Table of Contents

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Introduction
21
PART I Business Intelligence Fundamentals
29
1 Business Intelligence in the Enterprise
31
1.1 What is Business Intelligence?
31
1.2 Layer Model of the BI Architecture
33
1.3 User Groups in the Enterprise
35
1.4 Data Warehousing
36
1.4.1 What Is a Data Warehouse?
37
1.4.2 Architecture of a Data Warehouse
38
1.5 Data Staging
39
1.5.1 Data Acquisition Layer
40
1.5.2 Quality and Harmonization Layer
40
1.5.3 Data Propagation Layer
41
1.5.4 Business Transformation Layer
41
1.5.5 Reporting Layer
42
1.6 Online Analytical Processing
42
1.6.1 Multidimensional Dataspaces
43
1.6.2 Extended Star Schema in SAP NetWeaver BW
47
1.6.3 Structure Anomalies
48
1.6.4 Data Retention
50
1.6.5 Usage Areas of Multidimensional Data Structures
51
1.6.6 Presentation and Navigation
51
1.7 Business Reporting
52
1.7.1 Report System Types
53
1.7.2 Periodic Reporting
54
1.7.3 Aperiodic Reporting
55
1.7.4 Ad-Hoc Reporting
56
1.7.5 Report Design
56
2 Overview of SAP NetWeaver BW 7.3 and SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0
59
2.1 Overview
60
2.2 Main BI Terms
61
2.2.1 Business Intelligence
63
2.2.2 Data Warehousing
67
2.2.3 Enterprise Performance Management
68
2.2.4 Enterprise Information Management
70
2.2.5 Comparison of Former and New Terms
72
2.3 New Features in SAP NetWeaver BW 7.3
73
2.3.1 InfoObjects
74
2.3.2 DataStore Object
74
2.3.3 InfoProviders
75
2.3.4 Nearline Storage
75
2.3.5 Data Flow
75
2.3.6 Extraction
76
2.3.7 Authorizations
76
2.3.8 BW Integrated Planning
77
2.3.9 SAP NetWeaver BW Accelerator and SAP HANA
77
2.4 New Features in SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0
78
2.4.1 New Semantic Layer
78
2.4.2 SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards
79
2.4.3 SAP Crystal Reports
79
2.4.4 SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence
80
2.5 Using SAP NetWeaver BW 7.3 and SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0 Together
80
2.6 Data Modeling
82
2.6.1 Data Warehousing Workbench
83
2.6.2 DataStore Objects
88
2.6.3 InfoProviders
90
2.6.4 Aggregates
94
2.6.5 SAP NetWeaver BW Accelerator
95
2.7 Data Staging
96
2.7.1 Creating DataSources
97
2.7.2 Creating Data Flows
97
2.7.3 Transformations
98
2.7.4 InfoPackages
99
2.7.5 Data Transfer Process
99
2.8 Extraction
99
2.8.1 Source Systems
100
2.8.2 Extraction from Systems of the SAP Business Suite
101
2.8.3 Extraction from Non-SAP Systems
101
2.8.4 SAP BusinessObjects Data Services as an ETL Tool
102
2.9 Administration of the BW System
103
2.9.1 Process Chains
103
2.9.2 Monitoring
103
2.9.3 Transport System
104
2.9.4 Analysis Process Designer
104
2.9.5 BW Administration Cockpit
105
2.10 Analyses (Reporting)
105
2.10.1 Which Tool Should I Use, and When?
106
2.10.2 BEx Query Designer
107
2.10.3 SAP BusinessObjects BI Platform
107
2.10.4 Excel-Based Analysis
108
2.10.5 Web-Based Analyses
109
2.10.6 Formatted Reporting
110
2.10.7 Dashboards and Office Integration
111
2.10.8 Mobile Applications
112
2.10.9 Roadmap for SAP NetWeaver BW 3.x and 7.x Users
114
2.11 Planning with BW Integrated Planning
116
2.11.1 Modeling Planning Applications
116
2.11.2 Designing the Planning Frontend
118
2.12 Outlook
120
2.12.1 SAP BusinessObjects
120
2.12.2 SAP HANA
122
PART II Backend
125
3 Data Modeling
127
3.1 Data Warehousing Workbench
128
3.1.1 Structure of the Work Area
128
3.1.2 Functions of the Task Area
130
3.1.3 Data Modeling Using the Data Warehousing Workbench
140
3.1.4 Best Practices for Data Modeling
144
3.1.5 Naming Conventions
151
3.2 InfoObjects
155
3.2.1 Creating Characteristics and Key Figures
155
3.2.2 General Settings for the Characteristic
158
3.2.3 Business Explorer Settings for the Characteristic
160
3.2.4 Characteristic Settings for Master Data and Texts
165
3.2.5 Attributes in Characteristics
169
3.2.6 Hierarchies in Characteristics
171
3.2.7 Time Dependency
179
3.2.8 Compounding
181
3.2.9 Document Storage
183
3.2.10 Geo-Coding for Preparing Map Presentations
183
3.2.11 Characteristics as InfoProviders
185
3.2.12 General Settings for the Key Figure
186
3.2.13 Aggregation of Key Figures
187
3.2.14 Additional Settings for Key Figures
192
3.2.15 Special InfoObjects: Units and Time
193
3.2.16 Best Practices for Maintaining InfoObjects
195
3.3 DataStore Objects
198
3.3.1 DataStore Objects in the Data Warehousing Architecture
198
3.3.2 Standard DSOs
202
3.3.3 Write-Optimized DSOs
209
3.3.4 DSOs for Direct Update
211
3.3.5 Semantic DSOs
212
3.3.6 Administration and Performance
217
3.4 InfoCubes
221
3.4.1 InfoCubes in the Data Warehousing Architecture
221
3.4.2 Standard InfoCube
224
3.4.3 Real Time-Enabled InfoCube
230
3.4.4 Semantic InfoCube
232
3.4.5 Performance and Administration
233
3.4.6 Remodeling Tool
235
3.4.7 (Re)partitioning and (Re)clustering
239
3.5 Special InfoProviders
240
3.5.1 Special Data Targets in the Data Warehousing Architecture
240
3.5.2 MultiProviders
242
3.5.3 InfoSet
247
3.5.4 VirtualProviders
253
3.5.5 HybridProviders
256
3.6 Aggregates and BW Accelerator
259
3.6.1 Aggregates in the Data Warehousing Architecture
259
3.6.2 Creating Aggregates
260
3.6.3 Using Aggregates
264
3.6.4 BW Accelerator
265
3.7 Data Flow
267
3.7.1 Procedure Model for Data Flow Generation
267
3.7.2 DataSources
273
3.7.3 InfoSources
279
3.7.4 Open Hub Destinations
280
3.7.5 Transformations
281
3.7.6 Programming Transformation Routines
290
3.7.7 Migrating Data Flows from 3.x Systems
294
3.8 Load Processes
296
3.8.1 InfoPackages and PSA
296
3.8.2 Data Transfer Processes
303
3.8.3 Process Chains
309
3.9 Report-Report Interface
310
4 Extraction
315
4.1 DataSource
316
4.2 Extraction from SAP Source Systems
317
4.2.1 Extraction of Business Content
319
4.2.2 Generic Extraction from SAP Systems
324
4.3 Extraction from Non-SAP Systems
327
4.3.1 DB Connect
327
4.3.2 Universal Data Integration
329
4.3.3 Web Service
331
4.4 Extraction with SAP BusinessObjects Data Services
334
4.4.1 Overview
334
4.4.2 Graphic Modeling of Data Flows
335
4.4.3 Data Sources
336
4.4.4 Transformations
337
4.5 Integration of SAP NetWeaver BW and SAP BusinessObjects Data Services
339
4.6 Delta Capability
341
4.6.1 Delta Queue
343
4.6.2 Delta Procedure, Delta Mode, and Update Mode
344
4.6.3 Delta Processing in the BW System
346
5 Administration
349
5.1 Data Supply
349
5.2 InfoPackages
353
5.3 Process Chains
356
5.3.1 Overview
357
5.3.2 Creating Process Chains
358
5.3.3 Process Types in a Process Chain
359
5.3.4 Process Categories
361
5.4 System Monitoring
364
5.4.1 BW CCMS
365
5.4.2 Data Load Monitor
365
5.4.3 Attribute Change Run Monitor
369
5.4.4 System Load Monitor
370
5.5 Transport System
372
5.5.1 BW Object Version Management
372
5.5.2 General Transport Procedure in BW
373
5.5.3 Transport Connection in the Data Warehousing Workbench
375
5.5.4 Special Features of BEx Elements
379
6 Authorizations
381
6.1 Transaction Authorizations
382
6.1.1 Separation of Backend and Reporting
382
6.1.2 New Objects in SAP NetWeaver BW 7.30
383
6.1.3 Roles in BW
383
6.2 Analysis Authorizations
384
6.2.1 Fundamentals
385
6.2.2 Barrier Principle
386
6.2.3 Authorization Management
387
6.2.4 Authorization Maintenance
387
6.2.5 Assignment to Users: Transactions RSU01 and SU01
393
6.2.6 Mass Maintenance Transaction RSECSY
397
6.2.7 Analysis of Authorization Checks and Authorization Log
400
6.2.8 Generating Authorizations
403
6.2.9 Migrating from Release BW 3.x to BW 7.x
405
6.2.10 Migrating from Release BW 7.0 to BW 7.30
406
6.3 Conclusion
407
7 SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform
409
7.1 Structure and Architecture
410
7.1.1 BI Launchpad: UI for End Users
416
7.1.2 Administration: Central Management Console
417
7.1.3 Transports with the Lifecycle Management Console
421
7.1.4 Transports with the Upgrade Management Tool
422
7.2 Data Providers—Common Semantic Layer and BICS
423
7.2.1 Universe Design Tool
424
7.2.2 Information Design Tool
427
7.2.3 Query as a Web Service Designer
432
7.2.4 SAP BusinessObjects Live Office
433
7.2.5 Business View Manager
436
7.3 Queries in the Clients
437
7.3.1 Result Objects
439
7.3.2 Query Filter
440
7.3.3 Data Preview
442
PART III Frontend
443
8 BEx Query Designer
445
8.1 SAP Business Explorer Suite
445
8.1.1 Tools
445
8.1.2 Interaction between BEx Components
447
8.2 BW Query
447
8.3 Structure of the BEx Query Designer
449
8.3.1 InfoProviders
450
8.3.2 Work Area
451
8.3.3 Menu and Toolbar
456
8.3.4 Properties
459
8.4 Getting Started
471
8.5 Filters
478
8.6 Structure Definition
482
8.7 Structures
483
8.8 Selection
486
8.9 Formulas
489
8.10 Calculated and Restricted Key Figures
493
8.11 Designing Variable BW Queries
494
8.11.1 BEx Variables
494
8.11.2 Pre-Queries
501
8.12 Special Functions
503
8.12.1 Local versus Global Objects
503
8.12.2 Conditions
504
8.12.3 Exceptions
507
8.12.4 Cell Definitions
509
8.12.5 Constant Selection
512
8.12.6 External Access to BW Queries
513
8.12.7 OLAP Processor
516
8.12.8 Query Monitor
517
9 General Query Navigation
521
9.1 Restricting the Value Range of a Report
522
9.1.1 Variants
524
9.1.2 Personalization
526
9.2 Navigation Options
527
9.2.1 Changing Filter Values
527
9.2.2 Filtering Key Figures
530
9.2.3 Modifying the Drilldown
530
9.2.4 Back Navigation
531
9.2.5 Saving Navigation States
531
9.3 Modifying the Display of a BEx Report
531
9.3.1 Global Settings
532
9.3.2 Settings for Characteristics
534
9.3.3 Settings for Key Figures
535
9.3.4 Saving Settings
535
10 BEx Analyzer
537
10.1 Overview
537
10.1.1 General
538
10.1.2 Architecture
540
10.1.3 Operation
541
10.1.4 Saving the Workbook
543
10.1.5 Specifying the Default Workbook
543
10.1.6 Working with Pivot Tables
544
10.1.7 Tools
545
10.2 Analysis Mode
546
10.2.1 Variable Dialog
548
10.2.2 Navigating
549
10.2.3 Adapting the Presentation
551
10.3 Design Mode
552
10.3.1 DataProvider
553
10.3.2 Design Items
554
10.3.3 Interfaces
558
10.3.4 Layout
559
11 SAP BusinessObjects Analysis
561
11.1 Overview
561
11.1.1 Report Types
562
11.1.2 Data Sources
562
11.2 Getting Started
563
11.2.1 Interface
563
11.2.2 Inserting Data
565
11.3 Functions
568
11.3.1 Prompts
568
11.3.2 Filtering
569
11.3.3 Sorting
571
11.3.4 Hierarchy
572
11.3.5 Calculations
573
11.3.6 Conditional Formatting
574
11.3.7 Members, Measures, and Totals
575
11.3.8 Charts
576
11.4 Settings
577
11.4.1 Styles
577
11.4.2 Info Fields
578
11.4.3 Macros
579
11.5 Presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint
580
11.5.1 Creating a Slide from Microsoft Excel
580
11.5.2 Creating a Slide in Microsoft PowerPoint
581
12 BEx Web Analyzer
583
12.1 Overview
583
12.2 Integration with SAP NetWeaver Portal
585
12.3 Functions
586
12.3.1 Table and Graphical Display
586
12.3.2 Exceptions and Conditions
587
12.3.3 Information
591
12.3.4 Changing Variable Assignments
591
12.3.5 Export, Printing, and Broadcasting
591
12.3.6 Saving and Using Report Results
592
12.3.7 Document Functions and Comments
594
12.3.8 Modifying the Standard Web Template
595
13 BEx Web Application Designer
597
13.1 Overview
597
13.1.1 General
598
13.1.2 Architecture of a Web Template
600
13.1.3 BICS Structure
602
13.2 Structure of the BEx Web Application Designer
603
13.2.1 Operating the BEx Web Application Designer
605
13.2.2 Design Area
606
13.2.3 Web Items
608
13.2.4 Properties
611
13.3 Creating Web Templates
612
13.3.1 Layout Design
613
13.3.2 Creating the Web Template
614
13.3.3 Testing the Function of a Web Template
616
13.4 Advanced Functions
617
13.4.1 Language-Dependent Texts
617
13.4.2 Web Design API
619
13.4.3 JavaScript
620
13.4.4 Integration with SAP NetWeaver Portal
621
14 SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence
623
14.1 Structure
623
14.2 Getting Started
628
14.3 Functions
630
14.3.1 Report Elements
630
14.3.2 Sections
634
14.3.3 Variables/Formula Fields
634
14.3.4 Filter Bar
636
14.4 Ad-Hoc Analysis
637
15 SAP Crystal Reports
639
15.1 Interface Structure
640
15.2 Getting Started
643
15.3 Filters and Parameters
644
15.3.1 Dynamic Parameters
646
15.3.2 Static Parameters
647
15.3.3 BEx Variables
648
15.4 Groupings
649
15.5 Charts
653
15.6 Subreports
657
15.7 Modified Functions
660
15.7.1 Formula Workshop
660
15.7.2 Conditional Formatting
661
15.7.3 Document Settings
662
16 SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards
665
16.1 Structure and Functions
665
16.2 Getting Started
671
16.3 Integration with SAP NetWeaver BW
679
16.3.1 Overview
679
16.3.2 Access to BW Queries
679
16.4 Components and Their Properties
682
16.4.1 Tables
682
16.4.2 Tabs
683
16.4.3 Charts
684
16.4.4 Maps
686
16.4.5 Buttons and Other Input Items
687
17 SAP BusinessObjects Explorer
689
17.1 Structure
689
17.2 Getting Started
691
17.2.1 Search
691
17.2.2 Analysis
691
17.2.3 Calculated Measures
692
17.2.4 Filtering and Sorting
693
17.2.5 Changing the Analysis Details
694
17.2.6 Table Display
694
17.2.7 Analysis Types
695
17.2.8 Export Options
697
17.3 Administration
698
17.3.1 Roles
699
17.3.2 Creating and Maintaining Information Spaces
699
PART IV Evaluations on BW Basis
701
18 BW Integrated Planning
703
18.1 Overview of the Planning Process
704
18.2 Modeling of Data Retention
706
18.3 Planning Modeling in ABAP or Java
707
18.3.1 Selecting Real Time-Enabled InfoProviders
708
18.3.2 Aggregation Levels
709
18.3.3 Restricting Aggregation Levels with a Filter
711
18.3.4 Planning Functions
712
18.3.5 Planning Sequences
714
18.4 BW Query: Creating Input Masks with the BEx Query Designer
714
19 SAP SEM-BCS
717
19.1 Overview of SAP Consolidation Solutions
717
19.2 Fields of Implementation for SAP SEM-BCS
719
19.2.1 Benefits of a Consolidated Financial Statement
719
19.2.2 Preparations for the Creation of a Financial Statement
720
19.2.3 Consolidation
720
19.3 The Concept of SAP SEM-BCS
722
19.3.1 Architecture of SAP SEM-BCS
722
19.3.2 Structure of SAP SEM-BCS
723
19.3.3 Data Model
725
19.3.4 Reporting
727
19.4 Process of Creating a Financial Statement
727
19.4.1 Supply of Company Data
727
19.4.2 Currency Translation
728
19.4.3 Consolidation Functions
729
19.5 Summary
733
Appendices
735
A Abbreviations
737
B Glossary
741
C Bibliography
753
D Tables
755
E Transactions
759
F SAP Notes
765
F.1 Extraction
765
F.2 Modeling
766
F.3 VirtualProviders
766
F.4 Business Content
766
F.5 Reporting
767
F.6 BW Integrated Planning
767
F.7 SAP BusinessObjects
767
F.8 SAP NetWeaver BW in Production
768
G The Authors
769
Index
773