Business content (BI Content aka BCT) activation procedure

Here's short procedure depicting sequence how to proceed with BI Content activation:

1. On BI side: Activate all characteristics and key figures.

2. Activate all DSO objects and cubes.

3. Activate all 7.0 and 3.5 version of Infosources (w/o transfer rules).

4. On ECC side: Activate all DataSources needed for you data flow. Moreover remap all LIS.

5. Back on BI side: Replicate all DataSources as newly activated in ECC.

6. Assign DataSources and transfer rules for BW 3.5 version objects.

7. Activate all update rules and transformations. As a precondition, make sure the include rs_bct_update_df is active.

8. Activate multiproviders, infosets and queries.

9. All data-staging-objects like DTPs, InfoPackages and ProcessChains need to be created manually for 7.0 Objects.

For more details see note 921118.

SAP BI Standard Application Benchmarks

A set of BI Standard Application Benchmarks is part of SAP's standard benchmarks focusing on measuring performance of SAP BI solutions. It does evaluate a “navigation steps per hour” mean moreover it maps those navigation steps to the hardware components (CPU, memory, disk size).

By term navigational step a user interactions to query are considered.

The results are presented in unit called "SAP Application Performance Standard (SAPS)" which is a hardware independent unit of measurement. 

There are 2 BI benchmarks which replaced obsolete “SAP Business Information Warehouse (SAP BW) benchmark” from Jan 2008 and now on:

• BI-MXL benchmark - Business Intelligence mixed load benchmark: this involves measuring of both: data loading and query activity; both executed in parallel. The key figure is the number of query navigation steps/hour. This benchmark is performed w/o BI Accelerator.
• BI-D benchmark - Business Intelligence data mart benchmark: BI system (data mart) contains a static snapshot of data. Users run queries on this data. The key figure is the number of query navigation steps/hour.

An old SAP Business Information Warehouse (SAP BW) benchmark comprised from 2 phases:

• Load – loading of Master and transactional Data from flat files (in case of TD data flow is through PSA->IC); afterward aggregates/indexes are built. Additionally flow through PSA->DSO->IC is performed as well. Measured and evaluated is Key figure called “Throughput of data in rows/hour”.
• Query – Reports is querying BI system with several drilldown actions across the data. Measured and evaluated is Key figure called “Number of query navigation steps/hour”.

There is an organization (within SAP) responsible for benchmarking called as SAP Benchmark Council. See all available benchmarks fitting SAP application here.

Enhancement Information System enabling

 

Are you looking for objects related to Enhancement Information System in TA SE80 and you cannot find it?

 

All you need to do is enable it in settings of SE80, menu: Utilities -> Settings -> tab strip Workbench.

SAP Business Suite 7 – a different approach to upgrades?

Last week SAP announced new version of its flagship software Business Suite 7. Basically it is nothing new here since it is comprises just of the latest releases of the core applications (SAP Enhancement package 4 for SAP ERP 6.0, SAP CRM 7.0, SAP SRM 7.0, SAP PLM 7.0, SAP SCM 7.0) and the SAP NetWeaver 7.0 as technology platform.

What is interesting here is a quit rush atmosphere spread around this announcement; particular in terms of “new modular design” that allows customer to deploy modules (Enhancement Packages) step-by-step mode without big pain; means e.g. having a Big5 consultancy as system integrator. This atmosphere is forced by SAP AG’s CEO Leo Apotheker expression while blaming Big5 companies about propagating negative SAP perception because sending shoddy consultants on their SAP implementation projects. So possibly this is a new way of SAP implementation/upgrade would be in future. Some CIOs (e.g. of Roche) had expressed already that new synchronized release schedule is good for them and times of millions $ budget for system integrators are gone (see more here).

Downloading SAP Cryptographic Software

You would need this kind of software while you enabling SSL for you BW reporting or any other stuff. There is a separated folder on OSS from where you can download it. Navigate via service.sap.com/swdc to SAP Software Distribution Center then to folder Download -> SAP Cryptographic Software

 

Basically what is contained in here is; is a version of SAPCryptoLib so called SAPSECULIB.

Note that you have to agree with Germany Export Control Regulation since this software is a subject to export control regulation in Germany as the country of origin.

- update 08/05/2014 –

SAP Cryptographic Library (SAPCRYPTOLIB) has been moved within download area. My location is:

service.sap.com/swdc -> Installations and Upgrades -> Browse our Download Catalog ->  SAP Cryptographic Software -> SAPCRYPTOLIB

Currently available is SAPCRYPTOLIB v 5.5.5 path level 36 (5^th of Aug 2014)

See Note “397175 - SAP Cryptographic software - export control” for details on downloading restrictions.

Transporting ALV layouts

There is a possibility how to transport ALV layouts across systems in landscape. However it is quite tricky to get to this functionality. Basically you need to be navigated in your ALV output screen then go via menu Settings -> Layout -> Manage …

On this screen choose layout you want to transport and select menu: Transport

Afterwords assign transport request and it is done.

How to check SSL setting of your ABAP Stack?

You might need to use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol to access your web application running in SAP. You have followed all configuration steps to implement it and you wondering how to test it. SAP delivers test BSP application to check HTTPS configuration. You can use it like following: TA SE80 -> choose “BSP application” search for “system_test” -> navigate to page with flow logic called “test_sso2.htm” and run (test) it via right mouse click.

 

 

URL: Hostname:port/sap/bc/bsp/sap/system_test/test_sso2.htm

How to find out version of IGS

There is a very useful ABAP report called GRAPHICS_IGS_ADMIN associated with TA SIGS which you can use for almost whole administration of your IGS (Internet Graphic server) from ABAP Stack of your SAP landscape. Basically IGS is server engine for rendering of graphics content out of SAP systems (e.g. in case of BW it produces maps/charts for BEx reports). It does use RFC or HTTP for accessing it. As of version 7.0 IGS is integrated into WAS (but also available as standalone) but still is running outside of SAP kernel.

At selection screen of TA SIGS you specify RFC destination which IGS uses:

Right after you run it you get version of ISG:

 

How to find details about NW 7.0’s SPS ?

Sometimes it is very hard to navigate on Service Market place in order to find out what are components included in any particular Support Package Stack (SPS) of NetWeaver. For that purpose I’m providing following link:

https://service.sap.com/sap/bc/bsp/spn/sps/index.do?pvnr=01200615320900001250

Here you choose SPS no that you are interesting in and hit “Show Stack Information” button. You can find here product versions, SP levels, package no, Release- & Information Note (RIN), etc of all NetWeaver components like:

• Application Server ABAP
• Application Server Java
• Adobe Document Services
• Business Intelligence
• BI JAVA
• Enterprise Portal
• EP Core
• EP Content
• Content Server
• Mobile Infrastructure (MI)
• MI Client
• Development Infrastructure
• Developer Workplace
• Developer Studio
• Search and Classif. (TREX)
• Process Integration (PI/XI)
• J2EE Adapter Engine (PI/XI)
• J2SE Adapter Engine (PI/XI)
• Partner Connect. Kit (PI/XI)
• Content PI/XI
• Frontend
• SAP GUI FOR WINDOWS 7.10 CORE

Further checking of broken DSO objects

You might experience following error while loading data to DSO:

System error in program SAPLRS_EXCEPTION and form RS_EXCEPTION_TO_MESSAGE (see long text) Message no. BRAIN299

Unknown error in SQL interface Message no. DBMAN259

Error while extracting from source DSOXXX (type DataStore) Message no. RSBK242

Package 2 / 16.01.2009 15:28:21 / Status 'Processed with Errors' Message no. RSBK257

This is purely linked with technical problem with your ODS object. Solution is to recreate DDIC objects behind you DSO. Normal option would be to delete DSO object and create it again from scratch. Since usually there is no so much time to proceed like this you may try to fix it like following:

1. TA RSRV (Analyses and Repair of BI Objects) -> All Elementary Tests -> ODS Objects -> Foreign Key Relationship of Reporting-Relevant ODS Object and SID Table Characteristics -> put your DSO here -> Execute

Then you get message like:

Error: Too many specifications missing for InfoObject IOXXX         Message no. RSRV503

SID values missing for 2.097 specifications of characteristic IOXXX Message no. RSRV501

Moreover system generates for you an ABAP report called: GP_ERR_RSODSO_ACTIVATE. You can browse this report in TA SE38 and via ABAP syntax Check functionality you easily explore which DDIC object is broken.

2. To fix this broken DDCI object use the report RSDG_ODSO_ACTIVATE which activates the DataStore object. Run it in Activate mode. Note that this result in the creation of a new change log table and that existing data from the inconsistent change log table may be lost.

You may be able to determine from executing the report in check mode whether further inconsistent DataStore objects exist.

Filling flight data model database tables with data

Imagine you need to make a small demo of some BI functionality not depended of data type. All yo need is to have some data which can be used in your model. Where to get some data? For such a purpose it is convenient to use Data Model of SAP demo application SFLIGHT/flight data model or sometimes better know as BC_TRAVEL model. Data of this model are often used in SAP standard training courses of ABAP, Basis areas (e.g. courses of Internet Transaction Server, SAP Web/Application Server). Data model is delivered with Basis component in development package called SAPBC_DATAMODEL. In case you want to use it you need to run transaction BC_DATA_GEN and fill up its selection screen according your needs.

Find more information about Flight Model on help.sap.com.

Dr. ABAP

I have found few interesting SAP notes  where a phrase “Dr. ABAP” is appearing in sections like “Additional key words” like in note 212462 or it is mentioned in comments on ABAP code correction attached to notes. I was wondering what this mysterious term of Dr. ABAP could imagine. Based on research I did on internet it seems that this was a kind of nickname of Mr. Axel Kurka former SAP guy who greatly contributed to development of ABAP engine, NetWeaver Application Server and lot of others SAP’s technologies. Axel is considered as one of ABAP fathers. His nickname was present in his articles published in “SAP Technical Journal” magazine (currently being published under name SAP Professional Journal).

Acknowledges of Axel’s work has been published in several SAP resources, e.g. by Mr. Andreas Blumenthal and Horst Keller in their article; on site Alte-SAP.de. Let me join them. Thank you Axel, RIP.

BI book review I

I have done reading of Gary Nolan’s book: Efficient SAP NetWeaver BI Implementation and Project Management.  First of all this is my first non technical BI book. As I’m used to read mostly technology books, SAP notes, technical white papers, SDN forums, etc. That’s why this book was quite unique. Not so many technical issue discussed in detail - just to notification of them and few tips how to solved them and even avoid them.

As first BI project is introduced in all of its flavors and regardless of BI product release. It is clearly stated here what BW is and what is not, what to expect out of it, what makes project successful etc. Basically a term of “what it takes a BI project” and all kinds of BI projects are discussed here from all of its phases (project planning -> gathering and analyzing requirements -> development/build/testing -> preparing GoLive -> after GoLive). Author is utilizing his broad experience and describing all potential issues within project. From this point of view book is very useful.

Other helpful staff in book is examples of BI project deliverables like: standards documents, project plans, naming conventions, check lists, test scripts, etc.

For more details see book homepage at SAP Press or at Galileo Press.

Service Marketplace server’s connection

Having troubles while browsing service market place (also known as OSS)? Same with me; I usually start with http://service.sap.com; I log in via S-User ID and this redirects me to one of application servers which have hostnames like websmpXXX.sap-ag.de. Then sometimes some links are not working from this server – as server seems to be broken. This seems to be often caused by overloaded particular server websmpXXX. Server farm of OSS is suppose to be working with load balancing concept but this problem on some conditions still persists. Therefore it can be very quickly solved by switching to other server directly in URL path in your browser.

E.g. introduction page of OSS can be switched from websmp209 to websmp203.

Here’s list of few websmpXXX which are working:

websmp105.sap-ag.de

websmp103.sap-ag.de

websmp108.sap-ag.de

websmp109.sap-ag.de

websmp130.sap-ag.de

websmp201.sap-ag.de

websmp202.sap-ag.de

websmp230.sap-ag.de

F1 2008 championship winner

A winner of 2008 series of Formula 1 championship is known! It is Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. As SAP is a technology partner of the team it is SAP success as well. Company is joining congratulation to Lewis on their official pages. He won series of 2008 championship on 2^nd of November 2008 at Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Actually he did not win this match but he scored the best in overall tournament results.

SAP is a long term sponsor of F1; currently supporting Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One Racing Team. SAP is software provider for the team. You can learn more about their partnership at McLaren pages here and SAP’s pages here.

Drag and Drop activation in RSA1

Functionality of Drag and Drop is very highly used within TA RSA1 – Administration Workbench of SAP BW. By this functionality you moving BW object via different InfoAreas, adding InfoObjects to InfoProviders, activating BW objects from Business Content etc. However this feature can be switched off and you getting information message saying:

Drag  Drop is switched off - switch on in RSADMIN/RSADMINSV

Message no. RSM1132

To enable it you need to maintain table RSADMINSV via e.g. TA SM30 and check out “Drag&Drop off” field.

SAP BI web reporting URLs

Usually end users are using SAP Portals (Enterprise Portal) or any other portal for accessing BI queries. You as a support consultant trying to solve incidents within queries often do not have a portal access therefore you need to access it via raw links or you use TA RSRT (Query monitor) in BI backend system to simulate query there. When user issue is linked with we reporting TA RSRT is not enough and most convenient way is to run query/query view/web template from via web browser. In order to obtain URLs it is good to start with TA RTST. In all versions of this TA you can choose a way how query data is displayed: LIST – classic raw ABAP report layout, BEx Analyzer – MS Excel layout and HTML – web reporting layout. In case you opt for HTML and execute some report, you can afterwards get a URL for this report. 

This functionality allows you to get this URL and run query or other query via URL easily.

If you ran your NetWeaver BI system on both AS stacks: ABAP and JAVA you have a web reporting in 2 favors:

ABAP web and JAVA web

URLs are different for those 2 stacks:

ABAP:

Query:
http://machine:port/SAP/BW/BEX?INFOCUBE=put_infoprovider_here&QUERY=put_query_name_here

Web template:
http://machine:port/SAP/BW/BEX?INFOCUBE=put_infoprovider_here&TEMPLATE_ID=put_your_web_tmpl_here

BEx "Report Designer" report:
ABAP Stack seems to be is not supporting "Report Designer's" report as following URL doesn't work for me:
http://machine:port/SAP/BW/BEX?INFOCUBE=put_infoprovider_here&REPORT=report_name_created_in_BEx_ReportDesigner

Broadcaster:

http://machine:port/SAP/BW/BEx?CMD=START_BROADCASTER70

JAVA:

General format of URL:

<PORTAL_PROTOCOL>://<PORTAL_SERVER>:<PORTAL_PORT> /<bi_launcher>?<param>=<value>

e.g. http(s)://machine:port/irj/servlet/prt/portal/prtroot/pcd!3aportal_content!2fcom.sap.pct!2fplatform_add_ons!2fcom.sap.ip.bi!2fiViews!2fcom.sap.ip.bi.bex?QUERY=put_query_name_here

Query:
param = QUERY

Web template:

param = TEMPLATE_ID

Query view in workbook:

param = QUERY_VIEW

Query view:

param = SOURCE_VIEW

Enterprise report (BEx "Report Designer" report:): 

param = REPORT

Workbook:

param = WBID

XCELSIUS DASHBOARD

param = DASHBOARD

Bookmark:

param = BOOKMARK_ID

Link to JAVA Portal, where you can choose query:

http(s)://machine:port/irj/servlet/prt/portal/prtroot/pcd!3aportal_content!2fcom.sap.pct!2fplatform_add_ons!2fcom.sap.ip.bi!
2fiViews!2fcom.sap.ip.bi.bex

- update 27.02.2017 - 
more JAVA stack related parameters added

- update 16.12.2015 - 
See post related to "ABAP web reporting URL parameters" as well.

Link to documentation:

Help.sap.com

1490646 - How to call 3.x ABAP Run-Time from BEx Query Designer 7.x