SAP BW 7.4: A Practical Guide for Data Modeling, ETL, Reporting, and More

- Can have master data, texts, hierarchies, or units- Can have different types, such as characteristics, key figures, time characteristics, or units Master Data A type of InfoObject that stores the descriptive and hierarchical information of your data - Can be used to classify and group your data- Can have texts, hierarchies, or attributes- Can have different types, such as generic master data, business content master data, or customer master data DataStore Object (DSO) A type of InfoProvider that stores the transactional and consolidated data of your data - Can be used to store detailed and granular data- Can have three tables: active table, change log table, and activation queue table- Can have different types, such as standard DSO, write-optimized DSO, direct update DSO, or Advanced DSO (ADSO) InfoCube A type of InfoProvider that stores the multidimensional and aggregated data of your data - Can be used to store summarized and precalculated data- Can have two tables: fact table and dimension table- Can have different types, such as standard InfoCube, real-time InfoCube, virtual InfoCube, or Hybrid provider based on an InfoCube InfoProvider A logical view of your data that provides a basis for reporting and analysis - Can be used to combine and join multiple data models- Can have different types, such as DSOs, InfoCubes, MultiProviders, Composite providers, Open ODS views, Transient providers, or Virtual providers ## Data Extraction and Transformation in SAP BW 7.4 Data extraction and transformation is the process of connecting your source systems to SAP BW and loading and transforming your source data into your target data models. Data extraction and transformation is crucial for ensuring the availability and accuracy of your data. In SAP BW 7.4, data extraction and transformation has been improved and expanded with new sources and options, such as: - Operational Data Provisioning (ODP) that provides a new framework for extracting data from various sources - SAP HANA Smart Data Integration (SDI) that allows you to access any source system via adapters - SAP Landscape Transformation (SLT) that allows you to replicate real-time changes from source systems to SAP BW - New transformation options that allow you to use ABAP routines, expert routines, start/end routines, or field-based routines .4, such as: - The Data Transfer Process (DTP) that allows you to load data from one InfoProvider to another - The Transformation tool that allows you to map and transform data between source and target fields - The Data Load Monitor that allows you to monitor and manage the status and performance of your data loads - The Process Chain tool that allows you to schedule and automate your data loads and other tasks You will also learn how to use the different sources and options for extracting data in SAP BW 7.4, such as: - Extracting data from SAP sources, such as SAP ERP, SAP CRM, SAP APO, or SAP HANA - Extracting data from non-SAP sources, such as flat files, databases, web services, or third-party applications - Extracting data using ODP, SDI, SLT, or other methods - Extracting data using delta or full load modes - Extracting data using real-time or batch modes Here is an example of a table that shows the different types of sources and options for extracting data in SAP BW 7.4 and their main features: Source/Option Description Features --- --- --- SAP Source A source system that is based on SAP software - Can use standard extractors or custom extractors- Can use ODP or traditional methods- Can use delta or full load modes- Can use real-time or batch modes Non-SAP Source A source system that is not based on SAP software - Can use flat files, databases, web services, or third-party applications- Can use SDI, SLT, or other methods- Can use delta or full load modes- Can use real-time or batch modes ODP A new framework for extracting data from various sources - Can use ODP-enabled extractors or ODP contexts- Can use ODP API or ODP Cockpit- Can support delta or full load modes- Can support real-time or batch modes SDI A new feature that allows you to access any source system via adapters - Can use different types of adapters, such as database adapters, file adapters, or custom adapters- Can use replication tasks or virtual tables- Can support delta or full load modes- Can support real-time or batch modes SLT A new feature that allows you to replicate real-time changes from source systems to SAP BW - Can use trigger-based or log-based replication methods- Can use configuration tables or transformation rules- Can support delta load mode only- Can support real-time mode only ## Reporting and Analytics in SAP BW 7.4 Reporting and analytics is the process of accessing, presenting, and exploring your data in SAP BW. Reporting and analytics is vital for providing information and insights to your business users and stakeholders. In SAP BW 7.4, reporting and analytics has been enhanced and integrated with new capabilities and products, such as: - New query execution modes that allow you to run queries in SAP BW or SAP HANA - New query design options that allow you to use variables, conditions, exceptions, formulas, hierarchies, and more - New web application design options that allow you to use templates, layouts, charts, maps, filters, and more - New integration options with SAP Lumira, SAP BusinessObjects BI Platform, and SAP HANA Studio In this chapter of the guide, you will learn how to use the different tools and options for reporting and analysis in SAP BW 7.4, such as: - BEx Query Designer that allows you to create queries based on InfoProviders - BEx Web Application Designer that allows you to create web applications based on queries - BEx Analyzer that allows you to analyze data in Microsoft Excel - BEx Web Analyzer that allows you to analyze data in a web browser - BEx Report Designer that allows you to create formatted reports based on queries You will also learn how to use the different products and options for data visualization and exploration in SAP BW 7.4, such as: - SAP Lumira that allows you to create visual stories based on SAP BW data - SAP BusinessObjects BI Platform that allows you to access and share SAP BW data via various BI tools - SAP HANA Studio that allows you to explore SAP BW data via SQL queries or calculation views Here is an example of a table that shows the different types of tools and products for reporting and analysis in SAP BW 7.4 and their main features: Tool/Product Description Features --- --- --- BEx Query Designer A tool that allows you to create queries based on InfoProviders - Can use different types of query elements, such as characteristics, key figures, structures, cells, or conditions- Can use different types of query properties, such as filters, variables, exceptions, formulas, or hierarchies- Can use different types of query execution modes, such as SAP BW mode or SAP HANA mode BEx Web Application Designer A tool that allows you to create web applications based on queries - Can use different types of web items, such as templates, layouts, charts, maps, filters, or buttons- Can use different types of web properties, such as data binding, data provider, events, or actions- Can use different types of web formats, such as HTML, MHTML, or PDF BEx Analyzer A tool that allows you to analyze data in Microsoft Excel - Can use different types of Excel features, such as formulas, charts, pivot tables, or macros- Can use different types of BEx features, such as navigation pane, filter pane, design mode, or analysis mode- Can use different types of BEx functions, such as refresh, drilldown, filter, or sort BEx Web Analyzer A tool that allows you to analyze data in a web browser - Can use different types of web features, such as charts, tables, filters, or bookmarks- Can use different types of BEx features, such as navigation toolbar, filter toolbar, design toolbar, or analysis toolbar- Can use different types of BEx functions, such as refresh, drilldown, filter, or sort BEx Report Designer A tool that allows you to create formatted reports based on queries - Can use different types of report elements, such as headers, footers, texts, images, or tables- Can use different types of report properties, such as styles, formats, conditions, or variables- Can use different types of report formats, such as PDF, RTF, or HTML SAP Lumira A product that allows you to create visual stories based on SAP BW data - Can use different types of data sources, such as SAP BW queries, SAP HANA views, or local files- Can use different types of data manipulation functions, such as cleanse, enrich, merge, or transform- Can use different types of visualization options, such as charts, maps, stories, or infographics SAP BusinessObjects BI Platform A product that allows you to access and share SAP BW data via various BI tools - Can use different types of BI tools, such as Web Intelligence, Crystal Reports, Dashboards, or Analysis for Office- Can use different types of BI features, such as universes, publications, schedules, or alerts- Can use different types of BI formats, such as PDF, Excel, PowerPoint, or HTML SAP HANA Studio A product that allows you to explore SAP BW data via SQL queries or calculation views - Can use different types of SQL features, such as select, join, group by, or order by- Can use different types of calculation view features, such as graphical view, scripted view, aggregation view, or join view- Can use different types of calculation view options such as filters variables exceptions or hierarchies ## Planning Applications in SAP BW 7.4 Planning applications are applications that allow you to plan and forecast your business data in SAP BW. Planning applications are important for supporting your business processes and scenarios. , planning applications have been enhanced and integrated with new scenarios and interfaces, such as: - New planning scenarios that allow you to plan with DSOs, Composite providers, or Open ODS views - New planning interfaces that allow you to use Analysis for Office, Design Studio, or SAP HANA Studio for planning input and output - New planning features that allow you to use disaggregation, currency conversion, unit conversion, or comments for planning data In this chapter of the guide, you will learn how to create and use the different types of planning applications in SAP BW 7.4, such as: - Integrated Planning (BW-IP) that allows you to create planning applications based on InfoProviders - Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) that allows you to create planning applications based on BPC models - Planning Applications Kit (PAK) that allows you to optimize your planning applications for SAP HANA performance and features You will also learn how to use the different tools and options for planning input and output in SAP BW 7.4, such as: - Analysis for Office that allows you to input and output planning data in Microsoft Excel - Design Studio that allows you to input and output planning data in a web browser - SAP HANA Studio that allows you to input and output planning data via SQL queries or calculation views Here is an example of a table that shows the different types of planning applications and tools in SAP BW 7.4 and their main features: Planning Application/Tool Description Features --- --- --- Integrated Planning (BW-IP) A type of planning application that is based on InfoProviders - Can use different types of InfoProviders, such as DSOs, InfoCubes, Composite providers, or Open ODS views- Can use different types of planning functions, such as copy, delete, revaluate, distribute, or forecast- Can use different types of planning sequences, such as local sequences, global sequences, or process chains Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) A type of planning application that is based on BPC models - Can use different types of BPC models, such as standard models or embedded models- Can use different types of BPC features, such as business rules, work status, security, or audit- Can use different types of BPC functions, such as allocations, currency translations, or consolidations Planning Applications Kit (PAK) A type of feature that optimizes your planning applications for SAP HANA performance and features - Can use different types of PAK features, such as in-memory execution, parallel processing, or delta handling- Can use different types of PAK options, such as activation, migration, or monitoring- Can use different types of PAK functions, such as FOX formulas, ABAP routines, or AMDP procedures Analysis for Office A tool that allows you to input and output planning data in Microsoft Excel - Can use different types of Excel features, such as formulas, charts, pivot tables, or macros- Can use different types of Analysis features, such as data sources, components, design mode, or analysis mode- Can use different types of Analysis functions, such as refresh, drilldown, filter, or sort Design Studio A tool that allows you to input and output planning data in a web browser - Can use different types of web features, such as charts, tables, filters, or bookmarks- Can use different types of Design features, such as data sources, components, layouts, or scripts- Can use different types of Design functions, such as refresh, drilldown, filter, or sort SAP HANA Studio A tool that allows you to input and output planning data via SQL queries or calculation views - Can use different types of SQL features, such as select, join, group by, or order by- Can use different types of calculation view features, such as graphical view, scripted view, aggregation view, or join view- Can use different types of calculation view options such as filters variables exceptions or hierarchies ## SAP BW on SAP HANA SAP BW on SAP HANA is a deployment option that allows you to run your SAP BW system on SAP HANA as the underlying database. SAP BW on SAP HANA is beneficial for improving the performance and scalability of your SAP BW system. , SAP BW on SAP HANA has been enhanced and integrated with new features and options, such as: - New migration options that allow you to migrate your existing SAP BW system to SAP HANA - New optimization options that allow you to optimize your SAP BW system for SAP HANA performance and features - New administration options that allow you to administer and monitor your SAP BW system on SAP HANA In this chapter of the guide, you will learn how to migrate and optimize your SAP BW system for SAP HANA, such as: - How to prepare and plan your migration project - How to choose and execute the best migration method for your scenario - How to optimize your data models and data loads for SAP HANA - How to optimize your queries and reports for SAP HANA - How to optimize your planning applications for SAP HANA You will also learn how to administer and monitor your SAP BW system on SAP HANA, such as: - How to use the new administration tools in SAP HANA Studio - How to use the new monitoring tools in SAP Solution Manager - How to use the new troubleshooting tools in SAP HANA Cockpit - How to use the new backup and recovery tools in SAP HANA - How to use the new security and authorization tools in SAP HANA Here is an example of a table that shows the different types of migration and optimization options for SAP BW on SAP HANA and their main features: Migration/Optimization Option Description Features --- --- --- Database Migration Option (DMO) A migration method that allows you to migrate your database and upgrade your SAP BW system in one step - Can use different types of DMO features, such as SUM tool, downtime optimization, or near-zero downtime- Can use different types of DMO options, such as migration object selection, table splitting, or table distribution- Can use different types of DMO functions, such as prechecks, data transfer, or post-migration activities In-memory Optimization An optimization method that allows you to optimize your data models and data loads for SAP HANA - Can use different types of in-memory optimization features, such as columnar storage, compression, or partitioning- Can use different types of in-memory optimization options, such as ADSOs, Open ODS views, or Composite providers- Can use different types of in-memory optimization functions, such as activation, migration, or conversion Query Execution Optimization An optimization method that allows you to optimize your queries and reports for SAP HANA - Can use different types of query execution optimization features, such as pushdown, calculation engine, or OLAP cache- Can use different types of query execution optimization options, such as query execution modes, query properties, or query monitor- Can use different types of query execution optimization functions, such as runtime statistics, explain plan, or SQL trace ## Conclusion In this article, we have given you an overview of the SAP BW 7.4 Practical Guide PDF 28, a comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of SAP BW 7.4. We have shown you the outline of the guide and some highlights and examples from each chapter. By reading this guide, you will be able to master SAP BW 7.4 and use it effectively for your business intelligence needs. You will learn how to create and manage data models, extract and transform data, report and analyze data, create planning applications, and run SAP BW on SAP HANA. If you want to download the guide and access all the details and instructions, you can click on this link: [https://www.sap-press.com/sap-bw-74-practical-guide_3733/](https://www.sap-press.com/sap-bw-74-practical-guide_3733/) We hope you have enjoyed this article and found it useful. Thank you for your time and attention. ## FAQs Here are some frequently asked questions about the SAP BW 7.4 Practical Guide PDF 28: Q: What are the prerequisites for reading this guide? A: You should have a basic understanding of SAP BW concepts and terminology. You should also have access to an SAP BW 7.4 system or higher. Q: What are the benefits of reading this guide? A: You will be able to learn from a practical perspective how to work with SAP BW 7.4. You will be able to follow step-by-step instructions with guiding screenshots that will answer your questions and get you working in your own SAP BW system. You will also be able to find helpful supplements and bonus material, such as transaction codes, SAP Notes, data for the case study, and sample code downloads. Q: What are the differences between this guide and other SAP BW books? A: This guide is focused on SAP BW 7.4 and its new features and enhancements. It covers all aspects of SAP BW 7.4, from data modeling, to data extraction and transformation, to reporting and analytics, to planning applications, to SAP BW on SAP HANA. It also provides a comprehensive case study that illustrates how to apply the concepts and techniques in a real-world scenario. Q: How can I get the most out of this guide? A: You can get the most out of this guide by reading it in sequence and following the instructions and examples in your own SAP BW system. You can also use the guide as a reference for specific topics or tasks that you need to perform. You can also use the guide as a learning tool by completing the exercises and quizzes at the end of each chapter. Q: How can I provide feedback or ask questions about this guide? A: You can provide feedback or ask questions about this guide by contacting the authors or the publisher. You can find their