How to Use Key Figures in Queries in SAP BW/4HANA for Effective Reporting

SAP BW/4HANA is a next-generation data warehouse solution that enables you to access and analyze data from various sources in real time. Queries are the main way to create reports and dashboards based on the data stored in SAP BW/4HANA. Key figures are one of the essential components of queries, as they provide the values that are reported on and aggregated. In this blog post, we will explain what key figures are, how to create and use them in queries, and how to optimize them for better performance and quality.

What are Key Figures in SAP BW/4HANA?

Key figures are numerical values that measure or quantify something, such as sales, revenue, profit, quantity, or count. Key figures can be derived from the data sources or calculated based on other key figures or characteristics. Key figures can have different types, such as amount, quantity, number, integer, date, or time. Key figures can also have different properties, such as aggregation type, exception aggregation, currency, unit, or scaling factor.

Key figures are defined as InfoObjects in SAP BW/4HANA and can be assigned to InfoProviders, such as Advanced DSOs, Composite Providers, or Open ODS Views. Key figures can also be created as local objects within queries using Calculated Key Figures (CKF) or Restricted Key Figures (RKF). CKFs are key figures that are calculated based on a formula or an expression using other key figures or characteristics. RKFs are key figures that are restricted by one or more filters on characteristics.

How to Create and Use Key Figures in Queries in SAP BW/4HANA?

To create and use key figures in queries in SAP BW/4HANA, you need to use the Eclipse-based query modeling tool. This tool allows you to create, edit, and preview queries in a user-friendly and integrated environment. To create a query using key figures, you need to follow these steps:

1. Choose the New BW Query option from the context menu of a BW project or an InfoProvider in the Project Explorer view. You can also create a query as a copy of an existing query by choosing the Copy To option.
2. Enter a unique technical name and a description for your query. You can also add your query to your local favorites by choosing the Add to Favorites option.
3. Select the InfoProvider that you want to use as the data source for your query. You can search for the technical name or a corresponding search term. The system will display a list of matching items for you to choose from.
4. Choose Finish. The system will open the new query in the Eclipse Editor.
5. Go to the Sheet Definition tab and drag and drop key figures from the InfoProvider tab to the rows or columns area of your query layout. You can also create CKFs or RKFs by right-clicking on the Key Figures folder and choosing New Calculated Key Figure or New Restricted Key Figure.
6. Go to the General tab and configure the properties of your key figures, such as aggregation type, exception aggregation, currency, unit, scaling factor, etc.
7. Go to the Preview tab and see how your query will look like when executed. You can apply drilldowns, filters, sorting, formatting, charts, etc. to your query result.
8. Go to the Query Monitor tab and analyze the performance and quality of your query. You can view the SQL statement, execution plan, runtime statistics, memory consumption, warnings, errors, recommendations, and best practices of your query.

How to Optimize Key Figures in Queries in SAP BW/4HANA?

To optimize key figures in queries in SAP BW/4HANA, you need to follow some best practices and recommendations that can improve the performance and quality of your queries. Some of these best practices are:

• Use appropriate key figure types and data types that match your reporting requirements and avoid unnecessary conversions or calculations.
• Use appropriate aggregation types and exception aggregations that match your reporting logic and avoid unnecessary aggregations or calculations.
• Use fixed currencies or units for key figures whenever possible and avoid variable currencies or units that require additional lookups or conversions.
• Use scaling factors for key figures whenever possible and avoid large numbers that can cause overflow or rounding errors.
• Use CKFs and RKFs sparingly and only when necessary and avoid complex formulas or expressions that can cause performance issues or errors.
• Use HANA views for key figures whenever possible and leverage the power of SAP HANA for faster processing and analysis.

Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI.