Selecting a data modeling solution from SAP requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure the best tool is chosen based on project requirements and specifications. Factors to consider include the raw data source, data warehousing needs, team skill sets, and whether a cloud or on-premise solution is preferred.
In the realm of data modeling, the process involves creating diagrams that illustrate how data flows in and out of a database. These diagrams define data formats, structures, and functions to support data flow, serving as documentation for the database’s design and existence. Data models establish relationships between data elements within a database, enabling applications to share the same data and create efficient and logical databases that reduce redundancy and storage requirements.
Among the SAP data modeling tools, SAP HANA Calculation Views stand out as a key object for data modeling on HANA. These views describe data processing steps from raw data to the final output, facilitating tasks like filtering, aggregating, and transforming data. With strengths like in-memory processing, a graphical interface, custom logic integration, and support for advanced analytics, SAP HANA Calculation Views are ideal for developing flexible data marts with custom logic requirements.
SAP BW/4HANA serves as an on-premise data warehouse designed to extract, integrate, store, and model data for analytical purposes. Offering ready-made models, data warehousing features, a user-friendly interface, and on-premise deployment, SAP BW/4HANA excels in establishing on-premise data warehouses with robust data integration needs.
ABAP CDS Views enable developers to create semantically rich data models exposed to UI clients through application services. With features like high performance, ready-made models for S/4HANA, and flexibility in development, ABAP CDS Views are best suited for operational reporting on SAP S/4HANA with pre-built content.
SAP Analytics Cloud is an end-to-end cloud solution combining business intelligence, predictive analytics, and enterprise planning in a cloud-based platform. With integrated modeling, self-service analytics, and cloud-based data modeling, SAP Analytics Cloud caters to organizations seeking self-service analytics with integrated modeling and reporting capabilities.
As for SAP Datasphere, it stands out as a favorite tool for many, offering a comprehensive SaaS data warehouse supporting dimensional modeling, scalability, and cloud-based services for data management needs. Ideal for cloud-based data warehousing with advanced features and scalability, SAP Datasphere simplifies data management through cloud consumption.
Lastly, SAP BusinessObjects BI Semantic Layer (Universes) offers an organized collection of objects for data modeling tasks, including dimensions, measures, and attributes grouped by business topics. With a user-friendly interface, SQL-based development, and a wide range of features, SAP BusinessObjects BI Semantic Layer is best suited for supporting SAP BusinessObjects reporting tools with Universes.
To further explore SAP data modeling solutions, the SAP Learning journey provides an overview of all available options for comprehensive information and guidance.