The evolution of SAP BW on HANA to SAP BW/4HANA
The evolution of SAP Business Warehouse (BW) on HANA to SAP BW/4HANA marks an important stage in the evolution of SAP’s data warehousing technologies. This development reflects the constant progress in data processing and the adaptation to the changing needs of modern companies.
Originally introduced as SAP BW on the HANA database platform, this combination aimed to leverage the power of HANA’s in-memory technology to enable faster data analysis and processing. SAP BW on HANA offered improved performance compared to previous versions of SAP BW based on traditional databases.
With the introduction of SAP BW/4HANA, SAP went a step further. This latest version is specifically designed for the SAP HANA platform and offers not only improved performance but also simplified data modeling, advanced analytics capabilities and an optimized user interface. SAP BW/4HANA thus represents a significant evolution in SAP’s data warehousing strategy, which aims to help companies use their data more efficiently and gain deeper insights into their business processes.
The comparison between SAP BW on HANA and SAP BW/4HANA is important to understand the improvements and new opportunities that SAP BW/4HANA offers companies. This comparison helps organizations that are either planning to move to BW/4HANA or are evaluating their existing data warehouse systems to recognize and take advantage of the benefits and improvements that come with the latest version.
Fundamental architectural differences between SAP BW on HANA and SAP BW/4HANA
The architecture of SAP BW on HANA and SAP BW/4HANA has key differences that significantly affect the way data processing and analysis are performed in these systems.
Architectural differences
SAP BW on HANA: This version is an extension of traditional SAP BW that runs on the SAP HANA database platform. While the architecture of SAP BW on HANA leverages the in-memory capabilities of HANA, it essentially retains the traditional structure of SAP BW. This means that some older data models and processing methods are still used, even when running on the HANA database.
SAP BW/4HANA: SAP BW/4HANA is a completely redesigned version that was specifically designed for the SAP HANA database. This results in a significantly simplified and modernized architecture. SAP BW/4HANA dispenses with outdated data models and introduces new, optimized structures that leverage the full power of the HANA platform. This makes data processing and analysis faster and more efficient.
Importance of the HANA database
For both systems: Both SAP BW on HANA and SAP BW/4HANA benefit from the advantages of the SAP HANA database, especially its in-memory processing capabilities. This enables faster data analysis and queries compared to traditional disk-based databases.
Impact on data processing: The HANA database significantly influences data processing in both systems. While SAP BW on HANA still uses some of the older processing patterns, SAP BW/4HANA uses the advanced capabilities of HANA more effectively, resulting in improved performance and more efficient data processing.
User interface and user experience: SAP BW on HANA vs. SAP BW/4HANA
Comparing the user interfaces between SAP BW on HANA and SAP BW/4HANA reveals a significant change in the user experience and the way interactions with these systems take place.
SAP BW on HANA user interface
SAP BW on HANA largely relied on the traditional SAP Graphical User Interface (GUI) for interacting with the system.
This interface was known for its robustness and reliability, but was also often viewed as less intuitive compared to more modern user interfaces.
SAP BW/4HANA user interface
SAP BW/4HANA took a significant step towards more modern user interfaces. In particular, the use of Eclipse and SAPUI5 (UI5) as interfaces offers a much more user-friendly experience.
Eclipse, an integrated development environment (IDE), is used for backend development, while UI5 is used for designing attractive and intuitive frontend applications.
Importance of these changes
The move to Eclipse and UI5 in SAP BW/4HANA reflects SAP’s commitment to creating a user-centric and efficient working environment. These interfaces not only offer improved aesthetics, but also increased efficiency in data manipulation and visualization.
These changes in the user interface have also influenced the way users interact with the system and enable more effective use of the advanced features of SAP BW/4HANA.
Data modeling and management in SAP BW/4HANA
Data modeling and management in SAP BW/4HANA has evolved significantly compared to older SAP BW versions. These developments are reflected in the use of newer modeling elements and methods.
Differences in data modeling
- Info objects: In SAP BW/4HANA, info objects are still used as basic building blocks for data modeling. They serve as the smallest units for representing data in the system.
- Advanced DataStore objects (ADSOs): ADSOs are central to BW/4HANA and replace traditional DataStore objects (DSOs) and InfoCubes. They offer a simplified and more flexible way to store and manage data.
- Open ODS Views: Open ODS Views make it possible to integrate data sources directly into BW/4HANA without lengthy data modeling processes. They make it easier to access external data sources and seamlessly integrate this data into the BW system.
- Composite Provider: Composite Providers replace the older MultiProviders and InfoSets. They are designed to combine data from different sources (including ADSOs and Open ODS views) and create complex data models.
Modeling tools and methods
BW on HANA vs. BW/4HANA: While SAP BW on HANA often used the traditional SAP GUI-based tools for data modeling, BW/4HANA relies more on modern tools such as Eclipse and BW Modeling Tools. These offer an improved user experience and support more efficient and intuitive modeling.
Eclipse and BW Modeling Tools: These tools in BW/4HANA enable a graphical representation of data models, which makes modeling easier and faster. They also offer advanced functions for handling large amounts of data and complex modeling scenarios.
Performance and scalability: SAP BW on HANA vs. SAP BW/4HANA
Performance and scalability are key factors for the efficiency of data warehouse systems. SAP BW/4HANA represents significant improvements in these areas compared to SAP BW on HANA.
Performance improvements in BW/4HANA
Optimized performance: SAP BW/4HANA uses the capacities of the SAP HANA database more efficiently, resulting in increased overall performance. Thanks to optimized data modeling and storage as well as advanced in-memory processing, SAP BW/4HANA enables faster data queries and analyses.
Improved data loading processes: BW/4HANA optimizes data loading processes, reducing the time required to load and process data. This is especially important for companies with large amounts of data.
Scalability and efficiency of data processing
Scalability: SAP BW/4HANA offers greater scalability compared to SAP BW on HANA. The architecture of BW/4HANA is designed to handle and scale large amounts of data efficiently, which is critical for companies with growing data needs.
Efficient data management: With the Advanced DataStore objects (ADSOs) and other modernized elements, SAP BW/4HANA enables more efficient data management and modeling. These improvements help make system maintenance and data resource management easier and more cost-effective.
Simplification and flexibility in SAP BW/4HANA
SAP BW/4HANA brings significant simplifications in the data architecture and increased flexibility compared to previous versions of SAP BW, especially SAP BW on HANA.
Simplifications in the data architecture
Reduced complexity: SAP BW/4HANA simplifies the data architecture by reducing the number of object types and standardizing data modeling. For example, Advanced DataStore Objects (ADSOs) replace traditional DataStore Objects (DSOs) and InfoCubes, resulting in a simplified and clearer data structure.
Optimization of data models: Through the integration with SAP HANA, the data models in BW/4HANA have been optimized to take full advantage of in-memory processing. This leads to more efficient data processing and faster access times.
Increased flexibility and adaptability
Flexible data integration: With Open ODS Views, data from different sources can be more easily integrated and analyzed without the need for complex ETL processes.
Adaptation to business requirements: SAP BW/4HANA enables companies to adapt their data warehouse solutions more quickly to changing business requirements. This is supported by simplified modeling and improved usability.
A concrete example of the improved flexibility is the ability of BW/4HANA to quickly create new reports or adapt existing reports to respond to new business requirements.
Migration paths and strategies from SAP BW on HANA to SAP BW/4HANA
Migrating from SAP BW on HANA to SAP BW/4HANA offers different paths that can be selected depending on the specific business situation and strategic goals.
Overview of migration paths
In-place upgrade: This path involves directly upgrading the existing SAP BW to HANA systems to SAP BW/4HANA. It is suitable for companies that prefer a gradual migration and want to largely retain an existing data architecture and models.
Remote Conversion: This involves creating a new SAP BW/4HANA instance and migrating the data from the old system. This path is often chosen when a thorough cleanup of the data landscape and a redesign of the data models are desired.
Shell Conversion: This method involves setting up a new, empty SAP BW/4HANA instance and then populating it with selected data and configurations from the existing system. This approach is suitable when companies want to build a fresh environment but want to keep some elements of the old system.
Strategic considerations and challenges
Analysis of the existing system landscape: Before migration, a detailed analysis of the existing systems and data is required to determine the appropriate migration path.
Overcoming technical challenges: Technical challenges such as data migration, adaptation of custom codes and integration with other systems must be carefully planned and implemented.
Change management and training: Migration requires not only technical adjustments but also organizational changes. This includes training for employees and managing changes in working methods and processes.
Integration of SAP BW/4HANA with other SAP solutions
The integration of SAP BW/4HANA with other SAP products and services opens up new opportunities for companies to optimize their business processes and data strategies.
Integration with SAP products
SAP S/4HANA: SAP BW/4HANA integrates seamlessly with SAP S/4HANA. This integration enables an efficient combination of transactional and analytical data, enabling companies to gain real-time insights and respond more quickly to market changes.
SAP Data Warehouse Cloud: Connecting to SAP Data Warehouse Cloud provides a hybrid solution that combines the benefits of cloud and on-premise solutions. This enables greater flexibility and scalability in data management and analysis.
SAP Analytics Cloud: Integration with SAP Analytics Cloud enables advanced analytics capabilities, including planning, forecasting, and visual data exploration, directly on the data in BW/4HANA.
Synergies and enhanced functionality
Improved data analytics: By combining BW/4HANA with SAP Analytics Cloud, companies can perform complex analytics and gain data-driven insights that are critical for strategic decision-making.
Efficient data management: Integration with SAP S/4HANA and SAP Data Warehouse Cloud supports more efficient data management by providing a unified view of the company and breaking down data silos.
Flexibility and agility: These integrations give companies the flexibility to respond quickly to changing business requirements and increase agility in using their data.
Conclusion: SAP BW/4HANA compared to SAP BW on HANA
The introduction of SAP BW/4HANA brings significant innovations and improvements over SAP BW on HANA that have far-reaching implications for companies’ data warehouse strategies.
Key innovations and improvements
Optimized performance and scalability: BW/4HANA uses the capabilities of the SAP HANA database more effectively, resulting in increased performance and better scalability. This includes faster data queries and more efficient data processing.
Simplified data modeling: By introducing Advanced DataStore objects (ADSOs) and other optimized modeling elements, BW/4HANA offers simplified, more flexible data modeling that enables faster adaptation to business requirements.
Improved user interface: By moving to modern interfaces such as Eclipse and SAPUI5, BW/4HANA offers a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.
Expanded integration options: Close integration with other SAP solutions such as SAP S/4HANA, SAP Data Warehouse Cloud and SAP Analytics Cloud expands analytical capabilities and enables more efficient data management.
Importance for companies
The developments in SAP BW/4HANA help companies optimize their data strategies and make more informed decisions based on current, reliable data.
The increased flexibility and efficiency of BW/4HANA enables companies to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and manage their data warehouse landscape more effectively.
Make full use of the innovations in SAP BW/4HANA! Our SAP consulting company supports you with migration and implementation to make your data analysis and business processes more efficient.