Use of Virtual Data in BPC Embedded

[Former Member]

Hi Folks,

This question relates to BPC 10.1 embedded (actually, BPC Optimized for S/4 HANA).

Is it necessary to physically store data in BW to use it in Planning Functions (e.g. FOX)?

For example, if I have some headcount data sitting off in an HR system, and I want to multiply this by some plan rates I entered in BPC, saving the results in BPC.

In my example, I do not want to bring the Headcount data into BPC via ETL.

Is this type of approach supported? Recommended?
If so, how is it technically accomplished?

Kind Regards,

-Elliott

[federico_blarasin · Accepted solution]

Hey Elliott!
You can do that in Embedded (and it was already possible with the old BW IP).

The traditional solution is to use a Virtual cube or aDSO (depending on your BW version) which can be based on ABAP, DB connect, etc...

If you already have the data in S/4, you could create a open ODS View based on your tables, and insert it in a composite provider together with your planning cube. In FOX you can work with the Infoprovider dimension, and specify the result to be ODS_view * rates in BPC.

In terms of recommendation, it really depends on your data volume, armonisation, etc...
But if you just need to replicate data in from S/4, you will benefit from the virtual model.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Thanks Fed!

So when we are connecting to a totally independent, non-SAP system, say a random MS Access database or some Oracle system, we can still use this method?

[federico_blarasin · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can create a Virtual cube, and read directly from the external DB.

You need to create a source system in BW to connect to the DB, and then a transformation and DTP for direct access.

Note that this is an old object, and it's probably going to be replaced with an open ODS view, though I don't remember if you can read from another DB with the open ODS.

[lucas_costa3]

Fox formulas can definitely read data from virtual info cubes.

I am actually working in process where both info providers involved are type virtual; One is reading data from ACDOCP via HANA and writing data back via ABAP, and the other is reading and writing from/to a series of CO tables via BAPI.

[Former Member]

Thanks Lucas.

In your example, ACDOCP and the CO Tables are both already in the same physical box as BPC, because it all lives on the S4 server. I was thinking more of situations where the data you need is on a completely different server - will the same approach still be valid?

[lucas_costa3]

Oh misread the message.. Yes, composite providers rule now.. Not just ODS views, you can assign HANA views as well and work from there.

Cheers,

Lucas