For SAP-BW (Business Warehouse)
In the SAP BW environment, Analysis for OLAP (often referred to as BEx Analyzer or OLAP Analysis) is a powerful tool used for interactive reporting and multidimensional data analysis. It allows business users and analysts to explore data stored in SAP BW InfoProviders through flexible reports, dynamic filtering, and drill-down capabilities.
This article covers the essentials of creating reports using Analysis for OLAP, its features, and best practices for effective reporting.
Analysis for OLAP is an Excel-based frontend tool integrated with SAP BW. It provides an intuitive interface to run BW Queries, allowing users to interactively slice and dice data, drill down into details, and perform advanced analysis directly from familiar Microsoft Excel environments.
- Multidimensional Reporting: Supports rows, columns, and free characteristics enabling dynamic layout changes.
- Drilldown and Navigation: Allows users to drill down into hierarchies or navigate across different dimensions.
- Filtering and Variables: Provides options to apply filters and enter variables to tailor the data view.
- Calculated and Restricted Key Figures: Supports in-report calculations and key figure restrictions.
- Charting and Visualization: Includes tools for creating charts and graphs to visualize data.
- Export and Sharing: Enables easy exporting to Excel files and sharing with other users.
- Launch Analysis for OLAP from the SAP Business Explorer (BEx) suite or directly through Microsoft Excel add-in.
- Enter SAP system credentials and connect to the relevant BW client.
- Choose an existing BW Query based on the InfoProvider containing the relevant data.
- BW Queries serve as data sources for the report.
- Place key figures and characteristics on rows, columns, or free characteristics areas.
- Rearrange layout by dragging and dropping to customize the view.
¶ Step 5: Apply Filters and Variables
- Set filters to focus on specific data subsets.
- Enter variables if the query contains variable prompts, such as time periods or regions.
- Drill into hierarchies (e.g., from country to region to city) to analyze data at various levels.
- Navigate between different characteristics for comparative analysis.
- Use local calculated key figures or restricted key figures to enhance analysis.
- Apply Excel formulas for further custom calculations.
- Insert charts or graphs using Excel’s charting capabilities or Analysis for OLAP visualization tools.
¶ Step 9: Save and Share
- Save the report workbook locally or on a shared network.
- Export or distribute reports to stakeholders.
- User-Friendly: Familiar Excel interface lowers the learning curve for business users.
- Dynamic Analysis: Enables interactive and flexible data exploration.
- Seamless Integration: Direct connectivity to SAP BW queries ensures up-to-date data.
- Customizable Reports: Users can tailor reports to specific needs without IT intervention.
- Rich Visualization: Supports comprehensive charting and data representation options.
- Design efficient BW Queries: Optimize query performance to ensure responsive reports.
- Use Variables Wisely: Reduce data volume by filtering upfront with variables.
- Leverage Hierarchies: Utilize drill-down to allow detailed data exploration.
- Limit Data Volume: Avoid loading excessively large datasets into Excel.
- Regularly Update Reports: Ensure reports reflect the latest data and business requirements.
- Train Users: Provide training to empower users with report creation and navigation skills.
Analysis for OLAP is a robust reporting tool that leverages the power of SAP BW’s multidimensional data models, combined with the flexibility of Microsoft Excel. It empowers users to create dynamic, interactive, and insightful reports that drive better business decisions.
By mastering Analysis for OLAP, SAP BW users and consultants can deliver highly customized and user-friendly reporting solutions tailored to business needs.