Creating InfoCubes

An InfoCube is a type of InfoProvider. It describes a closed data set (from an analysis point of view) a self-contained dataset, for example, a business-orientated area.

An InfoCube is comprised of a set of relational tables arranged according to the enhanced star schema: a large fact table in the middle surrounded by several dimension tables.

More information: Enhanced Star Schema

The data in an InfoCube is stored either physically or in BW Accelerator. The InfoCube receives the data by means of a data transfer process. It is then available as an InfoProvider for analysis and reporting purposes.

1. Follow the general procedure for creating an InfoProvider. All InfoCube-specific settings are described below.

   More information: Creating InfoProviders

2. In the Create dialog box, select either Standard or Real-Time as the InfoCube type.

   More information: Real-Time InfoCube .

3. In the BWA Status field, you can specify whether to store the data for standard InfoCubes on the database or in the BWA.

   More information: InfoCube with Data Persistency in the BWA

4. If you are using a SAP HANA database, the Optimized for SAP HANA option is set for standard InfoCubes by default.

   More information: SAP HANA-Optimized InfoCube

5. For standard InfoCubes, you can specify that the InfoCube should be semantically partitioned.

   More information: Using Semantic Partitioning

6. Details and object-specific properties:

   If you double-click an InfoObject, the detail display for this InfoObject appears. In the context menu for an InfoObject, you can make additional settings under Object-Specific Properties .

   Further information can be found under Structure-Specific Properties of InfoObjects in Additional Functions in InfoCube Maintenance .

7. Create dimensions: The data package, time, and unit dimensions are available by default. The data package dimension contains technical characteristics. Units are automatically assigned to the corresponding dimensions. You have to assign time characteristics manually. You can create additional dimensions by choosing Create New Dimensions in the context menu for the Dimensions folder.

   More information: Dimension .

   Note

   If a dimension only has one characteristic or has a large number of attributes, you need to set the Line Item or High Cardinality indicator. More information: Line Item and High Cardinality .

8. Save or Activate the InfoCube.