SAP BW/4HANA Data Model for SAP S/4HANA Group Reporting

We in the CoE EMEA Team for Data Warehousing & Data Management have developed a Group Reporting data model for SAP BW/4HANA. This model is now out of the pilot phase and is already being used successfully by several customers.

In the following, we would like to give you a brief overview of the model's target audience, its structure and functionality, as well as information on how to get access to the model if you are interested. So stay tuned, it's worth reading :

Target Group for the SAP BW/4HANA Group Reporting Model

A data model for SAP BW/4HANA has been requested by several customers who have one or more of the following requirements:

• Use of SAP BW/4HANA as the central reporting platform for the execution of financial consolidation reporting.
• The need to combine group reporting data with analytical data such as HCM KPIs, production data, etc.
• Use the flexible analysis authorization framework to fine-tune row-level access based on hierarchy nodes such as consolidation unit and profit center.
• The need to load and distribute group reporting data to other systems.

 

Interrelation between SAP S/4HANA Group Reporting and the BW Group Reporting Model

The provided SAP BW/4HANA data model is implemented based on the data structures used in SAP S/4HANA Group Reporting and leverages standard CDS views delivered as part of SAP S/4HANA, to extract and load the data into the receiving data model in SAP BW/4HANA. This data is then made available for reporting by applying group reporting logic including hierarchy elimination logic.

About the SAP BW/4HANA Group Reporting Model

The SAP BW/4HANA data model consists of Z*-objects (BW objects, ABAP CDS Views, HANA Calculation Views), covering transactional and master data. The model is aligned with SAP best practices, such as “Layered-Scalable-Architecture optimized for HANA” (LSA++) and HANA-optimized business content. The BW data model is currently not part of the official SAP BW/4 Business Content. This aspect requires further elaboration.

The following Group Reporting functionality is covered by the data model:

• Version relations including extension versions
• Group derivation logic based on the group structure
• Hierarchy elimination
• Period mode

The reports that can be created using the SAP BW/4HANA data model for Group Reporting provide the same functionality as the SAP S/4HANA embedded analytics reports of Group Data Analysis.

It is also possible to extend the functional scope of the Group Reporting data model to meet individual business requirements as part of the service delivery (see below):

• Downporting the SAP BW/4HANA data model to SAP BW on HANA 7.50
• Reporting rules to cover Cash Flow reporting, that corresponds to Group Data Analysis including Reporting Rules in SAP S/4HANA Embedded Analytics
• Handling of physical deletions

 

How to get access to the SAP BW/4HANA Group Reporting Model?

The service delivery is carried out by the CoE EMEA Team for Data Warehousing and Data Management as part of the Premium Engagement.

Below is an overview of the service delivery plan and the added value of the collaboration as part of the Premium Engagement.

Service Plan Proposal

• Enablement Workshop for Data and Analytics is the service to get to understand the SAP BW/4HANA pilot data model and, based on customer-specific business demands, identify potential gaps resulting in a high-level design and project plan for the proof-of-concept phase (Jump Start Service).
• Jump-start for Analytics and Data Management to deploy the pilot data model for SAP S/4HANA Group Reporting in customers SAP BW/4HANA sandbox system with the adjustments as scoped, testing, final sign-off including hand-over to the project team.
• Safeguarding Services, on Performance Optimization (BPPO, TPO), Quality Assurance Assessments (FTC, TIC), Going Live Support, etc. complete the service plan proposal.

Value

• Speed up Time-to-Value: Fast deployment of a proven pilot data model for SAP S/4HANA Group Reporting with SAP BW/4HANA.
• Know-how-transfer how the data model works including key design considerations.
• Utilize the know-how of SAP experts to reduce the TCO of the application model for Group Reporting in SAP BW/4HANA e.g., by understanding Data Tiering Optimization options.
• Option to extend and enrich the model based on customers specific requirements for Group Reporting by the input and help of SAP experts.