why using ods?

[Former Member]

i am entry level of BW, in bw ODS, key valuse are drag into data field, characteristics fileds drag into key fields . why this format using?

please any one reply me for future study. i am waiting for reply

[Former Member]

Venkat,

Be careful with that assumption. Not all Characteristic fields are dragged into the Key Section of an ODS.

Key Figures, yes, they can't be keys, so they go to the "Data Fields" section.

The best way to decide is, first, know the data. What are the Characteristics which combination makes a record unique in the ODS. For example, if you have an ODS for Material/Plant, every combination of Plant and Material is unique, so Plant and Material are your keys.

At the end, this is the definition of a "KEY". They're unique.

Also, normally, time characteristics form part of the ODS Key as well.

If you create a Generic Extractor from a Table or View, it's even easier. Just use as your ODS Key the same Key fields you have in your Table or View.

Always analyze the specific case and make this question "What Characteristics combination makes each record unique?" The answer is your key.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Luis