Choosing the right SAP data modeling solution can be a challenging task, as there are multiple options available, including cloud-based or on-premise solutions with or without data visualization capabilities etc..so to select the best tool that can meet the project requirements and specifications, several factors need to be considered including, reviewing the raw data source and understanding how it will be used, assessing the need for data warehousing capabilities, evaluating the team's skill sets, and deciding whether a cloud or on-premise solution is preferred.
During the last few years, I've worked with almost all the SAP Data Modeling tools that are available, and In this blog article, I would like to briefly highlight the strength of each tool and where would be the best fit for it 🤗.
Understanding Data Modeling
so what it's data modeling in SAP and why it's important? 🤔
when we talk about Data modeling we are defining the process of creating diagrams that show how data flows in and out of a database. These diagrams define the data formats, structures, and functions required to support the data flow. Once the database is built, the data model becomes documentation for its existence and design. Data models provide a framework of relationships between data elements within a database. They enable different applications to share the same data and create a simple and logical database that eliminates redundancy, reduces storage requirements, and enables efficient retrieval.
SAP HANA Calculation Views
SAP HANA calculation views are the key data modeling object on HANA, it's a graphical object that describes all the data processing steps from raw data to the final, consumable output.
Common data processing steps include filtering data, combining data, aggregating data, calculating new values, converting values, and ranking data. Calculation views are built in layers so that each calculation view can consume other calculation views to form a stack of super-models. This approach promotes the reuse of calculation views at the lower levels.
Strengths:
- In-Memory Processing: Data processing occurs directly in memory, ensuring high performance.
- Graphical Interface: Intuitive tools make it easy to create and visualize models.
- Custom Logic: Ability to integrate custom SQL for tailored data processing.
- Advanced Analytics: Supports spatial, graph, text analytics, and predictive/machine learning.
Best Fit: Developing flexible data marts with custom logic requirements.
SAP BW/4HANA
SAP BW/4HANA is an on-premise data warehouse. The main purpose of a data warehouse is to extract data from any data source, integrate the data, store the cleansed data, and provide modeling tools so that data models can be created ready for use by any analytical tool. This is exactly what SAP BW/4HANA can do.
Strengths:
- Ready-Made Models: Comprehensive data models are provided for virtual and physical storage.
- Data Warehousing Features: Supports dimensional modeling, hierarchies, and efficient data storage.
- Graphical Tool: User-friendly interface for efficient model visualization.
- On-Premise Deployment: Ideal for industries requiring high security and data control.
Best Fit: Establishing on-premise data warehouses with strong data integration needs.
ABAP CDS Views
ABAP CDS Views enable developers to create data models that are semantically rich. These models are then exposed to UI clients by the application services. CDS Views is the central pillar of S/4HANA development and is used as the core technology in most of SAP's programming models.
Strengths:
- High Performance: Data processing is pushed down to the database level, ensuring efficiency.
- Ready-Made Models for SAP S/4HANA: Simplifies operational reporting on S/4HANA.
- Flexible Development: Allows for code-based customization leveraging SQL skills.
Best Fit: Operational reporting on SAP S/4HANA with ready-made content.
SAP Analytics Cloud
SAP Analytics Cloud is an end-to-end cloud solution that brings together business intelligence, augmented analytics, predictive analytics, and enterprise planning in a single system. It is a solution aimed at business users for self-service analytics.
Strengths:
- Integrated Modeling: Modeling seamlessly integrated with reporting tools for streamlined analytics.
- Cloud-Based: No need for software installation; data modeling is conducted in the cloud.
- Self-Service Analytics: Empowers business users to create their own models.
Best Fit: Organizations seeking self-service analytics with integrated modeling and reporting.
SAP Datasphere
which is so far My Absolute favorite tool 😁! It is a public cloud software as a service (SaaS) data warehouse that supports the business data warehouse architecture. This tool effortlessly harmonizes data across the enterprise, making it a must-have for any business. It includes services for data modeling, data integration, cataloging, and data warehousing across SAP and non-SAP data, making it a one-stop-shop for all data management needs
Strengths:
- Comprehensive Data Warehouse Features: Supports dimensional modeling, data history management, and hierarchy modeling.
- Scalability: Easily scale resources in the cloud, supporting new innovations.
- Cloud Service: Simplifies software management through cloud consumption.
Best Fit: Cloud-based data warehousing with advanced features and scalability.
SAP BusinessObjects BI Semantic Layer (Universes)
An organized collection of objects that called a Universe, which consists of dimensions, measures, and attributes grouped by business topics. The skill of a Universe developer is to create objects that resemble business terms by mapping them to the columns of the database tables. In some cases, SQL coding may be required to generate the value of the objects.
Strengths:
- User-Friendly Interface: Graphical tool simplifies data modeling tasks.
- SQL-Based Development: Easy to understand for database developers.
- Mature Tool: Offers a wide range of features for diverse modeling needs.
Best Fit: Supporting SAP BusinessObjects reporting tools with Universes.
for more information, I would recommend this Learning journey from SAP which will give you an overview of all the SAP data modeling solutions 😊
