Add new infoobject to LARGE ODS

I am adding new infoobject to existing ODS. This ODS has over 100million records. It takes forever to add the infoobject.

I think the issue is SAP does not allow nulls so actually drops all the data and reloads with the new field populated with spaces.

In our environment the problem is noramally not an issue in DEV since there is limited data but when transporting through the landscape the transport takes forever since in other environments we have lots of data.

I proved it is not just a transport issue by doing it directly in a system with over 100million records - still took forever and no transport involved.

Anyone else had a similar problem with large ODS's and any workarounds?

Thanks.