How to Manage Query Objects in SAP BW/4HANA

SAP BW/4HANA is a next-generation data warehousing solution that offers flexible and powerful data modeling, data acquisition, analysis and agile access to information. One of the key components of SAP BW/4HANA is the query object, which is used to define and execute analytical queries on the data stored in the system. In this blog post, we will explain what query objects are, how they work, and how you can manage them in your system with some examples.

What are query objects?

Query objects are the new terminology for BEx queries in SAP BW/4HANA. They are created and maintained using the Eclipse-based BW Query tool, which replaces the old BEx Query Designer. Query objects are based on InfoProviders, which are the data stores in SAP BW/4HANA. InfoProviders can be master data, advanced DSOs, composite providers, or any other type of data source. Query objects allow you to define the structure, layout, filters, variables and properties of your queries. You can also assign jump targets to your query objects, which enable you to drill-through to other queries, transactions, reports or web addresses.

Query objects are metadata objects that do not store any data themselves. They only provide a logical view on the physical data stores in SAP BW/4HANA. You can use query objects to access and analyze data from different perspectives and levels of detail. You can also use query objects as data sources for other visualization tools, such as SAP Lumira, SAP Analytics Cloud or BusinessObjects.

How do query objects work?

Query objects work by applying a set of transformations and calculations on the data retrieved from the underlying InfoProviders. The query object defines the dimensions and measures that are available for analysis, as well as the filters and variables that control the data selection and display. The query object also defines the properties and settings that affect the query performance and behavior.

When you execute a query object, the system generates a SQL statement that is sent to the SAP HANA database. The database returns the result set that matches the query criteria. The result set is then processed by the BW Query engine, which applies any additional transformations and calculations defined in the query object. The final result is then displayed in the BI client of your choice, such as Eclipse-based BW Query tool, Web Intelligence or SAP Analytics Cloud.

How to manage query objects?

You can manage query objects using the Eclipse-based BW Query tool, which is integrated with the SAP BW/4HANA modeling environment. You can access the BW Query tool from the SAP GUI or from a web browser. To create and edit query objects, you need to connect to your SAP BW/4HANA project and select an InfoProvider as the basis for your query object. You can also copy an existing query object as a template.

The BW Query tool provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to define and modify your query objects using drag-and-drop operations. You can use different tabs and sections to access different aspects of your query objects, such as general properties, sheet definition, filters, variables and jump targets. You can also preview and test your query objects directly from the tool without switching to another application.

Here are some examples of how you can manage query objects using the BW Query tool:

Example 1: Creating a simple query object

To create a simple query object on top of a composite provider, follow these steps:

• Right-click on the composite provider and select New -> Query.
• Enter a technical name and a description for your query object.
• Go to the Sheet Definition tab and drag-and-drop characteristics and key figures from the InfoProvider structure to the Rows and Columns sections.
• Save and activate your query object.

Example 2: Adding filters and variables to a query object

To add filters and variables to a query object, follow these steps:

• Go to the Filters tab and drag-and-drop characteristics from the InfoProvider structure to the Default Values section.
• Select a characteristic and enter a fixed value or a variable as a filter condition.
• To create a variable, right-click on an empty cell and select New Variable.
• Enter a technical name and a description for your variable.
• Choose a variable type (characteristic value variable, hierarchy variable, text variable or formula variable) and enter the relevant details.
• Save and activate your variable.
• Repeat these steps for any other filters or variables you want to add.

Example 3: Assigning jump targets to a query object

To assign jump targets to a query object, follow these steps:

• Go to the Jump Targets tab and click on Create.
• Choose a report type (BW Query, Transaction Code, ABAP Report or Web Address) and enter the relevant details for the jump target.
• Select a characteristic or a key figure as the sender object and map it to the receiver object using the Assignment Details section.
• Save and activate your jump target.
• Repeat these steps for any other jump targets you want to assign.

Conclusion

Query objects are the new way of creating and executing analytical queries in SAP BW/4HANA. They are based on InfoProviders, which are the data stores in SAP BW/4HANA. Query objects allow you to define the structure, layout, filters, variables and properties of your queries. You can also assign jump targets to your query objects, which enable you to drill-through to other queries, transactions, reports or web addresses.

You can manage query objects using the Eclipse-based BW Query tool, which is integrated with the SAP BW/4HANA modeling environment. You can use different tabs and sections to access different aspects of your query objects, such as general properties, sheet definition, filters, variables and jump targets. You can also preview and test your query objects directly from the tool without switching to another application.

We hope this blog post has helped you to understand what query objects are, how they work, and how you can manage them in your system with some examples. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below.

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