SAP BW/4HANA Modernization
Modernize Your SAP Data Warehouse for the Future
SAP BW/4HANA is the next-generation data warehouse optimized for SAP HANA, offering superior performance, simplified data models, and reduced TCO. We help you transition from legacy BW to BW/4HANA or build new BW/4HANA implementations from scratch.
Our BW/4HANA Services
BW to BW/4HANA Migration
Complete migration from SAP BW 7.x to BW/4HANA:
- Pre-migration assessment and readiness check
- Custom code analysis and remediation
- Data model conversion (InfoCubes → aDSOs)
- Process chain migration and optimization
- Query and report migration
- Testing and validation framework
- Cutover planning and execution
- Post-migration optimization
Typical Duration: 3-6 months depending on BW landscape complexity
Performance Optimization
Accelerate your BW/4HANA system:
Data Model Optimization
- Convert InfoCubes to advanced DSOs (aDSOs)
- Eliminate unnecessary aggregates
- Optimize table partitioning
- Review and optimize PSA usage
- Implement HANA-optimized modeling
Query Performance Tuning
- Query analysis and optimization
- HANA execution plans review
- Variable and filter optimization
- Aggregate awareness
- Multicube and MultiProvider tuning
Process Chain Optimization
- Parallel processing optimization
- Load window reduction strategies
- DTP performance tuning
- Delta management optimization
- Archiving strategies
BW/4HANA Implementation
New BW/4HANA deployment from scratch:
Discovery & Design:
- Requirements gathering
- Source system analysis
- Data architecture design
- Security model design
- Integration architecture
Build & Configure:
- DataStore Objects (aDSO) development
- CompositeProvider creation
- Open ODS view configuration
- Query design and development
- Authorization setup
Integrate & Deploy:
- Source system connectivity
- Data flow development
- Process automation
- Monitoring setup
- Production deployment
Architecture Modernization
Redesign BW architecture for modern analytics:
- Multi-temperature data management (hot/warm/cold)
- Near-line storage (NLS) implementation
- Data tiering strategies
- HANA-native calculation views
- Mixed modeling (BW + HANA views)
- SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud migration
BW/4HANA Features We Leverage
Advanced DataStore Objects (aDSOs)
- Write-optimized, direct update, inbound tables
- Active data table optimization
- SID generation control
- Reporting interface configuration
CompositeProviders
- Union, join, aggregation logic
- HANA-optimized execution
- Virtual data access
- Combine BW and non-BW sources
Open ODS Views
- Direct access to HANA views, tables
- Expose external data to BW queries
- No data persistence
- Real-time analytics enablement
HANA-Optimized Transformations
- HANA execution mode
- Field routines in AMDP
- Push-down logic to HANA
- Parallel processing
Migration Methodology
Phase 1: Assessment (Weeks 1-2)
- System landscape analysis
- Custom code scan
- Sizing and hardware planning
- Migration complexity assessment
- Risk identification
Phase 2: Planning (Weeks 3-4)
- Conversion roadmap
- Object prioritization
- Testing strategy
- Cutover plan
- Rollback procedures
Phase 3: System Preparation (Weeks 5-6)
- Development system migration
- Custom code remediation
- Standard content upgrade
- Authorization migration
Phase 4: Development (Weeks 7-12)
- Object conversion
- Data model optimization
- Query migration
- Process chain conversion
- Unit testing
Phase 5: Integration Testing (Weeks 13-14)
- End-to-end testing
- Performance testing
- Data validation
- UAT coordination
Phase 6: Production Migration (Weeks 15-16)
- Pre-migration backup
- Production conversion
- Data load and validation
- Cutover execution
- Hypercare support
BW/4HANA vs. Datasphere Decision Framework
| Factor | BW/4HANA | Datasphere |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | On-premise or HANA Enterprise Cloud | Cloud-only (SAP BTP) |
| Pricing | Perpetual license or subscription | Consumption-based |
| Complex BW Logic | Full BW feature compatibility | Simplified features |
| IT Strategy | Hybrid or on-premise | Cloud-first |
| Investment | Preserve BW investments | Modernize to cloud |
We help you evaluate and choose the right path for your organization.
Common Use Cases
Legacy BW Modernization
Migrate 10+ year old BW systems to BW/4HANA for performance and reduced infrastructure costs.
HANA-Optimized Redesign
Rebuild data models to leverage HANA capabilities (calculation views, graph engine).
Hybrid Analytics
Combine BW/4HANA with SAC for modern BI and planning capabilities.
Data Warehouse Consolidation
Merge multiple BW systems into single BW/4HANA instance.
Near-Line Storage Offload
Archive aging data to reduce database size while maintaining accessibility.
Why Choose Varnika for BW/4HANA?
Deep BW Knowledge
Years of experience with BW 3.x, 7.x, and BW/4HANA across industries.
HANA Expertise
HANA-native development skills for maximum performance optimization.
Proven Migrations
Multiple successful BW to BW/4HANA migrations with zero downtime.
Technologies & Components
- SAP BW/4HANA 2.0, 2021, 2023
- SAP HANA 2.0 SPS 06+
- SAP Data Services (BODS)
- SAP Landscape Transformation (SLT)
- SAP Analysis for Office (AfO)
- SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC)
- SAP BEx Analyzer (legacy)
Pricing Models
Migration Project
Fixed-price or time & materials based on assessment findings.
Optimization Engagement
Performance tuning and architecture review - typically T&M hourly/daily rates.
New Implementation
Fixed-price for well-defined new BW/4HANA deployments.
Support Retainer
Ongoing support, maintenance, and enhancement services.
Case Study Preview
Global Pharmaceutical Company
Challenge: Aging BW 7.5 system, 8-hour load windows, expensive infrastructure
Solution: Migration to BW/4HANA with aDSO optimization and HANA-native views
Results: 85% load time reduction, 60% infrastructure cost savings, real-time reporting enabled
BW/4HANA Best Practices
- aDSO-First - Use advanced DSOs instead of InfoCubes whenever possible
- HANA Execution - Enable HANA execution mode for transformations
- SID Generation - Disable when not needed for better load performance
- Near-Line Storage - Archive aging data to reduce active database size
- Mixed Modeling - Combine BW objects with HANA calculation views
- Process Optimization - Leverage parallel processing and modern DTP features
- Query Pushdown - Push calculations to HANA layer
BW/4HANA Certifications
While we operate independently, our expertise is demonstrated through:
- Successful BW/4HANA migration projects across industries
- Active participation in SAP Community
- Continuous learning through SAP training and documentation
- Recognition from satisfied clients (testimonials available)
Ready to Modernize Your BW?
Let’s discuss your BW landscape and explore migration paths to BW/4HANA or cloud alternatives like Datasphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should we migrate to BW/4HANA or Datasphere?
A: Depends on your strategy. BW/4HANA if you have complex BW investments and prefer on-premise/hybrid. Datasphere if you’re cloud-first with simpler requirements. We provide assessment to help decide.
Q: Can we migrate without downtime?
A: Not for production system. However, we minimize downtime through thorough preparation, parallel development, and efficient cutover planning (typical downtime: 24-48 hours).
Q: Will our existing BEx queries work after migration?
A: Most BEx queries work with minimal changes. Some obsolete features may require redesign. We identify and address these during assessment.
Q: How much performance improvement can we expect?
A: Varies by use case. Typical improvements: 50-90% faster queries, 60-85% faster loads. We provide estimates after performance analysis.
Q: What about custom ABAP code?
A: We analyze custom code for BW/4HANA compatibility, remediate issues, and optimize for HANA (e.g., convert to AMDP where beneficial).
Varnika IT Consulting - Your BW/4HANA Transformation Partner