Subject: SAP-BW (Business Warehouse)
In SAP Business Warehouse (BW), securing sensitive business data is a paramount concern. Proper implementation of security and authorization mechanisms ensures that only authorized users can access, modify, or administer data and processes within the BW system. This not only protects confidential information but also helps organizations comply with regulatory requirements.
This article delves into the key concepts, components, and best practices for implementing security and authorizations in SAP BW.
SAP BW typically consolidates data from various enterprise systems, often including sensitive financial, HR, and customer information. Without robust security controls:
Hence, a well-designed security model is essential to balance usability and protection.
Authorization objects define the specific system activities a user can perform. For example, the object S_RS_COMP controls access to InfoProviders (BW data models). Each object consists of fields (like InfoArea, InfoProvider, or Activity type), which help refine access control.
Roles group together multiple authorizations to represent typical user responsibilities (e.g., report viewer, data modeller). SAP BW uses these roles to assign permissions efficiently. Profiles are system-generated collections of authorization objects derived from roles.
Users are assigned roles using transaction codes like PFCG (Role Maintenance). User masters can also be maintained in the underlying SAP ERP or identity management systems when integrated.
| Authorization Type | Purpose | Example Authorization Object |
|---|---|---|
| Read Access | Permission to view data in InfoProviders | S_RS_COMP (InfoProvider Access) |
| Data Write Access | Permission to load or modify data | S_RFC (Remote Function Calls) for data loads |
| Query Execution | Permission to run BEx Queries | S_RS_AUTH (Query authorization) |
| Administration Access | Managing BW objects and system settings | S_TCODE (Transaction Codes) |
Understand what data each user or group should access. Define the segregation of duties and data sensitivity levels.
Create roles with relevant authorization objects using PFCG, assigning necessary activity types (e.g., display, change, execute).
Set up variables in queries or InfoProviders that dynamically filter data based on the logged-in user’s attributes, e.g., restricting sales data to a user’s region.
Using transaction SU01 or identity management systems, assign the appropriate roles to users.
Simulate user access to verify correct restrictions. Use tools like SU53 (Authorization Check) for troubleshooting authorization failures.
Suppose you want sales managers to access only their respective regional data:
Implementing security and authorizations in SAP BW is fundamental to safeguarding business-critical data while enabling efficient and compliant user access. By leveraging SAP BW’s robust authorization objects, role management, and dynamic data restrictions, organizations can build a secure environment that supports both operational needs and regulatory compliance.
Proactive security design, continuous role management, and user access reviews are key pillars for a successful SAP BW security strategy.