--- title: 5 Lessons Learned in SAP BW Data Modeling description: Some live, on-the-project data modeling lessons learned in a SAP BW Stand-alone environment project using DB Connect to retrieve data. image: https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/hs-fs/file-16547468-jpg/images/consultant_reviewing_with_client.jpg --- ![Data Modelling Support](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/hs-fs/file-16547468-jpg/images/consultant_reviewing_with_client.jpg) # 5 Lessons Learned in SAP BW Data Modeling Table of Contents ## **Understand the Data to Model the Data**   On one recent SAP BW project, we were handed an existing **[data model](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/resources/data-modeling-ebook)** based on another MOLAP tool that was being sunsetted by the vendor.  The task was simple, give us what this gives us and we will be happy, so you can just [copy our data model](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/10-sap-data-migration-mistakes-to-avoid).    Un huh.    Did I mention this was to be a stand-alone [SAP BW](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/understanding-sap-bw-in-5-minutes) environment?  No possible way to use [SAP Business Content](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/how-to-increase-profitability-sap-profitability-management-guide) as a baseline.  Well, I like a challenge.  This was one, so what could possibly go wrong.   Your Dimensions are my [Master Data](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/request-sap-bw-naming-conventions-review), or you say potato I say, well, you know.   Even though Bill Inmon and many others have by now thoroughly defined the elements of a [data warehouse](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/develop-a-data-governance-framework), the way that has been interpreted by the datawarehouse vendors, varies, to say the least.    ## [SAP BW Data Modeling](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/how-to-increase-profitability-sap-profitability-management-guide) Lessons Learned   **1st Lesson Learned:**  You really cannot say with certainty that what is currently known as a dimension is one or should be one in the [SAP BW environment](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/identifying-cause-of-data-load-error-when-using-a-sap-bw-dtp).  So, time to break out the [modeling guidelines](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/help.sap.com/bp_bw370/.../Multi_Dimensional_Modeling.pdf) and review them.    **2nd Lesson Learned:**  Performance optimization cannot be performed without [usage of the system](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/how-to-understand-sap-supply-chain-management-and-bw).  Under time pressure, this means you will have little to no time to bring in all the various performance optimization strategies SAP recommends.  BWA anyone? SAP HANA?   **3rd Lesson Learned:**  The Data Flow Generator works [better in pure](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/inbound-marketing/3-multi-channel-marketing-lessons-learned-catching-the-big-one) SAP environments than in a DB Connect to third party environment.    **4th Lesson Learned:**  If it is a fresh [SAP BW environment](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/how-to-get-the-webi-universe-data-source-connection-setup) install, you will not be able to fully check all functionality.  We have a list of SAP BW transactions [and most work](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/inbound-marketing/how-important-is-data-governance-to-internet-marketing), but some do not and should not, others require significant configuration.  SAP BW [BASIS remains](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/inbound-marketing/how-i-learned-to-sell-like-a-lion-king) a challenge to get right but is critical to meeting tight deadlines.   **5th Lesson Learned:**  Our old friend, slowly changing dimensions, is alive and well.  With [large quantities](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/understanding-the-most-common-sap-data-warehousing-concepts) of often low [quality data](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/data-quality-best-practices-for-effective-sap-bw-reporting), say 10 years worth, you will find [innumerable data issues](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/develop-a-data-governance-framework).   If you are looking at doing a stand-alone BW project, few companies can help you as effectively as SAP BW Consulting, inc.   [mailto:Lonnie.Ayers@SAPBWConsulting.com?subject=SAP%20BW%20Consulting%20Support%20Request](mailto:Lonnie.Ayers@SAPBWConsulting.com?subject=SAP%20BW%20Consulting%20Support%20Request)[![Request Data Modeling Support](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118735/003ae7ae-9136-43fe-9d10-350ee6c28adb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118735/003ae7ae-9136-43fe-9d10-350ee6c28adb)   ![Data Modeling Meeting](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/hs-fs/file-16547468-jpg/images/consultant_reviewing_with_client.jpg?width=453&height=301&name=consultant_reviewing_with_client.jpg)       People Who Read This Also Read: 10 [Critical Chain](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/10-critical-chain-project-manager-tips) Project Manager Tips Understanding [Embedded Systems](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/understanding-embedded-systems-vs-sap-hana) vs SAP HANA 3 Ways to [Design KPIs](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/3-ways-to-design-kpis-using-sap-solution-map-composer) Using SAP Solution Map Composer Learn What [Tools To Use](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/learn-what-tools-to-use-to-investigate-is-mill-functionality) To Investigate IS-Mill Functionality Topics from this blog: [SAP BW Consulting](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/topic/sap-bw-consulting) [BW](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/topic/bw) [How-To](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/topic/how-to) [DB Connect](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/topic/db-connect) ### Download SAP BW Mindmap Learn what SAP Business Warehouse is and what it does in under five minutes [![Get this Mindmap](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118735/8db2ad37-8211-47a3-86ae-09b6b2bb297b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118735/8db2ad37-8211-47a3-86ae-09b6b2bb297b) [mailto:someone@yoursite.com](mailto:someone@yoursite.com) ### Lonnie D. Ayers, PMP About the Author: Lonnie Ayers is a Hubspot Certified Inbound Marketing consultant, with additional certifications in Hubspot Content Optimization, Hubspot Contextual Marketing, and is a Hubspot Certified Partner. Specialized in demand generation and sales execution, especially in the SAP, Oracle and Microsoft Partner space, he has unique insight into the tough challenges Service Providers face with generating leads and closing sales using the latest digital tools. With 15 years of SAP Program Management experience, and dozens of complex sales engagements under his belt, he helps partners develop and communicate their unique sales proposition. Frequently sought as a public speaker in various events, he is available for both inhouse engagements and ** remote coaching. ** ![Balanced Scorecard Consultant](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Balanced%20Scorecard%20Certified%20Graduate.jpg) He also recently released a book **"How to Dominate Any Market - Turbocharging Your Digital Marketing and Sales Results",** which is available on [ Amazon.](https://www.amazon.com/Dominate-Turbocharging-Digital-Marketing-Results/dp/1728357950/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1589182458&refinements=p_27%3ALonnie+D.+Ayers&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Lonnie+D.+Ayers)**** [View All Articles by Lonnie D. Ayers, PMP](https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/author/lonnie-d-ayers-pmp) ## The SAP Blog Subscribe to our blog and receive SAP BW Updates, demand generation, inbound marketing, sales enablement, technology and revenue generation insights and ideas delivered right to your email. [mailto:someone@yoursite.com](mailto:someone@yoursite.com) ![SAP](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/960101754/?value=0&guid=ON&script=0) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=199270410761059&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-lessons-learned-in-sap-bw-data-modeling#blogposting", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "about" : [ { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Data modeling", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_modeling" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Lessons", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesson" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Projects", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Database", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Data", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Data model", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_model" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Information model", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_model" } ], "author" : { "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/about-lonnie-ayers#person" }, "description" : "A blog post discussing the lessons learned in SAP BW data modeling and how to improve performance and accuracy in large-scale projects.", "headline" : "5 Lessons Learned in SAP BW Data Modeling", "inLanguage" : "en", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-lessons-learned-in-sap-bw-data-modeling" }, "mentions" : [ { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Vendor", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vendor" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Dimensions", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimension" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Master data", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_data_management" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Data warehouse", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_warehouse" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Merchants", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Guidelines", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guideline" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Performance", "sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performance" } ], "name" : "5 Lessons Learned in SAP BW Data Modeling", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com#organization" }, "url" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-lessons-learned-in-sap-bw-data-modeling" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-lessons-learned-in-sap-bw-data-modeling", "@type" : "WebPage", "author" : { "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/about-lonnie-ayers#person" }, "breadcrumb" : { "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-lessons-learned-in-sap-bw-data-modeling#breadcrumbs" }, "description" : "A blog post discussing the lessons learned in SAP BW data modeling and how to improve performance and accuracy in large-scale projects.", "headline" : "5 Lessons Learned in SAP BW Data Modeling", "inLanguage" : "en", "isPartOf" : { "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com#website" }, "mainEntity" : [ { "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-lessons-learned-in-sap-bw-data-modeling#blogposting" }, { "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-lessons-learned-in-sap-bw-data-modeling#itemlist" } ], "name" : "5 Lessons Learned in SAP BW Data Modeling", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "ViewAction", "name" : "Request Data Modeling Support", "target" : { "@type" : "EntryPoint", "actionPlatform" : [ "https://schema.org/DesktopWebPlatform", "https://schema.org/MobileWebPlatform" ], "inLanguage" : "en", "urlTemplate" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/build-better-sap-bw-models" } }, "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com#organization" }, "url" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-lessons-learned-in-sap-bw-data-modeling" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-lessons-learned-in-sap-bw-data-modeling#itemlist", "@type" : "ItemList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "name" : "Understand the data model.", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "name" : "Leverage vendor-supplied content.", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "name" : "Focus on performance from the start.", "position" : 3 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "name" : "Ensure dimensional consistency.", "position" : 4 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "name" : "Balance complexity with performance.", "position" : 5 } ], "itemListOrder" : "https://schema.org/ItemListOrderAscending", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-lessons-learned-in-sap-bw-data-modeling" }, "name" : "Five Lessons for Better SAP BW Data Modeling" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-lessons-learned-in-sap-bw-data-modeling#breadcrumbs", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog", "name" : "Blog", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/blog/5-lessons-learned-in-sap-bw-data-modeling", "name" : "5 Lessons Learned in SAP BW Data Modeling", "position" : 3 } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com#website", "@type" : "WebSite", "inLanguage" : [ "en", "es" ], "name" : "SAP BW Consulting, Inc.", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com#organization" }, "url" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "caption" : "SAP BW Consulting, Inc. Logo", "url" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/hubfs/sapbwconsulting_logo.png" }, "name" : "SAP BW Consulting, Inc.", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/543163/", "https://www.youtube.com/user/SAPBWConsulting/", "https://twitter.com/Lonniea39", "https://www.facebook.com/SAPBWConsulting" ], "url" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/about-lonnie-ayers#person", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lonnie D. Ayers, PMP", "url" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com/about-lonnie-ayers", "worksFor" : { "@id" : "https://www.sapbwconsulting.com#organization" } } ```