SAP BW/4HANA Modernization Services

Expert SAP BW to BW/4HANA migration, data warehouse optimization, performance tuning, and architecture modernization consulting.

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

FactorBW/4HANADatasphere
DeploymentOn-premise or HANA Enterprise CloudCloud-only (SAP BTP)
PricingPerpetual license or subscriptionConsumption-based
Complex BW LogicFull BW feature compatibilitySimplified features
IT StrategyHybrid or on-premiseCloud-first
InvestmentPreserve BW investmentsModernize 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

View Full Case Study →


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