaning that thewhole result set will be retrieved from the Google Sheets API first, and only then the filtering will be applied to the data. If possible, it is recommended to use parameters in Query Builder to filter the data on the server side (in Google Sheets servers). -
Click OK to finish creating the data source.
Video Tutorial
Read data in SAP Crystal Reports from the ODBC data source
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First of all, open SAP Crystal Reports and create the new Crystal Report.
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And it will open the new data source selection window. Under ODBC(RDO) double click on the Make New Connection and Select the desired ODBC DSN, in our case we need to select GoogleSheetsDSN which we created in upper section. And Click on Next.
GoogleSheetsDSN -
Expand the Connection and under the data select the desired table(s) or view(s) and click Add > button and click on Next.
GoogleSheetsDSNGoogleSheetsDSN -
Add the desired Fields to Display in the Reports. Here we are adding all fields and click on Finish.
-
That's it and you will be able to load the data in the Report.
Using ZappySys Driver Custom Views and Stored Procedure in SAP Crystal Report
You can create parameterized Stored Procedure and Virtual Tables on the same Data Source (ODBC DSN or Data Gateway Data Source). Please refer to this article for the same. You can create procedures to encapsulate custom logic and then only pass handful parameters rather than long SQL to execute your API call.Using Custom Views in the SAP Crystal Report
After establishing the connection with GoogleSheetsDSN Data Source you can use the custom view in SQL Crystal Report.
Using Custom Stored Procedure in the SAP Crystal Report
-
First of all, create the custom stored procedure in the ZappySys Driver. Please refer to this article to create the custom stored procedure.
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After establishing the connection with GoogleSheetsDSN Data Source you can use the custom Stored Procedure in SQL Crystal Report. Same way you can write custom queries also in the query box.
GoogleSheetsDSN
Actions supported by Google Sheets Connector
Learn how to perform common Google Sheets actions directly in SAP Crystal Reports with these how-to guides:
- Clear Sheet Values
- Create SpreadSheet Tab
- Delete Sheet Rows / Columns
- Delete SpreadSheet Tab
- Execute Command(s)
- Get Sheet Properties / Tab information
- Insert Sheet Data (Append at the end)
- Read Sheet Data
- Update Sheet Data (Overwrite Cells)
- Generic Request
- Generic Request (Bulk Write)
Conclusion
In this article we showed you how to connect to Google Sheets in SAP Crystal Reports and integrate data without any coding, saving you time and effort. It's worth noting that ZappySys API Driver allows you to connect not only to Google Sheets, but to any Java application that supports JDBC (just use a different JDBC driver and configure it appropriately).
We encourage you to download Google Sheets Connector for SAP Crystal Reports and see how easy it is to use it for yourself or your team.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact ZappySys support team. You can also open a live chat immediately by clicking on the chat icon below.
Download Google Sheets Connector for SAP Crystal Reports Documentation
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