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Definition

A DataSource is a set of fields that provide the data for a business unit for data transfer into BI. From a technical viewpoint, the DataSource is a set of logically-related fields that are provided to transfer data into BI in a flat structure (the extraction structure), or in multiple flat structures (for hierarchies).

There are four types of DataSource:

●      DataSource for transaction data

●      DataSource for master data

○       DataSource for attributes

○       DataSource for texts

○       DataSource for hierarchies

Use

DataSources supply the metadata description of source data. They are used to extract data from a source system and to transfer the data to the BI system. They are also used for direct access to the source data from the BI system.

The following image illustrates the role of the DataSource in the BI data flow:

This graphic is explained in the accompanying text

The data can be loaded into the BI system from any source in the DataSource structure using an InfoPackage. You determine the target into which data from the DataSource is to be updated during the transformation. You also assign DataSource fields to target object InfoObjects in BI.

Scope of DataSource Versus 3.x DataSource

3.x DataSource

In the past, DataSources have been known in the BI system under the object type R3TR ISFS; in the case of SAP source systems, they are DataSource replicates. The transfer of data from this type of DataSource (referred to as 3.x DataSources below) is only possible if the 3.x DataSource is assigned to a 3.x InfoSource and the fields of the 3.x DataSource are assigned to 3.x InfoSource InfoObjects in transfer structure maintenance. A PSA table is generated when the 3.x transfer rules are activated, thus activating the 3.x transfer structure. Data can be loaded into this PSA table.

If your dataflow is modeled using objects that are based on the old concept (3.x InfoSources, 3.x transfer rules, 3.x update rules) and the process design is built on these objects, you can continue to work with 3.x DataSources when transferring data into BI from a source system.

DataSource

As of SAP NetWeaver 7.0, a new object concept is available for DataSources. It is used in conjunction with the changed objects concepts in data flow and process design (transformation, InfoPackage for loading to the PSA, data transfer process for data distribution within BI). The object type for a DataSource in the new concept - called DataSource in the following - is R3TR RSDS.

DataSources for transferring data from SAP source systems are defined in the source system; the relevant information of the DataSources is copied to the BI system by replication. In this case one speaks of DataSource replication in the BI system. DataSources for transferring data from other sources are defined directly.

A unified maintenance UI in the BI system, the DataSource maintenance, enables you to display and edit the DataSources of all the permitted types of source system. In DataSource maintenance you specify which DataSource fields contain the decision-relevant information for a business process and should therefore be transferred.

When you activate the DataSource, the system generates a PSA table in the entry layer of BI. You can then load data into the PSA. You use an InfoPackage to specify the selection parameters for loading data into the PSA. In the transformation, you determine how the fields of the are assigned to the BI InfoObjects. Data transfer processes facilitate the further distribution of data from the PSA to other targets. The rules that you set in the transformation are applied here.

Overview of Object Types

A DataSource cannot exist simultaneously in both object types in the same system. The following table provides an overview of the (transport-relevant) metadata object types. The table also includes the object types for DataSources in SAP source systems:

DataSource Type

BI:

Object Type of A or M Version

BI:

Object Type of Shadow Version (Source System Independent)

SAP Source System:

Object Type of A Version

SAP Source System:

Object Type of D Version

DataSource

R3TR RSDS

R3TR SHDS
(Shadow object delivered in its own table with release and version)

R3TR OSOA

R3TR OSOD

3.x DataSource

R3TR ISFS

R3TR SHFS for non-replicating source systems

SHMP for replicating source systems, that is SAP source systems
(shadow object delivered in its own table with source system key)

R3TR OSOA

R3TR OSOD

Restriction

The new DataSource concept cannot be used for transferring data from external systems (metadata and data transfer using staging BAPIs), for transferring hierarchies, or when using the IDoc transfer method.

Recommendation

We recommend that you adjust the data flow for the DataSource as well as the process design to the new concepts if you want to take advantage of these concepts  If you want to migrate an existing data flow, first use the emulation of DataSource 3.x to convert other objects in the data flow or to define new ones. You can then migrate the 3.x DataSource to a DataSource and benefit from the new concepts in your scenario.

More information: Data Flow in the Data Warehouse and Migrating Existing Data Flows.

 

 

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