How to Transform and Load Data in SAP BW/4HANA using Data Transfer Process (DTP)

SAP BW/4HANA is a data warehousing solution that enables you to collect, store, analyze and report on data from various sources. To load data into SAP BW/4HANA, you need to use two objects: Transformation and Data Transfer Process (DTP).

Transformation is an object that defines the rules and logic for transforming data from the source to the target. Transformation can perform various operations on the data, such as mapping, filtering, converting, aggregating, splitting, etc.

DTP is an object that defines the parameters and settings for executing the data transfer process between the source and the target. DTP can control various aspects of the data transfer process, such as processing mode, error handling, delta handling, parallel processing, etc.

Transformation and DTP are necessary for loading any type of data in SAP BW/4HANA, such as master data, transaction data, text data, hierarchy data, etc.

In this blog post, we will explain how to create and use Transformation and DTP for loading data in SAP BW/4HANA. We will also show you some real-life scenarios of Transformation and DTP for different types of data sources and targets.

How to Create Transformation and DTP in SAP BW/4HANA?

To create Transformation and DTP in SAP BW/4HANA, you need to follow these steps:

1. In the BW Modeling Tools of the HANA Studio, right-click on your source object (such as a DataSource, an InfoSource, an Open ODS View, etc.) and choose Create > Transformation.
2. In the wizard, enter a name and description for your Transformation and choose Next.
3. In the Target Object step, choose your target object (such as an InfoProvider, an Open Hub Destination, etc.) and choose Next.
4. In the Rule Group step, choose whether you want to create a single rule group or multiple rule groups for your Transformation. A rule group is a set of rules that apply to a subset of records based on certain conditions. Choose Next.
5. In the Summary step, review your settings and choose Finish.

You have now created a Transformation between your source and target objects. You can edit your Transformation by double-clicking on it in the Data Flow tab of your source or target object. You can define various rules for each field of your source or target object, such as constant value, formula, routine, reference characteristic, etc.

6. Right-click on your Transformation and choose Create > Data Transfer Process.
7. In the wizard, enter a name and description for your DTP and choose Next.
8. In the Extraction Mode step, choose whether you want to load data in full mode or delta mode. In full mode, the entire dataset of the source is transferred to the target; in delta mode, only the data that was posted to the source since the last data transfer is transferred. Choose Next.
9. In the Processing Mode step, choose whether you want to process data in serial mode or parallel mode. In serial mode, the data is processed one package after another; in parallel mode, the data is processed in multiple packages simultaneously. Choose Next.
10. In the Error Handling step, choose how you want to handle errors during the data transfer process. You can specify whether you want to update erroneous records into an error stack or not; whether you want to update correct records into a separate request or not; whether you want to continue or stop the data transfer process in case of errors; etc. Choose Next.
11. In the Summary step, review your settings and choose Finish.

You have now created a DTP for your Transformation. You can edit your DTP by double-clicking on it in the Data Flow tab of your source or target object. You can define various parameters and settings for your DTP, such as filter options.