Best way to create reports on BW Data in Business Objects

[Former Member]

Hi,

I am new to creating reports on SAP BW data.

My Software versions are as follows:

Business Objects XI r3.

SAP BW Data source.

I observed we can generate reports in several ways so users can analyze data in Webi.

1) Infocube --> Create universe on Infocube --> Create Webi Reports on Universe

2) InfoCube --> Create BEx query on Infocube --> Create Universe on BEx Query --> Create Webi Reports on Universe

I heard in one of Ingo's sessions that in BOE 4.0 the preferred method is to directly access Infocube data using transient universes (BICS).

and Information Design Tool does not allow creation of Universe on top of Bex Query.

I want to know what is the preferred method to follow for developing reports, which makes it compatible with version 4.0?

Are there any other preferred methods?

Thanks in Advance.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

HI,

BOE 4.0 the preferred method for creating the reports to directly access Infocube or Bex query data using BICS connection.

There is no need to create Universe in BOE 4.0, we can create reports directly on Bex queries.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi,

We dont have BOE 4.0.

We are on BOXI 3.1.

Can you let me know if  BOE 4.0 still supports universe developed on Bex Queries.

WE dont want to get into a big maintenance isssue once we migrate to BOE 4.0.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Yes, BO 4.0 supports universe creation developed on bex queries using universe designer tool.

We strongly suggest to start using Information Design Tool as soon as you can, you will find that it is much easier than Universe Designer

UNV universes are kept for backwards compatibility, the future will be IDT + UNX and for SAP BW connectivity absolutely BICS, more powerful and performing.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I understand BOE 4.0 has better options and IDT tool.

But we cant upgrade to BOE 4.0 for next 2 years.

What do you suggest about creating universes in BOXI.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi Lakshm,

The universe is the core of the Business Objects suite because all Web Intelligence and Desk Intelligence users will use the universe to create new queries/reports using the familiar business terms.  Crystal Reports can use the universe as an optional or alternative data source and finally, Dashboard Manager uses universe measures to create its metrics.

Benefits of creating universe in BOXI..

• Only the universe designer needs to know how to write SQL and understand the structure of the underlying database.
• The interface allows the creation of the universe in an easy-to-use graphical interface.
• All data is secure.  The data is read-only so there is no danger of the data being edited or changed by the end user.
• The reports are created using a simple interface using drag and drop techniques.
• All users use consistent business terminology.
• Users can analyze data locally.