Master data in SAP BW is created through the Data Warehousing Workbench (BW). This is done by using InfoObjects and Data Sources.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Define InfoObjects
- InfoObjects represent key business entities in your data warehouse. They are like building blocks for your master data.
- You define InfoObjects in the BW system, specifying their characteristics, such as:
- Name: A descriptive name for the InfoObject.
- Data type: The type of data the InfoObject stores, like text, numbers, or dates.
- Attributes: Additional information about the InfoObject.
- Hierarchy: How the InfoObject is organized, like a hierarchy for products or customers.
- Examples of InfoObjects:
- Customer: Represents a customer in your system with attributes like name, address, and contact information.
- Product: Represents a product with attributes like description, price, and category.
2. Create Data Sources
- Data Sources are the entry points for your master data into the BW system. They connect to your source systems, such as SAP ERP or external databases.
- When you create a Data Source, you define how the data is extracted from the source system and how it's mapped to the InfoObjects.
- You can use different types of data sources, including:
- Transactional Data Source: Extracts data from transaction tables in the source system.
- Master Data Source: Extracts data from master data tables in the source system.
3. Load Master Data
- Once you have defined InfoObjects and Data Sources, you can load the master data into the BW system.
- This is done using Data Transfer Processes (DTPs), which extract data from the Data Source and load it into the BW system.
- You can schedule these DTPs to run regularly, ensuring that your master data is always up-to-date.
4. Maintain Master Data
- Master data is often subject to changes, such as new customers or updated product information.
- You can maintain master data in the BW system using various tools and functionalities, including:
- Data Manager: A tool that allows you to view, edit, and update master data.
- Business Workflow: Automate master data updates using business rules and processes.
By following these steps, you can create and maintain master data in your SAP BW system. This data forms the basis for your reporting and analysis, providing valuable insights into your business.