Gary Nolan and Debasish Khaitan

Efficient SAP NetWeavef BW

Implementation and Upgrade Guide

®

Galileo Press

Bonn • Boston

Contents

Acknowledgments 21

Introduction 23

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1.1 SAP ECC vs. SAP NetWeaver BW Implementations 28

1.2 Difference Between OLTP and OLAP Systems 28

1.3 SAP NetWeaver BW from A to Z 29

1.3.1 Extraction 30

1.3.2 Staging and Storage 31

1.3.3 Transformation and Harmonization 32

1.3.4 Presentation 34

1.4 External Data: What is the Big Deal? 35

1.5 Build for the Present, Keep an Eye on the Future 36

1.6 Dirty Data 38

1.7 Can't SAP NetWeaver BW Just Clean the Data? 39

1.8 Understanding SAP NetWeaver BW 40

1.9 Reasons for implementing SAP NetWeaver BW 40

1.9.1 Analytical System Access from the Transactional

(SAP ECC) System 41

1.9.2 Transition to a Single Version of the Truth 43

1.9.3 Consolidation, Harmonization, and

Centralization of Information 45

1.9.4 Establish an EDW 47

1.9.5 Competitive Advantage 49

1.9.6 Provide Flexible Analysis of Information Assets 49

1.9.7 Business Information to More People in the

Organization 49

1.9.8 The Report is Not the Only Output of

SAP NetWeaverBW Implementations 51

1.10 Why Not Another Data Warehouse? 51

1.10.1 Data Extraction From ECC is Much Easier with

SAP NetWeaver BW 51

1.10.2 SAP NetWeaver BW Has Pre-configured Business

Content Objects 52

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1.10.3 SAP NetWeaver BW is Already Part of the Landscape 53

1.10.4 SAP NetWeaver BW is the Foundation for Most

SAP NetWeaver Products 53

1.11 What SAP NetWeaver BW is Not Designed to Do 54

1.11.1 SAP NetWeaver BW is Not a Transactional System 54

1.11.2 SAP NetWeaver BW is Not the Only Reporting System ... 56

1.11.3 SAP NetWeaver BW is Not Usuaily Updated in

Real Time 56

1.11.4 BW is Not a Silver Bullet 57

1.12 SAP BusinessObjects Capabilities 58

1.13 Ingredients for a Successful SAP NetWeaver BW Project

Manager 59

1.13.1 Cood Communication Skills 60

1.13.2 Knowledge of SAP NetWeaver BW and Data

Warehousing 61

1.13.3 Knowfedge of Business Processes and Ana/ysfs Goa/s 63

1.13.4 The Need for Political Savvy 64

1.13.5 Highly Organized and Quality Minded 65

1.13.6 Willing and Able to Develop and Enforce Standards 65

1.13.7 Team Building 66

1.13.8 Budget Accountability 67

1.13.9 Willing to Say Both "Yes" and "No" 67

1.14 Conclusion 68

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2.1 Defining an Upgrade Strategy 71

2.2 SAP NetWeaver BW Implementation Approach 72

2.3 SAP NetWeaver BW Hardware Sizing 73

2.4 Landscape Strategy 74

2.4.1 Insist on a Sand box System 75

2.4.2 Think About the Training Environment 78

2.4.3 Adding a Production Support System 80

2.4.4 Keep Development, QA, Production Environments

in Sync 81

2.4.5 Assess New Phases of Development 82

2.5 Upgrade Landscape 86

2.6 Transport Strategy 86

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2.6.1 Develop and Communicate the Transport Path 88

2.6.2 Implement Transport Approval Process from the

Beginning 90

2.6.3 Make Sure Each Developer Locks Objects 90

2.6.4 Transport Steward Process 91

2.6.5 Keep aThorough Log of Transports 92

2.6.6 Develop a Process for Troubleshooting Failed

Transports 92

2.6.7 Some Objects will be Changeable 94

2.6.8 Transport Organizer Tool 96

2.7 New Release Rollout Strategy Challenges 97

2.7.1 Timingof SAP NetWeaver BW Rollout 98

2.7.2 Rollout Scope 98

2.8 Upgrade Rollout Strategy 99

2.8.1 Timing 99

2.8.2 Features and Functionality 99

2.8.3 Upgrade Testing Strategy 100

2.8.4 Upgrade Change Management Strategy 100

2.9 Database Strategy 100

2.10 EDW and Global Rollup Strategies 101

2.11 Report Strategy 104

2.11.1 Query Strategy 104

2.11.2 Visual Composer 107

2.11.3 Web Template Strategy 108

2.11.4 SAP BusinessObjects Strategy 109

2.12 Support Package Strategy 109

2.12.1 Recommendation 110

2.12.2 Front-End Support Packages 111

2.13 Authorization Strategy 112

2.13.1 SAP NetWeaver BW Security 112

2.13.2 Authorizations for Upgrade to NW 2004s 113

2.14 Conclusion 114

3.1 Unclear Definition of Goals and Scope 115

3.1.1 Develop Clear Project Scope Documentation 115

3.1.2 Establish Milestones 117

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3.1.3 Avoid Scope Creep 118

3.1.4 Establish a Scope Change Control Process 119

3.1.5 Take Advantage of Existing Legacy Systems 119

3.2 Over-Ambitious Scope 120

3.2.1 Start Small 120

3.2.2 Be Wary of Implementing SAP NetWeaver BW at

the Same Time as SAP ECC or SAP R/3 121

3.3 UnrealisticTime Line 123

3.3.1 Don't Forget the Time for Documentation and Training ... 124

3.4 Governance 126

3.5 Communication Issues 129

3.5.1 Insist on Weekly Status Reports 130

3.5.2 Encourage Informal Discussion 130

3.5.3 Locate Centrally 130

3.5.4 Centralize Issues List and Use It 130

3.6 Ownership Issues 131

3.6.1 Insist on Signoff of Documents 132

3.6.2 Have the Power Users Develop the SAP NetWeaver

BW Queries 132

3.7 Data Quality Issues 133

3.7.1 Don't Completely Rely on the Source Systems to

Ensure Data Quality 135

3.7.2 Establish Active Governance of Data 136

3.7.3 Don't Keep Data Mismatch Issues Open for Long Time...

136

3.7.4 Leverage the SAP BusinessObjects Data Services Tool 137

3.7.5 Turn to a Third-Party to Help with Validation 138

3.8 Data Alignment Issues 139

3.8.1 Master Data Alignment 139

3.8.2 Transactional Data Alignment 142

3.9 Data Realignment 143

3.9.1 Realignment Without Reload-Is It Possible? 144

3.9.2 Remodeling Toolbox 145

3.10 Performance Issues 147

3.10.1 Establish Clear Goals for Performance 147

3.10.2 Measure Against the Performance Goals via Stat/stics

InfoCubes 150

3.10.3 Establish a Performance Sub-Team 150

3.10.4 Keep Up-to-Date on Support Packages 151

3.10.5 Data Model for Performance 151

3.11 Technical and Infrastructure Issues 153

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3.12 Resource Issues 155

3.12.1 Insist onthe Best, Not Just the Most Available 155

3.12.2 The Consultant-Heavy Project 156

3.12.3 Insist on Interviewing All Candidates 157

3.12.4 Transition Out Bad Consultants 157

3.12.5 Avoid Conflict Between Consulting Partners, SAP,

and Others 158

3.12.6 SAP R/3 or SAP ECC Basis Experience is Not

SAP NetWeaver BW Experience 159

3.12.7 Keep the Project Team Physically Together 159

3.13 Political Issues 160

3.14 Over-Customization 160

3.14.1 Determine If the Customization Can Take Place

Outside of SAP NetWeaver BW 161

3.14.2 Develop a "Why not SAP?" Approach 162

3.14.3 Know Where Many SAP NetWeaver BW Projects

Use Third-Party Tools 162

3.14.4 Validation Tools 166

3.15 Meeting and Decision Paralysis 167

3.15.1 Slow Decision Making 167

3.15.2 The Lonely SAP NetWeaver BW Team 167

3.15.3 The Populär SAP NetWeaver BW Team 168

3.15.4 What Can be Done? 168

3.16 Change Control and Change Management 169

3.16.1 Change Control 170

3.17 Analyze Organization User Groups Using Different ReportingTools 173

3.18 Conclusion 174

4.1 The Data Warehouse Lifecycle 178

4.2 The Upgrade Lifecycle 180

4.2.1 What's New in NW 2004s SAP NetWeaver BW

System? 181

4.2.2 Upgrading on the Existing SAP NetWeaver BW

Landscape 183

4.2.3 Dedicated Upgrade Landscape 184

4.2.4 Production Support Düring Upgrade Testing 186

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4.2.5 Obsolete Queries 186

4.2.6 Upgrade Cutover 187

4.2.7 How Long Will This Take? 188

4.2.8 When Should I Upgrade? 190

4.3 Project Charter 191

4.4 Detail Scope Documentation 192

4.4.1 What Is a Stakeholder? 192

4.4.2 Stakeholder Document 193

4.4.3 Communication Plan Document 193

4.4.4 Integrated Project Plan 193

4.4.5 Naming Standards Document 194

4.4.6 SAP NetWeaver BW Development Standards

Document 195

4.4.7 Other Documents 196

4.5 Planning for Information Lifecycle Management 196

4.6 Typical Roles Needed for an SAP NetWeaver BW Project 197

4.6.1 SAP NetWeaver BW Project Manager 198

4.6.2 SAP NetWeaver BW Business Subject Matter Expert 199

4.6.3 SAP NetWeaver BW Data Architect 200

4.6.4 SAP NetWeaver BW Applications Developer 202

4.6.5 SAP NetWeaver BW Presentation Developer 203

4.6.6 SAP NetWeaver BW Basis Developer 204

4.6.7 ABAP Developer 205

4.6.8 SAP Portal Consultant 206

4.7 Staffing a SAP NetWeaver BW Project 207

4.7.1 Small SAP NetWeaver BW Project 208

4.7.2 Medium-Sized SAP NetWeaver BW Project 210

4.7.3 Large SAP NetWeaver BW Project 211

4.7.4 Large Global SAP NetWeaver BW Project 213

4.8 Outsourcing and SAP NetWeaver BW 215

4.8.1 When Does Outsourcing Work? 217

4.9 SAP NetWeaver BW Interview Process 217

4.10 Training Requirements 222

4.11 Conclusion 223

5.1 Requirements Gathering 226

5.1.1 Interviews 227

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5.1.2 Is All Data in SAP ECC or SAP R/3 or in

Multiple Systems? 229

5.1.3 Is Intra-Day or Real-Time Reporting Needed? 229

5.1.4 What Else Do You Know About the Requirement? 230

5.2 Information Request Form 232

5.3 Gathering a Report Inventory 232

5.4 Functional Model Document 234

5.4.1 How Many Functional Model Documents are Needed?...

236

5.4.2 Sections of the Functional Model Document 237

5.5 SAP NetWeaver BW Key Figure or KPI Matrix 243

5.6 Steps to Obtain SAP NetWeaver BW Star Schema Model

from the KPI Matrix 244

5.6.1 Step 1: Determine Business Subjects 244

5.6.2 Step 2: Assign Business Subjects to Key Figure 245

5.6.3 Step 3: Determine Strang Entities and Granularity 245

5.6.4 Step 4 Join Similar Key Figures 245

5.7 Budgeting or Estimating SAP NetWeaver BW Time Lines 246

5.8 SAP NetWeaver BW Physical Model 252

5.9 Business Content Evaluation 255

5.9.1 Key Figure (Top Down) Approach 255

5.9.2 Data Source (Bottom Up) Approach 256

5.9.3 Business Content as a LearningTool 256

5.9.4 Evaluating Business Content for Your Needs 258

5.9.5 Using a Subset of the Business Content 261

5.10 Design Reviews 261

5.10.1 Functional Model Review 262

5.10.2 Conceptual and Physical Model Review 263

5.10.3 Data Model and System Review 263

5.10.4 Final Check 263

5.11 Conclusion 264

6.1 Extracting and Loading Data from SAP Source Systems 266

6.1.1 Service API DataSources 267

6.1.2 Generated DataSources 270

6.1.3 Generic DataSources 270

6.1.4 Custom ABAP DataSources 272

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6.1.5 Filling In Missing Data in Extractions 272

6.1.6 Testingthe DataSources 275

6.2 Loading Data from Non-SAP Source Systems 276

6.2.1 Fiat File Interfaces 276

6.2.2 DBConnect 278

6.2.3 UDConnect 280

6.2.4 XML Interfaces 280

6.2.5 ETL Interfaces 281

6.3 Extracting Data From the SAP NetWeaver BW System 281

6.4 Loading and Transforming Data into SAP NetWeaver BW 283

6.4.1 Transformation and Mapping of Data in

SAP NetWeaver BW Version 3.x 284

6.4.2 Transformation and Mapping of Data in NW 2004s 288

6.4.3 Start Routines 289

6.4.4 End Routines 290

6.4.5 Expert Routines 291

6.4.6 ImplementingTransformations 291

6.4.7 Auditing Transformations for Efficiency 292

6.4.8 Converting from Version 3.x to NW 2004s

Transformations 292

6.4.9 InfoSource 295

6.5 Appending or Changing Standard SAP NetWeaver BW Objects ...296

6.6 DataModeling 297

6.6.1 Loading into an DSO or ODS 297

6.6.2 Create a Consolidation Layer for Data 298

6.6.3 Extract Once, Use Many Times 299

6.6.4 Write Optimized DSO 300

6.6.5 Use the Right Object for the Job 301

6.7 Designing Process Chains 303

6.8 Issue Resolution and Issue Tracking 303

6.8.1 Reporting Issues via SAP's Service Marketplace 304

6.8.2 Response Delays 304

6.9 Query Performance Analysis in SAP NetWeaver BW 305

6.9.1 Data Model Does Not Fit the Data Volume 305

6.9.2 Poor Query Definition 306

6.9.3 Lack of Aggregates 307

6.9.4 OLAP Cache 309

6.9.5 Partitioning Not Set 313

6.9.6 Database Statistics Not Up-to-Date 314

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Contents

6.9.7 Virtual Characteristics and Key Figures 314

6.9.8 Time-Dependent Master Data 315

6.9.9 Complex Authorizations 317

6.9.10 NW 2004s Bl Accelerator 318

6.10 Conclusion 318

7.1 Data Model and System Review 322

7.2 Documenting SAP NetWeaver BW Configuration 324

7.2.1 SAP NetWeaver BW Functional Model Document 324

7.2.2 DataStore Object/Operational Data Store (DSO/ODS)

Technical Design Document 324

7.2.3 InfoCube Technical Design Document 325

7.2.4 Extraction, Transformation, and Loading (ETL)

Technical Design Document 325

7.2.5 The MetaData Repository 326

7.3 SAP NetWeaver BW Document Management Tool 328

7.4 SAP Solution Manager 329

7.5 Transport Management in SAP NetWeaver BW 330

7.5.1 SAP NetWeaver BW Transport Management

System Tips 332

7.5.2 General SAP NetWeaver BW Transport Tips 333

7.5.3 Separate SAP NetWeaver BW Transports into

Logical Groups 333

7.5.4 Keep Careful Watch of Transports—Take Good Notes 335

7.5.5 Never Leave a Transport Behind 335

7.5.6 Final Cutover Recapture of Transports 336

7.5.7 The Mock Cutover 337

7.6 Testing in SAP NetWeaver BW 337

7.6.1 Develop at SAP NetWeaver BW Test Plan 337

7.6.2 Developing Test Scripts for SAP NetWeaver BW 338

7.6.3 Automated Testing Tools 340

7.7 Organizational Change Management 341

7.7.1 Training 341

7.7.2 A Separate Training System 341

7.7.3 Do I Really Need Hands-On Training? 342

7.7.4 Training Budget 342

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7.8 Cutover Planning 343

7.9 Go-Live Checklist 345

7.10 Run Initial Loads in SAP NetWeaver BW 347

7.10.1 Create and Schedule Process Chains in

SAP NetWeaver BW 348

7.10.2 Schedule SAP ECC Jobs 350

7.10.3 Portals and SAP NetWeaver BW 352

7.10.4 Developing a Portal Strategy 353

7.11 SAP Safeguarding Service for SAP NetWeaver BW Go-Live 356

7.12 Conclusion 356

8.1 Post-Implementation Review 357

8.2 Building a Production Support Center of Excellence (COE) 358

8.3 Transitioning from SAP NetWeaver BW Development to

Production-Support COE 360

8.3.1 Transition the Knowledge 360

8.3.2 Determine Measurement Criteria 361

8.4 Ongoing SAP NetWeaver BW Reconciliation and Validation 365

8.4.1 Develop a Reconciliation Strategy 365

8.4.2 Reconciling the Data to SAP ECC or SAP R/3 367

8.4.3 Reconciling Data to External Systems 369

8.5 Periodic Jobs to Run in an SAP NetWeaver BW Environment 369

8.6 Develop an Ongoing SAP NetWeaver BW Support Package

Strategy 372

8.6.1 Frontend Support Packages 374

8.6.2 Conduct a Lessons-Learned Session 375

8.7 Retaining and AAotivating Staff for Future Rollouts 377

8.8 Prepare for Future Rollouts 378

8.9 Conclusion 378

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H

9.1 Introduction to Six Sigma 379

9.1.1 History 379

9.1.2 Definition 379

9.1.3 Six Sigma Methodology - DMAIC 380

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9.1.4 Six Sigma Terminologies 380

9.1.5 Basic Statistics 383

9.2 Reasons to Implement Six Sigma in an SAP NetWeaver

BW Project 386

9.2.1 Six Sigma is a Pro-Active Approach 386

9.2.2 Talking in Customer's Language 386

9.2.3 High level of Correctness 386

9.2.4 Happy Strategie Users — A Foundation for New

Business Opportunities 386

9.3 Phase 1: Define 387

9.3.1 Voice of Customer and Voice of Business 387

9.3.2 Critical to Quality (CTQ) 387

9.3.3 CTQTree 388

9.3.4 Project Charter 388

9.4 Phase 2: Measure 390

9.4.1 SIPOC - Supplier Input Process Output Customer 390

9.4.2 Analyze Process — Fishbone Diagram 392

9.4.3 Cause and Impact Analysis 392

9.5 Phase 3: Analyze 393

9.5.1 Pie Chart 393

9.5.2 Bar Charts 393

9.5.3 Pareto Chart 394

9.5.4 Histogram and Box Plots 395

9.5.5 Conclusion of Analyze Phase 397

9.6 Phase 4: Improve 398

9.6.1 BrainWriting 398

9.6.2 Brain Storming 398

9.6.3 Select and Implement Ideas 399

9.7 Conclusion 399

10.1 SAP + BusinessObjects 401

10.2 SAP NetWeaver BW Presentation Layer 402

10.2.1 SAP NetWeaver BW Standard BEx Reporting 403

10.2.2 Reporting with SAP BusinessObjects 403

10.3 SAP BusinessObjects Installation Guides 405

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10.3.1 SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise Server Installation 406

10.3.2 SAP BusinessObjects Client Installation 406

10.4 OLAP Universe Design Based on SAP SAP NetWeaver BW 407

10.4.1 Creating OLAP Universe Based on SAP NetWeaver

BWQueries 408

10.4.2 Setting OLAP Universe Generation Options 411

10.4.3 Customizing OLAP Universe 413

10.4.4 Leveraging SAP NetWeaver BW Query Variables in

Universe 416

10.4.5 OLAP Universe: Best Practice and Guidelines 417

10.5 Web Intelligence Report Design on Universe 418

10.5.1 In Which Scenario Can Web Intelligence be Used? 418

10.5.2 Creating a Web Intelligence Report 418

10.5.3 Exporting Web Intelligence Report in Enterprise CMS ....420

10.5.4 Define Alert in Web Intelligence Report 420

10.5.5 Accessing Web Intelligence Reports from JnfoView 421

10.5.6 Opening and Saving Web Intelligence Report in

Different Modes within InfoView 422

10.5.7 Displaying Track Changes in Web Intelligence Report 423

10.6 Query as a Web Service (QaaWS) 424

10.6.1 Starting QaaWS Tool 424

10.6.2 Steps for Creating a New QaaWS 425

10.6.3 Business Scenarios Where QaaWS is Required 426

10.6.4 Implementation Best Practice for QaaWS 427

10.7 Xcelsius 427

10.7.1 Different Types of Flavors to Suite Your Need 427

10.7.2 Creating a Simple Xcelsius Application Based on

QaaWS 428

10.7.3 Xcelsius Best Practices 431

10.8 Microsoft Office Integration with Live Office 432

10.8.1 Live Office Ribbon within Microsoft Office

Applications 433

10.8.2 Logging in SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise from

Live Office 434

10.8.3 Inserting Crystal Reports Content in Live Office

Document 434

10.8.4 fnserting Web Intelligence Content in Live Office

Document 435

10.8.5 Inserting Universe Query in Live Office Document 436

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10.9 Crystal Reports 4-37

10.9.1 Crystal Reports Connectivity Options with SAP 437

10.9.2 SAP Toolbar in Crystal Reports 438

10.9.3 General Steps to Create A Simple Report Based

on SAP NetWeaver BW Query 438

10.9.4 Crystal Reports Best Practices 439

10.10 Information Discovery with Polestar 439

10.10.1 What is Information Space? 440

10.10.2 Accessing Polestar 440

10.10.3 Creating Space 440

10.10.4 Information Search Features in Polestar 442

10.10.5 Guidelines and Best Practices for Polestar 443

10.11 Pioneer: The Best ofthe Both Worlds 443

10.12 Other Tools Provided by SAP BusinessObjects 445

10.12.1 SAP BusinessObjects Data Services 445

10.12.2 SAP Business Objects Bl Widget 445

10.12.3 Voyager 446

10.12.4 SAP BusinessObjects Data Federator 446

10.12.5 SAP BusinessObjects LifeCycle Manager 446

10.13 Summary 447

Bffl^^w mSI

11.1 Usingthis Book 449

11.2 Common Issues and Challenges 450

11.3 Important Things to Remember 450

11.3.1 More Challenging than an ECC or R/3 Project 450

11.3.2 Management Commitment Needed from the

Beginning 451

11.3.3 Project Management: User-Focused, Not TechnologyFocused 451

11.3.4 Clear Methodology Needed to Determine

Requirements 451

11.3.5 Understanding Data Load Volume and Granularity 451

11.3.6 Manage Expectations for BW 452

11.3.7 Fix Bad Data at Its Source 452

11.3.8 Build a BW System, Not aSeries Of Data Marts 452

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11.3.9 When the BW System Is Live, the Solution Isn't

Finished 452

11.4 Conclusion 452

A Sample Project Plan 455

B Important Checklists 473

C Document Templates 487

D Common Issues When Upgrading from SAP NetWeaver BW

Version 3.x to NW 2004s 505

E Sample SAP NetWeaver BW Naming Standards Document 511

F SAP NetWeaver BW Integration Test Script 515

G Bibliography 519

H TheAuthors 521

Index 523

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