As organizations transition toward real-time analytics and intelligent enterprise architectures, SAP HANA Live provides a significant advantage by delivering pre-built, real-time data models based on Core Data Services (CDS) views. These CDS views serve as virtual data models (VDMs) that expose business data directly from the HANA database layer, eliminating the need for ETL processes. However, to fully leverage the power of CDS views in SAP HANA Live, adhering to best architectural practices is essential.
This article explores the core principles and best practices for designing, building, and maintaining CDS view architecture in SAP HANA Live environments.
The VDM architecture is typically divided into three main layers:
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A consistent naming convention improves maintainability and readability.
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I_ for Interface, C_ for Composite, and Z_ or Y_ for custom views.Annotations in CDS views are powerful and allow integration with UI, analytics, and security frameworks.
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@Analytics.query: true for enabling views as analytical queries.@AccessControl.authorizationCheck for enforcing security policies.@DefaultAggregation, @EndUserText, etc., to enhance usability in reporting tools.CDS views are executed at runtime. Poorly designed views can severely impact performance.
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SELECT *.WHERE clause and parameterized views.Reusability reduces duplication and effort in long-term maintenance.
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Integrating with SAP’s role-based security model is crucial for compliant and secure data access.
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@AccessControl.authorizationCheck: #CHECK at appropriate layers.With agile development, managing versions of CDS views becomes important.
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SAP continuously enhances CDS capabilities and publishes best practices via the SAP Help Portal and SAP Notes.
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Implementing a well-structured and optimized CDS view architecture is crucial for delivering scalable, maintainable, and high-performing analytical applications in an SAP HANA Live environment. By following the best practices outlined in this article—covering modularity, performance, security, and standardization—you can ensure a robust foundation for real-time analytics and decision-making.
Keywords: SAP HANA Live, CDS Views, VDM, SAP Best Practices, SAP Fiori, Real-Time Analytics, Performance Optimization, ABAP CDS, Security, SAP S/4HANA.