Best Practices for Integrating SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x with SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse (BW) and SAP ERP (Session Code : 0303)
Ingo Hilgefort, Director, Customer Engagement and Projects SAP BusinessObjects (Canada) (SAP Mentor)
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 2Public
Disclaimer
This presentation outlines our general product direction and should not be relied on in making a purchase decision. This presentation is not subject to your license agreement or any other agreement with SAP. SAP has no obligation to pursue any course of business outlined in this presentation or to develop or release any functionality mentioned in this presentation. This presentation and SAP's strategy and possible future developments are subject to change and may be changed by SAP at any time for any reason without notice. This document is provided without a warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. SAP assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this document, except if such damages were caused by SAP intentionally or grossly negligent.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 3Public
Agenda
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP ERP Data Connectivity and Meta-Data Support Performance Considerations
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BW Supporting BEx Query Elements Prompting using SAP Variables Performance Considerations Hierarchical Reporting Capabilities Best Practices on BEx Query Design
Roadmap Update
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP ERPData Connectivity and Meta-Data Support
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 5Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP ERPData Connectivity and Meta-Data Support
Semantic Layer Access to SAP ERP Classic InfoSets ABAP Functions ABAP Query
Direct Access to SAP ERPCrystal Reports 2011 InfoSets, ABAP Functions, Tables, and ABAP Queries
Transient Provider Leverage the local BI Client from your ERP System Allows to leverage classic InfoSets as data source Allows to leverage a BEx Query with direct access to
ERP data using the BICS interface
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 6Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP ERPData Connectivity and Meta-Data Support
Semantic Layer Data Foundation ABAP Functions are grouped by Function Group Each Table and Export is shown as separate table in the Data
Foundation Input parameters from the ABAP Function are mapped to Input
Columns
InfoSets are grouped first by Global / Local area Entry INFOSET is listing all InfoSets All other entries represent User Groups listing the InfoSet queries Selections from the InfoSet which are not included in the
InfoSet fields will result in Input Columns
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 7Public
InfoSet in SAP ERP InfoSet in Universe
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP ERPData Connectivity and Meta-Data Support
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ABAP Function in SAP ERP ABAP Function in Universe
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP ERPData Connectivity and Meta-Data Support
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Crystal Reports & ABAP List Viewer (ALV) This integration becomes available with SAP Business Suite Innovation 2010 (ERP 6.0 EHP 05 / NW
7.02) You will be able to use Crystal Reports objects as layout option for Web Dynpro ALV and SAP GUI ALV
layouts You will be able to create Crystal Reports objects as templates for all users Crystal Reports objects become part of the software logistics of the ALV
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP ERPData Connectivity and Meta-Data Support
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP ERPPerformance Considerations
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 11Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP ERPPerformance Considerations
Performance Considerations In cases where the required data is available via more than one ABAP Function or InfoSet, consider to
create one source = one new InfoSet or one new ABAP function, combining the data. Leverage scheduling from the SAP BusinessObjects BI platform to “off load” the work for those reports
that are not needed in “real time”
Current Limitation In cases where your source (InfoSet or ABAP Function) already contains input parameters or selections
creating List of Values becomes “difficult” You can leverage additional InfoSets or ABAP Functions to provide the list of values You can create new InfoSets or ABAP Functions without any input parameters and create the parameters
in the Universe
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Business Users
Mfg
Sale s… HR
Fin
SAP Solutions
ETL Mappings
Reporting Content
Data Marts
SAP BusinessObjects Rapid Marts
+
+
SAP BusinessObjects Data Services
SAP BusinessObjects BI
Universes, Initial reports + Dashboards
DB schema + Data Models
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP ERPPerformance Considerations
Easily modifiable templates that combine domain knowledge and best practices in data extraction and data modeling to produce customizable reporting content for quick and easy SAP analytical implementations
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 13Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP HANA Analytics Foundation
Instantaneous transactions -results-to-actions
Empowerment for front-line employees
Unified view of operations without delay
Out-of-the-Box
Custom-built
Open Interface
Customer Extensions
Personalized Views
Personalized Views
Personalized Views
Private ViewsPrivate Views
Reuse ViewsReuse Views
Physical TablesPhysical Tables
SAP-delivered
Query Views
SAP HANA Analytics Foundation (VDM)
Multi-channel Unified User ExperienceMulti-channel Unified User Experience
SAP Business SuiteSAP Business Suite
SAP NetWeaver
SAP
Net
Wea
ver
BW
SAP
Net
Wea
ver
BW
New
SAP
App
sN
ew S
AP A
pps
Part
ner
Apps
Part
ner
Apps
SAP HANA PLATFORM
Database Services
Synchronizations Services
Application ServicesOperational Reporting
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SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP HANA Analytics Foundation
Immediate rollout with no integration challenges
Rapid Deployment Solutions
Easy extension and customization
Personalized Views
Personalized Views
Personalized Views
Private ViewsPrivate Views
Reuse ViewsReuse Views
Physical TablesPhysical Tables
SAP-delivered
Query Views
Customer Extensions
SAP HANA Analytics Foundation (VDM)
SAP BusinessObjects BISAP BusinessObjects BI
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWSupport for BEx Query Elements across the BI Suite
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Direct Access
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWData Connectivity Options
ReportingReporting
Authored Access
BI Consumer Services (BICS)
SAP NetWeaver BW
SAP HANA
InfoProvider
BEx Query
BI 4.x Relational Universe (UNX)XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Crystal ReportsCrystal Reports Web IntelligenceWeb Intelligence
BI4 Relational Universe (UNX) access to BEx Queries requires SAP BW 7.3x and SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.1
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 17Public
Direct Access
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWData Connectivity Options
Authored Access
BI Consumer Services (BICS)
SAP NetWeaver BW
SAP HANA
InfoProvider
BEx Query
BI 4.x Relational Universe (UNX)XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Discovery and AnalysisDiscovery and Analysis
Visual IntelligenceVisual Intelligence ExplorerExplorer AnalysisAnalysis
JDBC
BI4 Relational Universe (UNX) access to BEx Queries requires SAP BW 7.3x and SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.1
Planned as part of 4.1
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Direct Access
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWData Connectivity Options
Authored Access
BI Consumer Services (BICS)
SAP NetWeaver BW
SAP HANA
InfoProvider
BEx Query
BI 4.x Relational Universe (UNX)XI 3.1 Relational Universe (UNV)
Dashboards and AppsDashboards and Apps
DashboardsDashboardsDesign StudioDesign Studio
BI4 Relational Universe (UNX) access to BEx Queries requires SAP BW 7.3x and SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.1
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 19Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWData Connectivity Options
Direct dimensional access to your BEx Queries No need to create a Universe Support of hierarchies and dimensional metadata
Hierarchical query panel Member selector Hierarchical navigation Member functions
Hierarchical report output Hierarchical columns Fold unfold Level totals Hierarchical graphics Multi-data provider synchronization Hierarchical formulas on report
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 20Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWData Connectivity Options
When should you use the direct connection to the BEx Query (BICS)? Invested in cube and query design and elements such as hierarchies, variables,
calculated/restricted key figures, …
When should you use the relational Universe option? Want to combine SAP BW with other sources (SAP or non SAP)
… and elements as hierarchies are not required Want to access DSO (fined grained reporting)
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SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWRelational Universe (UNX) vs Direct Access (BICS)
BEx Query Element Direct Access (BICS) Relational Universe
Calculated Key Figures Restricted Key Figures Variables Conditions Unit / Currency Conversion Display Attributes Hierarchies Custom Structures BI Authorizations (security) Time dependent objects
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 22Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWRelational Universe (UNX) vs Direct Access (BICS)
BEx Query Element Relational Universe Possible Workaround
Calculated Key Figures Define calculated measures as part of the Universe
Restricted Key Figures Define measures with filter as part of the Universe
Variables Define prompts as part of the Universes or Web Intelligence Query Panel.
Not possible for EXIT variables or variables filled through authorizations.
Conditions Define measures with filter as part of the Universe
Unit / Currency Conversion Possible with manual modeling of tables with conversion rates in the SAP BusinessObjects Universe Designer and joins in Data Federator.
Display Attributes Hierarchies No workaround possible
Custom Structures BI Authorizations (security) Time dependent objects No workaround possible
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 23Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWRelational Universe (UNX) vs Direct Access (BICS)
Functionality Direct Access (BICS) Relational Universe
Re-uses existing BEx queries (uses InfoProvider not BEx Query)
Support for ERP 6 Transient Provider (uses InfoProvider not BEx Query)
Connection is shared across BI Suite Crystal Reports for EnterpriseWeb Intelligence
Dashboards (Xcelsius)Explorer
Analysis, edition for Microsoft OfficeAnalysis, edition for OLAP
Design Studio
Crystal Reports for EnterpriseWeb Intelligence
Dashboards (Xcelsius)Explorer
Analysis, edition for Microsoft OfficeAnalysis, edition for OLAP
Design Studio
Connection can point to multiple BEx queries / InfoProvider
One Universe per InfoProvider or combination of InfoProvider
Allows customization of objects Only via BEx Query Designer Creation of custom objects Only via BEx Query Designer Creation of custom calculations Only via BEx Query Designer Combine several data sources
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 24Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWAdditional Options with SAP NetWeaver BW on SAP HANA options
The integration of SAP Visual Intelligence and SAP BusinessObjects Explorer with SAP NetWeaver BW on SAP HANA is based on the SAP HANA in-memory capabilities and leverages the– HANA views generated based on BW meta data and directly created on top of the underlying tables of
BW InfoProviders– HANA security model– HANA modeler for extension of generated views
By using HANA’s own repository, its modeling capabilities and security model the SAP NetWeaver BW on SAP HANA integration with SAP Visual Intelligence and SAP BusinessObjects Explorer maximizes the capabilities of the SAP HANA engine especially as the SAP HANA capabilities advance.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 25Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWAdditional Options with SAP NetWeaver BW on SAP HANA options
Current Limitations:Following features are not supported on the generated SAP HANA models: DSO without any key figure Authorization on Key Figures Currency and Unit of Measure Conversion NOTE: Only currency mapping is supported and not the conversion. Time dependent text and attributes Non-cumulative key figures Conversion routines in the BW system Exception aggregation like, average, counter, first value, last value, no aggregation, standard deviation is
not supported for generated measures.
Following features are not supported on generated analytic privileges: Exclude operator not supported Aggregated value operator ‘:’ is not supported Variables of type User exits are not supported Authorization on Key Figures are not supported Authorization on hierarchy node is not supported
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 26Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWAdditional Options with SAP NetWeaver BW on SAP HANA options
Technical Pre-requisites: SAP Notes 1703061, 1759172, 1752384 and 1733519 have been implemented SAP HANA Modeler SP04 Revision 37 BW schema has been added in the SQL privileges for the Modeler user to import BW models
Further Details https://scn.sap.com/docs/DOC-32264
Walkthrough http://www.experiencesaphana.com/community/blogs/blog/2012/09/27/modeler-unplugged-episode-11--
importing-bw-models-as-native-hana-models http://www.experiencesaphana.com/community/blogs/blog/2012/10/04/modeler-unplugged-episode-12--
understanding-hana-models-imported-from-bw http://www.experiencesaphana.com/community/blogs/blog/2012/10/11/modeler-unplugged-episode-13--
exploring-data-for-hana-models-imported-from-bw
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SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWSupport for BEx Query Elements across the BI Suite
When should you use the direct connection to the BEx Query (BICS)? Invested in cube and query design and elements such as hierarchies, variables,
calculated/restricted key figures, …
When should you use the relational Universe option? Want to combine SAP BW with other sources (SAP or non SAP)
… and elements as hierarchies are not required Want to access DSO (fined grained reporting)
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 28Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
The following tables outline the level of support for BEx query elements and typical BEx query functionality for all BI client tools based on SAP BusinessObjects BI 4 Service Pack 05.
For SAP BusinessObjects Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office these slides evaluate version 1.3 of the product.
For SAP BusinessObjects Design Studio these slides evaluate version 1.0 of the product.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 29Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
InfoProvider Dimension No No No No No No Yes No
Characteristics Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Key Figures Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Free Characteristics Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Restricted Key Figures Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Calculated Key Figures Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Display Attributes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Navigational Attributes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
BEx Query Filter Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Defaults (4) Yes Yes No No No No No Yes
(4) Defaults in this context refers to the Defaults area in the BEx Query Designer and not to default values for SAP variables in a BEx Query.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 30Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Custom Key Figure Structure Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Custom Characteristic Structure Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Hierarchical Custom Key Figure Structure Yes Yes No No No No No Yes
Hierarchical Custom Characteristic Structure Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Selection of elements of a custom structure in the report Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Support for 2 structures from BEx Query Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Compounded Characteristics Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 31Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Support for Characteristic Data Type NUMC Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Support for Characteristic Data Type CHAR Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Support for Characteristic Data Type DATS Yes Yes
Key Value as String.
Description Value as Date
Key Value as String.
Description Value as Date
Key Value as String.
Description Value as Date
Yes Yes Yes
Support for Characteristic Data Type TIMS Yes Yes As String
Value OnlyAs String
Value OnlyAs String
Value Only Yes Yes Yes
Support for Key Figures Data Type Amount / Quantity Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Support for Key Figures Data Type DATS Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Support for Key Figures Data Type TIMS Yes Yes As String
Value OnlyAs String
Value OnlyAs String
Value Only Yes Yes Yes
Information about configured Filters in the BEx Query Yes No No No No No No No
BEx Text Elements Yes No No No No No No Yes
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 32Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Type
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Optional Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Mandatory Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes NoNo
(only withDefault Values)
Characteristic Value Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Formula Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Hierarchy Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Hierarchy Node Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Hierarchy Version Variable Yes Yes No No No No No Yes
Key Date Variable Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Text Variables Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 33Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Processing Type
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
User Entry / Default Value Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Replacement Path Yes Yes Yes (3) Yes (3) Yes (3) Yes No Yes
Customer / SAP Exits Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Authorization Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
(3) To be able to use BEx Queries with Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards the BEx queries need to be configured to allow external access in the BEx Query Designer. For limits of BEx queries which are released for external access please also take a look at SAP Note 820925.In particular for the for the variable processing type Replacement Path:Variables with replacement from query result are not supported, if the query again has variables that are ready for input.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 34Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Presentation
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Single Value Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes (6)
Multiple Single Value Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes (6)
Interval / Range Value Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Yes (6)
Selection Option Yes Yes Limited Support (2)
Limited Support (2)
Limited Support (2) Yes No Yes (6)
Selection Option Operator Functionality (except Contains Pattern)
Yes Yes Limited Support (2)
Limited Support (2)
Limited Support (2) Yes No Yes (6)
Selection Option Operator Functionality - Contains Pattern No No Limited
Support (2)Limited
Support (2)Limited
Support (2) Yes No No
Selection Option Include / Exclude Functionality Yes Yes Limited
Support (2)Limited
Support (2)Limited
Support (2) Yes No Yes (6)
PreCalculated Value Set Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes (6)
(2) Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards are creating range variables for a selection option variable from a BEx Query. In addition the option to include or exclude values and to select an operator is not supported.(6) Design Studio 1.0 does not support the prompting.. Nevertheless designer can set the variable value per scripting.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 35Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Support for manual entry of values Yes Yes Planned for
release 4.1Planned for release 4.1
Planned for release 4.1 Yes - NA - Yes
Support for Variables in Defaults Area of BEx Query Yes Yes No No No No No Yes
Support for single Key Date Variable Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Support for multiple Key Date Variables in single BEx Query Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes
Support for Hierarchy / Hierarchy Node Variable dependency
Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes
Support for cascading variables for Compounded Characteristics Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No - NA - Yes
Support for Variable Default Values Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 36Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Copy / Paste variable values from clipboard Yes No No No No No - NA - Planned for
release 1.1
Filling variable values from Microsoft Excel File
Planned for release 1.4 No No No No No - NA - No
Merge / Unmerge Variables Yes Planned for release 4.1 No Yes No No - NA - Planned for
release 1.1
Defining Variable Sequence in the report No No Yes Planned for
release 4.1 No No - NA - No
Variable Sequence based on BEx Query Designer Yes Yes Yes Yes No No - NA - Planned for
release 1.1
Support for validating values before executing the report Yes Yes No No No No - NA - Planned for
release 1.1
Read Mode for list of values (master data, InfoCube) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No - NA - Planned for
release 1.1
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 37Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Currency / Unit Conversion defined in BEx Query Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Currency / Unit Conversion (Runtime) Yes No No No No No Possible with
manual modeling No
Condition in Rows (from BEx Query) Yes Yes
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
YesNo
Not planned for future release
Yes
Condition in Columns (from BEx Query) Yes Yes
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
YesNo
Not planned for future release
Yes
Conditions for fixed set of characteristics (from BEx Query) Yes Yes
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
YesNo
Not planned for future release
Yes
Condition for independent characteristics (from BEx Query) Yes Yes
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
YesNo
Not planned for future release
Yes
Defining Conditions in the report Yes Yes Yes (5) Yes (5) Yes (5) No - NA - No
Exceptions (from BEx Query) Yes Planned for release 4.1
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
- NA -No
Not planned for future release
Planned for release1.1
Defining Exceptions in the report Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - NA - - NA - No
Constant Selection Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - NA - Yes
(5) the BI clients are able to create condition type of filters (for example, Top N) in the report but these filters are applied after the data has been retrieved from SAP NetWeaver BW
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 38Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Type
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Cell Editor Calculation Yes Yes Limited Support (6)
Limited Support (6)
Limited Support (6) No No Yes
Local calculations (defined in BEx Query) Yes Yes No No No Yes No Yes
Defining Calculations in the report (at run time) Yes Yes No Yes No Yes - NA - No
Exception Aggregation Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Zero Suppression Yes Yes No No No Yes No Yes
Read Mode for characteristics (master data, InfoCube) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
(6) Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards to support BEx queries with two structures and cell definitions created with the cell editor but in cases where the cell definition combines different data types, the resulting output in these BI clients will be a string value instead of a numeric value.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 39Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Scaling Factor Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - NA - Yes (7)
Reverse Sign (+/-) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - NA - Yes (7)
Number of Decimals Yes YesNo
Not planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
- NA - Yes (7)
Hide / Show the Element Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - NA - Yes (7)
Sort Characteristics Yes Yes No No No Yes - NA - Yes (7)
Display Options for characteristics (Key, Key & Text, Text)
Yes Yes
Elements can be included as
part of the report design
Elements can be included as
part of the report design
Elements can be included as
part of the report design
Yes - NA - Yes (7)
Result Rows (Show, Suppress) Yes Yes No No No No - NA - Yes (7)
Placement of subtotal (above / below nodes) Yes Yes No No No No - NA - Yes (7)
(7) Design Studio: possible to define it in design time. But it‘s not possible to define/change it in ad-hoc manner in run time with Design Studio 1.0
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 40Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Schedule a document Planned for 1.4 (BI 4.1) No Yes Yes No - NA - - NA - No
Create a Publication (= Broadcasting)
Planned for 1.4 (BI 4.1) No Yes Yes No - NA - - NA - No
Support for Variable Variants Yes Planned for release 4.1 No No No No - NA - Planned for
future release
Support for Variable Personalization
Planned for version 1.4 No No No No No - NA - Planned for
future release
Support for Report ReportInterface as Sender Yes Planned for
release 4.1 Yes No Yes No - NA - Planned forfuture release
Support for Report ReportInterface as Receiver
Planned for version 1.4 No No No No No - NA - Planned for
future release
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWPrompting using BEx Query Variables
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SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWPrompting using SAP Variables
Optional and Mandatory parameters Mandatory prompts will load the list of values When possible consider using optional parameters for large list of values Behavior has been changed with SAP BusinessObjects BI4 SP04 Patch 1 so that prompts
are not loading list of values automatically
Selection Option Variable Currently only Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office and Analysis, edition for OLAP fully
support the Selection Option variable (operators, include / exclude) Crystal Reports, Web Intelligence, and Dashboards are creating an interval / range prompt
without the option to select an include / exclude operator
Using OpenDocument with Variables When using OpenDocument with Variables, ensure the Key values are used as part of the
OpenDocument URL (not the description values)
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 43Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWPrompting using SAP Variables
Display Attributes As part of the definition of Display Attributes in SAP NetWeaver BW it is also possible to
configure if the Display Attribute should be displayed as part of the F4 Help / List of Values for a BEx Variable. As large list of values can consume a lot memory, you should consider carefully if those
Display Attributes are really needed as part of the list of values and in case they are not needed you should remove them from the list of value by changing the configuration in SAP NetWeaver BW.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 44Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWPrompting using SAP Variables
Restrictions All the BI tools have options to restrict the volume of values for parameters
– Analysis, edition for OLAP : Property of the MDAS Server– Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office : Settings in the tool– Crystal Reports for Enterprise: Property for the Crystal Reports Application (CMC > Applications)– Web Intelligence: Property of the Processing Server
Additional Option: Starting with SAP NetWeaver BW 7.01 Support Package 09 / SAP NetWeaver BW 7.30
Support Package 3 customers can use the BAdI RSR_VARIABLE_F4_RESTRICT_BADI to use a set of criteria to restrict the list of members for an input screen. For more information, see F1 help for this BAdI (transaction SE18, enhancement spot RSR_VARIABLE_F4_RESTRICT). See Note 1416952
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SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWPrompting using SAP Variables
Variable Variants and Variable Personalization Variable Variants for SAP BusinessObjects Analysis, edition for Microsoft Office is planned
for the version 1.3 Variable Variants for SAP BusinessObjects Analysis, edition for OLAP is planned for the 4.1
release Variable Variants for Crystal Reports, Web Intelligence, and Dashboards is planned for the
release after 4.1 Support for Variable Personalization is planned for the release after the 4.1 release
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWPerformance Considerations
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SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWPerformance Considerations
BEx Query Design considerations Currently the meta-data retrieval for the “design” of a report is based on the BEx Query Try to create a compromise between “access to available data” and “performance” Configure the BEx Query to “read data while navigation” (not in a single run) in transaction
RSRT Monitor your SAP BW Statistics for Aggregates
Data Volume Remember that SAP BW is a multi-dimensional engine (and not a “data pump”) Try to leverage BI clients together, for example navigate from Analysis to Web Intelligence or
Crystal Reports In case really large volumes of data are needed, consider also a DSO Layer with a relational
Universe
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 48Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWPerformance Considerations
BI Platform sizing Leverage the Sizing guide especially for the DSL Bridge server and create separate APS
with larger JVM configuration
http://sap.com/bisizing
Service Pack 04 Performance improvements Browsing of BEx Queries “Refresh” of reports (Crystal Reports, Web Intelligence, and Dashboards)
Planned 4.1 Performance improvements Additional enhancements for the “run time” “Refresh” of reports Performance improvements on the “Design Time” of reports
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BW
Hierarchical Reporting Capabilities
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 50Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Support for Hierarchies with Linked Nodes Yes Yes Planned for
release 4.1Planned for release 4.1
Planned for release 4.1 Yes No Yes
Support for time-dependent Hierarchies Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Support for time-dependent Hierarchy Structures Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Support for Hierarchies with Temp Join Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Support for Hierarchy Versions (without usage of Variables) No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 51Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Hierarchical Member selection (nodes and leafs) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
(only as filter) No Yes (8)
Member Selection based on hierarchy levels Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes (8)
Show specific Hierarchy Levels Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No - NA - Yes (8)
Skip levels of a hierarchy Yes Yes No No No No - NA - Yes (8)
Show Leaf Members only Yes Yes No No No No - NA - Yes (8)
Ranking Data along a hierarchy Yes Yes No No No No - NA - No
Exchange of hierarchies in the BI client tool Yes Yes No No No No No No
Expand to Level Functionality (BEx Query Designer) Yes Yes No No No No - NA - Yes (8)
Expand to Level Functionality (Run Time) Yes Planned for 4.1 No No No No - NA - No
(8) Design Studio: possible to define it in design time. But it‘s not possible to define/change it in ad-hoc manner in run time with Design Studio 1.0
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 52Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements
Analysis, edition for Microsoft
Office
Analysis, edition for
OLAP
Crystal Reports for Enterprise
Web Intelligence
Dashboards(BICS in BIP)
Explorer(BW
Accelerator)
Relational Universe(BI4 UNX)
Design Studio
Compact Axis in the Rows (Display as hierarchy) Yes Yes
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
- NA - Yes(8)
Compact Axis in the Columns (Display as hierarchy) Yes Yes
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
- NA - Yes(8)
Hierarchical Report Design Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No - NA - Yes(8)
Hierarchical charting No Yes Yes Yes Yes No - NA - No
(8) Design Studio: possible to define it in design time. But it‘s not possible to define/change it in ad-hoc manner in run time with Design Studio 1.0
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BW
Best Practices on BEx Query Design
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 54Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWBest Practices on BEx Query Design
Overall recommendation BEx Queries are recommended as data sources for all the SAP BusinessObjects BI
products BEx Queries offer significant functionality to create customized data sources that meet end-
user requirements, such as Calculated Key figures, Restricted Key figures and SAP Variables.
You do NOT want one BEx Query for one report
(…. And not one BEx Query for all reports either) Focus the implementation strategy on limiting the number of BI Queries by sharing common
elements The BI Client tool and report definition is the primary influence factor on how much data is
being retrieved from SAP NetWeaver BW In some situations extremely large queries and universes can adversely affect performance
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 55Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWBest Practices on BEx Query Design
“Allow External Access” option has to be set in the properties of the BEx query
Placement of Characteristics / Key Figures have no direct impact for the BI tools
For large sets of key figures, use the option - “Use Selection of Structure Members” in transaction RSRT (Query Monitor) as part of the Query Properties
Query Read Mode should be configured to read data while navigate (Transaction RSRT, Query Monitor)
Leverage the capabilities of the Restricted Key and Calculated Key Figures
Leverage SAP Variables as part of the BEx Query– Can be shared across queries, minimizing development downstream– List of Values are being generated automatically
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 56Public
Time based structures / calculations– Leverage EXIT Variables as part of the BEx query
Data Level Security & SAP NetWeaver BW– Use BI authorizations for data level security
Items not supported via direct InfoCube access:– Variables (e.g. Authorization Variables)– Restricted or calculated Key figures– Filters – Custom structures– Navigational attributes
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWBest Practices on BEx Query Design
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 57Public
Remember… there is no Universe on top of your BEx Query All changes to descriptions need to be part of your BEx Query All variables / prompts need to be part of your BEx Query
– Report based filters can not be shared across All necessary calculations should become part of your BEx Query
– Performance Consideration– Allows sharing across multiple BEx Queries and reports
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWBest Practices on BEx Query Design
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 58Public
OLAP Connections in SAP BusinessObjects 4.xYou can define an OLAP Connection pointing to … your SAP NetWeaver BW system … your InfoProvider … your BEx Query
Consider how you are securing your BEx Queries today Are you already using authorization objects to limit the number of BEx Queries and
InfoProviders ?>> A single connection to SAP NetWeaver BW could be an option
… also consider your report designers>> A single connection will means to navigate the InfoArea > InfoProvider levels for
each report design
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BWBest Practices on BEx Query Design
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x & SAP NetWeaver BW
Roadmap Update
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 60Public
PLANNED INNOVATIONS Future DirectionToday
Integration of the BI Suite with SAP BW and SAP ERPProduct road map overview - key themes and capabilities
This is the current state of planning and may be changed by SAP at any time.
(Release 4.0)*
* Up to 4.0 SP5, including FP3
Data connectivity Consistent data access to SAP BW Universe data access to SAP ERP
User experience Run time performance improvement Compounded characteristics support Level based hierarchy selection Prompting enhancements Variable Variants support for Analysis
Office SAP BW workspaces integration for
Analysis Office Conversion of BEx workbooks for
Analysis Office
Platform integration BI platform and Mobile BI integration for
Design Studio
Interoperability Design Studio interoperability with
Analysis Office
Data connectivity Authored universe on limited set of
BEx queries
User experience Design time performance
improvement Prompting enhancements Variable Variants support for Analysis
OLAP, and Design Studio
Platform integration Scheduling and publication
capabilities for Analysis Office SAP NetWeaver Identity
Management integration
Interoperability Product interoperability
enhancements for Analysis OLAP, and Design Studio
Data connectivity Connectivity enhancements to SAP
ERP Multi-source access for relational and
OLAP data sources
User experience Manual entry for BEx variable
prompts across the suite Variable Variants and Personalization
across the suite
Interoperability Report-report interface support
across the suite
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 61Public
Integration of the BI Suite with SAP BW and SAP ERPPlanned Innovations
PLANNED INNOVATIONS
Authored universes on BEx queries Authored relational universe on limited set of BEx queries for SAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, Dashboards, and Explorer SAP BW 7.3 is required
Design time performance Performance improvement in the design time user experience for reporting on top of SAP BW in SAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise, and Web
Intelligence
Prompting Merge prompts from multiple SAP BW queries into one prompt list so prompt values are entered once, in Analysis OLAP
Variable Variants Save and use public and private stored prompt values collection in Analysis OLAP and Design Studio
Scheduling and publications Broadcast and publish of Analysis Office workbooks via the SAP BusinessObjects BI platform
SAP NetWeaver identity management integration Centrally create and manage user accounts from SAP NetWeaver identity management across SAP to simplify user management and promote
consistency
This is the current state of planning and may be changed by SAP at any time.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 62Public
Your BI Strategy should start with the business requirements, not with the DWH
Key Points to Take Home
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x allows you to re-use your existing BEx queries, but make sure you understand the limitations per BI client
The direct connection to SAP NetWeaver BW removes the need for the Universe, but make sure you have everything in the BEx queries
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 63Public
Additional Resources
Reporting and Analysis with SAP BusinessObjects (2nd Edition)(SAP Press, 2012)
Integrating SAP BusinessObjects BI Platform 4.x with SAP NetWeaver(SAP Press, 2011)
Mastering SAP BusinessObjects Analysis, edition for OLAP with SAP NetWeaver BW
Interactive eBook:
Kindle Edition
Best Practices for integration SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.x with SAP NetWeaver BW
Kindle Edition
Thank you
Contact information:
Contact details:[email protected] : @ihilgefortBlog : www.mastering-sap-and-businessobjects.com
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 65Public
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or for any purpose without the express permission of SAP AG. The information contained herein may be changed without prior notice.
Some software products marketed by SAP AG and its distributors contain proprietary software components of other software vendors.
National product specifications may vary.
These materials are provided by SAP AG and its affiliated companies ("SAP Group") for informational purposes only, without representation or warranty of any kind, and SAP Group shall not be liable for errors or omissions with respect to the materials. The only warranties for SAP Group products and services are those that are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services, if any. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.
SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and other countries. Please see http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx#trademark for additional trademark information and notices.
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© 2013 SAP AG. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.
Weitergabe und Vervielfältigung dieser Publikation oder von Teilen daraus sind, zu welchem Zweck und in welcher Form auch immer, ohne die ausdrückliche schriftliche Genehmigung durch SAP AG nicht gestattet. In dieser Publikation enthaltene Informationen können ohne vorherige Ankündigung geändert werden.
Einige der von der SAP AG und ihren Distributoren vermarkteten Softwareprodukte enthalten proprietäre Softwarekomponenten anderer Softwareanbieter.
Produkte können länderspezifische Unterschiede aufweisen.
Die vorliegenden Unterlagen werden von der SAP AG und ihren Konzernunternehmen („SAP-Konzern“) bereitgestellt und dienen ausschließlich zu Informationszwecken. Der SAP-Konzern übernimmt keinerlei Haftung oder Gewährleistung für Fehler oder Unvollständigkeiten in dieser Publikation. Der SAP-Konzern steht lediglich für Produkte und Dienstleistungen nach der Maßgabe ein, die in der Vereinbarung über die jeweiligen Produkte und Dienstleistungen ausdrücklich geregelt ist. Keine der hierin enthaltenen Informationen ist als zusätzliche Garantie zu interpretieren.
SAP und andere in diesem Dokument erwähnte Produkte und Dienstleistungen von SAP sowie die dazugehörigen Logos sind Marken oder eingetragene Marken der SAP AG in Deutschland und verschiedenen anderen Ländern weltweit. Weitere Hinweise und Informationen zumMarkenrecht finden Sie unter http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx#trademark.
Appendix
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SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
The following tables outline the level of support for BEx query elements and typical BEx query functionality by comparing the available meta-data and functionality of SAP BusinessObjects BI 4 Service Pack 05 compared to XI 3.1 OLAP Universes.
The comparison is solely done for Web Intelligence and SAP BusinessObjects Explorer, as XI 3.1 OLAP Universes are only supported using Web Intelligence and SAP BusinessObjects Explorer.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 69Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
InfoProvider Dimension No No Yes
Characteristics Yes Yes Yes
Key Figures Yes Yes Yes
Free Characteristics Yes Yes Yes
Restricted Key Figures Yes No Yes
Calculated Key Figures Yes No Yes
Display Attributes Yes Yes Yes
Navigational Attributes Yes Yes Yes
BEx Query Filter Yes No Yes
Defaults (1) No No No
(1) Defaults in this context refers to the Defaults area in the BEx Query Designer and not to default values for SAP variables in a BEx Query.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 70Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Custom Key Figure Structure Yes No Yes
Custom Characteristic Structure Yes No Yes
Hierarchical Custom Key Figure Structure No No No
Hierarchical Custom Characteristic Structure Yes No No
Selection of elements of a custom structure in the report Yes No No
Support for 2 structures from BEx Query Yes No Yes
Compounded Characteristics Yes Yes No
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 71Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
BEx Query Elements Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Support for Characteristic Data Type NUMC Yes Yes Yes
Support for Characteristic Data Type CHAR Yes Yes Yes
Support for Characteristic Data Type DATS Key Value as String.Description Value as Date Yes Key Value as String.
Description Value as Date
Support for Characteristic Data Type TIMS As String Value Only Yes As String Value Only
Support for Key Figures Data Type Amount / Quantity Yes Yes Yes
Support for Key Figures Data Type DATS Yes Yes Yes
Support for Key Figures Data Type TIMS As String Value Only Yes As String Value Only
Information about configured Filters in the BEx Query No No No
BEx Text Elements No No No
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 72Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variables Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Optional Variables Yes No Yes
Mandatory Variables Yes No Yes
Characteristic Value Variables Yes No Yes
Formula Variables Yes No Yes
Hierarchy Variables Yes No Yes
Hierarchy Node Variables Yes No Yes
Hierarchy Version Variable No No No
Key Date Variable Yes No Yes
Text Variables Yes No No
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 73Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variables Processing Type Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
User Entry / Default Value Yes No Yes
Replacement Path Yes (2) No Yes (2)
Customer / SAP Exits Yes No Yes
Authorization Yes No Yes
(2) To be able to use BEx Queries with Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards the BEx queries need to be configured to allow external access in the BEx Query Designer. For limits of BEx queries which are released for external access please also take a look at SAP Note 820925.In particular for the for the variable processing type Replacement Path:Variables with replacement from query result are not supported, if the query again has variables that are ready for input.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 74Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variables Presentation Option Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Single Value Yes No Yes
Multiple Single Value Yes No Yes
Interval / Range Value Yes No Yes
Selection Option Limited Support (3) No Limited Support (3)
Selection Option Operator Functionality (except Contains Pattern) Limited Support (3) No Limited Support (3)
Selection Option Operator Functionality -Contains Pattern Limited Support (3) No Limited Support (3)
Selection Option Include / Exclude Functionality Limited Support (3) No Limited Support (3)
PreCalculated Value Set Yes No No
(3) Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards are creating range variables for a selection option variable from a BEx Query. In addition the option to include or exclude values and to select an operator is not supported.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 75Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variables Presentation Option Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Support for manual entry of values No - NA - Yes
Support for Variables in Defaults Area of BEx Query No No No
Support for single Key Date Variable Yes No Only Limited support
Support for multiple Key Date Variables in single BEx Query No No No
Support for Hierarchy / Hierarchy Node Variable dependency Yes No Yes
Support for cascading variables for Compounded Characteristics Yes - NA - No
Support for Variable Default Values Yes No Yes
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 76Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Copy / Paste variable values from clipboard No - NA - No
Filling variable values from Microsoft Excel File No - NA - No
Merge / Unmerge Variables Yes - NA - No
Defining Variable Sequence in the report Planned for release 4.1 - NA - No
Variable Sequence based on BEx Query Designer Yes - NA - No
Support for validating values before executing the report No - NA - No
Read Mode for list of values (master data, InfoCube) Yes - NA - Yes
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 77Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Currency / Unit Conversion defined in BEx Query Yes No Yes
Currency / Unit Conversion (Runtime) No Possible with manual modeling No
Condition in Rows (from BEx Query)
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
Condition in Columns (from BEx Query)
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
Conditions for fixed set of characteristics (from BEx Query)
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
Condition for independent characteristics (from BEx Query)
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
Defining Conditions in the report Yes (4) - NA - Yes (4)
Exceptions (from BEx Query) NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
NoNot planned for future release
Defining Exceptions in the report Yes - NA - Yes
Constant Selection Yes - NA - Yes
(4) the BI clients are able to create condition type of filters (for example, Top N) in the report but these filters are applied after the data has been retrieved from SAP NetWeaver BW
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 78Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Cell Editor Calculation Limited Support (5) No Limited Support (5)
Local calculations (defined in BEx Query) No No No
Defining Calculations in the report (at run time) Yes - NA - Yes
Exception Aggregation Yes No Yes
Zero Suppression No No No
Read Mode for characteristics (master data, InfoCube) Yes Yes Yes
(5) Crystal Reports for Enterprise, Web Intelligence, and SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards to support BEx queries with two structures and cell definitions created with the cell editor but in cases where the cell definition combines different data types, the resulting output in these BI clients will be a string value instead of a numeric value.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 79Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Scaling Factor Yes - NA - No
Reverse Sign (+/-) Yes - NA - No
Number of Decimals NoNot planned for future release - NA - No
Not planned for future release
Hide / Show the Element Yes - NA - Yes
Sort Characteristics No - NA - No
Display Options for characteristics (Key, Key & Text, Text)
Elements can be included as part of the report design - NA - Elements can be included as
part of the report design
Result Rows (Show, Suppress) No - NA - No
Placement of subtotal (above / below nodes) No - NA - No
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 80Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Support for Hierarchies with Linked Nodes No No No
Support for time-dependent Hierarchies Yes No Limited (6)
Support for time-dependent Hierarchy Structures Yes No Limited (6)
Support for Hierarchies with Temp Join Yes No Yes
Support for Hierarchy Versions (without usage of Variables) Yes No No
(6) SAP BusinessObjects XI 3.1 OLAP Universes are created using the Universe Design Tool and there is no option available to configure a key date when authoring the XI 3.1 OLAP Universe. Based on this situation the XI 3.1 OLAP Universe will always be authored based on the system date and the authored Universe will only consider meta-data for time-dependent objects based on the system date.
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 81Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Hierarchical Member selection (nodes and leafs) Yes No Yes
Member Selection based on hierarchy levels Yes No No
Show specific Hierarchy Levels Yes - NA - No
Skip levels of a hierarchy No - NA - No
Show Leaf Members only No - NA - No
Ranking Data along a hierarchy No - NA - No
Exchange of hierarchies in the BI client tool No No No
Expand to Level Functionality (BEx Query Designer) No - NA - No
Expand to Level Functionality (Run Time) No - NA - No
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 82Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Compact Axis in the Rows (Display as hierarchy)
NoNot planned for future release - NA - No
Not planned for future release
Compact Axis in the Columns (Display as hierarchy)
NoNot planned for future release - NA - No
Not planned for future release
Hierarchical Report Design Yes - NA - No
Hierarchical charting Yes - NA - No
(8) Design Studio: possible to define it in design time. But it‘s not possible to define/change it in ad-hoc manner in run time with Design Studio 1.0
© 2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 83Public
SAP BusinessObjects BI & SAP NetWeaver BWSupported meta-data & functionality
Variable Functionality Web Intelligence 4.x using Direct BICS Connectivity
Web Intelligence 4.x using Relational Universe (BI4 UNX)
Web Intelligence 4.x using XI 3.1 OLAP Universe (UNV)
Schedule a document Yes - NA - Yes
Create a Publication (= Broadcasting) Yes - NA - Yes
Support for Variable Variants No - NA - No
Support for Variable Personalization No - NA - No
Support for Report Report Interface as Sender No - NA - No
Support for Report Report Interface as Receiver No - NA - No