A Guide to Graphical Data Flow Modeling in SAP BW/4HANA

A Guide to Graphical Data Flow Modeling in SAP BW/4HANA

A Guide to Graphical Data Flow Modeling in SAP BW/4HANA

SAP BW/4HANA is a next-generation data warehousing solution that enables you to access, analyze and report on data from various sources. One of the key features of SAP BW/4HANA is the graphical data flow modeling, which allows you to create, edit, document and analyze data flows and their objects in a graphical user interface. In this blog post, we will explain what graphical data flow modeling is, how to use it and some examples of graphical data flows in SAP BW/4HANA.

What is Graphical Data Flow Modeling?

Graphical data flow modeling is a way to model your data flow within SAP BW/4HANA using the Eclipse-based BW Modeling Tools. A data flow depicts a specific scenario in SAP BW/4HANA, such as how to transfer data from a source system to SAP BW/4HANA and how to cleanse, consolidate and integrate the data so that it can be used for analysis, reporting and planning

A data flow consists of a set of SAP BW/4HANA objects, such as DataSources, InfoObjects, Advanced DataStore Objects (ADSOs), CompositeProviders, transformations and loading processes. These objects are connected by relationships that define how the data is transferred and transformed between them.

A graphical data flow modeling tool allows you to create and edit these objects and relationships in a graphical editor. You can also document and analyze the data flow using various features, such as comments, annotations, filters and drill-downs.

Graphical data flow modeling has several advantages over traditional data flow modeling using SAP GUI. For example:

  • You can create a logical data flow with non-persistent objects and relationships (blueprint) and then create persistent objects later on.
  • You can reuse persistent objects in multiple data flows and scenarios.
  • You can transport the data flow object along with its contained objects and relationships.
  • You can visualize the data flow in a clear and intuitive way.

How to Use Graphical Data Flow Modeling?

To use graphical data flow modeling in SAP BW/4HANA, you need to follow these steps:

  1. In the SAP BW/4HANA Modeling Tools (Eclipse), right-click on an InfoArea or a Data Flow Object folder and choose Create Data Flow Object.
  2. Enter a name and description for the data flow object and assign it to a transport request.
  3. In the graphical editor, drag and drop existing or new objects from the Project Explorer or the Palette to the canvas. You can also use the context menu or the toolbar to create or add objects.
  4. Connect the objects by dragging from one object to another or by using the context menu or the toolbar. You can also edit or delete the connections by using the context menu or the toolbar.
  5. Double-click on an object or a connection to open its properties or editor. You can also use the context menu or the toolbar to open or edit an object or a connection.
  6. Save and activate your data flow object along with its contained objects and relationships.

Examples of Graphical Data Flows in SAP BW/4HANA

Here are some examples of graphical data flows in SAP BW/4HANA:

  • A graphical data flow based on an SAP HANA DataSource with a generic delta mechanism:
  • A graphical data flow based on an ODP DataSource with an overwrite delta process:
  • A graphical data flow based on multiple ADSOs with different types:

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have learned what graphical data flow modeling is, how to use it and some examples of graphical data flows in SAP BW/4HANA. We hope this post has been helpful for you to understand how to use graphical data flow modeling in SAP BW/4HANA for data extraction, transformation and loading.

Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI.

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