Subject: SAP-BW-4HANA
Category: Migration and Transformation
SAP BW/4HANA is SAP’s next-generation data warehousing solution built exclusively on the SAP HANA platform. It offers enhanced performance, simplified data modeling, and seamless integration with advanced analytics tools. For organizations currently using traditional SAP BW systems, transitioning to SAP BW/4HANA represents a strategic move to future-proof their data warehouse and gain competitive advantages.
This article highlights the key considerations organizations must address when planning the transition from SAP BW to SAP BW/4HANA.
¶ 1. Understanding the Difference: SAP BW vs. SAP BW/4HANA
SAP BW/4HANA is a streamlined, cloud-ready data warehouse optimized for the in-memory SAP HANA database. It differs significantly from traditional SAP BW in terms of architecture, data modeling, and data integration:
- Simplified Data Modeling: SAP BW/4HANA eliminates legacy objects and introduces ADSOs, Open ODS Views, and CompositeProviders.
- Optimized for SAP HANA: All processes are designed to leverage SAP HANA’s in-memory capabilities.
- Improved User Experience: Native integration with SAP Fiori and SAP Analytics Cloud.
- Focus on Real-Time Analytics: Enhanced support for real-time data and advanced analytics.
¶ a. Assessment and Planning
- Current Landscape Analysis: Review existing BW data models, objects, and custom developments.
- Data Volume and Complexity: Understand data volumes, data flows, and performance bottlenecks.
- Business Requirements: Align transition goals with business needs for reporting, analytics, and integration.
- Replace InfoCubes and classic DSOs with Advanced DataStore Objects (ADSOs).
- Use Open ODS Views for virtual data access and external data integration.
- Simplify and optimize data flows to leverage SAP HANA capabilities.
¶ d. Custom Code and Enhancements
- Analyze custom ABAP code for compatibility with BW/4HANA.
- Refactor or rewrite custom logic to utilize new BW/4HANA features and HANA-optimized SQL.
- Utilize SAP BW/4HANA migration cockpit and SAP BW transformation tools.
- Leverage SAP HANA modeling tools for advanced scenarios.
- Plan for testing and validation with BW/4HANA-specific tools.
- Use SAP BW/4HANA’s in-memory engine for faster data loads and query execution.
- Optimize process chains and data load scheduling.
- Adopt parallel processing and delta mechanisms for efficient data handling.
¶ 4. User Training and Change Management
- Train technical teams on new BW/4HANA concepts and tools.
- Educate business users on new reporting interfaces and capabilities, such as SAP Fiori.
- Prepare support teams for post-migration maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Complexity in migrating large volumes of historical data.
- Compatibility issues with legacy customizations.
- Need for re-architecting data models and data flows.
- Ensuring minimal downtime during migration.
Transitioning from SAP BW to SAP BW/4HANA is a transformational journey that requires careful planning, assessment, and execution. Organizations that successfully navigate this transition stand to benefit from simplified data modeling, enhanced performance, and a future-ready data warehouse architecture. By addressing key considerations such as migration approach, data model redesign, and change management, enterprises can unlock the full potential of SAP BW/4HANA and support their evolving analytics landscape.
Author:
SAP BW/4HANA Migration Specialist
Date: May 2025