This book describes how to prepare, perform and optimize data retrieval processes in SAP Business Information Warehouse (BW). Readers get a detailed introduction to the basics of data presentation and practical, step-by-step techniques to greatly improve essential data retrieval methods and skills.

The first part of the book gives readers a detailed look at the most important concepts related to extraction, transformation and loading (ETL), as well as a comprehensive overview of all SAP BW functions. Then, discover exclusive insights on all the relevant techniques for data extraction. A sample scenario illustrates the practical application of these techniques. The chapters that follow guide you systematically through best practices for working with master and transaction data, teaching you how to successfully master the complete ETL process. In addition, valuable advice shows you how to make the most of SAP Business Content.

The appendices also provide additional help and include a comprehensive SAP BW glossary. Up to date for SAP BW 3.5.

Highlights

• Detailed ETL Concepts and Implementation within SAP BW
• Extractors: Overview of available Techniques - Homogenization of Data, Data Extraction from Heterogeneous Systems, Extraction Mechanisms in SAP BW and much more
• ETL Process: Master Data - Data Targets, Update Types and Rules, DataSources, InfoPackages
• ETL Process: Transaction Data - SAP Business Content DataSources, InfoSources, Transfer and Update Rule
• SAP Business Content - Elements and Areas of Use
• Comprehensive Appendix - Includes BW Glossary, Transaction Codes, Metadata Tables, Index and much more

About the Author(s)

The authors are all acknowledged BW specialists of the CubeServ Group (www.cubeserv.com). Specializing in BI solutions since 1998, the CubeServ Group has gained considerable experience in hundreds of projects implementing SAP BW and SAP SEM.

Table of Contents

Preface ... 11
Foreword ... 13
Introduction and Overview ... 15

1. Data Warehousing and SAP BW ... 21
... 1.1 Introduction ... 21
... 1.2 The Data Warehouse Concept ... 22
... 1.3 Basic Characteristics of a Data Warehouse Solution ... 24
... 1.4 Architecture of SAP BW: Overview ... 32

2. Data Acquisition: ETL Concepts and Their Implementation in SAP BW ... 43
... 2.1 Introduction ... 43
... 2.2 Process Steps in the Data Acquisition Layer ... 44
... 2.3 Metadata Management ... 50
... 2.4 ETL Components of SAP BW ... 52
... 2.5 Data Transfer into SAP BW: Components and Options ... 58
... 2.6 Data Transfer out of SAP BW: Components and Options ... 63
... 2.7 Data Transfer and Application Development with SAP BW: BI Java SDK ... 65

3. Sample Scenario ... 67
... 3.1 The Model Company: "CubeServ Engines" ... 67
... 3.2 Requirements of the Case Study ... 70
... 3.3 Procedure and the SAP Components Involved ... 73
... 3.4 Details of ETL Requirements ... 74
... 3.5 A Look Ahead: Additional Steps in the Implementation ... 76

4. Extractors: Overview of the Techniques ... 77
... 4.1 General Overview ... 77
... 4.2 SAP BW Content Extractors: Extraction of SD Transaction Data with the LO
           Customizing Cockpit ... 82
... 4.3 Customer-Specific Extractors in the Example of SAP CO-PA ... 113
... 4.4 Further Application-Specific Extractors ... 125
... 4.5 Application-Independent Extraction from SAP R/3 ... 133
... 4.6 Extraction from Interface Files ... 139
... 4.7 Extracting XML Data ... 145
... 4.8 Extraction via DB Connect ... 156
... 4.9 UDI—Universal Data Integration ... 159

5. ETL Process: Master Data ... 163
... 5.1 General Overview ... 163
... 5.2 Master Data ... 165
... 5.3 The ETL Process ... 165
... 5.4 Data Targets ... 166
... 5.5 Types of Updates for Master Data ... 168
... 5.6 ETL Process for Master Data ... 170

6. ETL Process: Transaction Data ... 259
... 6.1 Exemplary Transaction Data Retrieval for Profitability Analysis ... 259
... 6.2 Exemplary Transaction Data Retrieval for Sales Order Stocks ... 321
... 6.3 Exemplary Transaction Data Retrieval for Financial Reporting ... 332
... 6.4 Exemplary Transaction Data Retrieval for the Sales Documents: Sales
           Order ... 354

7. SAP Business Content ... 387
... 7.1 Elements of SAP Business Content ... 388
... 7.2 Fundamental Problems of SAP Business Content ... 389
... 7.3 SAP Business Content for Master and Transaction Data ... 393
... 7.4 SAP Business Content in Selected Areas of Use ... 395
... 7.5 Conclusion ... 405

Appendix
... A. Abbreviations ... 407
... B. InfoSources ... 409
... C. ODS Objects ... 421
... D. InfoCubes ... 425
... E. Update Rules ... 435
... F. Transaction Codes ... 479
... G. Metadata Tables ... 483
... H. Glossary ... 487
... I. Literature ... 537
... J. Authors ... 539

Index ... 542