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AFS-BW Interface 
The AFS-BW interface enables you to transfer transaction data from AFS to a BW system using flexible extractors. You can then use all BW functions for data analysis in the BW system.
The interface uses elementary fields to create a relationship to certain dimensions and category fields with the help of characteristics. Using elementary fields, you can make data analyses in the BW at the level of specific dimensions and category fields (such as color or country).
It is important to consider the following during implementation:
· What level the data analysis should take place at in the BW system
· Which dimensions and category fields already exist
· Which characteristics and elementary fields should be used for mapping

For mapping you must also consider the connection to CRM and APO systems, since characteristics are also relevant for these systems.
For information on mapping AFS-specific master data to SAP standard structures, please see the document on “Mapping Dimensions/Categories to Characteristics”.
Please note the following restrictions:
· You can either map all the dimensions of a grid to characteristics or none of them.
· The mapping of categories must be unique.
· SAP recommends that you map one characteristic to one elementary field (1:1 assignment).
· You can only map one material master field to one elementary field.
The following graphic shows how you can define four elementary fields to transfer color, size, quality, and country of origin to the BW system. The two dimensions are mapped to two characteristics, which in turn are mapped to two elementary fields. Each of the category fields has been mapped to one characteristic, and each characteristic has been mapped to one elementary field.
