Hello Graphical Data Modeler!
<h1>Hello Graphical Data Modeler!</h1>
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Do you remember the time that you started with the creation of a Microsoft Visio flow prior to your BI developments? Now, that time is passed! With the Graphical Data Flow Modeler you have the ability to create your dataflows upfront (conceptual) without the need of creating design-time objects upfront.
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This option is already available since Business Warehouse 7.3, but is actually not used that often by Business Intelligence consultants. Most consultants know about this option, but most of them stick to their old way of working, meaning creation the objects yourself in RSA1. This could be a time consuming activity. Why would you do that, if you have much more powerful tool at your hands to design and develop your flows in a more agile way?
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<img src="https://d33hx0vcw78rcj.cloudfront.net/photos/item_photos/226/original.png?1479326421">
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During the TechEd 2016 in Barcelona the Data Flow Modeler was frequently mentioned in lectures and used in workshops. It seems SAP is trying to make BI consultants more aware of this modeling option. A couple of amazing features that are part of this modeler include the importing of an already existing Data Flow and the transportation of a complete Graphical Data Flow, which makes it easier to manage the dependencies within a change.
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<img src="https://d33hx0vcw78rcj.cloudfront.net/photos/item_photos/227/original.png?1479326472">
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One other impressive feature it to display the complete documentation, including all ABAP code, by just using a simple click.
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<img src="https://d33hx0vcw78rcj.cloudfront.net/photos/item_photos/228/original.png?1479326509">
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I even believe that in the future, when the BW and HANA native modeling tools are merged into the SAP WEB GUI, this Data Flow modeler might allow cross application data flow modeling. If this might happen then you only require one tool for end-to-end Business Intelligence developments. Imagine if SAP adds collaboration functions to it? Then you have a single-source-of-truth for your complete Hybrid Data Warehouse that can be used within your entire organization.
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Scoop: There are rumors flying around that this tool will eventual replace RSA1. Can you imagine that, a world without RSA1? It is good to know, that there will probably be a possibility to get back to the old interface, like many of the consultants were used to access RSA1OLD, when the new RSA1 got introduced. Maybe this time the current RSA1 will become RSA1OLD2. Who knows? Anyway, do not worry, we are not there yet.
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Interesting in the new features of SAP Business Warehouse or BW4/HANA and how it can help your organization improve? Feel free to <a href="https://mccoy-partners.com/#contact">contact</a> us.
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