SnapLogic Tutorial

SnapLogic is a cloud-based integration platform that allows organizations to connect different data sources and applications. As the demand for data integration continues to grow, SnapLogic has become an increasingly popular tool in the market. Additionally, the platform offers a wide range of connectors and pre-built integration templates, making connecting to various data sources easier.

In addition, SnapLogic is recognized as a leader in Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice in Data Integration Tools. Most of the leading companies trust SnapLogic for their data integration needs.

Therefore, there is high demand for professionals with expertise in SnapLogic across organizations. This SnapLogic tutorial will help you learn all about SnapLogic - what it is, its architecture, how it works, and much more.

SnapLogic Tutorial - Table of Contents

What is SnapLogic? Why SnapLogic? SnapLogic Architecture How does SnapLogic work? SnapLogic Tools SnapLogic Connectors Building a SnapLogic Pipeline Data transformation in SnapLogic SnapLogic dashboard

What is SnapLogic?

SnapLogic is a data integration platform that allows you to connect different data sources and applications across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments.

In order to turn integration tasks and subtasks into modular ones, SnapLogic encapsulates the integration task complexity with snaps. A Snap can carry out a basic operation like reading data from a file or a sophisticated one like connecting to a Salesforce.com instance, analyzing the source data, and giving users complete access (data and functionality) to all standard and custom objects within Salesforce. Since Snaps are modular, integration is facilitated by their portability and reusability in a variety of systems.

The SnapLogic Integration Cloud includes:

1. Snaplex:

A self-upgrading execution network that transmits information across programs, databases, files, social networks, and large data sources. Based on the amount of data being processed or the integration flow specifications, the Snaplex can scale up or down elastically when operating in the cloud. The Snaplex can be set up to run on-premises and integrate systems.

2. SnapLogic Designer:

An HTML5-based tool to build integration workflows (pipelines), which are sets of Snaps connected in a specific order. Scripting is unnecessary because snaps may be connected via a visual drag-and-drop interface.

3. SnapLogic Manager:

Project, account, and connection administration are handled using the SnapLogic Manager. It also offers cluster management, failover, alerting, job scheduling, and notifications.

4.SnapLogic Monitoring Dashboard:

An interface to monitor the integration workloads performance locally or remotely. 

5. SnapStore:

An online platform where SnapLogic and its partners have made a selection of downloadable Snaps available. Through the SnapStore, independent software vendors (ISV) can sell their own Snaps.

Why SnapLogic?

Here are some of the key reasons why SnapLogic is important:

• SnapLogic offers an all-in-one platform for integration that streamlines the process and eliminates the need for various tools and technologies.
• SnapLogic is a cloud-native platform, which means it was created to take advantage of the cloud's elasticity, scalability, and flexibility. As business demands change, scaling up or down is simple.
• Even non-technical users can quickly design and deploy integrations using SnapLogic's drag-and-drop interface.
• SnapLogic includes pre-built connectors for a number of applications, data sources, and APIs, making it simple to connect to and interact with other systems.
• SnapLogic uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to automate numerous integration activities, which saves time and effort.

 

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SnapLogic Architecture

The architecture of SnapLogic is designed to be highly scalable, flexible, and extensible, to quickly and effectively aggregate data from a range of sources and applications. It adheres to a multi-layered architecture comprising multiple components to deliver a seamless integration experience.

Both the Control Plane and the Data Plane are components of the SnapLogic architecture. The data plane is where data processing takes place, whereas the control plane runs entirely on the cloud. The designer, Manager, and Monitor are the three main parts that make up the control plane.

There are also security controls for the platform as well as hardware and software load-balancing. A repository provides the metadata information on the pipelines and their extension for metadata. Since the control plane is a multi-tenant platform, all these operations are hosted in the cloud.

The execution space where your business data gets processed, snap Lexus, makes up the majority of the data plane. The Cloud Flex and Ground Flex models make up this Snap Lexus.

The layers of SnapLogic architecture include:

1. SnapLogic Designer Layer:

The SnapLogic Designer Layer, which is the uppermost layer of the architecture, is used by developers and designers to create and design integrations. It offers a visual interface for creating customized workflows, commonly referred to as pipelines, and dragging and dropping pre-built connectors.

2. SnapLogic Manager Layer:

Tools for managing the integration environment are available through the SnapLogic Manager Layer. This layer offers the ability to schedule, implement, and manage integrations in addition to the SnapLogic Dashboard for tracking the functionality and performance of the integration platform.

3. Monitor:

This layer provides tools for managing the security and compliance of the integrated data. This layer includes data masking, quality control, and metadata management.

 

Benefits of SnapLogic Architecture

• The architecture of SnapLogic makes it simple to integrate with different types of systems, including on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid systems. As a result, integrating existing systems with SnapLogic's platform is made simpler for enterprises.
• The self-service architecture of SnapLogic enables business users to effortlessly create and manage connectors without the aid of IT or developers. This facilitates the deployment of data integration initiatives more quickly and lessens the stress on IT staff.
• Users can create integrations easily with SnapLogic's low-code architecture without having to write a lot of code. Business users now find it simpler to develop integrations, which cuts down on implementation time and expense.
• SnapLogic was designed with security in mind. Data is always safeguarded by its strong safety features, which include encryption, access limits, and data masking.

Checkout: [ Customization in cloud ]

How does SnapLogic work?

Here are the basic steps that SnapLogic follows to perform integration:

1. Connection:

The first step is connecting to the various data sources and destinations. Over 700 pre-built connectors (Snaps) in SnapLogic make it simple to connect to various data sources, including Salesforce, SAP, and Oracle databases.

2. Design:

After connecting, users can create data pipelines or workflows using a drag-and-drop interface. A pipeline is a data flow picture showing how information is changed and transferred from source to destination. 

3. Transformation:

SnapLogic provides various transformation features such as filtering, mapping, aggregating, and splitting to modify the data as needed. 

4. Execution:

Once the pipeline is designed and configured, it can be executed on-demand or on a schedule. 

 

SnapLogic Tools

With the use of SnapLogic tools, organizations may more quickly and easily integrate data and apps, streamlining business operations and gaining new insights from their data.

1.SnapLogic Integration Cloud

SnapLogic Integration Cloud provides a visual, drag-and-drop interface that allows users to build integrations without the need for coding or complex scripting. It also offers pre-built connectors for a wide range of applications, databases, and systems, including popular cloud services such as Salesforce, NetSuite, and Workday and on-premises systems such as Oracle and SQL Server.

Data validation, error management, and auditing are just a few of the features the platform has to improve data quality and governance. 

2. SnapLogic eXtreme

SnapLogic eXtreme is an enterprise integration platform that allows businesses to connect various applications and data sources together to create a unified, real-time view of their business.

It also includes a range of pre-built connectors and templates for various applications and data sources. This makes it easier for businesses to quickly connect and integrate their various systems and data sources without the need for extensive custom development.

3. SnapLogic Manager

An interface that manages clusters, tasks, failovers, notifications, and alerts for projects, accounts, and connections. 

4. SnapLogic Designer

SnapLogic Designer allows users to connect to a range of data sources, including file systems, databases, and cloud-based applications, by using a library of pre-built connectors known as Snaps. These Snaps are designed to simplify the integration process, and they handle the complexity of connecting to the data sources and services, allowing users to focus on designing their data pipelines. The platform also includes a range of tools for data mapping, transformation, and validation, making it easy to ensure that data is formatted and processed correctly.

 

SnapLogic Connectors

SnapLogic connectors, which are pre-built connection components, make connecting to various systems, applications, and data sources simple. With the help of these connectors, customers may now immediately connect to a variety of cloud and on-premises services, such as enterprise apps, databases, file systems, social media platforms, and more.

Some of the popular connectors include:

• Salesforce Connector
• Workday Connector
• AWS Connector
• Oracle Connector
• SAP Connector

SnapLogic also offers connectors for popular social media platforms as well as various cloud storage services for their specific needs.

 

How to use connectors in SnapLogic?

Here are the steps to use connectors in SnapLogic:

1. Choose a connector:

SnapLogic offers various connectors to integrate with different systems and services. Choose the one that fits your needs.

2. Configuration:

Once you have selected a connector, you need to configure it to connect to the system or service you want to integrate with. 

3. Pipeline creation:

A pipeline is a sequence of tasks that performs a specific data integration operation. You need to add a connector as a Snap in the pipeline canvas to use a connector in a pipeline. 

4. Use the connector in a task:

Once you have added the connector Snap to the pipeline, you can use it in a task to perform a specific integration operation, such as extracting data from a source system or loading data into a target system. 

5. Test the pipeline:

Before running it, you should test it to ensure it functions as expected. To verify the pipeline and fix any problems, utilize the SnapLogic Debugger or Test Runner.+

 

Building a SnapLogic Pipeline

In SnapLogic, an integration task for data and apps is represented by a pipeline, which is a set of connected components. A pipeline can be as simple or as complicated as necessary, and it can have a wide range of components that carry out functions, including connecting to different data sources, altering data, and directing data to the right place.

How to create a new pipeline?

Creating a new Pipeline consists of the following activities:

• Open a Pipeline canvas in SnapLogic Designer
• Configure two or more linked Snaps together to direct  data flow between endpoints

To create a new Pipeline:

1. Click Add_Icon in Designer to open the Add New Pipeline dialog:

The Add New Pipeline dialog opens:

2. Modify the Label (Pipeline name). 

3. Choose the path to the target Project if you want to save the Pipeline to a different project than the one you most recently accessed. 

4. Select Resumable Mode to turn this pipeline into a resumable mode. 

5. To define the following Pipeline Properties, click Add_Icon: and add key/value pairs:  

• Error Pipeline Parameters
• Parameters
• Expression libraries

6. Click on the save button. Now you have a blank canvas to build your Pipeline.

Tips for designing an efficient pipeline

Here are some tips to keep in mind while designing an effective pipeline:

1. Keep the pipeline simple:

Keep in mind that a complex pipeline may be challenging to manage and debug. Break the pipeline into more manageable, smaller steps.

2. Optimize data flows:

Optimise data flows by minimizing the amount of information transferred between snaps and by utilizing aggregators and filters to make the data set smaller. This could enhance the pipeline's functionality.

3. Monitor the pipeline:

Check frequently to ensure it operates effectively after deployment. Track the pipeline's performance and spot any problems with SnapLogic's built-in monitoring tools.

4. Implement best practices:

When designing the pipeline, use best practices, such as error handling, logging, and auditing. By doing this, the pipeline's dependability and scalability can be improved.

 

Data Transformation in SnapLogic

Data transformation in SnapLogic involves manipulating, mapping, and converting data between different formats and structures to meet the desired output requirements.

Here are some common data transformation tasks that can be performed in SnapLogic:

1. Data Mapping:

SnapLogic enables users to map data between many sources, including APIs, files, and databases. This entails deciding which fields to extract data from, running data transformations and filters, and then mapping the extracted data fields to the corresponding fields in the target system.

2. Data aggregation:

SnapLogic provides a range of aggregation functions to summarize and group data from multiple sources.

3. Data enrichment:

Users of SnapLogic can enhance data by adding new fields or information to an existing data collection. 

4. Data formatting and normalization:

SnapLogic supports various data formats to transform data. Making sure that data is consistent and compatible across many platforms requires parsing and converting data as well as normalizing data structures.

 

SnapLogic Dashboard

SnapLogic Dashboard is a reporting interface that provides information on Snaplex instances and pipeline executions. The dashboard allows users to monitor the status of integrations, view data pipeline performance metrics, and track the progress of data flows.

• The Health tab shows the available Snaplex instances, whether up or down, and their CPU and memory usage. Green resembles running Snaplex instances, yellow resembles instances that were shut down, and red indicates a system crash. 
• The Pipeline tab displays the Pipeline Run History.
• The Task tab shows the information on the execution status of scheduled and triggered tasks for a certain period of time.
• The Snaplex tab shows graphs for active nodes, executed nodes, and the distribution of Pipelines. By choosing the duration buttons, you may alter the length of time that is shown in each graph and choose the data for particular nodes. 
• The Insights tab, which is exclusively accessible to org admins, provides interactive graphs that let you see data on the execution of pipelines at the org level for a certain time period.
• You can view a document's historical pedigree in connection to the Pipelines that processed it by using the Lineage tab.
• Graphs for the APIs in your Org are shown in the API tab. Selecting the duration buttons will allow you to view use and response error stats.

 

SnapLogic FAQs

Q1) What is SnapLogic? 

Ans: SnapLogic is a reliable and user-friendly integration platform allowing organizations to connect their applications, systems, and data sources quickly and easily. The platform provides a visual user interface and pre-built connections, or "snaps," that ease the integration process and enable integration creation and administration for non-technical users.

Q2) What are the key features of SnapLogic?

Ans: Some of the key features of SnapLogic include:

1. Cloud-native platform

SnapLogic is a cloud-based platform that may be used with any cloud or on-premises architecture. This offers flexibility and scalability for organizations that need to integrate data and applications across many environments.

2. Snap-based approach

SnapLogic uses pre-built connections known as snaps to connect various applications and data sources. Building integration pipelines is simple with Snaps because of their graphical drag-and-drop interface.

3. Low code platform

SnapLogic is a low-code platform that does not require in-depth coding knowledge due to its drag-and-drop user interface and pre-built snaps. This makes creating and managing integration pipelines simple for non-technical users.

4. Real-time integration

SnapLogic provides real-time integration capabilities to process data as it is generated for organizations.

Q3) What are the benefits of using SnapLogic?

Ans: The following are the benefits of using SnapLogic:

• SnapLogic is built on a cloud-native architecture that is highly scalable and can handle large volumes of data.
• It supports a wide range of data formats to integrate with different systems regardless of their underlying technology.
• It provides enterprise-grade security features to protect and access data from authorized users.
• SnapLogic offers cost-effective options for all sizes of organizations.

Q4) How does SnapLogic integrate with other systems?

Ans: SnapLogic integrates with other systems through its pre-built connections, or "Snaps," which are accessible through different systems, including cloud apps, databases, social media platforms, and more. These Snaps offer many functionalities, including data transformation, validation, and routing, and are made to handle various forms of data, including files, messages, and events.

Q5) How can SnapLogic be used for data integration?

Ans: For creating data integration pipelines between various systems, databases, and applications, SnapLogic offers a visual interface. Users can design a workflow that transfers data from one source to another by dragging and dropping pre-built connections known as Snaps.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, SnapLogic offers a comprehensive data integration platform that helps companies to manage their data and apps across multiple environments. With a strong focus on innovation, SnapLogic continues to be a trusted partner for organizations looking to enhance their data integration needs in the future.

With our SnapLogic Training, you can get one step ahead of others, be a part of this dynamic field, and promote the successful transformation of the business world with effective data integration.