Basic Sap Interview

8/6/2019 Basic Sap Interview

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data transfer”. Call transaction(Write the program explicitly) or create sessions (sessions arecreated and processed ,if success data will transfer).

Explain open SQL vs native SQL? - ABAP Native SQL allows you to include database-specificSQL statements in an ABAP program. Most ABAP programs containing database-specific SQLstatements do not run with different databases. If different databases are involved, use OpenSQL. To execute ABAP Native SQL in an ABAP program, use the statement EXEC. Open SQL(Subset of standard SQL statements), allows you to access all database tables available in theR/3 System, regardless of the manufacturer. To avoid conflicts between database tables and tokeep ABAP programs independent from the database system used, SAP has generated its ownset of SQL statements known as Open SQL.

What are datasets? - The sequential files (processed on application server) are called datasets.They are used for file handling in SAP.

What are internal tables check table, value table, and transparent table? - Internal table: It isa standard data type object, which exists only during the runtime of the program. Check table:Check table will be at field level checking. Value table: Value table will be at domain levelchecking ex: scarr table is check table for carrid. Transparent table: - Exists with the samestructure both in dictionary as well as in database exactly with the same data and fields.

What are the major benefits of reporting with BW over R/3? Would it be sufficient just to Web-enable R/3 Reports? - Performance — Heavy reporting along with regular OLTP transactions canproduce a lot of load both on the R/3 and the database (cpu, memory, disks, etc). Just take a lookat the load put on your system during a month end, quarter end, or year-end — now imagine thatoccurring even more frequently. Data analysis — BW uses a Data Warehouse and OLAPconcepts for storing and analyzing data, where R/3 was designed for transaction processing. Witha lot of work you can get the same analysis out of R/3 but most likely would be easier from a BW.How can an ERP such as SAP help a business owner learn more about how businessoperates? - In order to use an ERP system, abusiness person must understand the business processes and how they work together from onefunctional area to the other. This knowledge gives the student a much deeper understanding of how a business operates. Using SAP as a tool to learn about ERP systems will require that the

people understand the business processes and how they integrate.

What is the difference between OLAP and Data Mining? - OLAP - On line Analyticalprocessing is a reporting tool configured to understand your database schema ,composition factsand dimensions . By simple point-n-clicking, a user can run any number of canned or user-designed reports without having to know anything of SQL or the schema. Because of that prior configuration, the OLAP engine “builds” and executes the appropriate SQL. Mining is to build theapplication to specifically look at detailed analyses, often algorithmic; even more oftenmisappropriate called “reporting.

What is Ã¢â‚¬Å“Extended Star SchemaÃ¢â‚¬Â ﾝ and how did it emerge? - The Star Schemaconsists of the Dimension Tables and the Fact Table. The Master Data related tables are kept inseparate tables, which has reference to the characteristics in the dimension table(s). These

separate tables for master data is termed as the Extended Star Schema.

Define Meta data, Master data and Transaction data - Meta Data: Data that describes thestructure of data or MetaObjects is called Metadata. In other words data about data is known asMeta Data. Master Data: Master data is data that remains unchanged over a long period of time.It contains information that is always needed in the same way. Characteristics can bear master data in BW. With master data you are dealing with attributes, texts or hierarchies. Transactiondata: Data relating to the day-to-day transactions is the Transaction data.



Name some drawbacks of SAP - Interfaces are huge problem, Determine where master dataresides, Expensive, very complex, demands highly trained staff, lengthy implementation time.

What is Bex? - Bex stands for Business Explorer. Bex enables end user to locate reports, viewreports, analyze information and can execute queries. The queries in workbook can be saved tothere respective roles in the Bex browser. Bex has the following components: Bex Browser, Bexanalyzer, Bex Map, Bex Web.

What are variables? - Variables are parameters of a query that are set in the parameter querydefinition and are not filled with values until the queries are inserted into workbooks. There aredifferent types of variables which are used in different application: Characteristics variables,Hierarchies and hierarchy node, Texts, Formulas, Processing types, User entry/Default type,Replacment Path.What is AWB?. What is its purpose? - AWB stands for Administrator WorkBench. AWB is a toolfor controlling, monitoring and maintaining all the processes connected with data staging andprocessing in the business information whearhousing.

What is the significance of ODS in BIW? - An ODS Object serves to store consolidated anddebugged transaction data on a document level (atomic level). It describes a consolidateddataset from one or more InfoSources. This dataset can be analyzed with a BEx Query or InfoSet

Query. The data of an ODS Object can be updated with a delta update into InfoCubes and/or other ODS Objects in the same system or across systems. In contrast to multi-dimensional datastorage with InfoCubes, the data in ODS Objects is stored in transparent, flat database tables.

What are the different types of source system? - SAP R/3 Source Systems, SAP BW, FlatFiles and External Systems.

What is Extractor? - Extractors is a data retrieval mechanisms in the SAP source system. Whichcan fill the extract structure of a data source with the data from the SAP source system datasets.The extractor may be able to supply data to more fields than exist in the extract structure.

How would you convert a info package group into a process chain?A: Double Click on the info package grp, click on the ‘Process Chain Maint’ button and type in the

name and descrition ; the individual info packages are inserted automatically.

How do you replace a query result from a master query to a child query?A: If you select characterstic value with replacement path then it used the results from previuosquery; for ex: let us assume that u have query Q1 which displaysthe top 10 customers, we havequery Q2 which gets the top 10 customers for info object 0customer with as a vairable withreplacement path and display detailed report on the customers list passed from Q1.

What is modeling?It is an art of designing the data base. The design of DB depends on the schema and the schemais defined as representation of tables and their relationships.

What is an info cube?

Info cube is structured as star schema (extended) where a fact table is surrounded by differentdim table that are linked with DIM’ids. And the data wise, you will have aggregated data in thecubes.

What is extended star schema?In Extended Star Schema, under the BW star schema model, the dimension table does notcontain master data. But it is stored externally in the master data tables (texts, attributes,hierarchies).The characteristic in the dimensional table points to the relevant master data by the use of SIDtable. The SID table points to characteristics attribute texts and hierarchies.

http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw04/helpdata/en/a8/6b023b6069d22ee10000000a11402f/content.htm





This multistep navigational task adds extra overhead when executing a query. However thebenefit of this model is that all fact tables (info cubes) share common master data tables betweenseveral info cubes.Moreover the SID table concept allows users to implement multi languages and multi hierarchyOLAP environments. And also it supports slowly changing dimension.

What is compression?

• It is a process used to delete the Request IDs and this saves space.

What are the options available in transfer rule and when ABAP code is recquired during

the transfer rule what important variables you can use?

A: Assign info object, Assign a Constant , ABAP routine or a Formula

When you write user exit for variables what does I_Step do?

A: I_Step is used in ABAP code as a conditional check.

What is the table that is used in start routines?

• Always the table structure will be the structure of an ODS or InfoCube. For example if it is an

ODS then active table structure will be the table.

Explain how you used Start routines in your project?

• Start routines are used for mass processing of records. In start routine all the records of

DataPackage is available for processing. So we can process all these records together in start

routine. In one of scenario, we wanted to apply size % to the forecast data. For example if

material M1 is forecasted to say 100 in May. Then after applying size %(Small 20%, Medium

40%, Large 20%, Extra Large 20%), we wanted to have 4 records against one single record that

is coming in the info package. This is achieved in start routine.

What are Return Tables?

• When we want to return multiple records, instead of single value, we use the return table in the

Update Routine. Example: If we have total telephone expense for a Cost Center, using a return

table we can get expense per employee.

How do start routine and return table synchronize with each other?

• Return table is used to return the Value following the execution of start routine

What is the difference between V1, V2 and V3 updates?

• V1 Update: It is a Synchronous update. Here the Statistics update is carried out at the same

time as the document update (in the application tables).• V2 Update: It is an Asynchronous update. Statistics update and the Document update take

place as different tasks.

o V1 & V2 don’t need scheduling.

• Serialized V3 Update: The V3 collective update must be scheduled as a job (via LBWE). Here,

document data is collected in the order it was created and transferred into the BW as a batch job.

The transfer sequence may not be the same as the order in which the data was created in all



scenarios. V3 update only processes the update data that is successfully processed with the V2

update.

What is Rollup?

• This is used to load new DataPackages (requests) into the InfoCube aggregates. If we have not

performed a rollup then the new InfoCube data will not be available while reporting on the

aggregate.

How would you optimize the dimensions?

A: Use as many as possible for performance improvement; Ex: Assume that u have 100 products

and 200 customers; if you make one dimension for both ,the size of the dimension will be 20000;

if you make individual dimensions then the total number of rows will be 300. Even if you put more

than one characterstic per dimension, do the math considering worst case senerio and decide

which characterstics may be combined in a dimension.

What is table partitioning and what are the benefits of partitioning in an InfoCube?• It is the method of dividing a table which would enable a quick reference. SAP uses fact file

partitioning to improve performance. We can partition only at 0CALMONTH or 0FISCPER. Table

partitioning helps to run the report faster as data is stored in the relevant partitions. Also table

maintenance becomes easier. Oracle, Informix, IBM DB2/390 supports table partitioning while

SAP DB, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2/400 do not support table portioning.

How many extra partitions are created and why?

• Two partitions are created for date before the begin date and after the end date.

What are the options available in transfer rule?

• InfoObject

• Constant

• Routine

• Formula

Under which menu path is the Test Workbench to be found, including in earlier Releases?

The menu path is: Tools – ABAP Workbench – Test – Test Workbench.

Errors while monitoring process chains.

A) During data loading. Apart from them, in process chains you add so many process types, for

example after loading data into Info Cube, you rollup data into aggregates, now this rolling up of

data into aggregates is a process type which you keep after the process type for loading data into

Cube. This rolling up into aggregates might fail.

Another one is after you load data into ODS, you activate ODS data (another process type) this

might also fail.



In Monitor—– Details (Header/Status/Details) à Under Processing (data packet): Everything

OK à Context menu of Data Package 1 (1 Records): Everything OK —- Simulate update.

(Here we can debug update rules or transfer rules.)

SM50 à Program/Mode à Program à Debugging & debug this work process.

PSA Cleansing.

A) You know how to edit PSA. I don’t think you can delete single records. You have to delete

entire PSA data for a request.

Can we make a datasource to support delta.

A) If this is a custom (user-defined) datasource you can make the datasource delta enabled.

While creating datasource from RSO2, after entering datasource name and pressing create, in

the next screen there is one button at the top, which says generic delta. If you want more details

about this there is a chapter in Extraction book, it’s in last pages u find out.

Generic delta services: -

Supports delta extraction for generic extractors according to:

Time stamp

Calendar day

Numeric pointer, such as document number & counter

Only one of these attributes can be set as a delta attribute.

Delta extraction is supported for all generic extractors, such as tables/views, SAP Query and

function modules

The delta queue (RSA7) allows you to monitor the current status of the delta attribute

What are the conversion routines for units and currencies in the update rule?

A: Time dimensions are automatically converted; Ex: if the cube contains calender month and

your transfer structure contains date, the date to calender month is converted automatically.

Can you make an infoobject as info provider and why?

A. Yes, When you want to report on characterstics or master data, you can make them as

infoprovider. Ex: you can make 0CUSTMER as infoprovider and do Bex reporting on 0

CUSTOMER;right click on the infoarea and select ‘Insert characterstic as data target’.



What are the steps to unload non cumulative cubes?

A: 1. Initialize openig balance in R/3(S278)

2. Activate extract structure MC03BF0 for data source 2LIS_03_BF

3. setup historical material docus in R/3.

4. load opening balance using data source 2LIS_40_s278

5. load historical movements and compress without marker update.

6. setup V3 Update

7. load deltas using 2LIS_03_BF

Give step to step approach to archiving cubex.

A: 1. double click on the cube (or right click and select change)

2. Extras -> Select archival

3. Choose fields for selection(like 0CALDAY, 0CUSTOMER..etc)

4. Define the file structure(max file size and max no of data objects)5. Select the folder(logical file name)

6. Select the delete options (not scheduled, start automatically or after event)

7. activate the cube.

8. cube is ready for archival.

What are the load process and post processing?

A: Info packake, Read PSA and update data target, Save Hierarchy, Update ODS data object,

Data export(open hub), delete overlapping requests.

What are the data target administration task

A: delete index, generate index, construct database statistics, initial fill of new aggregates, roll up

of filled aggregates, compression of the infocube,activate ODS, complete deletion of data target.

What are the parallel process that could have locking problems

A: 1. heirachy attribute change run

2. loading master data from same infoobject; for ex: avoid master data from different source

systems at the same time.

3. rolling up for the same info cube.

4. selecting deletion of info cube/ ODS and parallel loading.

5. activation or delection of ODS object when loading parallel.How do you transoform Open Hub Data?

A: Using BADI

What are the data loading tuning one can do?

A: 1. watch the ABAP code in transfer and update rules;

2. load balance on different servers

3. indexes on source tables



4. use fixed length files if u load data from flat files and put the file on the application server.

5. use content extractor

6. use PSA and data target inparallel option in the info package

7. start several info packagers parallel with different selection options

8. buffer the SID number ranges if u load lot of data at once

9. load master data before loading transaction data.

What is ODS?

A: Operations data Source . u can overwrite the existing data in ODS.

What is the use of BW Statistics?

A: The sets of cubes delivered by SAP is used to measure performance for query, loading data

etc., It also shoes the usage of aggregates and the cost associated with then.

What are the options when definging aggregates?

A: * – groups accotding to charactersticsH – Hierarchy

F – fixed value

Blank — none

How will you debug errors with SAP GUI (like Active X error etc)

A: Run Bex analyzer -> Business Explorer menu item -> Installation check; this shows an excel

sheet with a start button; click on it; this verifies the GUI installation ;if u find any errors either

reinstall or fix it.

How do you define exception reporting in the background?

A: Use the reporting agent for this from the AWB. Click on the exception icon on the left;give a

name and description. Select the exception from query for reporting(drag and drop).

1. What is SAP?SAP - Systems, Applications and products in data processing.

2. What is transaction code?A transaction code is a four-character command that tells the system location of a task

3. What is /n stands for?End current system task and go to new system task.

4. What is /o stands for?Create a new session and go to new system task without closing prior session.

5. What is BW?The SAP Business Information Warehouse allows you to analyze data from operative SAPapplications as well as all other business applications and external data sources such asdatabases, online services and the Internet.

6.What is infoobject?



Business evaluation objects (for example, customers, and sales) are referred to as InfoObjects inBW. InfoObjects are the smallest components in BW. They are used to structure the informationthat is needed to create larger BW objects, such as InfoCubes or ODS Objects.

7.What is Datasource?DataSources are flat data structures containing data that logically belongs together.They are responsible for extracting and staging data from various source systems.

8.what is infosource?InfoSources are the group of InfoObjects that belong together from a business point ofview. Itcontains the transactional data obtained from the transactions in onlinetransactional processes(OLTP) and master data such as addresses of customers andorganizations, which remainunchanged for longer time period. An InfoSource is a quantity of information that logically belongstogether, summarized into a single unit. InfoSources contain either transaction data or master data (attributes, texts and hierarchies).

What is Star Schema?In Star Schema model, Fact table is surrounded by dimensional tables. Fact table is usually verylarge, that means it contains millions to billions of records. On the other hand dimensional tables

are very small. Hence they contain a few thousands to few million records. In practice, Fact tableholds transactional data and dimensional table holds master data.The dimensional tables are specific to a fact table. This means that dimensional tables are notshared to across other fact tables. When other fact table such as a product needs the sameproduct dimension data another dimension table that is specific to a new fact table is needed.This situation creates data management problems such as master data redundancy because thevery same product is duplicated in several dimensional tables instead of sharing from one singlemaster data table. This problem can be solved in extended star schema.

What is extended star schema?In Extended Star Schema, under the BW star schema model, the dimension table does notcontain master data. But it is stored externally in the master data tables (texts, attributes,hierarchies).The characteristic in the dimensional table points to the relevant master data by the use of SIDtable. The SID table points to characteristics attribute texts and hierarchies.This multi step navigational task adds extra overhead when executing a query. However thebenefit of this model is that all fact tables (info cubes) share common master data tables betweenseveral info cubes.Moreover the SID table concept allows users to implement multi languages and multi hierarchyOLAP environments. And also it supports slowly changing dimension.

What is slowly changing dimension?Dimensions those changes with time are called slowly changing dimension.

What is fact table?Fact table is the collection if facts and relations that means foreign keys with the dimension.Actually fact table holds transactional data.

What is dimension table?Dimension table is a collection of logically related descriptive attributes that meanscharacteristics.

What is modeling?It is an art of designing the data base. The design of DB depends on the schema and the schemais defined as representation of tables and their relationships.



What is an info cube?Info cube is structured as star schema (extended) where a fact table is surrounded by differentdim table that are linked with DIM'ids. And the data wise, you will have aggregated data in thecubes.

How many tables does info cube contain?Actually info cube contains two tables’ E table and F (fact) table.

What is the maximum no. of dimensions in info cube?16(3 are sap defines and 13 are customer defined)

What are the minimum no of dimensions in info cube?4(3 Sap defined and 1 customer defined).

What are the 3SAP defined dimensions?The 3 SAP defined dimensions are…..1. Data packet dimension (P)…..it contains 3characteristics.a) request Id (b) Record type (c)Change run id2. Time dimension (T)….it contains time characteristics such as 0calmonth, 0calday etc3. Unit Dimension (U)…it contains basically amount and quantity related units.

What is the maximum no. of key figures?233

What is the maximum no. of characteristics?248

What is the model of the info cube?Info cube model is extended star schema.

What are the data types for the characteristic info object?There are 4types:1. CHAR

2. NUMC3. DATS4. TIMS

How you’ll write date in BW?YYYYMMDD

Q1. The BEx Web Analyzer:(More than one answer is correct)

A. Is a standalone Web Application that can be called using a URLB. Can be called as an iView in the SAP PortalC. Allows you to save the data view after ad-hoc analysis.

Answer:A, B, CThe BEx Web Analyzer is a standalone, convenient Web application for data analysis that youcan call using aURL or as an iView in the portal.

The Web Analyzer allows you to execute ad hoc analyses on the Web: When you have selecteda data provider (query, query view, InfoProvider, external data source), the data is displayed in a table with a



navigation pane.You can navigate to the data and use other Web Analyzer functions available in the applicationtoolbar. For example, you can change the type of data display, use the information broadcasting functions tobroadcastyour analyses to others, and create printable versions of your analyses.

In the Web Analyzer, you can save the data view generated from navigation and analysis as aquery view bychoosing Save View in the context menu, and you can save the ad hoc analysis by choosingSave As. Whenthe query view is saved, only the data view is saved; when the ad hoc analysis is saved, theentire Webapplication is saved, including the properties of Web items and the layout of the data.

Q2. In which of the following can you implement currency translations?(More than one answer is correct)

A. Query definitionB. Query Run TimeC. Transformation RulesD. Infopackage

Answer:A, B, CThe following diagram shows where the currency translation is possible in BI.

Q 3. What must be in place before you are able to define ‘Exception Cells’ in the query definition?(Only one answer is correct)

A. 1 StructureB. 2 Structures, both in the rows



C. 2 Structures, one in rows and one in columnsD. 3 StructuresE. No structures are required.

Answer:C

When you define selection criteria and formulas for structural components and there are twostructuralcomponents of a query, generic cell definitions are created at the intersection of the structuralcomponents thatdetermine the values to be presented in the cell.

Cell-specific definitions allow you to define explicit formulas and selection conditions for cells aswell as implicitcell definitions. This means that you can override implicitly created cell values. This functionallows you todesign much more detailed queries.

You can define exception cells only for queries that have two structures. For example, you can

usecharacteristic values in one structure and key figures in the other. You can then define cells if theseprerequisites have been met.

A cell is the intersection between two structural components. The term cell for the functionDefining ExceptionCells should not be confused with the term cell in Microsoft Excel. The formulas or selectionconditions that youdefine for a cell always take effect at the intersection between two structural components. If adrilldowncharacteristic has two different characteristic values, the cell definition always takes effect at theintersection

between the characteristic value and the key figure.

Q 4. With reference to ‘Attributes’ in BI, which of the following statements are true?(More than one answer is correct)

A. Attributes are stored against Characteristic in BI.B. Attributes are part of MetadataC. There are two types of Attributes Text and NavigationD. Navigation Attributes provide functionality similar to characteristic in query definition.

Answer:A, C, D

Attributes are part of Master Data and not Meta Data.

Characteristic attributes can be converted into navigation attributes. They can be selected in thequery inexactly the same way as the characteristics for an InfoCube. In this case, a new edge/dimensionis added to



the InfoCube. During the data selection for the query, the data manager connects theInfoProvider and themaster data table (‘join’) in order to fill the Query.

e.g. If you need the costs of the cost center drilled down by person responsible:

You use the attribute ‘Cost Center Manager’ for the characteristic ‘Cost Center’. If you want tonavigate in thequery using the cost center manager, you have to create the attribute ‘Cost Center Manager’ as anavigationattribute, and flag it as a navigation characteristic in the InfoProvider.

When executing the query there is no difference between navigation attributes and thecharacteristics for anInfoCube. All navigation functions in the OLAP processor are also possible for navigationattributes

Q 5. What is the definition of a restricted key Figure?(Only one answer is correct)

A. A basic key figure of the InfoProvider whose values have been restricted by the use of aformula.B. A basic key figure of the Infoprovider that has been restricted by one or more characteristicselections.C. A basic key figure that is displayed in conjunction with a hierarchy.

Answer:B

You can restrict the key figures of an InfoProvider for reuse by selecting one or more

characteristics. The keyfigures that are restricted by one or more characteristic selections can be basic key figures,calculated keyfigures, or key figures that are already restricted.

Q 6. You are planning to use Calculated Key Figures. Which of the following statements are true?(More than one answer is correct)

A. Calculated Key Figures can be stored at Infoprovider level.B. Calculated Key Figures can be stored in the PSA

C. Calculated Key Figures can be stored at Query levelD. Calculated Key Figures stored at Query level can be reused

Answer:A, C

In the Query Designer, you use formulas to recalculate the key figures in an InfoProvider so thatyou can reusethem. Calculated key figures consist of formula definitions containing basic key figures, restrictedkey figures



or precalculated key figures.If you define a Calculated key figure at the InfoProvider level, you can use this calculated keyfigure in allqueries based on this InfoProvider by moving the key figure into the rows or columns of the queryusing dragand drop.If you define a Calculated Key Figure at the Query level, it is valid only for the Query in questionand cannot beresued.

Q 7. Your company wants to consolidate Cost Center data from an SAP system and an externalsystem via afile interface. In the legacy system, the cost centre number is 13 characters long but the SAPsystem onlyallows 10 characters. Which one of the following approaches would you use recommend.(Only one answer is correct)

A. Create a new InfoObject COSTC** to represent the 13 character cost center number.B. Change the delivered content object 0COSTCENTER

Answer:BUnlike other SAP products, versioning allows both a customer version and SAP version of thesame object,and they can be different.This approach leads to faster implementations and is generally taken in ‘real life’ projects.

Q 8. In IP (Integrated Planning), the Infoprovider can be:(More than one answer is correct)A. InfocubeB. DSOC. Multiprovider

Answer:A, C

The InfoProvider defines the data basis for planning. This involves real-time InfoCubes andMultiProviders. SeeInfoProviders.

For real-time InfoCubes you can define permitted combinations of characteristic values in theform of characteristic relationships and create data slices for data that you want to protect.

Q 9. With reference to aggregation levels in IP, which of the following statements are true?(More than one answer is correct)A. Aggregation levels are used as InfoProviders for planning



B. an aggregation level is located on a real-time enabled InfoCubeC. Aggregation levels can also be created on MultiProviders and Data Store Objects

Answer:A, B

Aggregation levels are used as InfoProviders for planning: with an aggregation level, you modellevels whosedata can be changed manually using input-ready queries or automatically using planningfunctions.

An aggregation level is set using a set of characteristics and key figures from the underlyingInfoProvider. Thekey figures included in the aggregation level are aggregated using the characteristics that are notincluded inthe aggregation level.

In the simplest case, an aggregation level is located on a real-time enabled InfoCube. For moreinformation onthe functioning principle of aggregation and saving the changed data records for an aggregation

level bymeans of a simple example, see Simple Aggregation Level.

Aggregation levels can also be created on MultiProviders.

Q 10. Why do we need to normalise a data model?(Only one answer is correct)

A. to make it look goodB. to increase performance

C. To comply with the multidimensional modelling rulesD. To avoid redundancyE. None of the above

Answer:DData normalization is a process in which data attributes within a data model are organized toincrease thecohesion of entity types. In other words, the goal of data normalization is to reduce and eveneliminate dataredundancy,The advantage of having a highly normalized data schema is that information is stored in oneplace and one

place only, reducing the possibility of inconsistent data.Please note that in the extended star schema only the Fact Table (and not dimension table) isnormalized.

Q 11. Aggregates can be created for which of the following?(Only one answer is correct)

A. Multiproviders



B. Virtual ProvidersC. DSOD. InfoCubesE. InfoCubes & DSO

Answer:DAggregates can be created only for InfoCubes. You can create multiple aggregates against thesame infocube.

Q 12. Aggregates can be automatically proprosed by the BI system. Which of the followingoptions areavailable?(More than one answer is correct)A. Propose from QueryB. Propose from BI StatisticsC. Propose from DSO

Answer:A, BYou can choose Proposals in the menu if you want the system to propose aggregates. You havethe followingoptions:● Proposals from queries: The system considers the queries that are created for an InfoCube.● Proposals from the previous navigation: The system evaluates the last navigational step thatyou carriedout with a query.● Proposals from BI Statistics (tables): The system considers BI statistical data (databasetables).● Proposals from BI Statistics (InfoCube): The system considers the data that is contained inthe BI

Statistics InfoCube.

1. What is BW Statistics and how is it used?Ans: The set of info cubes delivered by SAP as a part of SAP BIW which are useful in measuringthe performance of how quickly a query is calculated, or how quickly data in loaded into BW andso on. BW statistics are the name suggest are useful in showing data about the costs associatedwith BW queries, aggregative data, OLAP, SAP business warehouse management.

BW statistics can be enabled in SAP business warehouse using the menu path AWB >> Tool >>BW Statistics. This can result in significant reduction in overheads once individual data providersare enabled. To take an example, BW Statistics queries can be runtime queries,queries related toinfocubes, mean time per query, use of infocubes etc. Finally, as part of the interview question,the candidate can also discuss how BW statistics can be installed. The Business content section

of the AWB contains the settings for BW statistics. One can select the objects to be inserted for collection. After selecting the objects, the BW user must install the technical content i.e. the BWuser role "SAP_BW_TCONT". After BW authorizations are complete, the last step is to install theinfopackage groups for master data and transaction data.

2. In Data Ware housing what are the nine decision points?Ans: The nine Decision Points of Data Warehousing are:

1. Identify Dimension Tables.2. Identify Attributes of entities.

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3. Define granularity of the fact table.4. Pre Calculated Key figures.5. Slowly changing dimensions.6. Define attributes of entities.7. How long data will be kept.8. Aggregates.9. How often data is extracted.

3. How the dimensions are optimized?Ans: It system can be used as many as possible for performance, for instance it may be assumedthat 100 products and 200 customers; if one dimension for both, the size of the dimension will be20000; if it was made individual dimensions then the total number of rows will be 300. Even if they are taken more than one characteristic per dimension, the math considering worst case anddecide which characteristics may be combined in a dimension.

4. What are the advantages of SID table?Ans: The SIC table Surrogate ID table is the interface between master data and the dimensiontable, and the advantages are:1. Uses Numeric as indexes for faster access.2. Master Data independent of info cubes.

3. Language support.4. Slowly changing dimension support.

5. How can an info object as info provider and why?Ans: When the report on characteristics or master data, it can make them as info provided for example make 0CUSTOMER as info provided and do Bex reporting on CUSTOMER, right clickon the info area and select “Insert Characteristic as data target”

6. What steps are involved to upload non cumulative cubes?

Ans: The steps that are involved to upload non cumulative cubes are:

1. Initialize opening balance in R/3 (S278).

2. Activate extract structure MC03BF0 for data source 2LIS_03_BF.

3. Setup historical material documents in R/3.

4. Load opening balance using data source 2LIS_40_s278.

5. Load historical movements and compress without marker update.

6. Setup V3 update.

7. Load deltas using 2LIS_03_BF.

7. For info object what is the transfer routine?

Ans: The transfer routine is like a start routine, this is independent of the data source and valid for

all the transfer routines, it can be used this to define global data and global checks.

8. Give the Step to Step approach to archiving cubes?

Ans: The Step to Step approach to Archiving Cubes is:

1. Double click on the cube or right click and select change.

2. Extras > Select archival.

3. Choose fields for selection like 0CALDAY, 0CUSTOMER, etc.



4. Define the file structure maximum file size and maximum number of data objects.

5. Select the folder logical file name.

6. Select the delete options not scheduled, start automatically or after event.

7. Activate the cube.

8. Cube is ready for archival.

9. What is the procedure to convert an info package group into a process chain?

Ans: The procedure to convert an info package group into a process chain is by double clicking

on the info package group, click on the Process Chain Maintenance button and type in the name

and description, the individual info packages are inserted automatically.

10. How can a cube partitioned for which the data already exists?

Ans: The cube cannot be partitioned if the data already exists the cube must be empty to do this,

one work around is to make a copy of the cube A to cube B, export data from A to B using export

data source, empty cube A, create partition on A, re-import data from B, and delete cube B.

SAP BW Interview Questions

What is ODS?

It is operational data store. ODS is a BW Architectural component that appears between PSA( Persistant Staging Area ) and infocubes and that allows Bex ( Business Explorer ) reporting. Itis not based on the star schema and is used primarily for details reporting, rather than for dimensional analysis. ODS objects do not aggregate data as infocubes do. Data are loaded intoan IDS object by inserting new records, updating existing records, or deleting old records asspecified by RECORDMODE value. *-- Viji

1. How much time does it take to extract 1 million of records from an infocube?

2. How much does it take to load (before question extract) 1 million of records to an infocube?

3. What are the four ASAP Methodologies?

4. How do you measure the size of infocube?

5. Difference between infocube and ODS?

6. Difference between display attributes and navigational attributes? *-- Kiran

1. Ans. This depends,if you have complex coding in update rules it will take longer time,orelse itwill take less than 30 mins.

3. Ans: Project plan, Requirements gathering, Gap Analysis, Project Realization

4. Ans: In no of records



Q14. ROUTINES?Exist In the info object,transfer routines,update routines and start routine

Q15. BRIEF SOME STRUCTURES USED IN BEX.Rows and Columns,you can create structures.

Q16. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT VARIABLES USED IN BEX?Variable with default entryReplacement pathSAP exitCustomer exitAuthorization

Q17. HOW MANY LEVELS YOU CAN GO IN REPORTING?You can drill down to any level you want using Nav attributes and jump targets

Q18. WHAT ARE INDEXES?Indexes are data base indexes,which help in retrieving data fastly.

Q19. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 2.1 AND 3.X VERSIONS.Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Refer documentation

Q20. IS IT NESSESARY TO INITIALIZE EACH TIME THE DELTA UPDATE IS USED.Nope

Q21. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF KPI'S?KPI’s indicate the performance of a company.These are key figures

Q22. AFTER THE DATA EXTRACTION WHAT IS THE IMAGE POSITION.After image(correct me if I am wrong)

Q23. REPORTING AND RESTRICTIONS.Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Refer documentation

Q24. TOOLS USED FOR PERFORMANCE TUNING.ST*,Number ranges,delete indexes before load ..etc

Q25. PROCESS CHAINS: IF U ARE USED USING IT THEN HOW WILL U SCHEDULING DATADAILY.There should be some tool to run the job daily(SM37 jobs)

Q26. AUTHORIZATIONS.Profile generator

Q27. WEB REPORTING.What are you expecting??

Q28. CAN CHARECTERSTIC CAN BE INFOPROVIDER ,INFOOBJECT CAN BEINFOPROVIDER.Of course

Q29. PROCEDURES OF REPORTING ON MULTICUBES.Refer help.What are you expecting??.Multicube works on Union condition



Q30. EXPLAIN TRANPORTATION OF OBJECTS?Dev ---> Q and Dev ---> P

1) What is process chain? How many types are there? How many we use in real time scenario?Can we define interdependent processes with tasks like data loading, cube compression, indexmaintenance, master data & ods activation in the best possible performance & data integrity.

2) What is data integrityand how can we achieve this?3) What is index maintenance and what is the purpose to use this in real time?4) When and why use infocube compression in real time?5) What is mean by data modelling and what will the consultant do in data modelling?6) How can enhance business content and what for purpose we enhance business content(becausing we can activate business content)7) What is fine-tuning and how many types are there and what for purpose we done tuning in realtime. tuning can only be done for infocube partitions and creating aggregates or any other?8) What is mean by multiprovider and what purpose we use multiprovider?9) What is scheduled and monitored data loads and for what purpose?

Ans # 1: Process chains exists in Admin Work Bench. Using these we can automate ETTLprocesses. These allows BW guys to schedule all activities and monitor (T Code: RSPC).

PROCESS CHAIN - Before defining PROCESS CHAIN, let us define PROCESS in any givenprocess chain. Is a procedure either with in the SAP or external to it with a start and end. Thisprocess runs in the background.

PROCESS CHAIN is set of such processes that are linked together in a chain. In other wordseach process is dependent on the previous process and dependencies are clearly defined in theprocess chain.

This is normally done in order to automate a job or task that has to execute more than oneprocess in order to complete the job or task.1. Check the Source System for that particular PC.2. Select the request ID (it will be in Header Tab) of PC

3. Go to SM37 of Source System.4. Double Click on the Job.5. You will navigate to a screen6. In that Click "Job Details" button7. A small Pop-up Window comes8. In the Pop-up screen, take a note of a) Executing Server b) WP Number/PID9. Open a new SM37 (/OSM37) command10. In the Click on "Application Servers" button11. You can see different Application Servers.11. Goto Executing server, and Double Click (Point 8 (a))12. Goto PID (Point 8 (b))

13. On the left most you can see a check box14. "Check" the check Box15. On the Menu Bar.. You can see "Process"16. In the "process" you have the Option "Cancel with Core"17. Click on that option.

Ans # 2: Data Integrity is about eliminating duplicate entries in the database and achievenormalization.



Ans # 4: InfoCube compression creates new cube by eliminating duplicates. Compressedinfocubes require less storage space and are faster for retrieval of information. Here the catchis .. Once you compress, you can't alter the InfoCube. You are safe as long as you don't have anyerror in modeling.

This compression can be done through Process Chain and also manually.

Ans#3 Indexing is a process where the data is stored by indexing it. Eg: A phone book... Whenwe write somebodys number we write it as Prasads number would be in "P" and Rajesh's number would be in "R"... The phone book process is indexing.. similarly the storing of data by creatingindexes is called indexing.

Ans#5 Datamodeling is a process where you collect the facts..the attributes associated to facts..navigation atributes etc.. and after you collect all these you need to decide which one you ill beusing. This process of collection is done by interviewing the end users, the power users, theshare holders etc.. it is generally done by the Team Lead, Project Manager or sometimes a Sr.Consultant (4-5 yrs of exp) So if you are new you dont have to worry about it....But do remember that it is a imp aspect of any datawarehousing soln.. so make sure that you have readdatamodeling before attending any interview or even starting to work....

Ans#6 We can enhance the Business Content bby adding fields to it. Since BC is delivered bySAP Inc it may not contain all the infoobjects, infocubes etc that you want to use according toyour company's data model... eg: you have a customer infocube(In BC) but your company uses aattribute for say..apt number... then instead of constructing the whole infocube you can add theabove field to the existing BC infocube and get going...

Ans#7 Tuning is the most imp process in BW..Tuning is done the increase efficiency.... thatmeans lowering time for loading data in cube.. lowering time for accessing a query.. lowering timefor doing a drill down etc.. fine tuning=lowering time(for everything possible)...tuning can be doneby many things not only by partitions and aggregates there are various things you can do... for eg: compression, etc..

Ans#8 Multiprovider can combine various infoproviders for reporting purposes.. like you cancombine 4-5 infocubes or 2-3 infocubes and 2-3 ODS or IC, ODS and Master data.. etc.. you canrefer to help.sap.com for more info...

Ans#9 Scheduled data load means you have scheduled the loading of data for some particular date and time you can do it in scheduler tab if infoobject... and monitored means you aremonitoring that particular data load or some other loads by using transaction RSMON.

Basic Sap Interview

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