With the shift towards more intelligent and data-driven enterprise operations, the migration from SAP ECC to S/4HANA unleashes a cascade of transformations across the SAP landscape.
These changes span core ERP architecture, master data modelling, integration logic, compliance frameworks, and most pivotally analytics modernisation. Among the many transformations, the reengineering of SAP BW into SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) stands out as a cornerstone of strategic value creation. It’s not just a technical shift but it’s a complete reinvention of how data is modelled, provisioned, governed, and consumed.
SAP ECC to S/4HANA: Laying the Digital Core
SAP S/4HANA introduces a simplified, in-memory architecture that enables real-time processing and embedded intelligence. Key changes include:
- Universal Journal (ACDOCA): Consolidates FI, CO, and other ledgers into a single table, impacting BW extractors and reporting logic.
- Business Partner (BP) Model: Replaces separate customer/vendor records, requiring reconfiguration of BW master data hierarchies.
- CDS Views & APIs: Replace legacy extractors, enabling real-time data provisioning into Datasphere and SAC.
Dependencies on Analytics Layer
Below are some of the dependencies of S/4HANA feature with BW:
| S/4HANA Feature | Impact on BW Reporting |
| Universal Journal | Requires redesign of CO-PA and FI reports in BW and SAC |
| BP Model | Master data hierarchies must be restructured in Datasphere |
| CDS Views |
Enable real-time access for BDC data products and SAC stories |
BW to BDC: Reimagining Analytics for the Cloud Era
SAP BW has long been the backbone of enterprise reporting. But as data volumes grow and business needs evolve, BW’s rigid architecture gives way to BDC’s flexible, semantic, and cloud-native design.
Component Mapping: SAP BW vs SAP BDC
Why and How to Move to SAP Business Data Cloud
SAP Business Warehouse (BW) has served as the foundation for enterprise analytics, delivering structured and historical data to support strategic decisions. Yet, as organisations increasingly require real-time insights, AI integration, and adaptable cloud-native infrastructure, the limitations of legacy BW systems come into focus. SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) emerges as an answer, preserving the value of BW semantics while future-proofing data management with intelligence and scalability.
Key Reasons to Transition from SAP BW to SAP Business Data Cloud
End of Maintenance Deadlines
Mainstream support for SAP BW 7.5 will conclude in 2027, with extended maintenance options available only until 2030. This approaching deadline underscores the importance of proactively updating data strategies to avoid operating unsupported systems and to ensure continuity.
AI and Machine Learning Integration
Modern analytics require more than static data storage – they demand data primed for immediate activation within intelligent workflows. SAP Business Data Cloud meets this need by enabling seamless integration of BW data into AI-driven processes, working natively with platforms such as SAP Datasphere, SAP Databricks, and intelligent applications like SAP Joule.
Cloud Scalability and Flexibility
Migrating to SAP Business Data Cloud provides organisations with a scalable, cloud-based environment designed for real-time analytics, robust semantic modelling, and dynamic data sharing across platforms. This flexibility is crucial for meeting the evolving demands of complex, contemporary analytics.
Preserving Existing Investments
Rather than requiring a disruptive system overhaul, SAP Business Data Cloud supports a lift-and-shift migration approach. Organisations are able to retain their existing InfoProviders and BW data models, ensuring continuity and maximising the value of previous investments.
Summary
| Reason |
Description |
| End of Maintenance | BW 7.5 support ends in 2027; BW/4HANA in 2030. Early migration prevents disruption. |
| AI/ML Enablement | Integrates natively with Datasphere, Databricks, and SAP Analytics Cloud. |
| Preserve Business Logic | Zero-copy migration keeps InfoProviders and KPIs using Data Product Generator. |
| Scalability & Cost | BW/4HANA PCE delivers flexible, pay-as-you-go infrastructure. |
| Unified Architecture | BDC unifies BW, Datasphere, and SAC into a governed platform. |
Migration Strategy: All Roads Lead Through BW PCE
Regardless of starting point, the SAP BW Private Cloud Edition (BW PCE) acts as the bridge to BDC. Here’s how each version fits in:
| Product | Role |
| SAP BW PCE | Cloud-based data producer |
| Data Product Generator | Transforms BW objects into BDC-ready data products |
| SAP Datasphere | Central platform for semantic modelling and sharing |
| SAP Analytics Cloud | Layer for data visualisation and dashboards |
| SAP Databricks | Integrates AI and ML for predictive analytics |
Key Components in the Migration – SAP Readiness Check
| Product | Role |
| SAP BW PCE | Cloud-based data producer |
| Data Product Generator | Transforms BW objects into BDC-ready data products |
| SAP Datasphere |
Central platform for semantic modelling and sharing |
| SAP Analytics Cloud | Layer for data visualisation and dashboards |
| SAP Databricks | Integrates AI and ML for predictive analytics |
To determine your current SAP BW system’s readiness – whether on BW 7.x or BW/4HANA – the SAP Readiness Check is the premier tool. It offers a comprehensive self-service scan, reporting on:
- Active BW Objects: Details on InfoProviders, DSOs, InfoCubes, etc., in use.
- Object Compatibility: Checks if BW objects can transition to SAP Datasphere or BW bridge formats.
- Add-On Inventory: Lists SAP and third-party extensions, evaluating their compatibility.
- Custom Code Analysis: Highlights any custom developments needing adjustment.
- Connected Source Systems: Reviews readiness of systems integrated with BW.
- System Statistics & Sizing: Provides data for infrastructure and performance planning.
For further information on assessing system readiness and migration to SAP Business Data Cloud, feel free to reach out for guidance.
Contact On Device Solutions here or email info@ondevicesolutions.com today.
