Subject: SAP-BW-4HANA
Data modeling is a core activity in any data warehousing project. It defines how raw data is structured, stored, and related to enable efficient reporting and analytics. In SAP BW/4HANA, data modeling takes a modernized approach designed to leverage SAP HANA’s in-memory technology, simplified architecture, and advanced tools.
This article introduces the key concepts, components, and best practices of data modeling in SAP BW/4HANA, helping you understand how to build flexible and high-performance data models.
Data modeling in SAP BW/4HANA involves designing the logical and physical representation of business data to facilitate data extraction, transformation, and reporting. It includes creating InfoProviders, DataStore Objects, CompositeProviders, and other building blocks that form the backbone of the data warehouse.
SAP BW/4HANA simplifies traditional SAP BW data modeling by introducing new object types and consolidating functions, which reduces complexity and improves agility.
- Central object for data storage and processing.
- Supports various scenarios: staging, reporting, and real-time data consolidation.
- Combines features of classic InfoCubes and DataStore Objects.
- Can be configured with different layers for data persistence or transient data flow.
- Virtual InfoProvider combining multiple data sources.
- Allows complex join, union, and projection operations without physically replicating data.
- Supports combining aDSOs, Open ODS views, and other CompositeProviders.
- Enables semantic enrichment and advanced reporting scenarios.
- Enables direct access to external data sources without loading data into BW.
- Supports data federation, allowing BW to query data in real-time.
- Useful for integrating non-SAP or big data sources.
- Semantic building blocks representing business entities like customers, products, or time.
- Defined as characteristics (dimensions) or key figures (measures).
- Used consistently across models for data consistency.
- Requirement Gathering: Understand business processes and analytical requirements.
- Define InfoObjects: Create or reuse standardized InfoObjects.
- Create aDSOs: Design Advanced DataStore Objects for raw data storage, harmonization, and reporting layers.
- Build CompositeProviders: Combine data from multiple sources for reporting.
- Define Open ODS Views (if needed): For accessing external or federated data.
- Model Transformations: Use routines and mappings to convert and clean data during loading.
- Test and Optimize: Validate data correctness and performance.
| Benefit |
Explanation |
| Simplification |
Reduced number of object types streamlines design |
| Flexibility |
Virtual layers enable agile reporting changes |
| Real-Time Access |
Open ODS views allow direct data consumption |
| Performance |
In-memory processing speeds up data transformations and queries |
| Integration |
Supports both SAP and non-SAP data sources |
- Reuse Standard InfoObjects: Leverage SAP-delivered InfoObjects for consistency.
- Layer Your Data: Separate staging, harmonization, and reporting layers using different aDSOs.
- Optimize Data Volume: Use filters and partitions to manage large datasets efficiently.
- Keep Modeling Agile: Use CompositeProviders for flexible reporting views.
- Leverage Real-Time Data: Utilize Open ODS Views for direct, real-time access where appropriate.
- Document Your Models: Maintain clear metadata and documentation for maintainability.
Data modeling in SAP BW/4HANA is a foundational skill to build scalable, efficient, and agile data warehouses. By mastering new object types like aDSOs, CompositeProviders, and Open ODS Views, data professionals can design modern data models that leverage SAP HANA’s power for real-time analytics and simplified maintenance.
The shift from classic BW to BW/4HANA marks a move towards faster implementation, better performance, and enhanced flexibility—critical capabilities for today’s data-driven organizations.