TBI10
BW Query Design and Analysis
SAP NetWeaver - Business Intelligence
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Participant Handbook
Course Version: 96 Revision A Course Duration: 5 Day(s) Material Number: 50106733
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This handbook is intended to complement the instructor-led presentation of this course, and serve as a source of reference. It is not suitable for self-study.
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Course Overview ... vii
Course Goals ...vii
Course Objectives ...vii
Unit 1: Getting an Overview of SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse... 1
Getting an Overview of SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse ..2
Unit 2: Navigating in Reports ... 23
Navigating in Reports ... 24
Unit 3: Creating Simple Queries... 49
Creating Simple Queries ... 50
Unit 4: Working with Key Figures and Structures in Queries . 85 Creating Restricted Key Figures ... 87
Creating Calculated Key Figures ...102
Configuring Properties of Key Figures ...121
Defining Structures and Working with Cells ...137
Unit 5: Working with Characteristics and Hierarchies in Queries ... 163
Configuring Properties of Characteristics and Working With Attributes ...165
Integrating Hierarchies into Reports ...177
Creating External Hierarchies in SAP NetWeaver BW...198
Unit 6: Working with Variables in Queries ... 209
Maintaining Variables... 211
Creating Characteristic Value and Text Variables in Queries ..222
Creating Hierarchy and Hierarchy Node Variables in Queries .235 Creating Formula Variables in Queries...246
Business Content Variables ...254
Transferring Values between Queries using Variables...261
Using Variable Offsets...270
Unit 7: Working with Exceptions and Conditions in Queries . 279 Creating Exceptions in the BEx Query Designer ...280
Unit 8: InfoProviders in SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse
Reporting ... 315
InfoProviders in SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse ...316
InfoProviders in the BEx Query Designer...322
Unit 9: Handling Workbooks in the BEx Analyzer... 331
Handling Workbooks in the BEx Analyzer ...332
Unit 10: Performing Ad-hoc Analysis with the BEx Web Analyzer ... 355
Performing Ad-hoc Analyses with the BEx Web Analyzer...356
Unit 11: Information Broadcasting ... 385
Information Broadcasting Overview ...386
BEx Broadcaster Settings...391
Workbook Precalculation ...407
Unit 12: Integrating Documents into Reports ... 413
Integrating Documents into Reports ...414
Unit 13: Using Report-Report-Interface... 443
Using Report-Report-Interface ...444
Unit 14: Managing Queries and Overview of Authorizations . 463 Managing Query Objects ...464
Getting an Overview of Authorizations in SAP NetWeaver BW 474 Unit 15: Using Business Content ... 481
Using Business Content ...482
Unit 16: Getting an Overview of further SAP NetWeaver BW and SAP Business Objects Reporting Tools ... 495
Getting an Overview of Further SAP NetWeaver BW and SAP BusinessObjects Reporting Tools ...496
The Business Explorer (BEx) is a component of SAP NetWeaver Business
Warehouse that provides flexible reporting and analysis tools that you can use for
strategic analysis and supporting the decision-making process in your organization. You can use the BEx tools to display past and present data in differing levels of detail and from different perspectives, on the Web and in Microsoft Excel.
In this course, you learn about the basic functions of SAP NetWeaver BW reporting, starting with navigation in existing reports, continuing on to creating your own query definitions in the Query Designer, and taking you through to using analyses in Microsoft Excel and on the Web.
Target Audience
This course is intended for the following audiences:
• Project team members with a basic knowledge of data warehousing
Course Prerequisites
Required Knowledge
• Basic knowledge of data warehousing Recommended Knowledge
• Experience and sound knowledge of the subject matter in at least one SAP ERP application course
Course Goals
This course will prepare you to:
• Use SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse as a flexible analytical tool and structure reports for decision-making support in your organization.
• Create simple and complex query definitions using the BEx Query Designer and to make them available in standard layouts.
• Evaluate past and current data to different levels of detail and from different perspectives on the Web and in Microsoft Excel
Course Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to:
• Analyze reports in the Business Explorer Analyzer (BEx Analyzer) and the
BEx Web Analyzer using navigation functions
• Evaluate the data set in SAP NetWeaver BW by defining queries using the
BEx Query Designer or the BEx Web Analyzer and executing them in the BEx Analyzer and in the BEx Web Analyzer
• Perform Ad-hoc Analysis
• Use Information Broadcaster to distribute reports • Integrate documents in reports
• Configure the Report-Report-Interface for navigating within SAP NetWeaver
BW and for jumping into other attached systems
• Evaluate reports in the Business Content by using the Metadata Repository and the Business Content Browser
Unit 1
Getting an Overview of SAP
NetWeaver Business Warehouse
Unit Overview
This unit provides an overview of the general features and architecture of the SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse (SAP NetWeaver BW).
Unit Objectives
After completing this unit, you will be able to:
• Describe the basic functions and most important terms of SAP NetWeaver BW
• Explain the reporting functions of SAP NetWeaver BW
Unit Contents
Lesson: Getting an Overview of SAP NetWeaver
Business Warehouse
Lesson Overview
This lesson provides an overview of the general features and architecture of the SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse (SAP NetWeaver BW).
Lesson Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
• Describe the basic functions and most important terms of SAP NetWeaver BW
• Explain the reporting functions of SAP NetWeaver BW
Business Example
You need a good overview of the structures and important terms in SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse (SAP NetWeaver BW). This overview will help you to reinforce the BW functions and develop solutions for different tasks you have in your daily work, such as launching and creating reports within your business area.
Data Warehouse Systems
A data warehouse system serves primarily to stage information from various data sources. This data and information, and the reports resulting from them, constitute the basis of successful business processes within a company. This type of system can be used by all employees in a company (that is, by managers, departmental heads, and all other employees).
Figure 1: Data Warehouse System
The information is staged in various forms including personalized reports, freely definable queries, and predefined reports. Recipients of information can use these reporting and analysis functions to analyze the data for deviations and significant facts. In the Planning and Campaign Management areas, a data warehouse is used to carry out data analysis. The following issues might arise when using a data warehouse in the Retail Sector area:
• Checking ranges of goods to identify slow moving items and big sellers • Analyzing regional locations to investigate the profitability of different
branches
• Investigating the effectiveness of market analyses • Evaluating customer surveys and complaints • Analyzing warehouse stock levels
• Analyzing shopping carts using cash register receipts A concrete query might be:
• What were the sales volumes for the Cosmetics, Electrical Goods, and Household Goods departments in the years 2005 and 2006 in New York and Washington, DC?
In brief, a data warehouse can:
• Pool data from different, mostly heterogeneous sources
• Overcome this heterogeneity on different levels (system, schema, and data) • Stage data in the form required by the user
What We Expect from a Data Warehouse
Decision-makers urgently need reliable information from Production, Purchasing, Sales and Distribution, Finance, and Human Resources departments. They require an up-to-date and comprehensive picture of each individual business area and of the business as a whole. This places considerable demands on data staging from the underlying data sources.
Figure 2: What We Expect from a Data Warehouse
The information must be stored in a homogeneous and consistent form at a central location where it can be called up. Therefore, modern data warehouses require a separate database that an independent application environment can use to provide the required services objectively.
Efficient analysis techniques with powerful multi-dimensional visualization are indispensable on the presentation side of the data warehouse. The system must be able to cope with the information needs of the various user groups.
The demands made on the source systems are not so high. What is needed here is an economic and comprehensive preparation of the data that is required by the data warehouse.
The following demands are made on a data warehouse:
• Standardized structuring and presentation of all company information • An easy-to-use, single point of access to all company information
• Sophisticated business reporting methods for self-service analysis at all levels • Fast and cost-effective installation
• A high performance environment
• Data staging from a heterogeneous environment • Release of source systems and IT organization • Data access independent of the source system
• Analysis of data over a specific period of time, and the storage of historical information (time-dependent master data)
SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse
Successful analysis of data relies on the Data Warehouse to load, cleanse, and manage the data for an enterprise's reporting needs. It enables you to analyze data from operative SAP applications and from external data sources, such as databases, online services, and the Internet.
Figure 3: SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse
The system (data storage, loading, and reporting), which is preconfigured by Business Content for core areas and processes, allows you to examine the relationships in every area of your company.
The following needs were taken into account when designing the SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse:
• A Data Warehousing system needs optimized data structures for reporting and analysis.
• A Data Warehousing system is a separate independent system (although this is not 100% true anymore).
• A Data Warehousing system needs to be based on a comprehensive Data Warehouse architecture.
• A Data Warehousing system needs automated Data Warehouse management functionality.
• A Data Warehousing system needs OLAP functionality and reporting tools Against this background, SAP created SAP NetWeaver BW. To circumvent the numerous disadvantages associated with reporting directly in an ERP system, the data storage, management, and reporting of SAP NetWeaver BW normally takes place on a separate server installed with just the necessary components of the SAP NetWeaver BW. This becomes the BW server. As a component of SAP NetWeaver, the BW software is delivered with SAP NetWeaver release versions (currently SAP NetWeaver 7.3).
Hint: Although most installations of SAP NetWeaver BW use a
standalone server, many other configurations are possible. It is even possible to install SAP's ERP product (SAP Enterprise Core Component) together with BW to save expenses, especially with test and development instances or smaller companies.
Having implemented SAP NetWeaver BW and its metadata repository (description of data), the customer has the clear advantage of being able to use the entire SAP know-how built up over the many years of experience in developing business software solutions. Thus, SAP NetWeaver BW can be preconfigured using SAP Business Content. All SAP systems can be configured as source systems, and provide data for all SAP Business Content.
Remember the goal of Data Warehousing is easy: Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) against large amounts of operative and historical data.
The BW server allows you to examine the relationships of data across all areas of your organization. OLAP technology permits multidimensional analyses
SAP NetWeaver BW Architecture
The SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse architecture is structured in three layers: sourcing the data, storing it in the warehouse, and reporting on it with reporting tools. When working with the SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse you have to concentrate on the three layers. You have to analyze:
• where the data you need is currently stored, how you can access this data, and how you can upload it to SAP NetWeaver BW.
• how you will store the data in SAP NetWeaver BW, which InfoProviders you will need, and which levels of storage.
• how the data will be accessed by your power- and end-users, for example, which reporting tools will be used.
The graphic below shows a rough draft of the three layers the SAP NetWeaver BW architecture.
Figure 4: SAP NetWeaver BW three layers Architecture
Knowing and Extracting Data from your Source Systems A source system provides the SAP NetWeaver BW with data. You have to distinguish between different types of source systems:
SAP Source Systems, for example:
• SAP ERP
• SAP NetWeaver BW
• SAP SCM
• and so on
Non-SAP Sources, for example: • Databases from different vendors • Web Services that transfer data • Files that hold relevant data • and so on
An important advantage of SAP NetWeaver BW is the fact that is has an open architecture vis-à-vis external OLTP providers and other legacy systems. It is therefore possible to connect SAP NetWeaver BW to all possible source systems and to use SAP NetWeaver BW as a consolidated data basis for reporting that covers the entire organization, particularly in a heterogeneous system landscape. SAP delivers tools that allow these interfaces to be implemented quickly and efficiently.
The graphic below gives you an overview of the different source system types that can be connected to SAP NetWeaver BW and outlines the technological interface that is used for the connection and data staging.
Depending on the type of data involved, it is loaded with different technologies to SAP NetWeaver BW.
• BW Service API (S-API): The Service API is a technology package in
SAP source systems of BW that facilitates a high level of integration for data transfer from the source systems to SAP NetWeaver BW. Therefore, it allows for communication between SAP source systems and SAP NetWeaver BW. The Service API is installed on the SAP source system as part of the software component Plug-In PI Basis.
• DB Connect: Allows relational databases to be accessed directly. Here, DB
multi-connect is used to create a connection to the database management system (DBMS) in the external database. By importing metadata and original data, the necessary structures can be generated in SAP NetWeaver BW, and the data can be loaded easily and efficiently.
• UD Connect: Using UD Connect, you can access almost all relational data
sources. This technology runs on the J2EE Engine and supports the J2EE Connector Architecture.
• File Interface: SAP NetWeaver BW supports automatic import of files in
CSV, ASCII, and XLS format for flat files.
• Web Services: A Web service permits you to send data to the SAP
NetWeaver BW system under external control.
• Staging BAPIs: Staging BAPIs are open interfaces, which SAP
BusinessObjects Data Services and certified third party tools can use to extract data from older systems. The data transfer can be triggered by a request from the SAP NetWeaver BW system or by SAP BusinessObjects Data Services or a third party tool.
SAP NetWeaver BW InfoObjects
Figure 6: SAP NetWeaver BW InfoObjects
Business analysis-objects (customers, sales volumes, and so on) are called
InfoObjects in SAP NetWeaver BW. These InfoObjects can be divided into
characteristics and key figures. Characteristics can be further divided into units, time characteristics, and technical characteristics (for example, request ID). Key figures are all data fields that are used to store values or quantities (sales volumes, kilowatt-hours, costs, and so on). Characteristics describe the affiliation of key figures. For example, costs belong to a cost center, whereby the cost center is a characteristic. Characteristic InfoObjects can store master data like texts, attributes, and hierarchies.
Basically, InfoObjects are the smallest components of SAP NetWeaver BW and are used to build InfoProviders.
SAP NetWeaver BW InfoProviders
SAP NetWeaver BW offers a range of different InfoProviders for various purposes. Some store data physically, such as InfoCubes, DataStore Objects, and InfoObjects (Characteristics with Attributes or Texts), others are “only” providing an additional view on the data, such as InfoSets, VirtualProviders and MultiProviders.
Thus, the term “InfoProvider” is the generic term used to describe any objects for which you can create and execute queries in SAP NetWeaver BW.
Figure 7: InfoProvider Overview
The table below shows the most important InfoProviders that are available in SAP NetWeaver BW and some of their key characteristics:
InfoProvider Characteristics
Characteristic InfoObject
stores master data
examples: customer, material, cost center
is used, together with the Key Figure InfoObject, to build the tables of the other InfoProviders
DataStore Object stores transaction data on detailed level example: sales order data on item level
is normally used to resolve and consolidate datasets InfoCube stores transaction data on aggregated level
example: sales amounts and quantities per month MultiProvider provides view on data of several InfoProviders
example: sales amounts in Germany (InfoCube A) and the USA (InfoCube B)
The graphic below gives you a rough idea how the different InfoProviders can be used in SAP NetWeaver BW. Each InfoProvider fulfills a separate role and can be loaded with data from the source systems. And the data can be accessed and reported via the SAP NetWeaver BW reporting tools.
Figure 8: SAP NetWeaver BW InfoProviders
Data Warehousing Workbench and SAP NetWeaver BW InfoAreas
Dealing with the SAP NetWeaver BW reporting tools (Business Explorer Suite)
The Business Explorer Suite (BEx Suite) of SAP NetWeaver BW provides flexible reporting and analysis tools targeted at both power users and end users. You can use the tools of the BEx Suite for strategic analysis and to support the decision-making process in your organization. The tools include query, reporting, and analysis functions. BEx enables a broad range of users to access BW information using for example the SAP Portal, Intranet/Internet, or mobile devices. Many analysis features are available; slice and dice (pivot like functions) is only the beginning. In addition, many output options are supported, including formatted Microsoft Excel, Web cockpits, formatted Web output (BEx Reports) and Adobe PDF documents.
The SAP NetWeaver BW provides InfoProviders through which the data stored in the BW database can be accessed. You can analyze the data of BW by defining Queries against these InfoProviders using the BEx Query Designer. You can determine the way in which the data from your chosen InfoProvider is displayed and analyzed by selecting and combining characteristics and key figures in a Query.
Data analysis based on multidimensional data sources, like SAP NetWeaver BW (OLAP reporting), allows you to analyze more than one dimension of an InfoProvider (for example, time, place, and product) at the same time. This means that you can make any number of variance analyses (plan/actual comparison and business year comparison). The data, which is displayed in a manner similar to a pivot table, serves as the starting point for a detailed analysis, and can be used to answer a myriad of questions. Numerous interaction options – such as sorting, filtering, swapping characteristics, recalculating values, and so on – allow you to flexibly navigate in the data at runtime. You can also visualize the data in graphics (bar or pie charts, for example). Moreover, you can use exception reporting to determine special situations and critical measurement thresholds. When these thresholds are met, Information Broadcasting can automatically send messages about these issues via e-mail or SMS or to the Knowledge Management repositories with access to it from the portal.
You can analyze data with the tools of the Business Explorer Suite as shown on the graphic below.
Figure 9: The Business Explorer Suite within the SAP NetWeaver BW Architecture
BEx Query Designer
As a basis for data analysis you define Queries for the various InfoProviders. By selecting and combining InfoObjects (characteristics and key figures) or reusable Query elements, you determine the way in which you evaluate the data in the selected InfoProvider. The BEx Query Designer is the tool you use to define and edit queries.
BEx Analyzer
To analyze and present data in a Microsoft Excel environment, you can use BEx Analyzer. Queries, Query views, and InfoProviders that are created with the BEx Query Designer are embedded in workbooks. You can modify the layout and interaction of workbooks and use the Microsoft Excel formatting and formula functions. The workbooks that are created can be saved as favorites or made available to other users using the role concept. The workbooks can also be sent to other user groups by e-mail (Broadcasting).
The BEx Web Application Designer allows you to implement complex OLAP navigation in Web applications and Web cockpits for both simple and highly individual scenarios. These scenarios can be created using customer-defined interface elements using standard markup languages and Web design APIs. The Web Application Designer encompasses a wide spectrum of interactive Web-based scenarios that you can modify to suit your requirements using standard Web technology.
You can use the BEx Web Application Designer, the desktop application for creating Web applications, to generate HTML pages that contain BW-specific content such as various tables, charts, or maps. You can save the Web applications as URLs and access them from the Internet, intranet, or mobile devices. You can also save Web applications as iViews and integrate them into an enterprise portal.
BEx Report Designer
Enterprise reporting (formatted reporting) with positioning control and display formatting can be accomplished in several ways in BW. Features of the BEx Analyzer allow for customized, highly formatted Excel workbooks, while the BEx Report Designer does the same for Web output or conversion of the document to PDF. In the unlikely event that these options do not meet your needs, third-party tools can easily access physical BW data or data residing physically on other systems.
Information Broadcasting
Information broadcasting provides a tool set to execute analyses (BEx Web, BEx Analyzer, workbooks, and Queries) at a desired time and frequency, then distribute the results to intended recipients. The distribution can be exception-threshold-triggered and can be scheduled via a Web-based UI. Both the Microsoft Excel and Web areas are seamlessly integrated. In other words, you can display Queries in the BEx Analyzer as well as in a standard view in the Web browser or you can display the Excel rendering of the data from a Web page with a single click.
The SAP NetWeaver Portal serves as the main interface for users wanting to access business information. With powerful Knowledge Management features for a wide range of collaboration and feedback activities, the SAP NetWeaver Portal integrates the reporting and analysis tasks of users of all types. BEx Web Applications and BEx reports are deployed in SAP NetWeaver Portal. They are easily converted into PDF format and printed.
Benefits
• Empower business users
• Design queries in an easy and intuitive way and use as the basis for a user-oriented presentation of information and effective analysis • Design presentation-quality, print-optimized formatted reports
• Wizard-based creation of Web applications for all user types – no coding necessary
• Provides BW data in a user-oriented and flexible way • Information is provided for all types of BW users
• Personalized access to BW information in SAP NetWeaver Portal supports quick and efficient decision making
• Simple conversion of reports and Web applications to PDF files allowing BW information to be printed as required
Different User Types in SAP NetWeaver BW
New studies have shown that up to 70 percent of all OLAP system users are basic users. Compared to the advanced users and query developers, basic users only use the system's analytical functions on a very small scale. This is because the basic users usually carry out predefined queries with fixed datasets. Therefore, most SAP users need a simple user interface.
Lesson Summary
You should now be able to:
• Describe the basic functions and most important terms of SAP NetWeaver BW
Unit Summary
You should now be able to:
• Describe the basic functions and most important terms of SAP NetWeaver BW
Test Your Knowledge
1. What type of source systems can be connected to SAP NetWeaver BW?
Choose the correct answer(s).
□ A Data sources based on XML □ B SAP systems
□ C Databases □ D Fax machines
2. Which of the following statements are true regarding InfoObjects?
Choose the correct answer(s).
□ A Characteristics and key figures are InfoObjects. □ B An InfoObject can also be an InfoProvider.
□ C All attributes are characteristic or key figure InfoObjects. □ D All characteristic InfoObjects carry attribute, text, and hierarchy
data.
3. Which of the following statements are true regarding InfoProviders?
Choose the correct answer(s).
□ A InfoProviders are built out of InfoObjects. □ B InfoProviders are organized within InfoAreas. □ C InfoProviders always store data physically.
□ D InfoProviders serve as basis for SAP NetWeaver BW queries. 4. What options does SAP NetWeaver BW reporting offer for creating reports?
Choose the correct answer(s).
□ A You can display analyses in Microsoft Excel using the BEx
Analyzer.
□ B You can display analyses on the web using the Enterprise Portal and the Web Analyzer.
□ C A query can either only be executed in Microsoft Excel or only in the web.
Answers
1. What type of source systems can be connected to SAP NetWeaver BW?
Answer: A, B, C
Fax machines cannot be directly connected to SAP NetWeaver BW as a source system. A facsimile image could be stored in SAP NetWeaver BW as a document through document integration.
2. Which of the following statements are true regarding InfoObjects?
Answer: A, B, C
Characteristic InfoObjects may carry attribute, text, and hierarchy master data, but each type of master data can be specified in the InfoObject definition as needed.
3. Which of the following statements are true regarding InfoProviders?
Answer: A, B, D
Some InfoProviders store data physically, such as InfoCubes, DataStore Objects, and InfoObjects (Characteristics with Attributes, Texts, or Hierarchies), others are “only” providing an additional view on the data, such as MultiProviders, InfoSets, or VirtualProviders.
4. What options does SAP NetWeaver BW reporting offer for creating reports?
Answer: A, B
Both the Microsoft Excel and Web areas are seamlessly integrated. In other words, you can display Queries in the BEx Analyzer as well as in a standard view in the Web browser.
A Microsoft Excel table query cannot communicate directly with SAP
Unit 2
Navigating in Reports
Unit Overview
This unit deals with the different options for navigating in the BEx Analyzer and in the BEx Web Analyzer.
Unit Objectives
After completing this unit, you will be able to:
• Use the navigation options in the BEx Analyzer and the BEx Web Analyzer . • Use the functions of the context menu
• Use the functions of drag and drop navigation • Save a navigational state as a query view
Unit Contents
Lesson: Navigating in Reports ... 24 Exercise 1: Navigate in Reports ... 35
Lesson: Navigating in Reports
Lesson Overview
This lesson deals with the different options for navigating in the BEx Analyzer and in the BEx Web Analyzer.
Lesson Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
• Use the navigation options in the BEx Analyzer and the BEx Web Analyzer . • Use the functions of the context menu
• Use the functions of drag and drop navigation • Save a navigational state as a query view
Business Example
You want to analyze business key figures (for example, sales volumes or costs) within existing BW reports. You use BW reporting and navigation options to analyze key figures.
To show the reports and to navigate use either the BEx Analyzer or the BEx Web
Analyzer .
Sometimes it might be wise to save a navigational state for easy reuse.
BEx Analyzer
To analyze and present data in a Microsoft Excel environment, you can use BEx Analyzer. Queries, query views and InfoProviders that are created with BEx Query Designer are embedded in workbooks. You can modify the layout and interaction of workbooks and use the Microsoft Excel formatting and formula functions. The workbooks that are created can be saved as favorites or made available to other users using the role concept. The workbooks can also be sent to other user groups by e-mail.
In the BEx Analyzer, you work in three modes: In analysis mode you navigate in the report results, in design mode you develop flexible individual workbooks, and in formula mode you format the results area of the analysis pane to suit your
You can also expand hierarchies as well as activate or deactivate conditions and exceptions. In the Variables dialog, you can specify variable values so that you only fill individual components of the query or the entire query with values when it is displayed in the BEx Analyzer.
BEx Web Analyzer
The BEx Web Analyzer is a tool for data analysis that is called with a URL or as an iView in the portal. In the Web Analyzer, you can open a data provider (query, query view, InfoProvider, external data source) and generate views on BW data (query views) using ad hoc analysis. The query views can be used as data providers for further BEx applications. You can also save and broadcast the results of your ad hoc analysis.
The “Open” Dialog
Calling the BEx Analyzer:
Call the BEx Analyzer, either from the transaction RRMX, or the menu path Start
→ Programs → Business Explorer → Analyzer. Choose Add-Ins to launch the BEx Analysis Toolbox.
Then choose Open → Open Query.
Figure 11: The “Open” Dialog in the BEx Analyzer
To launch the “Open” Dialog in the BEx Web Analyzer, call the BEx Web Analyzer from the SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal and choose New Analysis.
Figure 12: The “Open” Dialog in the BEx Web Analyzer
When you begin an analysis in the BEx Analyzer or in the BEx Web Analyzer, you begin with the Open dialog. In this dialog, you are able to choose:
1. The system from which you will retrieve data
2. The object type (query, query view, or InfoProvider) you will access 3. The grouping of objects of the chosen type (History, Favorites, Roles,
InfoAreas) to be displayed or you can use the Find function.
4. Any filtering value to limit which objects are displayed.
These settings serve to quickly lead you to the desired query, view, or InfoProvider for execution.
Navigating in Reports
Figure 13: Navigation Options
Shown above is a list of the first level navigation options you can access from the
BEx Analyzer and/or the BEx Web Analyzer. Bear in mind that not all options are
available in all contexts, and that many of the first level choices have additional options available. The list above is just to give you an idea of the scope of possible navigation options.
Navigational techniques
• In both the BEx Analyzer and the BEx Web Analyzer, you can navigate by calling the Context Menu using the right mouse button.
The choices available in the context menu will depend on where you call the context menu. The context menu allows you to navigate in different ways within the report output and offers various functions depending on the cell context.
• In both the BEx Analyzer and the BEx Web Analyzer, you can navigate by using Drag and Drop navigation for many of the basic navigation options. This is often quicker and more intuitive to the user than using the context menu. Not all navigation options can be done with drag and drop, but many of the most common navigation options can be done either way.
• In both the BEx Analyzer and the BEx Web Analyzer you can find Symbols. The analysis grid and the navigation pane can contain various types of symbols for navigation, for example a symbol for sorting in increasing or decreasing order.
• Only in the BEx Analyzer you can use the double-click on the left mouse button to drill down or to remove drilldown.
In the graphics that follow, we will explore some of the most frequently used navigation options.
Users are free to drag characteristic and key figure values to various areas of the analysis area to dynamically change the layout of the analysis.
Figure 15: BEx Analyzer Navigation Buttons
In the BEx Analyzer, three buttons are provided to the user for frequently used navigation. The Filter button, when selected, opens a Navigation Area within the analysis. This navigation area allows the user to change the drilldown, select filter values and swap the location of characteristics and key figures in the analysis. The Chart button, if selected, changes the analysis table into a chart. Once the chart is displayed, the title on the button changes to Table to toggle the display back to a tabular view.
The Info button, when selected, displays a variety of text elements, which serve to give the user a better context for the analysis results.
The following pages will explore some of the most common navigation techniques using drag and drop functionality.
Figure 16: Exchange ... with ...
Any time you want to swap the location of one object in the analysis with another object, you may simply drag one item on top of the other and the change will be made automatically. Above, the user swaps Distribution channel for Material. The user could have also brought up the context menu for either characteristics and selected Exchange ... with ... to effect the swap.
One of the most common navigation functions is the Drill Down. In the graphic above, the user drags Division from the navigation area and drops it on top of the values for Distribution channel. This has the effect of adding an additional level of detail for Division to the analysis.
Figure 18: Keep Filter Value
You can select as filter value directly from the results area of an executed report. To do this, you could position the cursor on the filter value required, and choose
Keep Filter Value on Axis from the context menu. The filter value is then displayed
in the report and the report results are restricted to the filter value in question. Or you could, as the graphic shows, simply drag the characteristic value you want to use as a filter to the right side of the navigation area and drop it. The value will automatically be used as a filter for the analysis.
Figure 19: Remove Filter Value
With the Remove Filter Value option, you can exclude certain values from appearing in the analysis. Often, this is easier than trying to include many values as filter values.
Simply drag the characteristic value outside of the analysis area and it will exclude any data for that characteristic value.
There are many more navigation options you can use in the analysis, but most are very intuitive and can be mastered quickly by even casual users.
Saving Query Views
You save a current navigational state as a query view to open a report exactly using this navigational state as the initial one.
Basically, a query view which is saved using the BEx Analyzer can be opened also in the BEx Web Analyzer and vice versa.
But: within the definitions of Exceptions and Conditions there are a few settings, which can be configured and displayed via the BEx Web Analyzer only.
Figure 21: BEx Analyzer – Open Query View
Exercise 1: Navigate in Reports
Exercise Objectives
After completing this exercise, you will be able to:
• Use the navigation options in the BEx Analyzer via the context menu, via drag & drop, and via double-click.
• Use the navigation options in the BEx Web Analyzer via the context menu and via drag & drop.
Business Example
You want to analyze business key figures (for example, sales volumes or incoming orders) within existing BW queries by using the different navigation options.
Task 1:
In the BEx Analyzer, execute the query Sales Analysis 001
(P_SALES_ANALYSIS_001) and use the different navigation options to analyze
the business key figures within the report.
1. Start the BEx Analyzer and execute the query Sales Analysis 001
(P_SALES_ANALYSIS_001). Use the Find function to search by either the
description or technical name.
2. Insert the characteristic Distribution Channel in the drill-down. Try out both inserting it in the rows and in the columns. Use different navigation techniques.
3. Remove the characteristic Distribution Channel from the drill-down, again using different navigation techniques.
4. Exchange Country with Material using Drag&Drop.
5. Display the Material using the hierarchy Product Hierarchy for material
MARA. Expand and collapse hierarchy nodes, and finally, go back to the
initial state of the report.
6. Drop the key figure Sales Volume EUR directly onto the key figure Incoming
Orders EUR. What happens?
7. Remove the key figure Invoiced quantity via Drag & Drop. How can you insert the removed key figure in the report again?
8. Exclude the Country value United States (US) from the results using drag and drop.
How can you insert the removed value in the report again?
9. Now, show results only for Country United States (US) and then add an additional drill-down by Material in the rows to find out which materials make up the total in the United States (US).
10. Compare the result of the previous navigation option with the result of the following one: go 2 steps back and from Country United States (US) choose the context menu function Filter and Drill Down → Material.
11. Go back to the initial view of the query.
12. In order to change the drill-down you also can use the Query Properties function from the context menu. Place the Distribution Channel characteristic in the rows under the Country characteristic by using this possibility. Additionally, repeated key values should not be suppressed any more.
Note: Be aware that via Context Menu → Query Properties there
are many functions to configure the Local Query Properties in sense of configuring the properties of the executed report.
13. Finally, save a view for your own user-defined navigational state of the report. Save the view under Favorites using the description U## View
001and the technical name U##_VIEW_001.
14. Now execute your new view U## View 001 (U##_VIEW_001) in the BEx Analyzer again.
Task 2:
Now use the BEx Web Analyzer within the SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal to execute the query Sales Analysis 001 (P_SALES_ANALYSIS_001) and again, use different navigation options to analyze the business key figures within the report. 1. To access the BEx Web Analyzer, logon to the attached Portal
by executing transaction code ZPORTAL from your assigned BW system or opening your web browser and entering the URL
http://portal-(SID).wdf.sap.corp:50100/irjwhere (SID) is to be replaced by your assigned BW system ID. Enter the user ID and password provided by your instructor.
Go to Reporting, Analysis and Planning → Business Explorer → BEx Web
4. Remove the characteristic Distribution Channel from the drill-down, again using different navigation techniques.
5. Exchange Country with Material using Drag&Drop.
6. Display the Material using the hierarchy Product Hierarchy for material
MARA. Expand and collapse hierarchy nodes, and finally, go back to the
initial state of the report.
7. You have to execute the report again via New Analysis. In the executed report drag and drop the key figure Sales Volume EUR directly onto the key figure Incoming Orders EUR. What happens?
8. Remove the key figure Invoiced quantity via Drag & Drop. How can you insert the removed key figure in the report again.
9. Exclude the Country value United States (US) from the results using drag and drop.
How can you insert the removed value in the report again.
10. Now, show results only for Country United States (US) and then add an additional drill-down by Material in the rows to find out which materials make up the total in the United States (US).
11. Compare the result of the previous navigation option with the result of the following one: go 2 steps back and from Country United States (US) choose the context menu function Filter → Filter and Drill Down by → Material. Where can you display the filter situation of the report?
12. Remove the filter value for Country and insert Country as the first characteristic in the drilldown, the second characteristic in the drilldown should still be Material. Additionally, repeated key values should not be suppressed any more.
13. Finally, save a view for your own user-defined navigational state of the report. For the view, use the description U## View 002 and the technical name U##_VIEW_002.
14. Now execute your new view U## View 002 (U##_VIEW_002) in the BEx Web Analyzer again.
Solution 1: Navigate in Reports
Task 1:
In the BEx Analyzer, execute the query Sales Analysis 001
(P_SALES_ANALYSIS_001) and use the different navigation options to analyze
the business key figures within the report.
1. Start the BEx Analyzer and execute the query Sales Analysis 001
(P_SALES_ANALYSIS_001). Use the Find function to search by either the
description or technical name.
a) Choose Start → Programs → Business Explorer → Analyzer b) Choose Add-Ins.
c) In the BEx Analysis Toolbox, click the Open button. d) Select Open Query.
e) Logon with your user ID and password when prompted.
f) Click the Find button on the left and then enter either the technical name or description. Select the Find button. When the query is found, select the Open button at the bottom to execute the query.
2. Insert the characteristic Distribution Channel in the drill-down. Try out both inserting it in the rows and in the columns. Use different navigation techniques.
a) Click the Filter button to open the navigation pane.
b) You can use Drag&Drop to insert Distribution Channel in the rows or in the columns.
c) Or: from the context menu of Distribution Channel: Add Drilldown
According to Distribution Channel in Rows and Add Drilldown According to Distribution Channel in Columns
d) Or: use double-click on Distribution Channel to insert it into the rows. 3. Remove the characteristic Distribution Channel from the drill-down, again
using different navigation techniques. a) You can use Drag&Drop.
4. Exchange Country with Material using Drag&Drop.
a) Highlight the Material characteristic from the filter area, then drag and drop it directly over the Country characteristic in the filter area or over the Country heading in the results area. When the mouse pointer changes to show two arrows in a circular motion you are ready to release the mouse button.
5. Display the Material using the hierarchy Product Hierarchy for material
MARA. Expand and collapse hierarchy nodes, and finally, go back to the
initial state of the report.
a) Highlight the heading Material and select from the context menu
Properties. From the Hierarchy tab choose the hierarchy Product Hierarchy for material MARA from the drop-down box. Click OK to
see the result displayed using the hierarchy.
b) Expand and collapse hierarchy nodes using the symbols at the beginning of the rows.
c) Or: use the functions in the context menu: Expand Hierarchy Node,
Collapse Hierarchy Node, and Expand to Level.
d) In order to go back to the initial state of the report: from any cell of the report: Right click → Context menu → Back to Start.
6. Drop the key figure Sales Volume EUR directly onto the key figure Incoming
Orders EUR. What happens?
a) Highlight the heading Sales Volume EUR and drag and drop this directly over the heading Incoming Orders EUR . The sequence of the key figures will be swapped.
7. Remove the key figure Invoiced quantity via Drag & Drop. How can you insert the removed key figure in the report again?
a) Highlight the heading Invoiced quantity and drag and drop this outside the results area. When the mouse pointer changes to show a black filter icon you can then release the mouse button. The Invoiced quantity key figure is now gone.
b) To insert the removed key figure into the report again, you can choose
Context menu → Back One Navigation Step.
c) Or: in the navigation pane: use the context menu for Key Figures, then choose Select Filter Value ...., and in the Select Values for Displayed
Key Figures window, drag the key figure Invoiced quantity to the
right-hand side, and choose OK.
d) Or: in the navigation pane: use the context menu for Key Figures, then choose Remove Filter
8. Exclude the Country value United States (US) from the results using drag and drop.
How can you insert the removed value in the report again?
a) Highlight the cell, which contains the Country value United States
(US), then drag and drop this anywhere outside the results area. Wait
until you see the mouse pointer change to show a black filter before releasing the mouse button.
b) To insert the removed value into the report again, you can choose
Context menu → Back One Navigation Step.
c) Or: use the context menu for Country, then choose Remove Filter 9. Now, show results only for Country United States (US) and then add an
additional drill-down by Material in the rows to find out which materials make up the total in the United States (US).
a) Highlight the cell containing the Country value United States (US) then right click to show the context menu. Select Keep Filter Value menu option.
b) Then, in the navigation pane, double click on Material.
c) Or: context menu for Material, then choose Add Drilldown According
to Material in Rows.
10. Compare the result of the previous navigation option with the result of the following one: go 2 steps back and from Country United States (US) choose the context menu function Filter and Drill Down → Material.
a) From any cell of the report: Right click → Context menu → Back One
Navigation Step (2 times).
b) Highlight the cell containing the Country value United States (US), then right click to show the context menu. Select Filter and Drill
Down → Material.
11. Go back to the initial view of the query.
a) From any cell of the report: Right click → Context menu → Back to
12. In order to change the drill-down you also can use the Query Properties function from the context menu. Place the Distribution Channel characteristic in the rows under the Country characteristic by using this possibility. Additionally, repeated key values should not be suppressed any more.
Note: Be aware that via Context Menu → Query Properties there
are many functions to configure the Local Query Properties in sense of configuring the properties of the executed report.
a) From any cell of the report: Right click → Context menu → Query
Properties.
b) On the Navigational State tab page: Transfer the characteristic
Distribution Channel from the Free Characteristics area into the Rows
area under Country by using drag & drop or the Arrow buttons. c) On the Display Options tab page: uncheck the box Suppress Repeated
Key Values.
d) Finally, press OK.
13. Finally, save a view for your own user-defined navigational state of the report. Save the view under Favorites using the description U## View
001and the technical name U##_VIEW_001.
a) Make any navigational steps you want and save the navigational state in a view using BEx Analysis Toolbox: Save → Save View under the
Favorites folder.
Description U## View 001 Technical name U##_VIEW_001
14. Now execute your new view U## View 001 (U##_VIEW_001) in the BEx Analyzer again.
a) In the BEx Analysis Toolbox, click the Open button. b) Select Open Query.
c) Change the Type at the bottom of the window into Query View. You will find very easily your view under the Favorites folder or under the History folder.
d) Open the desired view.
Task 2:
Now use the BEx Web Analyzer within the SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal to execute the query Sales Analysis 001 (P_SALES_ANALYSIS_001) and again, use different navigation options to analyze the business key figures within the report. 1. To access the BEx Web Analyzer, logon to the attached Portal
by executing transaction code ZPORTAL from your assigned BW system or opening your web browser and entering the URL
http://portal-(SID).wdf.sap.corp:50100/irjwhere (SID) is to be replaced by your assigned BW system ID. Enter the user ID and password provided by your instructor.
Go to Reporting, Analysis and Planning → Business Explorer → BEx Web
Analyzer.
a) From your Citrix desktop, choose Start → Programs → Internet Explorer
b) From the browser window, enter the URL of
http://portal-(SID).wdf.sap.corp:50100/irjwhere (SID) is the system ID of your assigned BI system (or simply execute transaction code
ZPORTALfrom your assigned BW system).
c) On the Portal logon screen, enter your assigned user ID and password, and then click the Log on button.
d) In the Portal, go to Reporting, Analysis and Planning → Business
Explorer → BEx Web Analyzer.
2. Execute the query Sales Analysis 001 (P_SALES_ANALYSIS_001). Use the
Search function to search by either the description or technical name.
a) Choose the New Analysis button.
b) In the Open window, check if the Type is Query. If not, change it to
Query.
c) Open the Search tab.
d) Enter either the technical name or description. Press the Search button. Select the desired query and OK.
Try out both inserting it in the rows and in the columns. Use different navigation techniques.
a) You can use Drag&Drop to insert Distribution Channel in the rows or in the columns.
When using Drag&Drop you can move the characteristics either within the navigation area, or within the result area, or between the navigation area and the result area.
b) Or: from the context menu of Distribution Channel: Change Drilldown
→ Drilldown by → Horizontal / Vertical.
4. Remove the characteristic Distribution Channel from the drill-down, again using different navigation techniques.
a) Use Drag&Drop to move Distribution Channel out of the result area. b) Or: from the context menu of Distribution Channel: Change Drilldown
→ Remove Drilldown .
5. Exchange Country with Material using Drag&Drop.
a) Drag Material characteristic and drop it directly over the Country characteristic in the navigation area or over the Country heading in the results area.
6. Display the Material using the hierarchy Product Hierarchy for material
MARA. Expand and collapse hierarchy nodes, and finally, go back to the
initial state of the report.
a) From the context menu of Material characteristic select Properties →
Characteristic. From the Hierarchy tab choose the hierarchy Product Hierarchy for material MARA from the drop-down box. Click OK to
see the result displayed using the hierarchy.
b) Expand and collapse hierarchy nodes using the symbols at the beginning of the rows.
c) Or: use the functions in the context menu: Hierarchy Node Expanded and Expand Hierarchy.
d) In order to go back to the initial state of the report: from any cell of the report: Right click → Context menu → Back to Start.
7. You have to execute the report again via New Analysis. In the executed report drag and drop the key figure Sales Volume EUR directly onto the key figure Incoming Orders EUR. What happens?
a) Drag and drop Sales Volume EUR directly over the heading Incoming
Orders EUR . The sequence of the key figures will be swapped.
8. Remove the key figure Invoiced quantity via Drag & Drop.
How can you insert the removed key figure in the report again.
a) Drag and drop Invoiced quantity outside the results area. When the mouse pointer changes to show a black cross icon you can then release the mouse button. The Invoiced quantity key figure is now gone. b) To insert the removed key figure into the report again, you can choose
Context menu → Back One Navigation Step.
c) Or: in the navigation pane: use the context menu for Key Figures, then choose Filter → Remove Filter Value.
9. Exclude the Country value United States (US) from the results using drag and drop.
How can you insert the removed value in the report again.
a) Highlight the cell which contains the Country value United States
(US), then drag and drop this anywhere outside the results area. Wait
until you see the mouse pointer change to show a black cross before releasing the mouse button.
b) To insert the removed value into the report again, you can choose
Context menu → Back One Navigation Step.
c) Or: use the context menu for Country, then choose Filter → Remove
Filter Value.
10. Now, show results only for Country United States (US) and then add an additional drill-down by Material in the rows to find out which materials make up the total in the United States (US).
a) In the context menu of the cell containing the Country value United
States (US) select Filter → Keep Filter Value menu option.
b) Then, from the navigation pane, drag and drop Material at the beginning of the result area, or drag and drop it, within the navigation area, into the Rows as the first characteristic.
c) Or: context menu for Material, then Change Drilldown → Drilldown
by → Vertical.
11. Compare the result of the previous navigation option with the result of the following one: go 2 steps back and from Country United States (US) choose the context menu function Filter → Filter and Drill Down by → Material.
Where can you display the filter situation of the report?
a) From any cell of the report: Right click → Context menu → Back One
Navigation Step (2 times).
b) Choose the cell containing the Country value United States (US), then right click to show the context menu. Select Filter → Filter and Drill
Down by → Material.
c) In order to display the filter situation of the report, press the Info button and look under Dynamic Filters.
d) Or: Use the Filter link on the right-hand upper side of the screen and look in the dropdown box for Country.
12. Remove the filter value for Country and insert Country as the first characteristic in the drilldown, the second characteristic in the drilldown should still be Material. Additionally, repeated key values should not be suppressed any more.
a) Either in the context menu of Country choose Filter → Remove Filter
Value.
b) Or: Use the Filter link on the right-hand upper side of the screen, and in the dropdown box for Country choose Clear.
c) Then, from the navigation pane, drag and drop Country at the beginning of the result area, or drag and drop it, within the navigation area, into the Rows as the first characteristic.
d) Choose the Setting link on the right-hand upper side of the screen, then the Table tab, there activate the box Display Repeated Texts.
13. Finally, save a view for your own user-defined navigational state of the report. For the view, use the description U## View 002 and the technical name U##_VIEW_002.
a) Make any navigational steps you want and save the navigational state in a view using the context menu Save View.
Description U## View 002 Technical name U##_VIEW_002
14. Now execute your new view U## View 002 (U##_VIEW_002) in the BEx Web Analyzer again.
a) Choose the New Analysis button.
b) In the Open window, check if the Type is View. If not, change it to View. c) Open the Search tab.
d) Enter either the technical name or description. Press the Search button. Select your desired view and OK.
Lesson Summary
You should now be able to:
• Use the navigation options in the BEx Analyzer and the BEx Web Analyzer . • Use the functions of the context menu
• Use the functions of drag and drop navigation • Save a navigational state as a query view
Unit Summary
You should now be able to:
• Use the navigation options in the BEx Analyzer and the BEx Web Analyzer . • Use the functions of the context menu
• Use the functions of drag and drop navigation • Save a navigational state as a query view
Unit 3
Creating Simple Queries
Unit Overview
This unit shows you how to define simple queries in SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse using the BEx Query Designer.
Unit Objectives
After completing this unit, you will be able to:
• Describe and use the basic functions of the BEx Query Designer • Define your own simple queries and modify these when necessary • Define static and dynamic filters in the query definition
• Use the enhanced selection function for selecting restriction values • Define and use reusable filters
• Configure query properties • Execute reports for analysis
Unit Contents
Lesson: Creating Simple Queries ... 50 Procedure: Formulating Selection Conditions ... 64 Exercise 2: Create Simple Queries ... 71
Lesson: Creating Simple Queries
Lesson Overview
This lesson shows you how to define simple queries in SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse using the BEx Query Designer.
Lesson Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
• Describe and use the basic functions of the BEx Query Designer • Define your own simple queries and modify these when necessary • Define static and dynamic filters in the query definition
• Use the enhanced selection function for selecting restriction values • Define and use reusable filters
• Configure query properties • Execute reports for analysis
Business Example
You use SAP NetWeaver BW to define queries that enable standardized navigation functions in analyses, independent of the source operational system.
You want to define simple queries, execute these, and make changes to the report definition.
Calling the BEx Query Designer
Using the SAP NetWeaver BW reporting functions, you can evaluate a dataset from an InfoProvider according to various characteristics and key figures. To do this, you define a query for your chosen InfoProvider in the BEx Query Designer. By selecting and combining the InfoObjects in a query, you determine the way in which data from the chosen InfoProvider is evaluated.
You have various options for calling up the Query Designer:
• Directly using Start → Programs → Business Explorer → Query Designer • From the BEx Analyzer
Call the BEx Analyzer, either from the transaction RRMX, or the menu path
Start → Programs → Business Explorer → Analyzer. Choose Add-Ins, and
from the BEx Analysis Toolbox, choose Tools → New Query. • From the BEx Web Application Designer
Call the Web Application Designer using Start → Programs → Business
Explorer → Web Application Designer. From the menu bar, choose Tools → BEx Query Designer.
• From the BEx Report Designer
Using Start → Programs → Business Explorer → Report Designer: Follow the path then choose the Tools → BEx Query Designer .
Functions of the BEx Query Designer – different
panes: InfoProvider, Filter, Row/Columns, Properties,
Tasks, Messages
The following figure gives an overview of the BEx Query Designer functions that you can call from the Query Designer toolbar. The functions are described within the context of query definition. Please note, toolbar functions are context sensitive, which means that certain buttons may be inactive if they are not valid for your context. (that is, the Save button is inactive until there is something to save!)
Figure 23: BEx Query Designer Toolbar
Exit and Use the query : With this function, you exit the Query Designer and use the query on the BEx Analyzer.
