In this article we will analyse the advantages of the SAP Business Warehouse (SAP BW) on SAP HANA solution in comparison with a Data Warehouse built directly on SAP HANA. We will also benchmark the performance of a SAP BW vs. SAP BW on HANA in a big data scenario. Most of us are aware of the last trends in BI/EPM market and where it is heading. SAP's mid and long term strategy shows that they are committed to convert SAP HANA in the core of many of their solutions including SAP ERP and SAP BW. SAP HANA can be used either as a database for other Custom Applications or as an Enterprise Corporate Datawarehouse (EDW) to take advantage of its big data and in-memory capabilities.
SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence report showing prompts with scientific notation
A while ago I was delivered a relatively easy task: create a SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence report that only needed one user entry in the prompt to calculate all the needed parameters for the query. After creating all the calculations and receiving the correct data in the Universe I proceeded to update the query of the Web Intelligence report, but encountered a problem. Due to unknown circumstances the report started showing the numbers and dates with scientific notation. When modifying my Web Intelligence report with the new values for the prompt, the SQL generated was showing the numbers in exponential form. "5.93e2" for example, as opposed to the actual value "593".
Migrating SAP BusinessObjects Explorer spaces to BI4
SSM 10.1 is now available
Configuring SAP Data Services 4.x with SAP ERP
In SAP® Data Services 3.2 some of the SAP system security standards were overlooked, allowing you to run any ABAP program in a production environment. As part of the improvements on SAP Data Services 4.x (SAP DS) this was fixed and it is now compliant with the SAP security standards. This means that for any ETL development including ABAP dataflows you will be forced to upload the ABAP code following the typical SAP system security process: upload to development (DEV), transport the changes to quality (QA) and, finally, transport the changes to production (PROD). In this article I would like to share with you some insights on how to get your new SAP DS 4.x environment ready using SAP systems.
Installing SAP BusinessObjects 4.1 with a Unix-like architecture
In recent customer projects we have seen the need of having a machine with Unix-like architecture (more specifically Linux) ready for action. This is why we created a virtual machine with a Linux installation and proceeded with the challenge of a Business Objects 4.1 (although it should work for any other version) implementation on a Unix-like system. This post will present useful tips for starting a SAP BusinessObjects implementation on a Unix-like system and the steps you need to accomplish it.
BO Data Services - Comparison methods in the Table Comparison
In SAP BusinessObjects Data Services, you often need to use the transform "Table Comparison". Within it, you have the choice between three comparison methods: Row-by-row select, Cached comparison table, and Sorted input. This choice can have a huge impact on the data flow performance. Which one is the best for your implementation? That's what we are going to discover in this article. One of the common uses of the "Table comparison" transform is the implementation of slowly changing dimensions (you can see SCD type 2 on the Data Services wiki here) In the screenshot below is a data flow used for SCD type 1.
Informatica PowerCenter, Advanced mapping techniques - Part 1
According to Gartner (2013 Magic Quadrant for Data Integration), Informatica PowerCenter (PWC henceforth) is the market leading solution for enterprise level Data Integration. In this series of articles I'll cover some of the tiny technical tidbits which can make a whole world of difference in implementing appurtenant functionalities, hopefully assisting an aspiring ETL developer in day-to-day engagements. Subject matter will be segmented in multiple scenarios and a couple of sequels. As always, all readers are encouraged to reply, question and request additional information related to the topic at hand.
Centralizing your KPIs with Metapedia
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) play a key role in managing an organization, as they help define and measure progress toward company goals. As a best practice many companies use templates to build their new reports, where KPIs used in every report are included. Filling out this information manually should be a one time exercise, and the work should be re-used throughout the documents that share common KPIs. The dynamic use of KPIs in reporting was a common customer requirement. As an approach to this situation we have developed a way to centralize them and populate the list of KPIs for your reports using the Metapedia tool of the SAP BusinessObjects Metadata Management / Information Steward Application, which I will share with you in this post.
In-Memory Computing to reach $1 billion by 2016
The Gartner Top Technology Trends 2013* states that the in-memory data grid (IMDG) market may still be small, but the decline in costs of flash memory prices, and the maturation of specific software platforms will make In-Memory Computing (IMC) more accessible to companies, promoting fast growth reaching $1 billion by 2016. Massimo Pezzini, Gartner VP said in a recent Gartner press release that companies that do not consider IMC risk being out-innovated by competition. “During the next two to three years, IMC will become a key element in the strategy of organizations focused on improving effectiveness and business growth.”