The document provides an overview of reporting capabilities in SAP BW, including:
1) The Query Designer allows for easier query design and web publishing of reports with new features like variable maintenance and enhanced calculation abilities.
2) Variables can now be defined directly in the query designer using a new wizard. Hierarchies also have improved support.
3) Queries can be published directly to the web in one step and downloaded to Excel.
3. Components of BEx Portal Integration, Collaboration & Broadcasting Seamless Integration into ECP/ other portal No further development for BEx Browser Query Reporting and Analysis Query design (enterprise wide deployment) Analysis (seamless integration Web/Excel) Web Application Design Portal Integration / Open for further Webdesign Create Analytical Applications / InfoCockpits Form Reporting Web/Portal deployment Mobile Intelligence PDAs / WAP Mobile Phones Pre-calculation
5. Query Designer - Motivation for the Changes Easier to use query designer Web publishing functionality within one step Tool for variable maintenance Key figure maintenance Tabular query definition mode Enhanced reporting functionality Enable calculation on cells
6. Features of the Query Designer Enhanced usability Easier access to objects e.g queries etc. Enhanced design capabilities Simple web publishing facility Ability to download a Web report to MS Excel How to use it Executing a query in the BEx Technical names can be entered directly New search options Attributes displayed directly in the Designer Publishing to the web in one step Restricted Key Figures in Calculated Key Figures Tabular Editor New definition mode to create tabular queries Mode contains a filter and a columns section
7. Features of the Query Designer Variable Wizard New front-end integrated Wizard to create and change variables New types of variables are existing that improve the reporting options The Wizard allows definition of variables within the query builder New variable types e.g. multiple single value Hierarchies Supports full range of hierarchy handling It is possible to combine any structures and hierarchies Other Query Designer Features Cell Editor (e.g. calculations on cells) Queries with 2 structures support a new cell definition mode
8. New Open Dialog and Search Functions Search takes place in the backend. Can search by: Creator Date Technical name or description Queries by InfoProviders Search string with wildcards
9. Selecting Display Attributes in Query Designer Display attributes of characteristics are displayed directly in the query designer tree From there they can be dragged and dropped into the query definition
10. Saving a Query Can save directly into your Favourites and/or roles you are assigned to (check authorisations) The ‚Create‘ and ‚Delete‘ allow you to create new folders
11. Displaying a Query on the Web Publishes a default view in 1 step Buttons are provided for several functions to change and/or download the report. The context menu is available for all functions
13. Change an existing variable 1. Open the query 2. Right mouse-click on the variable 3. Choose Edit 4. Go on in the dialogue or start the variable wizard 5. Press ok and run the query
14. Hierarchies The query designer now supporst a wider range of OLAP hierarchy handling, and extends it by providing ‚hierarchical structures‘ New features include: The generation of display hierarchies where there is no hierarchy defined in the BW Combining hierarchies and structures Displaying attributes of the hierarchy leaves and nodes
15. Cell Editor - Calculations on cells Create two structures Assign the attributes to the structures Press cell definition button Define cell
16. Drill down on hierarchy and navigate Execute a query that is based on two hierarchies in a row Right mouse click to activate the menu expand to the second level of the hierarchy
17. Self correction function in the query designer (consistency check; add missing mater data) If a characteristic changes or is no longer available which is in the query definition a message is returned to display the inconsistency
18. Other Features Restricted Key Figures in Calculated Key Figures Allows very complex definitions on key figures in the front end. Possible uses: Calculate the difference between sales volume between 2001 and 2002.
19. PwC Consulting TM refers to the management consulting services businesses of the member firms of the worldwide PricewaterhouseCoopers organisation.  2001 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved.