How to Design a Simplified and Scalable Data Warehouse with SAP BW/4HANA LSA++
SAP BW/4HANA is a modern data warehouse solution that leverages the power and performance of SAP HANA database. It enables you to build flexible, agile, and scalable data models that can meet the complex and dynamic requirements of today’s business intelligence. However, to fully benefit from the capabilities of SAP BW/4HANA, you need to adopt a suitable layer architecture that can simplify your data warehousing processes and optimize your data storage and access.
In this blog post, we will introduce you to the concept of Layered Scalable Architecture (LSA++) for SAP BW/4HANA, which is a new and improved version of the traditional LSA for SAP BW. We will explain the benefits and features of LSA++, and how you can design and implement it in your SAP BW/4HANA system.
What is LSA++?
LSA++ is a layer architecture concept that helps you to design and implement various layers in your SAP BW/4HANA system for data acquisition, corporate memory, data distribution, and data analysis. It is based on the following principles:
- Simplification: LSA++ reduces the complexity and redundancy of data models by using fewer objects and layers, and by leveraging the native capabilities of SAP HANA database.
- Virtualization: LSA++ enables you to create virtual data marts on top of persistencies or external data sources, without the need for additional data replication or transformation.
- Flexibility: LSA++ allows you to choose between different modeling approaches, such as InfoObjects-based or field-based modeling, or a combination of both. You can also use different types of persistencies, such as DataStore objects (advanced) (ADSOs) or InfoObjects, depending on your needs.
- Scalability: LSA++ supports the growth and evolution of your data warehouse by providing different options for data partitioning, distribution, aging, and archiving.
LSA++ consists of two main layers: the Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) layer and the Architected Data Mart (ADM) layer. The EDW layer is where you store and harmonize your source data in a consistent and reusable format. The ADM layer is where you create virtual data marts for specific business processes or analytical purposes. Let’s take a closer look at each layer and its components.
The Enterprise Data Warehouse Layer
The EDW layer is composed of three sub-layers: the Data Acquisition layer, the Quality & Harmonization layer, and the Data Propagation layer.
The Data Acquisition layer is where you load or replicate your source data into SAP BW/4HANA using various methods, such as extractors, Smart Data Integration (SDI), Smart Data Access (SDA), or SAP HANA Source System. The persistencies in this layer are usually field-based ADSOs that store raw data without any transformation.
The Quality & Harmonization layer is where you perform quality checks and harmonization tasks on your source data, such as cleansing, mapping, unit conversion, currency translation, etc. The persistencies in this layer are usually InfoObjects-based ADSOs that store harmonized data with a common semantic model.
The Data Propagation layer is where you distribute your harmonized data to different target systems or applications, such as SAP Analytics Cloud, SAP Data Warehouse Cloud, SAP S/4HANA Embedded Analytics, etc. The persistencies in this layer are usually InfoObjects-based ADSOs that store aggregated or pre-calculated data with optimized performance.
The Architected Data Mart Layer
The ADM layer is composed of two sub-layers: the Business Transformation layer and the Reporting & Analysis layer.
The Business Transformation layer is where you perform business-specific transformations on your harmonized data, such as calculations, allocations, simulations, etc. The objects in this layer are usually CompositeProviders that combine different persistencies or Open ODS views using joins or unions.
The Reporting & Analysis layer is where you create virtual data marts for reporting and analysis purposes. The objects in this layer are usually CompositeProviders that expose the transformed data to various front-end tools, such as SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office, SAP Analytics Cloud, SAP Lumira, etc.
How to Design an LSA++ for Your SAP BW/4HANA System?
To design an LSA++ for your SAP BW/4HANA system, you need to follow these steps:
- Analyze your business requirements and identify the key business processes and analytical scenarios that you want to support with your data warehouse.
- Define the scope and granularity of your source data and determine the best method for loading or replicating it into SAP BW/4HANA.
- Design your EDW layer by creating field-based or InfoObjects-based ADSOs for each source system or application. Apply quality checks and harmonization rules to ensure consistent and reusable data models.
- Design your ADM layer by creating CompositeProviders for each business process or analytical scenario. Use joins or unions to combine different persistencies or Open ODS views, and apply business-specific transformations to enrich your data models.
- Test and validate your LSA++ by creating queries and reports on your CompositeProviders and verifying the accuracy and performance of your data models.
Benefits and Features of LSA++
By adopting LSA++ for your SAP BW/4HANA system, you can enjoy the following benefits and features:
- Simplify your data warehousing processes by using fewer objects and layers, and by leveraging the native capabilities of SAP HANA database.
- Create virtual data marts on top of persistencies or external data sources, without the need for additional data replication or transformation.
- Choose between different modeling approaches, such as InfoObjects-based or field-based modeling, or a combination of both.
- Use different types of persistencies, such as DataStore objects (advanced) (ADSOs) or InfoObjects, depending on your needs.
- Support the growth and evolution of your data warehouse by providing different options for data partitioning, distribution, aging, and archiving.
Conclusion
LSA++ is a layer architecture concept that helps you to design and implement a simplified and scalable data warehouse with SAP BW/4HANA. It enables you to build flexible, agile, and scalable data models that can meet the complex and dynamic requirements of today’s business intelligence. By following the steps and principles of LSA++, you can create a modern and efficient data warehouse that can deliver fast and reliable insights to your business users.
Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI.