Use of Master Data and Master Data-Bearing Characteristics 

Definition

Master data is data that remains unchanged over a long period of time. Master data 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.

If characteristics have attributes, texts, or hierarchies at their disposal then we speak of master data-bearing characteristics.

The master data of a cost center contains the name, the person responsible, the relevant hierarchy area, and so on.

The master data of a supplier contains the name, address, and bank details.

The master data of a user in the SAP system contains his/her access authorizations to the system, the standard printer, start transaction, and so on.

Use

When you create a characteristic InfoObject, it is possible to assign attributes, texts, hierarchies, or a combination of this master data to the characteristic. If a characteristic bears master data, you can edit it in BW in master data maintenance.

See also Creating InfoObjects: Characteristics

Master data for a characteristic is uploaded into BW using an InfoSource with direct updating.

See also InfoSources with Direct Updating.

You can also update characteristics with master data flexibly. In this case the InfoObject becomes the data target or InfoProvider. However, you must explicitly declare the InfoObject in the InfoObject maintenance to be the InfoProvider.

See also InfoSources with Flexible Updating.