Business Layer in IDT consists of metadata objects like dimensions, measures, attributes, and filter conditions. Business layer can be designed on the top of Data Foundation layer or can be created directly on an Info cube or on a Modeling view in HANA.

When you design a Business Layer, it can be published to the repository or to a local folder. Business layer is used to manage metadata objects before it is published to BI repository.

An Object in Business Layer can have the following three states −

Active − This is default state of an object and objects are available in the query panel.
Hidden − These objects are valid but are hidden in the query panel.
Deprecated − These objects are not valid and hidden.

You can create different type of objects in Business Layer −

Dimension − Dimension represents contextual information in Business layer.
Measure − Measure represents the factual data on which we perform the analysis. These are numerical values where you perform aggregations and calculations.
Attribute − Attribute is defined as an object which is associated with another object to provide more information about the object.
Filter − Filters are used to limit the data that are returned in the query. You can define business filters on dimensions and measures by creating and combining conditions.

While using an OLAP data source, you can find the following objects −

Hierarchy
Level
Named Set
Calculated member

Building a Relational Business Layer

You can create a Business layer on the top of Data Foundation that already exists under Local Project view.

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You can also create a new Business Layer in a Local Project view. Right-click on Project name → New → Business Layer.

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Follow the wizard → Select the type of Data Foundation → Enter Business Layer name and Description → Select Data Foundation (.dfx) → Finish.

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It creates .blx file under local project view and automatically opens under Business Layer Editor.

By default, it takes all the objects as dimensions in the business layer. You can define measures manually using Turn into Measures option or using Type option at the top and projection function to define Aggregation.

You can perform various functions in Business layer to improve the functionality of Business layer −

Attributes to provide descriptive information for dimensions
Additional measures
Pre-defined filters (mandatory or optional) that can limit data returned in queries
Parameters with optional prompts
Set SQL options and SQL generation parameters in the business layer properties
Set up aggregate awareness to improve query performance

You can perform an integrity check on Business Layer. Right-click on Business Layer → Check integrity.

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You can select the objects you want to perform integrity check. Click on check integrity. To save the Business layer click the Save icon at the top.

Naming and Data Source for a Business Layer

When you enter a name of a business layer and its description, it defines the name of Universe that is published from Business layer.

To create a Business Layer, you can select two types of data sources: Relational and an OLAP data source.

Relational − The Business Layer is based on a Data Foundation when you use a Relational data source.

OLAP − The Business layer is based on an OLAP cube.

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Building an OLAP Business Layer

You can create an OLAP Business Layer in a Local Project view. Right-click on Project name → New → Business Layer.

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Follow the wizard → Select the type of Data Foundation OLAP → Enter Business Layer name and Description → click Next.

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Objects in the business layer are inserted automatically based on the cube. You can add the following functions to enhance the features in Business Layer −

Using analytical dimensions, hierarchies, and attributes
Named sets
Calculated members
Insert measures
Pre-defined filters (mandatory or optional) to limit data returned in queries
Parameters with optional prompts
Lists of values to be associated with a prompt
Business layer views to restrict the objects seen in the Query Panel

You can perform an integrity check and save the business layer by clicking the Save icon at the top.

Business Layer Editor

Business layer editor is used to manage Business layer objects and its properties efficiently. Business Layer editor is divided into three panes −

Browsing Pane
Editing Pane
Data Source Pane

Business Layer browsing pane consists of different elements of Business Layer −

Business layer
Queries
Parameters and LOVs
Navigation paths

Business layer editing pane allows you to edit the properties of objects that you select in the browsing pane.

You can define Name of object, description, type and Projection function. You can also check SQL definition, source information, custom properties and advance properties.

The data source pane contains information about Data Foundation or an OALP data source.

So, this brings us to the end of blog. This Tecklearn ‘Business Layer in SAP IDT’ blog helps you with commonly asked questions if you are looking out for a job in SAP Business Object and SAP Domain. If you wish to learn SAP IDT and UDT and build a career in SAP domain, then check out our interactive, SAP Business Objects Certification Training, that comes with 24*7 support to guide you throughout your learning period. Please find the link for course details:

https://www.tecklearn.com/course/sap-business-objects-certification-training/

SAP Business Objects Certification Training

About the Course

Business intelligence tools and features are used by multiple companies and firm for the effective results their large flow of data. The completion of this SAP Business Objects training will be helpful in landing yourself a good paying job. With this Business Objects online training, you will gain considerable proficiency in SAP BO architecture, data warehousing, use of Information design tool, create multiple reports and the implementation of Web intelligence and Efficiency in solving the issues of data sources and Crystal dashboard design.

Why Should you take SAP Business Objects Training?

The Average salary of SAP Business Objects Business Intelligence Analyst is $94,000 per annum – PayScale.com
Business Objects is an enterprise reporting tool and Scalability is one of the primary reasons large corporations choose Business Objects for their BI needs.
Worldwide Business Intelligence and Analytics Market to grow to $22.8 billion in next 2 years – Gartner.

What you will Learn in this Course?

Introduction to Business Objects

History and Version of Business Object
How Business Objects works in SAP family
SAP BO-Business Intelligence package and tool list
Data warehousing concept from SAP perspective

SAP Business Object Architecture

SAP BO Architecture
Various tiers in architecture: Client, Processing, Intelligence

SAP Web Intelligence

Web Intelligence Overview
Variable in Web Intelligence environment

Using Universe Designer Tools (UDT)

Overview of the Universe Designer Tool
Working with shared, secured and personal connections
Understanding of the Semantic layer

SAP BO Reports

SAP BO Reports
Chart Reports, Table Reports, Sorting and aggregating of Reports
Various elements of Reports, graphs, text elements
Reports and Filters
Section Report
Break Report
Alerts Report
Scope of Analysis Panel
Conditional Reporting
Ranked Report
Drill Report

Advanced Formatting

Advanced methods of formatting in SAP BO
Identifying Chasm trap and resolving Chasm traps with various methodologies
Detection and resolving of loop

Information Design Tool (IDT) Integration

Introduction to SAP BO information design tool
Extracting data from various sources using OLAP methodologies
Creating of Universe with IDT
IDT Vs UDT
Working with IDT as an Integration tool

Getting started with Crystal Dashboard

Data visualization tool for creating interactive dashboards
Point-and-click Features
Various dashboard features and interface

Live Office

Live office
Detailed design of Crystal Dashboard

SAP BO 4.2 Features

Got a question for us? Please mention it in the comments section and we will get back to you.

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