BasicCube 

The following unit relates to the administrative view of BasicCubes. From a reporting point of view, meaning for the reporting end-user, there is no difference between the InfoCube and the BasicCube. For reporting, the BasicCube properties described here also apply to InfoCubes.

Definition

"Data containers", on which reports and analyses in BW are based, are called BasicCubes. You obtain two types of data, which are key figures and characteristics. A single BasicCube contains (from an evaluation point of view) a self-contained dataset, for example, from a business area.

A BasicCube is a collection of relational tables arranged according to the star schema: A large fact table in the center, surrounded by several dimension tables.

Use

A BasicCube is assigned to an InfoArea.

BasicCubes are supplied with data from one or several InfoSources.

Structure

A BasicCube consists of several InfoObjects and is structured according to the star schema. This means there is a (large) fact table that contains the key figures for the BasicCube as well as several (smaller) dimension tables on the periphery, in which the characteristics of the BasicCube are stored.

In contrast to the ODS object, the data fields in the BasicCube fact table cannot contain character fields as key figures. Character fields are interpreted as keys.

The fact table and dimension are linked to one another using identifying, abstract numbers (IDs), which are in the key part of the particular database table. As a result, the key figures of the BasicCube are related to the characteristics of the dimension. The characteristics determine the level of detail in which the key figures are managed in the BasicCube.

Characteristics that logically belong together (district and area, for example, belong to the regional dimension) are grouped together in a dimension. By adhering to this design criterion, dimensions are to a large extent independent of each other, and dimension tables remain small with regards to data volume, which is desirable for reasons of performance.

The fact table and dimension tables are both relational database tables.

Star Schema

 

Characteristics point to the master data with their attributes and text descriptions. All InfoObjects (meaning characteristics with their master data as well as key figures) are available across all BasicCubes. This is contrary to dimensions, which represent the special organizational form of characteristics in a BasicCube.

The master data in BW is transferred from the source system by an upload, but it can also be enhanced with other data from external systems.

Similarly, the extractor program provides the BasicCubes with data from the pre-stored source systems. Alternatively, you can also transfer external non-SAP data in this case.

Integration

The BasicCube is filled using the Scheduler, provided that the update rules are maintained.

For higher-performance access, see Maintaining Aggregates for the BasicCube, where InfoCube data is stored redundantly and in an aggregated form.

You can either use a BasicCube directly as an InfoCube for reporting, or you can use it together with other data targets as a basis for a MultiProvider.

See also:

SAP Demo Cube

Checking the Data Loaded in the BasicCube