NetWeaver Business Warehouse (BW) and SAP ERP
Ingo Hilgefort, Director, Customer Engagement and Projects
SAP BusinessObjects (Canada) (SAP Mentor)
This presentation outlines our general product direction and should not be relied on in
making a purchase decision. This presentation is not subject to your license agreement
or any other agreement with SAP. SAP has no obligation to pursue any course of
business outlined in this presentation or to develop or release any functionality
mentioned in this presentation. This presentation and SAP's strategy and possible future
developments are subject to change and may be changed by SAP at any time for any
reason without notice. This document is provided without a warranty of any kind, either
express or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability,
fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. SAP assumes no responsibility for
errors or omissions in this document, except if such damages were caused by SAP
intentionally or grossly negligent.
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP ERP
Data Connectivity and Meta-Data Support
Performance Considerations
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BW
Supporting BEx Query Elements
Prompting using SAP Variables
Performance Considerations
Hierarchical Reporting Capabilities
Best Practices on BEx Query Design
Data Connectivity and Meta-Data Support
Semantic Layer Access to SAP ERP
Classic InfoSets
ABAP Functions
ABAP Query
Direct Access to SAP ERP
Crystal Reports 2011
InfoSets, ABAP Functions, Tables, and ABAP Queries
Transient Provider
Leverage the local BI Client from your ERP System
Allows to leverage classic InfoSets as data source
Allows to leverage a BEx Query with direct access to
ERP data using the BICS interface
Data Connectivity and Meta-Data Support
Semantic Layer Data Foundation
ABAP Functions are grouped by Function Group
Each Table and Export is shown as separate table in the Data
Foundation
Input parameters from the ABAP Function are mapped to Input
Columns
InfoSets are grouped first by Global / Local area
Entry INFOSET is listing all InfoSets
All other entries represent User Groups listing the InfoSet queries
Selections from the InfoSet which are not included in the
InfoSet fields will result in Input Columns
InfoSet in SAP ERP
InfoSet in Universe
ABAP Function in SAP ERP
ABAP Function in Universe
Crystal Reports & ABAP List Viewer (ALV)
This integration becomes available with SAP Business Suite Innovation 2010 (ERP 6.0 EHP 05 / NW
7.02)
You will be able to use Crystal Reports objects as layout option for Web Dynpro ALV and SAP GUI ALV
layouts
You will be able to create Crystal Reports objects as templates for all users
Crystal Reports objects become part of the software logistics of the ALV
Performance Considerations
Performance Considerations
In cases where the required data is available via more than one ABAP Function or InfoSet, consider to
create one source = one new InfoSet or one new ABAP function, combining the data.
Leverage scheduling from the SAP BusinessObjects BI platform to “off load” the work for those reports
that are not needed in “real time”
Current Limitation
In cases where your source (InfoSet or ABAP Function) already contains input parameters or selections
creating List of Values becomes “difficult”
You can leverage additional InfoSets or ABAP Functions to provide the list of values
You can create new InfoSets or ABAP Functions without any input parameters and create the parameters
in the Universe
Business
Users
M fg Sa le s … HR FinSAP Solutions
ETL
Mappings
Reporting Content
Data Marts
SAP BusinessObjects Rapid Marts
+
+
SAP BusinessObjects
Data Services
SAP BusinessObjects
BI
Universes, Initial reports
+ Dashboards
DB schema + Data
Models
Performance Considerations
Easily
modifiable templates
that combine domain knowledge and best practices in data
extraction and data modeling to produce customizable reporting content for quick and easy SAP
analytical implementations
Instantaneous
transactions -
results-to-actions
Empowerment
for front-line
employees
Unified view of
operations
without delay
Out-of-the-Box
Custom-built
Open Interface
Customer Extensions
Personalized Views Personalized Views Personalized ViewsPrivate Views
Reuse Views
Physical Tables
SAP- delivered Query ViewsSAP HANA Analytics Foundation (VDM)
Multi-channel Unified User ExperienceSAP Business Suite
SAP NetWeaver S A P Net W e a v e r BW New S A P A p p s P a rt n e r A p p s
SAP HANA PLATFORM
Database Services Synchronizations Services
Application Services
Operational
Reporting
Immediate rollout
with no integration
challenges
Rapid
Deployment
Solutions
Easy
extension and
customization
Personalized Views Personalized Views Personalized Views Private Views Reuse Views Physical Tables SAP- delivered Query ViewsCustomer Extensions
SAP HANA Analytics Foundation (VDM)
SAP BusinessObjects BI
Direct Access
Data Connectivity Options
Reporting
Authored Access
BI Consumer Services (BICS)
SAP NetWeaver BW
SAP HANA
InfoProvider
BEx Query
BI 4.x Relational Universe (UNX) XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Direct Access
Data Connectivity Options
Authored Access
BI Consumer Services (BICS)
SAP NetWeaver BW
SAP HANA
InfoProvider
BEx Query
BI 4.x Relational Universe (UNX) XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Discovery and Analysis
Visual Intelligence Explorer Analysis
JDBC
Direct Access
Data Connectivity Options
Authored Access
BI Consumer Services (BICS)
SAP NetWeaver BW
SAP HANA
InfoProvider
BEx Query
BI 4.x Relational Universe (UNX) XI 3.1 Relational Universe (UNV)
Dashboards and Apps
Dashboards
Design Studio
Data Connectivity Options
Direct dimensional access to your BEx Queries
No need to create a Universe
Support of hierarchies and dimensional metadata
Hierarchical query panel
Member selector
Hierarchical navigation
Member functions
Hierarchical report output
Hierarchical columns
Fold unfold
Level totals
Hierarchical graphics
Multi-data provider synchronization
Data Connectivity Options
When should you use the direct connection to the BEx Query (BICS)?
Invested in cube and query design and elements such as hierarchies, variables,
calculated/restricted key figures, …
When should you use the relational Universe option?
Want to combine SAP BW with other sources (SAP or non SAP)
… and elements as hierarchies are not required
Relational Universe (UNX) vs Direct Access (BICS)
BEx Query Element
Direct Access (BICS)
Relational Universe
Calculated Key Figures
Restricted Key Figures
Variables
Conditions
Unit / Currency Conversion
Display Attributes
Hierarchies
Custom Structures
BI Authorizations (security)
Relational Universe (UNX) vs Direct Access (BICS)
BEx Query Element
Relational Universe
Possible Workaround
Calculated Key Figures
Define calculated measures as part of the Universe
Restricted Key Figures
Define measures with filter as part of the Universe
Variables
Define prompts as part of the Universes or Web
Intelligence Query Panel.
Not possible for EXIT variables or variables filled
through authorizations.
Conditions
Define measures with filter as part of the Universe
Unit / Currency Conversion
Possible with manual modeling of tables with
conversion rates in the SAP BusinessObjects Universe
Designer and joins in Data Federator.
Display Attributes
Hierarchies
No workaround possible
Custom Structures
BI Authorizations (security)
Relational Universe (UNX) vs Direct Access (BICS)
Functionality
Direct Access (BICS)
Relational Universe
Re-uses existing BEx queries
(uses InfoProvider not BEx Query)
Support for ERP 6 Transient Provider
(uses InfoProvider not BEx Query)
Connection is shared across BI Suite
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards (Xcelsius)
Explorer
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office
Analysis, edition for OLAP
Design Studio
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards (Xcelsius)
Explorer
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office
Analysis, edition for OLAP
Design Studio
Connection can point to multiple BEx
queries / InfoProvider
One Universe per InfoProvider or
combination of InfoProvider
Allows customization of objects
Only via BEx Query Designer
Creation of custom objects
Only via BEx Query Designer
Creation of custom calculations
Only via BEx Query Designer
Additional Options with SAP NetWeaver BW on SAP HANA options
The integration of SAP Visual Intelligence and SAP BusinessObjects Explorer with SAP
NetWeaver BW on SAP HANA is based on the SAP HANA in-memory capabilities and
leverages the
–
HANA views generated based on BW meta data and directly created on top of the underlying tables of
BW InfoProviders
–
HANA security model
–
HANA modeler for extension of generated views
By using HANA’s own repository, its modeling capabilities and security model the SAP
NetWeaver BW on SAP HANA integration with SAP Visual Intelligence and SAP
BusinessObjects Explorer maximizes the capabilities of the SAP HANA engine especially as
the SAP HANA capabilities advance.
Additional Options with SAP NetWeaver BW on SAP HANA options
Current Limitations:
Following features are not supported on the generated SAP HANA models:
DSO without any key figure
Authorization on Key Figures
Currency and Unit of Measure Conversion
NOTE: Only currency mapping is supported and not the conversion.
Time dependent text and attributes
Non-cumulative key figures
Conversion routines in the BW system
Exception aggregation like, average, counter, first value, last value, no aggregation, standard deviation is
not supported for generated measures.
Following features are not supported on generated analytic privileges:
Exclude operator not supported
Aggregated value operator ‘:’ is not supported
Variables of type User exits are not supported
Authorization on Key Figures are not supported
Additional Options with SAP NetWeaver BW on SAP HANA options
Technical Pre-requisites:
SAP Notes 1703061, 1759172, 1752384 and 1733519 have been implemented
SAP HANA Modeler SP04 Revision 37
BW schema has been added in the SQL privileges for the Modeler user to import BW models
Further Details
https://scn.sap.com/docs/DOC-32264
Walkthrough
http://www.experiencesaphana.com/community/blogs/blog/2012/09/27/modeler-unplugged-episode-11--importing-bw-models-as-native-hana-models
http://www.experiencesaphana.com/community/blogs/blog/2012/10/04/modeler-unplugged-episode-12--understanding-hana-models-imported-from-bw
http://www.experiencesaphana.com/community/blogs/blog/2012/10/11/modeler-unplugged-episode-13--exploring-data-for-hana-models-imported-from-bw
Support for BEx Query Elements across the BI Suite
When should you use the direct connection to the BEx Query (BICS)?
Invested in cube and query design and elements such as hierarchies, variables,
calculated/restricted key figures, …
When should you use the relational Universe option?
Want to combine SAP BW with other sources (SAP or non SAP)
… and elements as hierarchies are not required
Supported meta-data & functionality
The following tables outline the level of support for BEx query elements and
typical BEx query functionality for all BI client tools based on SAP
BusinessObjects BI 4 Service Pack 05.
For SAP BusinessObjects Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office these slides
evaluate version 1.3 of the product.
For SAP BusinessObjects Design Studio these slides evaluate version 1.0 of
the product.
Supported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design Studio
InfoProvider Dimension No No No No No No Yes No
Characteristics Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Key Figures Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Free Characteristics Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Restricted Key Figures Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Calculated Key Figures Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Display Attributes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Navigational Attributes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
BEx Query Filter Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Defaults (4) Yes Yes No No No No No Yes
Supported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design Studio
Custom Key Figure Structure Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Custom Characteristic Structure Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Hierarchical Custom Key Figure
Structure Yes Yes No No No No No Yes
Hierarchical Custom
Characteristic Structure Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Selection of elements of a
custom structure in the report Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Support for 2 structures from
BEx Query Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Supported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design Studio
Support for Characteristic Data
Type NUMC Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Support for Characteristic Data
Type CHAR Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Support for Characteristic Data
Type DATS Yes Yes
Key Value as String. Description Value as Date Key Value as String. Description Value as Date Key Value as String. Description Value as Date
Yes Yes Yes
Support for Characteristic Data
Type TIMS Yes Yes
As String Value Only
As String Value Only
As String
Value Only Yes Yes Yes
Support for Key Figures Data
Type Amount / Quantity Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Support for Key Figures Data
Type DATS Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Support for Key Figures Data
Type TIMS Yes Yes
As String Value Only
As String Value Only
As String
Value Only Yes Yes Yes
Information about configured
Filters in the BEx Query Yes No No No No No No No
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Type Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design StudioOptional Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Mandatory Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
No (only with Default Values)
Characteristic Value Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Formula Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Hierarchy Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Hierarchy Node Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Hierarchy Version Variable Yes Yes No No No No No Yes
Key Date Variable Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Processing Type
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design Studio
User Entry / Default Value Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Replacement Path Yes Yes Yes (3) Yes (3) Yes (3) Yes No Yes
Customer / SAP Exits Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Authorization Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
(3) To be able to use BEx Queries with Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards the
BEx queries need to be configured to allow external access in the BEx Query Designer. For limits of BEx queries which are released
for external access please also take a look at SAP Note 820925.
In particular for the for the variable processing type Replacement Path:
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Presentation Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design StudioSingle Value Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes (6)
Multiple Single Value Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes (6)
Interval / Range Value Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes (6)
Selection Option Yes Yes Limited
Support (2)
Limited Support (2)
Limited
Support (2) Yes No Yes (6)
Selection Option Operator Functionality (except Contains Pattern)
Yes Yes Limited
Support (2)
Limited Support (2)
Limited
Support (2) Yes No Yes (6)
Selection Option Operator
Functionality - Contains Pattern No No
Limited Support (2) Limited Support (2) Limited Support (2) Yes No No
Selection Option Include /
Exclude Functionality Yes Yes
Limited Support (2)
Limited Support (2)
Limited
Support (2) Yes No Yes (6)
PreCalculated Value Set Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes (6)
(2) Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards are creating range variables for a selection
option variable from a BEx Query. In addition the option to include or exclude values and to select an operator is not supported.
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design StudioSupport for manual entry of
values Yes Yes No No No Yes - NA - Yes
Support for Variables in Defaults
Area of BEx Query Yes Yes No No No No No Yes
Support for single Key Date
Variable Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Support for multiple Key Date
Variables in single BEx Query Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes
Support for Hierarchy / Hierarchy Node Variable dependency
Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes
Support for cascading variables
for Compounded Characteristics Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No - NA - Yes
Support for Variable Default
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design StudioCopy / Paste variable values
from clipboard Yes No No No No No - NA -
Planned for release 1.1
Filling variable values from Microsoft Excel File
Planned for
release 1.4 No No No No No - NA - No
Merge / Unmerge Variables Yes Planned for
release 4.1 No Yes No No - NA -
Planned for release 1.1
Defining Variable Sequence in
the report No No Yes
Planned for
release 4.1 No No - NA - No
Variable Sequence based on
BEx Query Designer Yes Yes Yes Yes No No - NA -
Planned for release 1.1
Support for validating values
before executing the report Yes Yes No No No No - NA -
Planned for release 1.1
Read Mode for list of values
(master data, InfoCube) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No - NA -
Planned for release 1.1
Supported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design Studio Currency / Unit Conversion
defined in BEx Query Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Currency / Unit Conversion
(Runtime) Yes No No No No No
Possible with
manual modeling No
Condition in Rows
(from BEx Query) Yes Yes
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
Yes
No Not planned for
future release
Yes Condition in Columns
(from BEx Query) Yes Yes
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
Yes
No Not planned for
future release
Yes Conditions for fixed set of
characteristics (from BEx Query) Yes Yes
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
Yes
No Not planned for
future release
Yes Condition for independent
characteristics (from BEx Query) Yes Yes
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
Yes
No Not planned for
future release
Yes
Defining Conditions in the report Yes Yes Yes (5) Yes (5) Yes (5) No - NA - No
Exceptions (from BEx Query) Yes Planned for
release 4.1
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
- NA -
No Not planned for
future release
Planned for release1.1
Defining Exceptions in the report Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - NA - - NA - No
Constant Selection Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - NA - Yes
(5) the BI clients are able to create condition type of filters (for example, Top N) in the report but these filters are applied after the data has been retrieved from SAP NetWeaver BW
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Type Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design StudioCell Editor Calculation Yes Yes Limited
Support (6)
Limited Support (6)
Limited
Support (6) No No Yes
Local calculations (defined in
BEx Query) Yes Yes No No No Yes No Yes
Defining Calculations in the
report (at run time) Yes Yes No Yes No Yes - NA - No
Exception Aggregation Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Zero Suppression Yes Yes No No No Yes No Yes
Read Mode for characteristics
(master data, InfoCube) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
(6) Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards to support BEx queries with two structures and cell definitions created with the cell editor but in cases where the cell definition combines different data types, the resulting output in these BI clients will be a string value instead of a numeric value.
Supported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design Studio
Scaling Factor Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - NA - Yes (7)
Reverse Sign (+/-) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - NA - Yes (7)
Number of Decimals Yes Yes
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
- NA - Yes (7)
Hide / Show the Element Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - NA - Yes (7)
Sort Characteristics Yes Yes No No No Yes - NA - Yes (7)
Display Options for
characteristics (Key, Key & Text, Text) Yes Yes Elements can be included as part of the report design Elements can be included as part of the report design Elements can be included as part of the report design Yes - NA - Yes (7)
Result Rows (Show, Suppress) Yes Yes No No No No - NA - Yes (7)
Placement of subtotal (above /
below nodes) Yes Yes No No No No - NA - Yes (7)
Supported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design Studio
Schedule a document Planned for 1.4
(BI 4.1) No Yes Yes No - NA - - NA - No
Create a Publication (= Broadcasting)
Planned for 1.4
(BI 4.1) No Yes Yes No - NA - - NA - No
Support for Variable Variants Yes Planned for
release 4.1 No No No No - NA -
Planned for future release Support for Variable
Personalization Planned for version 1.4 No No No No No - NA - Planned for future release
Support for Report Report
Interface as Sender Yes
Planned for
release 4.1 Yes No Yes No - NA -
Planned for future release Support for Report Report
Interface as Receiver
Planned for
version 1.4 No No No No No - NA -
Planned for future release
Prompting using SAP Variables
Optional and Mandatory parameters
Mandatory prompts will load the list of values
When possible consider using optional parameters for large list of values
Behavior has been changed with SAP BusinessObjects BI4 SP04 Patch 1 so that prompts
are not loading list of values automatically
Selection Option Variable
Currently only Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office and Analysis, edition for OLAP fully
support the Selection Option variable (operators, include / exclude)
Crystal Reports, Web Intelligence, and Dashboards are creating an interval / range prompt
without the option to select an include / exclude operator
Using OpenDocument with Variables
When using OpenDocument with Variables, ensure the Key values are used as part of the
OpenDocument URL (not the description values)
Prompting using SAP Variables
Display Attributes
As part of the definition of Display Attributes in SAP NetWeaver BW it is also possible to
configure if the Display Attribute should be displayed as part of the F4 Help / List of Values
for a BEx Variable.
As large list of values can consume a lot memory, you should consider carefully if those
Display Attributes are really needed as part of the list of values and in case they are not
needed you should remove them from the list of value by changing the configuration in SAP
NetWeaver BW.
Prompting using SAP Variables
Restrictions
All the BI tools have options to restrict the volume of values for parameters
–
Analysis, edition for OLAP : Property of the MDAS Server
–
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office : Settings in the tool
–
Crystal Reports for Enterprise: Property for the Crystal Reports Application (CMC > Applications)
–
Web Intelligence: Property of the Processing Server
Additional Option:
Starting with SAP NetWeaver BW 7.01 Support Package 09 / SAP NetWeaver BW 7.30
Support Package 3 customers can use the BAdI RSR_VARIABLE_F4_RESTRICT_BADI to
use a set of criteria to restrict the list of members for an input screen. For more information,
see F1 help for this BAdI (transaction SE18, enhancement spot
RSR_VARIABLE_F4_RESTRICT).
Prompting using SAP Variables
Variable Variants and Variable Personalization
Variable Variants for SAP BusinessObjects Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office is planned
for the version 1.3
Variable Variants for SAP BusinessObjects Analysis, edition for OLAP is planned for the 4.1
release
Variable Variants for Crystal Reports, Web Intelligence, and Dashboards is planned for the
release after 4.1
Performance Considerations
BEx Query Design considerations
Currently the meta-data retrieval for the “design” of a report is based on the BEx Query
Try to create a compromise between “access to available data” and “performance”
Configure the BEx Query to “read data while navigation” (not in a single run) in transaction
RSRT
Monitor your SAP BW Statistics for Aggregates
Data Volume
Remember that SAP BW is a multi-dimensional engine (and not a “data pump”)
Try to leverage BI clients together, for example navigate from Analysis to Web Intelligence or
Crystal Reports
In case really large volumes of data are needed, consider also a DSO Layer with a relational
Universe
Performance Considerations
BI Platform sizing
Leverage the Sizing guide especially for the DSL Bridge server and create separate APS
with larger JVM configuration
http://sap.com/bisizing
Service Pack 04 Performance improvements
Browsing of BEx Queries
“Refresh” of reports (Crystal Reports, Web Intelligence, and Dashboards)
Planned 4.1 Performance improvements
Additional enhancements for the “run time” “Refresh” of reports
Supported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design Studio
Support for Hierarchies with
Linked Nodes Yes Yes
Planned for release 4.1
Planned for release 4.1
Planned for
release 4.1 Yes No Yes
Support for time-dependent
Hierarchies Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Support for time-dependent
Hierarchy Structures Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Support for Hierarchies with
Temp Join Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Support for Hierarchy Versions
Supported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design Studio
Hierarchical Member selection
(nodes and leafs) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes
(only as filter) No Yes (8)
Member Selection based on
hierarchy levels Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes (8)
Show specific Hierarchy Levels Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No - NA - Yes (8)
Skip levels of a hierarchy Yes Yes No No No No - NA - Yes (8)
Show Leaf Members only Yes Yes No No No No - NA - Yes (8)
Ranking Data along a hierarchy Yes Yes No No No No - NA - No
Exchange of hierarchies in the
BI client tool Yes Yes No No No No No No
Expand to Level Functionality
(BEx Query Designer) Yes Yes No No No No - NA - Yes (8)
Expand to Level Functionality
(Run Time) Yes Planned for 4.1 No No No No - NA - No
Supported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office Analysis, edition for OLAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Web Intelligence Dashboards (BICS in BIP) Explorer (BW Accelerator) Relational Universe (BI4 UNX) Design Studio
Compact Axis in the Rows
(Display as hierarchy) Yes Yes
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
- NA - Yes(8)
Compact Axis in the Columns
(Display as hierarchy) Yes Yes
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
No Not planned for
future release
- NA - Yes(8)
Hierarchical Report Design Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No - NA - Yes(8)
Hierarchical charting No Yes Yes Yes Yes No - NA - No
Best Practices on BEx Query Design
Overall recommendation
BEx Queries are recommended as data sources for all the SAP BusinessObjects BI
products
BEx Queries offer significant functionality to create customized data sources that meet
end-user requirements, such as Calculated Key figures, Restricted Key figures and SAP
Variables.
You do
NOT
want one BEx Query for one report
(…. And
not
one BEx Query for all reports either)
Focus the implementation strategy on limiting the number of BI Queries by sharing common
elements
The BI Client tool and report definition is the primary influence factor on how much data is
being retrieved from SAP NetWeaver BW
Best Practices on BEx Query Design
“Allow External Access” option has to be set in the properties of the BEx query
Placement of Characteristics / Key Figures have no direct impact for the BI tools
For large sets of key figures, use the option - “Use Selection of Structure Members” in
transaction RSRT (Query Monitor) as part of the Query Properties
Query Read Mode should be configured to read data while navigate (Transaction RSRT,
Query Monitor)
Leverage the capabilities of the Restricted Key and Calculated Key Figures
Leverage SAP Variables as part of the BEx Query
–
Can be shared across queries, minimizing development downstream
Time based structures / calculations
–
Leverage EXIT Variables as part of the BEx query
Data Level Security & SAP NetWeaver BW
–
Use BI authorizations for data level security
Items not supported via direct InfoCube access:
–
Variables (e.g. Authorization Variables)
–
Restricted or calculated Key figures
–
Filters
–
Custom structures
–
Navigational attributes
Remember… there is no Universe on top of your BEx Query
All changes to descriptions need to be part of your BEx Query
All variables / prompts need to be part of your BEx Query
–
Report based filters can not be shared across
All necessary calculations should become part of your BEx Query
–
Performance Consideration
–
Allows sharing across multiple BEx Queries and reports
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. Public 58
OLAP Connections in SAP BusinessObjects 4.x
You can define an OLAP Connection pointing to
… your SAP NetWeaver BW system
… your InfoProvider
… your BEx Query
Consider how you are securing your BEx Queries today
Are you already using authorization objects to limit the number of BEx Queries and
InfoProviders ?
>> A single connection to SAP NetWeaver BW could be an option
… also consider your report designers
>> A single connection will means to navigate the InfoArea > InfoProvider levels for
each report design
Your BI Strategy should start with the business requirements, not with the
DWH
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x allows you to re-use your existing BEx queries,
but make sure you understand the limitations per BI client
The direct connection to SAP NetWeaver BW removes the need for the
Universe, but make sure you have everything in the BEx queries
Reporting and Analysis with SAP BusinessObjects
(2nd Edition)
(SAP Press, 2012)
Integrating SAP BusinessObjects BI
Platform 4.x with SAP NetWeaver
(SAP Press, 2011)
Mastering SAP BusinessObjects
Analysis, edition for OLAP with SAP
NetWeaver BW
Interactive eBook:
Kindle Edition
Best Practices for integration SAP
BusinessObjects BI 4.x with SAP
NetWeaver BW
Thank you
Contact information:
Contact details:
Ingo.hilgefort@sap.com
Twitter :
@ihilgefort
Blog :
www.mastering-sap-and-businessobjects.com
Supported meta-data & functionality
The following tables outline the level of support for BEx query elements and
typical BEx query functionality by comparing the available meta-data and
functionality of SAP BusinessObjects BI 4 Service Pack 05 compared to XI 3.1
OLAP Universes.
The comparison is solely done for Web Intelligence and SAP BusinessObjects
Explorer, as XI 3.1 OLAP Universes are only supported using Web Intelligence
and SAP BusinessObjects Explorer.
Supported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements Web Intelligence 4.x using
Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
InfoProvider Dimension No No Yes
Characteristics Yes Yes Yes
Key Figures Yes Yes Yes
Free Characteristics Yes Yes Yes
Restricted Key Figures Yes No Yes
Calculated Key Figures Yes No Yes
Display Attributes Yes Yes Yes
Navigational Attributes Yes Yes Yes
BEx Query Filter Yes No Yes
Defaults (1) No No No
Supported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements Web Intelligence 4.x using
Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Custom Key Figure Structure Yes No Yes
Custom Characteristic Structure Yes No Yes
Hierarchical Custom Key Figure Structure No No No
Hierarchical Custom Characteristic Structure Yes No No
Selection of elements of a custom structure in
the report Yes No No
Support for 2 structures from BEx Query Yes No Yes
Supported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements Web Intelligence 4.x using
Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Support for Characteristic Data Type NUMC Yes Yes Yes
Support for Characteristic Data Type CHAR Yes Yes Yes
Support for Characteristic Data Type DATS Key Value as String.
Description Value as Date Yes
Key Value as String. Description Value as Date
Support for Characteristic Data Type TIMS As String Value Only Yes As String Value Only
Support for Key Figures Data Type Amount /
Quantity Yes Yes Yes
Support for Key Figures Data Type DATS Yes Yes Yes
Support for Key Figures Data Type TIMS As String Value Only Yes As String Value Only
Information about configured Filters in the BEx
Query No No No
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variables Web Intelligence 4.x using
Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Optional Variables Yes No Yes
Mandatory Variables Yes No Yes
Characteristic Value Variables Yes No Yes
Formula Variables Yes No Yes
Hierarchy Variables Yes No Yes
Hierarchy Node Variables Yes No Yes
Hierarchy Version Variable No No No
Key Date Variable Yes No Yes
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variables Processing Type Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
User Entry / Default Value Yes No Yes
Replacement Path Yes (2) No Yes (2)
Customer / SAP Exits Yes No Yes
Authorization Yes No Yes
(2) To be able to use BEx Queries with Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards the
BEx queries need to be configured to allow external access in the BEx Query Designer. For limits of BEx queries which are released
for external access please also take a look at SAP Note 820925.
In particular for the for the variable processing type Replacement Path:
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variables Presentation Option Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Single Value Yes No Yes
Multiple Single Value Yes No Yes
Interval / Range Value Yes No Yes
Selection Option Limited Support (3) No Limited Support (3)
Selection Option Operator Functionality (except
Contains Pattern) Limited Support (3) No Limited Support (3)
Selection Option Operator Functionality -
Contains Pattern Limited Support (3) No Limited Support (3)
Selection Option Include / Exclude Functionality Limited Support (3) No Limited Support (3)
PreCalculated Value Set Yes No No
(3) Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards are creating range variables for a selection
option variable from a BEx Query. In addition the option to include or exclude values and to select an operator is not supported.
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variables Presentation Option Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Support for manual entry of values No - NA - Yes
Support for Variables in Defaults Area of BEx
Query No No No
Support for single Key Date Variable Yes No Only Limited support
Support for multiple Key Date Variables in single
BEx Query No No No
Support for Hierarchy / Hierarchy Node Variable
dependency Yes No Yes
Support for cascading variables for
Compounded Characteristics Yes - NA - No
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using
Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Copy / Paste variable values from clipboard No - NA - No
Filling variable values from Microsoft Excel File No - NA - No
Merge / Unmerge Variables Yes - NA - No
Defining Variable Sequence in the report Planned for release 4.1 - NA - No
Variable Sequence based on BEx Query
Designer Yes - NA - No
Support for validating values before executing
the report No - NA - No
Read Mode for list of values (master data,
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using
Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV) Currency / Unit Conversion defined in BEx
Query Yes No Yes
Currency / Unit Conversion (Runtime) No Possible with manual modeling No
Condition in Rows (from BEx Query)
No
Not planned for future release
No
Not planned for future release
No
Not planned for future release
Condition in Columns (from BEx Query)
No
Not planned for future release
No
Not planned for future release
No
Not planned for future release
Conditions for fixed set of characteristics (from BEx Query)
No
Not planned for future release
No
Not planned for future release
No
Not planned for future release
Condition for independent characteristics (from BEx Query)
No
Not planned for future release
No
Not planned for future release
No
Not planned for future release
Defining Conditions in the report Yes (4) - NA - Yes (4)
Exceptions (from BEx Query) No
Not planned for future release
No
Not planned for future release
No
Not planned for future release
Defining Exceptions in the report Yes - NA - Yes
Constant Selection Yes - NA - Yes
(4) the BI clients are able to create condition type of filters (for example, Top N) in the report but these filters are applied after the data has been retrieved from SAP NetWeaver BW
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using
Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Cell Editor Calculation Limited Support (5) No Limited Support (5)
Local calculations (defined in BEx Query) No No No
Defining Calculations in the report (at run time) Yes - NA - Yes
Exception Aggregation Yes No Yes
Zero Suppression No No No
Read Mode for characteristics (master data,
InfoCube) Yes Yes Yes
(5) Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards to support BEx queries with two structures and cell definitions created with the cell editor but in cases where the cell definition combines different data types, the resulting output in these BI clients will be a string value instead of a numeric value.
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using
Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Scaling Factor Yes - NA - No
Reverse Sign (+/-) Yes - NA - No
Number of Decimals No
Not planned for future release - NA -
No
Not planned for future release
Hide / Show the Element Yes - NA - Yes
Sort Characteristics No - NA - No
Display Options for characteristics (Key, Key & Text, Text)
Elements can be included as
part of the report design - NA -
Elements can be included as part of the report design
Result Rows (Show, Suppress) No - NA - No
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using
Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Support for Hierarchies with Linked Nodes No No No
Support for time-dependent Hierarchies Yes No Limited (6)
Support for time-dependent Hierarchy Structures Yes No Limited (6)
Support for Hierarchies with Temp Join Yes No Yes
Support for Hierarchy Versions (without usage of
Variables) Yes No No
(6) SAP BusinessObjects XI 3.1 OLAP Universes are created using the Universe Design Tool and there is no option available to
configure a key date when authoring the XI 3.1 OLAP Universe. Based on this situation the XI 3.1 OLAP Universe will always be authored based on the system date and the authored Universe will only consider meta-data for time-dependent objects based on the system date.
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using
Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Hierarchical Member selection (nodes and leafs) Yes No Yes
Member Selection based on hierarchy levels Yes No No
Show specific Hierarchy Levels Yes - NA - No
Skip levels of a hierarchy No - NA - No
Show Leaf Members only No - NA - No
Ranking Data along a hierarchy No - NA - No
Exchange of hierarchies in the BI client tool No No No
Expand to Level Functionality (BEx Query
Designer) No - NA - No
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using
Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Compact Axis in the Rows (Display as hierarchy)
No
Not planned for future release - NA -
No
Not planned for future release
Compact Axis in the Columns (Display as hierarchy)
No
Not planned for future release - NA -
No
Not planned for future release
Hierarchical Report Design Yes - NA - No
Hierarchical charting Yes - NA - No
Supported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using
Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Schedule a document Yes - NA - Yes
Create a Publication (= Broadcasting) Yes - NA - Yes
Support for Variable Variants No - NA - No
Support for Variable Personalization No - NA - No
Support for Report Report Interface as Sender No - NA - No
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or for any purpose without the express permission of SAP AG. The information contained herein may be changed without prior notice.
Some software products marketed by SAP AG and its distributors contain proprietary software components of other software vendors.
Microsoft, Windows, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Silverlight, and Visual Studio are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM, DB2, DB2 Universal Database, System i, System i5, System p, System p5, System x, System z, System z10, z10, z/VM, z/OS, OS/390, zEnterprise, PowerVM, Power
Architecture, Power Systems, POWER7, POWER6+, POWER6, POWER, PowerHA, pureScale, PowerPC, BladeCenter, System Storage, Storwize, XIV, GPFS, HACMP, RETAIN, DB2 Connect, RACF, Redbooks, OS/2, AIX, Intelligent Miner, WebSphere, Tivoli, Informix, and Smarter Planet are trademarks or registered trademarks of IBM Corporation. Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States and other countries. Adobe, the Adobe logo, Acrobat, PostScript, and Reader are trademarks or registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and other countries. Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and its affiliates.
UNIX, X/Open, OSF/1, and Motif are registered trademarks of the Open Group. Citrix, ICA, Program Neighborhood, MetaFrame, WinFrame, VideoFrame, and MultiWin are trademarks or registered trademarks of Citrix Systems Inc.
HTML, XML, XHTML, and W3C are trademarks or registered trademarks of W3C®,
World Wide Web Consortium, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Apple, App Store, iBooks, iPad, iPhone, iPhoto, iPod, iTunes, Multi-Touch, Objective-C, Retina, Safari, Siri, and Xcode are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. IOS is a registered trademark of Cisco Systems Inc.
RIM, BlackBerry, BBM, BlackBerry Curve, BlackBerry Bold, BlackBerry Pearl, BlackBerry Torch, BlackBerry Storm, BlackBerry Storm2, BlackBerry PlayBook, and BlackBerry App World are trademarks or registered trademarks of Research in Motion Limited.
Google App Engine, Google Apps, Google Checkout, Google Data API, Google Maps, Google Mobile Ads, Google Mobile Updater, Google Mobile, Google Store, Google Sync, Google Updater, Google Voice, Google Mail, Gmail, YouTube, Dalvik and Android are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc.
INTERMEC is a registered trademark of Intermec Technologies Corporation. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance.
Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.
Motorola is a registered trademark of Motorola Trademark Holdings LLC. Computop is a registered trademark of Computop Wirtschaftsinformatik GmbH.
SAP, R/3, SAP NetWeaver, Duet, PartnerEdge, ByDesign, SAP BusinessObjects Explorer, StreamWork, SAP HANA, and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and other countries.
Business Objects and the Business Objects logo, BusinessObjects, Crystal Reports, Crystal Decisions, Web Intelligence, Xcelsius, and other Business Objects products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Business Objects Software Ltd. Business Objects is an SAP company.
Sybase and Adaptive Server, iAnywhere, Sybase 365, SQL Anywhere, and other Sybase products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sybase Inc. Sybase is an SAP company.
Crossgate, m@gic EDDY, B2B 360°, and B2B 360° Services are registered trademarks of Crossgate AG in Germany and other countries. Crossgate is an SAP company. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Data contained in this document serves informational purposes only. National product specifications may vary.
The information in this document is proprietary to SAP. No part of this document may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form or for any purpose without the express prior written permission of SAP AG.