Data Modeling in SAP NetWeaver BW 7.1

Frank K. Wolf is an SAP NetWeaver BW and SAP BI Solution Consultant at Triple A Consulting GmbH & Co. KG in Eschborn, Germany. His consultingwork focuses on data modeling, data warehouse architecture, and the implementation of complex reporting environments using SAP NetWeaver BWand SAP BusinessObjects. Stefan Yamada holds a degree in Information Management from the Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria. In 1998, he started to engage in the data model of CRM and the integration of BW for SAP CRM consulting. Since 2000, he has worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers. Currently, he implements large, global SAP NetWeaver BW customer projects as a freelance consultant. His work focuses on backend development and data modeling.

1 ... Introduction ... 15
... 1.1 ... Target Audience ... 17
... 1.2 ... Structure of the Book ... 18... 1.3 ... How to Use This Book ... 20
... 1.4 ... Acknowledgments ... 21

2 ... Basic Principles of Data Modeling ... 23
... 2.1 ... SAP NetWeaver BW as a Data Warehouse (DWH) System ... 24

... 2.2 ... Conceptual, Logical, and Physical Data Model ... 26
... 2.3 ... Modeling Methods ... 27
... 2.4 ... Conceptual Multidimensional Modeling ... 33
... 2.5 ... Logical Multidimensional Modeling ... 42
... 2.6 ... Physical Multidimensional Modeling ... 51
... 2.7 ... Conclusion ... 51

3 ... Overview of SAP NetWeaver BW and SAP BusinessObjects ... 53
... 3.1 ... SAP NetWeaver ... 53
... 3.2 ... Overview of SAP NetWeaver BW 7.x ... 58
... 3.3 ... SAP BusinessObjects ... 76
... 3.4 ... Conclusion ... 82

4 ... Structure of a BW Data Model ... 85
... 4.1 ... InfoObjects ... 86
... 4.2 ... Master Data in SAP NetWeaver BW ... 113
... 4.3 ... DSOs ... 128
... 4.4 ... InfoCubes ... 137
... 4.5 ... Providers for Real-Time Data Access ... 141
... 4.6 ... Conclusion ... 148

5 ... Reference Architecture for Data Modeling ... 151
... 5.1 ... LSA ... 152
... 5.2 ... Naming Conventions ... 175
... 5.3 ... Information Integration as a Prerequisite for Cross-Sectional Evaluations ... 180
... 5.4 ... Conclusion ... 183

6 ... Business Content ... 185
... 6.1 ... Basic Principles ... 186
... 6.2 ... Master Data in SAP NetWeaver BW ... 190
... 6.3 ... SAP NetWeaver BW in FI ... 200
... 6.4 ... SAP NetWeaver BW in CO ... 205
... 6.5 ... SAP NetWeaver BW in SD ... 212
... 6.6 ... SAP NetWeaver BW in HR ... 220
... 6.7 ... Classification Data ... 222
... 6.8 ... Activation and Enhancement ... 223
... 6.9 ... Miscellaneous ... 229
... 6.10 ... Conclusion ... 229

7 ... Modeling the EDW ... 231
... 7.1 ... Reference Architecture for Staging Scenarios ... 232
... 7.2 ... Defining Inbound Interfaces ... 233
... 7.3 ... Delta Process ... 235
... 7.4 ... Modeling Data Storage ... 239
... 7.5 ... Transformations ... 241
... 7.6 ... Domain Creation and Central Transformations ... 248
... 7.7 ... Process Chains ... 250
... 7.8 ... Load Control ... 253
... 7.9 ... Master Data ... 256
... 7.10 ... Data Timeliness and History Management ... 271
... 7.11 ... Conclusion ... 274

8 ... Data Modeling in the Reporting Layer ... 277
... 8.1 ... Architecture of the Reporting Layer ... 278
... 8.2 ... Modeling and Optimization of InfoCubes ... 282
... 8.3 ... Enhanced InfoCube Modeling ... 300
... 8.4 ... Virtual Layer ... 309
... 8.5 ... Universes in SAP BusinessObjects ... 324
... 8.6 ... Conclusion ... 336

9 ... Case Studies ... 337
... 9.1 ... Modeling According to LSA Principles ... 337
... 9.2 ... Case Study Using Business Content ... 365
... 9.3 ... Conclusion ... 401

10 ... Data Modeling for Planning Applications ... 403
... 10.1 ... Planning System and Control System Requirements ... 404
... 10.2 ... Overview of BW Integrated Planning ... 407
... 10.3 ... Case Study -- Cost Planning on the Cost Center Level ... 414
... 10.4 ... Specific Modeling Issues ... 430
... 10.5 ... Conclusion ... 444

11 ... Optimizing Data Retention ... 447
... 11.1 ... ILM ... 448
... 11.2 ... Optimizing the Data Model ... 457
... 11.3 ... Conclusion ... 469

12 ... Specific Data Modeling Issues in BW Projects ... 471
... 12.1 ... General Conditions ... 471
... 12.2 ... The BW Functional Specification ... 473
... 12.3 ... Specifications of the IT Department ... 484
... 12.4 ... Conclusion ... 486

13 ... Summary and Outlook ... 487

... Appendices ... 493
... A ... Abbreviations ... 495
... B ... Transactions ... 501
... C ... Programs ... 509
... D ... Function Modules and Includes ... 513
... E ... Tables ... 517
... F ... Delta Processes ... 519
... G ... Posting Keys ... 521
... H ... Glossary ... 527
... I ... Literature ... 531
... J ... The Authors ... 535

... Index ... 537