Business Objects Step by Step Tutorial

2020-09-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

BUSINESS OBJECTS CLASS Step by Step

Business Objects is the reporting tool from SAP Company (2010).

As Business Objects is the reporting tool from SAP Company, it is called as SAP BO

Current Version of BO is: BO-XI R/3

BO: Business Objects.

XI: Version 11(in rowman characters)

R/3: Release 3. ------à BO Version Release 3.

BO-XI R/3 = BO-XI R/2 + SAP Integrations (It is available from 2008 onwards)

SAP BW/BI Integration services

(SAP BW and BI are ETL tools from SAP Company)

VOYAGER connection

Xcelcius

Dashboard Manager

Live Office

Widgets

BO-XI R/2: It is the reporting tool from Business Objects.

BO-XI R/2 = BO 6.5 + Crystal Reports (2001)

BO 6.5 = BO 5.0 + WEBI (Web reporting) (1998)

B0 5.0 = BO Local Reports (4.5) + Universe + DESKI (local reports) (1995)

UNIVERSE:

Universe is interface between database environment and reporting environment.

Universe is a file created with extension “.unv”. It has source database connection information and source business information in the form of Tables to be used by Reporting Environment.

To create Universe following are the main Steps:

1. Universe Parameters 6. Create Classes

2. Insert Tables 7. Create Objects

3. Insert Joins 8. Create Hierarchies

4. Detect Loops 9. Export Universe

5. Resolve Loop

Universe Parameters:

Creating the Universe with required Database connectivity is called as Universe. Here universe is the file created with extension “.unv”.

Insert Tables:

Adding required business Tables from Database Environment into Universe structure panel is called as Insert Table. Whenever a table is added into Universe, only table Metadata is added but not the table with data. As universe is used to support SQL Query development, for preparing SQL Queries table Metadata is enough.

Insert Joins:

Using this step we apply the relation between the Tables in Universe Structure Panel.

To apply relation between Two Tables we need to use following Two Concepts:

1. Type of Join

2. Type of Cardinality.

Type of Join:

It specifies how data to be merged between two Tables. In Universe following are the type of joins to specify which type data to be merged.

a. Inner Join. [Returns common data between two tables.]

b. Left Outer Join. [Returns common data between two tables and all extra records in Left Table.]

c. Right Outer Join. [Returns common data between two tables and all extra records in Right Table.]

Note: Universe does not support FULL Outer Join.

FAQ: In what cases data in Database table can be duplicated?

Ans: if there is no primary key in the table or using Composit Key also there is possibility of data duplications in the column.

Composite Keys: If the Primary key is assigned to more than one table column then it is called as Composit key.

Cardinality: It defines data relation between the Tables as

1. One –to- One

2. One –to- Many

3. Many –to- One

4. Many –to- Many

FAQ: In the database technically how many One –to- One relations are possible?

Ans: In this example One record in Table-1 can have exactly One record in Table-2. This relation is called as One –to- One Relation.

FAQ: How many One-to-Many or Many-to-One relations are possible?

Ans: If one table has Primary key and another table has Foriegn key relation, from First Table is One-to-Many relation and from second Table is Many-to-One relation.

FAQ: How many Many-to-Many relations is possible?

Ans: If the Tables are related between Two non key columns or Two Composit key columns then there is a possibility of Many-to-Many relations.

IME SLASH:

Time taken between Query Request and Query Response is called Time Slash.

LOOP:

If there are N Tables with N Relations applied with each other, it is called as LOOP.

Loop is a Drawback in reporting. Because of Loop, reports will display the data in Time Slash.

Finding the possible loops in Universe structure panel is called as Detecting Loops.

(Detect Loop is the option used in Universe to find possible Loops)

To resolve the Loops we can use 4 techniques in Business Objects.

Note: if the loops are deleted from structure panel, the report output is displayed with high efficiency.

To resolve the LOOPS:

1) Delete Unnecessary Joins

2) Create Alias Tables

3) Create Shortcut Joins

4) Create Context

Delete Unnecessary Joins:

As per reporting rules, for N tables we need N-1 Joins for SQL Queries.

In Industries most of the reports are created using Transaction based master data. As order_details is the Transaction Table and sales_branch and sales_staff are master tables J1 and Jj2 are commonly used joins. By deleting J3, if business requirements can be satisfied then delete J3 join.

Second Solution: In a Loop, if there is Many-Many Cardinality joins existing then Many-Many joins can be deleted directly.

Create Alias Table:

* Generate a report to display orders collected by staff in which branch (J1 and J2)

*Generate a report to display orders of Branch (J1)

* Generate a report to display orders collected by Staff (J2)

* Generate a report to display list of employees working for Branch

CONTEXT:

Context is another resolving solution for LOOPS in Business Objects, which creates memory block in BO Repository with set of join results. As the memory is already created in BO Repository Data retrieval, is possible.

BO Repository is the Database of Business Objects. This is divided in to 3 areas as:

1) Security Domain Area

2) Universe Domain Area and

3) Document Domain Area

Security Domain Area:

Security Domain Area has the users and user groups to control Authentication of BO Repository.

Universe Domain Area:

Universe Domain Area is the part of BO Repository to hold all the universes which are exported from BO Designer to be accessed by reporting environment like WEBI,DESKI and etc.,

Document Domain Area:

Document Domain Area is the area where created documents are saved to be accessed by client environment with corresponding Authentications.

SHORTCUT:

In 2001, in BO XI R2 Shortcut Joining are introduced. Using this property BO assigns secondary level priority for the joins in the LOOP. If all Tables are used in Reports then OLAP Engines uses the Main Joins and ignores the Secondary Join. If main Joins are not used then we use Secondary Level Joins in Reporting.

***Best Resolving techniques for LOOPS in BO are:

1) Delete Unnecessary Joins

2) Use Shortcut Joins.

6) CREATE CLASSES:

A class is the presenting Object in Universe to present Business Information to the reporting Environment.

A class is assigned with one or more Tables information to be presented to the Reporting layer.

A class represents Schema in Universe.

A class is a collection of Objects.

Objects represent a table column for reporting.

Simply, reporting columns in Business Objects are called as Objects.

*Basesd on type of data to be displayed in reporting, Objects are classified as 3 types.

* Dimension Object

* Detail Objects

* Measure Objects

Dimension Object: It is the default property applied for every database column added inside the class. This property can be assigned with all data types of source database to display source business data as it is.

Detail Objects: Depedent Objects in Business Objects are called as Detail Objects. Using this property we need to select a parent Dimension Object. While reporting detail object is also added with parent dimension object automatically.

Measure Objects: This property is appled only for Numeric Columns added with corresponding Aggregated functions to display summary information in the reporting.

6) HIERARCHY:

Hierarchy is collection of Dimension objects arrangement to support Drill Down and Drill Up functionalities.

In hierarchies we can find two options as

1) Default Hierarchies.

2) Custom Hierarchies.

All objects added under the class panel are displayed as Default Hierarchies.

Based on these default hierarchies we can create required Custom hierarchies to support RRI Concepts.

RRI: Report to Report Interactions.

----àCommunicating TOP Level hierarchy to next level hierarchy is called as Drill Down.

----àCommunicating from Bottom level hierarchy to Previous level hierarchy is called as Drill Up.

*Export Universe: Using this option, the .unv file is send from local system into BO Server System (BO Repository) Universe Domain Area to make universe accessed by reporting authors.

Source NON BW/BI Systems Source BW/BI Systems

1) Universe Parameters 1)Universe Parameters

2) Insert Tables 2) Insert Tables

3) Insert Joins 3) Insert Joins

4) Detect Loops 4) Detect Loops [not allowed]

5) Resolve Loops 5) Resolve Loops

6) Create Classes 6) Create Classes

7) Create Objects 7) Create Objects

8) Create Hierarchies 8) Create Hierarchies

9) Export Universe 9) Export Universe

NON-SAP, whenever Business Objects is loaded there is sample Database loaded as“efashion.mdb”.

Business Objects : Basic Question and Answers

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1) What is ‘Business Objects’?

Business Objects is a Dynamic Business intelligence reporting solution from Business Objects.

BUSINESS OBJECTS is an integrated query, reporting and analysis solution for business professionals that allow them to access the data in their corporate databases directly from their desktop and present and analyze this information in a BUSINESS OBJECTS document.

It is an OLAP tool that high-level management can use as a part of a Decision Support Systems (DSS).

BUSINESS OBJECTS makes it easy to access the data, because you work with it in business terms that are familiar to you, not technical database terms like SQL.

2) What is Business intelligence?

Business Intelligence is a technology used for preparing the reports for multidimensional analyses.

3) What is Business Intelligence 80 / 20 concept?

In a business Intelligence environment 80% of development time is allocated to OLAP interface designing, 20% of time allocated to Report development.

4) What are the various Business Objects products?

User Module, Designer, Supervisor, Auditor, Set Analyzer, Info View (Web Intelligence), Business Objects Software Development Kit (SDK), Broadcast Agent etc.

5) What are the roles of BO Administrator?

The following are the responsibility assigned to administrator.

1. Installations and configurations in a distributed environment.

2. Creating the BO Enterprise Repository.

3. Performing back up and recovery of Metadata

4. Tuning the servers.

5. Deployment of reports.

6) What are the roles of BO designer or Architect?

An Architect is responsible for designing the OLAP interface by fulfilling the requirements.

Once the Interface has designed it should be regressively tested before giving to the end user population.

7) What is OLAP interface?

A good OLAP interface writes an efficient SQL and reads an aqua rate data from database. To design the interface and architect having good knowledge on database under standing the report requirements.

8) What is an Application Developer or Report developer?

Design the Reports according to the report requirement templates.

Testing the each report with following types of tests

a. Unit Testing

b. System Testing

c. Performance Testing

d. User Acceptance Test (UAT)

9) What are the products installed along with BOXI R2 software

When install the XI R2 following products get installed :

a. Business View Manager

b. Business Objects enterprise

c. .Net administration launch pad

d. Business objects Enterprise

.Net Info view

e. Designer desktop intelligence

f. Central management console

g. Universe builder

10) What is Designer?

Designer is a Business Objects IS module used by universe designers to create and maintain universes. Universes are the semantic layer that isolates end users from the technical issues of the database structure.

Universe designers can distribute universes to end-users by moving them as files through the file system, or by exporting them to the repository.

11) What is a universe?

Universe provides a semantic layer between you and the database. It consists of classes and objects named in business terms. It is basically a mapping of table and the columns in the database to classes and objects respectively in the query panel.

Alternatively, It is logical mapping of data in business terms.

In the Business Objects User module, universes enable end users to build queries from which they can generate and perform analysis. Universes isolate end users from the complexities of the database structure as well as the intricacies of SQL syntax.

12) How to create a universe?

Universe will be created using designer. That universe is known as classic universe.

Using this classic universe we can create web intelligence reports, desktop intelligence reports, crystal repots.

13) Process of Universe creation?

Universe Parameters

Import Tables

Import Joins

Loop

Create Classes

Create Objects

Define hierarchies

14) How do you define universe parameters?

A universe parameter defines the name of the universe and connection to the target database.

The first step in creating a universe is to specify its parameters. These parameters include the definition of a universe, which is comprised of: the universe name, a description of the universe, a connection to an RDBMS. You enter universe parameters from the Universe Parameters dialog box. This dialog box also lets you set up database options, external strategies, graphic options, and print settings.

15) How do you test the integrity of a universe?

With the Check Integrity command, you can test the structure of your active universe. This means testing to determine whether its components are accurate and up-to-date.

Check Integrity serves the following purposes:

It detects any inconsistencies in the objects, joins, conditions, and cardinalities of your universe.

It detects whether there are any loops in the joins.

It determines whether changes were made to the database to which the universe is connected.

16) How can you check the universe?

Using check Integrity, u can check the universe. Go to Designer, Tools -> check Integrity

17) What are Linked Universes?

If the data provided is from two different data providers then we can link those two universes, such type of universe is called Linked Universe.

18) What is multidimensional analyses?

A multi dimensional analyses is a technique to modify the data so that the data can be view from different prospective and at the different levels of details.

19) What are the futures of multidimensional analyses?

The following are the features of multidimensional analyses:

Drill Down (For more details)

Drill Up (For summery details)

Drill Across (Like from year to different cities)

20) What are the formats supported for Business Objects documents?

You can view Business Objects documents in the following formats:

1. HTML

2. PDF

3. Enhanced Document Format

4. Business Objects Format

21) What are the advantages of Business Objects over other DSS?

Ø User Friendly.

Ø Familiar Business Terms.

Ø Graphical Interface

Ø Drag and Drop.

Ø Powerful reports in less time.

Ø Enterprise wide Deployment of documents using Web.

Customized dashboards using Application foundation and Business Objects SDK.

22) How many modes are there in Business Objects & Designer?

There are 2 types: Enterprise Mode, Workgroup Mode.

23) What are Enterprise and Workgroup modes?

Designer lets you save universes in either enterprise or workgroup mode.

Enterprise mode means that you are working in an environment with a repository. Workgroup mode means that you are working without a repository.

The mode in which you save your universe determines whether other designers are able to access them.

By default, a universe is saved in the mode in which you are already working. For example, if you launched a session in enterprise mode, any universe you save is automatically in that mode.

24) How do you save a Business Objects document, which can be accessed by all users in workgroup mode?

If we want to make a universe accessible to another designer working without a repository, then click the Save as Workgroup check box in the Save as universe dialog box.

25) What are the types of connections or types of universe?

Designer provides three types of connections: secured, shared, and personal.

1. Personal:- Universe can be accessed by a single user or A single user can query the data from database

2. Sharing :- multiple user can send queries to database.

3. Secure :- This is the default connection type. A universe can be accessed by multiple users and can send multiple queries to the database.

26) What is Joins?

A Join is a relationship that explains how the data in one table relates to data in another table.

27) What are the types of Joins?

The following are the types of Joins :

1. Inner Joins

2. Left outer Joins

3. Right outer Joins

4. Full outer Joins

5. Theta Join

6. Short cut Join

28) What is theta join?

A join is a relational operation that causes two or more tables with a common domain to be combined into a single table. The purpose of joins is to restrict the result set of a query run against multiple tables.

A Theta join links tables based on a relationship other than equality between two columns.

29) What is a macro?

A macro is a series of commands and functions that are stored in a Visual Basic for Applications module and can be run whenever you need to perform the task. If you perform a task repeatedly, you can automate the task with a macro. You create macros using the Visual Basic Editor.

30) What are loops?

Loop is a situation that occurs when more than one path exists from one table to another. Loops result in ambiguity in the design of a universe

31) How do you detect loops?

Designer enables you to identify loops in one of two ways: You can run the Check Integrity function, which indicates the existence of any loops. You can select the Detect Loops command from the Tools menu. If there are loops, the Loop Detection viewer appears; it indicates the joins causing a loop.

32) What are aliases?

An alias is a logical pointer to an alternate table name. The purpose of an alias is to resolve loops in the paths of joins. In some cases, more than one alias may be necessary for a given table. As you create aliases, Designer may prompt you to create other aliases. This occurs when the new aliases result in the need for additional aliases; in other words, creating such aliases entails the propagation of other aliases. In such a situation, two options are available to you:

· You can cause only the first table proposed to be aliased

· You can alias all the tables listed (i.e. propagate the aliases)

Designer displays an alias in the Structure pane as a table. It links an aliased table to existing tables, re-arranging joins, as necessary.

33) How do you resolve the loop?

You can resolve loops in two ways:

• Using aliases

• Using contexts

DESIGNER provides three features, which guide you in the loop resolution process:

• Detect Cardinalities

• Detect Aliases

• Detect Contexts

The first step in resolving loops is to detect the cardinalities of the tables.

34) Can Contexts and Aliases Be Used Together?

Yes, you can use contexts and aliases in the same universe. In fact, in many cases you should use them together.

35) Where are the types are relationship between tables?

3 types relationship :

1. One to Many

2. One to One

3. Many to Many

36) What is an add-in?

Add-ins are programs that add optional commands and features to BUSINESS OBJECTS. Add-ins are usually created by those responsible in your company for adding customized features to BUSINESSOBJECTS. All you probably need to do is install and uninstall add-ins that are sent to you.

37) What functions are supported?

Designer provides four types of functions: Number, Character, Date and @Functions. Functions beginning with the @ character are BusinessObject functions that render the definition of objects dynamic and database-independent.

38) Define types of functions and there purposes:

@Function	Purpose
@Aggregate_Aware	is used to enhance the performance of SQL transactions; i.e. it determines which tables to use in SQL generation: either aggregate tables or detailed tables.
@Prompt	is used to create an interactive object. In the Query Panel, this type of object causes a message to appear that prompts the end user to enter a specific value.
@Script	is used to recover the results of an executed macro created with the Visual Basic Editor in the BusinessObjects User module
@Select	lets you re-use the Select statement of an existing object
@Variable	is used to reference the value assigned to a name or variable.
@Where	lets you re-use the Where clause of an existing object.

39) What is meant by object qualification?

The qualification of an object reveals how it can be used in multidimensional analysis. An object can be qualified as a dimension, a detail, or a measure. In the Universe pane, the symbol beside each object indicates its qualification.

40) How do you define universe parameters?

41) What are cardinalities?

Cardinality expresses the minimum and maximum number of instances of an entity B that can be associated with an instance of an entity A. The minimum and the maximum number of instances can be equal to 0, 1, or N.

Because a join represents a bi-directional relationship, it must always have two cardinalities.

There are two main methods for detecting or editing cardinalities:

· the Detect Cardinalities command

· the Edit Join dialog box

If you selected the Detect cardinalities in joins options in the Database tab of the Options dialog box, Designer detects and retrieves the cardinalities of the joins. If you do not use this option, you can still retrieve the cardinalities for one or all joins in the universe.

42) What is a database connection?

A connection is a set of parameters that provides access to an RDBMS. These parameters include system information such as the data account, user identification, and the path to the database. Designer provides three types of connections: secured, shared, and personal.

43) What are the types of connections we use when connecting to the database?

There are three types of connections namely: - Secured, Shared and Personal.

A secured connection is used to centralize and control access to sensitive or critical data. It is the safest type of connection for protecting access to data.

A shared connection is used to access common resources such as universes or documents. Several users can thus use it.

A personal connection is specific to one user and can be used only from the computer on which it was created.

44) What are the components of the Designer interface?

In Designer, you create a universe using three areas: the Universe pane, the Structure pane, the Table Browser. The Universe pane displays the components of the universe from the point of view of Business Objects; that is the classes, objects, and conditions. The Structure pane reflects the underlying database structure of the universe including the tables, columns, and joins. The Table Browser is the component that lets you create the classes and objects of the universe from the tables and columns of a database.

45) How do you design a universe?

The design method consists of two major phases.

During the first phase, you create the underlying database structure of your universe. This structure includes the tables and columns of a database and the joins by which they are linked. You may need to resolve loops which occur in the joins using aliases or contexts. You can conclude this phase by testing the integrity of the overall structure.

During the second phase, you can proceed to enhance the components of your universe. You can also prepare certain objects for multidimensional analysis. As with the first phase, you should test the integrity of your universe structure. Finally, you can distribute your universes to users by exporting them to the repository or via your file system.

46) Which are the different types of data providers?

Queries on Universes

· Stored Procedures

Free-hand SQL
Personal Data files
VBA Procedures
OLAP Servers
SAP

47) What are classes/objects?

An object maps to data or a derivation of data in the database. For the purposes of multidimensional analysis, an object can be qualified as one of three types: a dimension, detail, or measure.

A class is a collection of objects based on business categories.

A universe is a set of classes and objects intended for a specific application or group of users.

48) What are classes?

A class is a logical grouping of objects within a universe. In general, the name of a class reflects a business concept that conveys the category or type of objects.

A class can be further divided into subclasses. In the human resources universe, a subclass of the Employees class could be Personal Information.

As designer, you are free to define hierarchies of classes and subclasses in a model that best reflects the business concepts of your organization.

49) What are objects?

An object is the most refined component in a universe. It maps to data or a derivation of data in the database.

Using objects, end users can build queries to generate reports. The name of an object suggests a concept drawn from the terminology of a business or discipline.

For the purposes of multidimensional analysis, objects are qualified as one of three types: dimension, detail, or measure.

We can’t create object without class.

50) What are the types of Objects?

The following types of objects can be created in the universe.

1. Dimension

2. Measure

3. Detail

51) What is Dimension Object?

Dimensions are basic parameters used in analyzing the business measures.

A Dimension object is represented as CUBE.

52) What is Detailed Object?

It provides a detailed description to the dimension object.

53) What is Measure Objects?

A Measure object returning numeric information.

A measure object is created with following aggregate functions Sum(), Avg(), Max(), Min(), Count().

The default aggregate function using creating measure object is Sum().

54) What is a hierarchy?

A hierarchy is an ordered series of related dimensions grouped together to perform multidimensional hierarchy.

The relationship between object in the hierarchy is one – to – many.

55) What are the types of hierarchy?

There are two types of hierarchies.

1. Default hierarchy :- It contains the dimension objects in the order in which they are presented in the class.

2. Custom hierarchy :- A custom hierarchy is created from default hierarchy

56) How to create hierarchies in BO?

A hierarchy, which the designer sets up when creating the universe, consists of dimension objects ranked from “less detailed” to “more detailed”.

The objects that belong to hierarchies are the ones you can use to define scope of analysis.

57) What is List of Values (LOV)?

A list of values contains the data values associated with an object. These data values can originate from a corporate database, or a flat file such as a text file or Excel file.

In Designer you create a list of values by running a query from the Query Panel. You can then view, edit, purge, refresh, and even export this file. A list of values is stored as an .lov file in a subfolder of the UserDocs folder.

58) What is Restriction?

A restriction is a condition which reduces the number of records displayed in the record.

59) What is a Filter?

A filter enables you to hide the data you do not want to view behind the scenes and display only the data you need.

60) What are the types of Filters?

In the crystal reports the data can be filtered in two different ways

1. Select Expert : It allows you to define the simple conditions.

2. Selection Formula : The data can be filtered by defining the expressions in formula editor.

61) What are the types of Query Filter that you use in Web intelligence?

There are four types of Query Filter you use in Web intelligence:

1. Predefined Filters

2. Single and Multi – value Filters

3. Prompted Filters

4. Complex Filters

62) What is conditional Formatting?

The data in the report can be formatted based on given condition this allows you to quickly identify the data for faster analyses.

63) What is alert message?

An alert is a message which is displayed before viewing the data records.

64) What are the types of Filters which affects the report?

There are two types of filter.

A global filter affects the whole report.

A blockspecific filter only filters data for the specified chart, table or crosstab.

65) What is a Prompt?

A Prompt is an end users object, which allows the users to enter the value or select the values to restrict the data in the report.

66) What are the parameters a prompt function takes?

This function takes 5 parameters as arguments, each parameter is separated with comma ( , ).

1. Prompt Text:- It is a text message displayed on the top of a list box or text box.

This parameter is enclosed in single cote.

Ex:- ‘Select the State’

2. Data Type:- It specifies the data type of an object on which prompt is created.

This parameter is enclosed in single cote.

A ® Alpha

N ® Numeric

D ® Date

3. List Of Values:- This parameter can be represented in two different ways.

a. Hard Code List {‘New York’, ‘Taxes’}

b. A Pointer of LOV of an object

Syntax :- ‘Class / Object’

Ex :- ‘Store / State’

4. MONO or MULTI :-

a. MONO :- IT lets the user to select the single value from the list.

b. Multi :- It lets the user to select the multiple values from the list.

5. Free or Constrained :-

a. Free:- It lets the user either to enter the value or select the value from the list.

b. Constrains:- It lets the user to select only the value from the list.

67) Where will you find the address of repository in BO?

BO Main.key, File that contains the address of the repository’s security domain.

68) Explain the Repository of the Business Objects?

A Business Objects repository is a set of data structures stored on a database. A repository makes it possible to share the resources necessary for client/server architecture. To ensure security and manage user resources, a repository comprises three types of domains:

1. Universe Domain – Consists of 24 database tables used to store universes.

It stores the universe which you create.

2. Document Domain – consists of database table used to store files including Business Objects documents (.rep), List of Value files (.lov),etc.

It stores the documents which can be accessed by multiple users.

3. Security Domain – consists of 25 database tables used to store Business Objects users and their permissions.

It stores the information about users, user groups and profiles assigned to the users.

69) Can we have multiple domains?

Yes. (Security domain can not be multiple).

70) What is a template?

A template is a special kind of BUSINESSOBJECTS document that contains pre-defined styles and structure that you use as a foundation to create reports. BUSINESSOBJECTS comes with several templates for you to use and you can also create your own.

71) How do you create a universe, step-by-step approach.

Designing, Creating and maintaining a universe

The phased in this include:

Planning

Break down the information system into functional areas

Analysis

Analyze the information needs of users

Design

Design a conceptual schema

Design the specification of a universe

Implementation

Create a universe with DESIGNER

Test the universe with BUSINESSOBJECTS/WEBINTELLIGENCE

Distribute the universe

Repeat the above steps for other universes

Maintenance

Update and maintain the universe

Notify end users of changes

72) How many modes are there in BO & Designer?

There are 2 types: Enterprise Mode, Workgroup Mode.

73) What are Enterprise and Workgroup modes?

Designer lets you save universes in either enterprise or workgroup mode. Enterprise mode means that you are working in an environment with a repository.

Workgroup mode means that you are working without a repository. The mode in which you save your universe determines whether other designers are able to access them.

By default, a universe is saved in the mode in which you are already working. For example, if you launched a session in enterprise mode, any universe you save is automatically in that mode.

74) How do you restrict access to rows of a database?

In XI version it can be done by using row-level security in designer module whereas in 5i/6i it is done by supervisor.

75) What do you mean by Object qualification?

Object qualification represents what kind of object is that, usually we have three types of object qualifiers they are measure, dimension, detailed.

76) How do you save a Business Objects document, which can be accessed by all users in workgroup mode?

If we want to make a universe accessible to another designer working without a repository, then click the Save as Workgroup check box in the Save as universe dialog box.

STEP 9: EXPORT UNIVERSE

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Using this Reporting option, the Universe will be migrated from Local system into the Universe domain area for making universe available for all reporting clients.

Note: For Local systems Export Universe is not required as Client and Server is on the same system.

CREATING WEBI REPORTS

Based on the Universe created

----àClick on Start Menu

----àPrograms

----àBO XI 3.1

----àBusiness Objects Enterprise

----àWeb Intelligence Rich Client

----àEnter BO Login information

----àClick on Logon

----àPlace the cursor in “Create New Document based on Data Source”

----àClick on browse for more Data Source

----àSelect Radiobutton Universe

----àClick on Next

----àSelect the created Universe

----àClick on Ok

----àOpens Create Query Panel

----àDrag the required Reporting Objects into “Resulting Area”

----àClick on Run Query

It generates a Report

While Saving WEBI Documents, by default it is saved with extension “.wid”

[Web Intelligence Document]

STEP 8: CEATING HIERARCHIES:

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Using this reporting option we can enable Drilldown and Drillup options.

In the Universe, Hierarchy is created using Dimension objects under the Class panel. All the Objects existing under the class panel as Dimensional object are treated as Default Hierarchies.

Custom Hierarchy:

It is used to define own Hierarchy level based on existing dimension object under the Default Hierarchy.

To create the Custom Hierarchies

----àClick on Tools menu

----àHierarchies

----àDisplays the List of Default Hierarchies

----àSelect the Radiobutton Custom Hierarchies

----àClick on New

----àName the Hierarchy

----àAdd Year from the Default Hierarchies into Custom Hierarchy area.

----àDrag Quarter under Year Hierarchy

----àDrag Month name under Quarter Hierarchy

----àThen WeekID under Month name

----àClick on Ok

Note:

When Custom Hierarchies are created, the Default Hierarchies are disabled in Reporting Environment.

When Multiple Custom Hierarchies are crated at the time of Reporting Business Objects prompts to select the required Hierarchy level to be used in reporting.

Query Filter/ Report Filter/ Level Restrictions

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Query Filters:

If the Filter conditions are applied at Database Table is called as Query Filters.

Report Filters:

If the filter conditions are applied at reporting environment is called as Report Filters.

If the Filters are applied in Universe, these are called as Query Filters as Universe gets only restricted data into Reporting environment.

In the Universe, we can apply two types of Filters as

-------Object level Filter

-------Universe level Filter

Object level Restrictions/Filters:

Universe Level Restrictions/Filters:

To apply Object Level Restrictions

--------Double click on the required object

--------Place the cursor in where class and apply the required conditions.

To apply Universe Level Restrictions

-----àSelect the Radiobutton filters in Class Panel

-----àClick on Insert Menu

-----àSelect Condition

-----àPlace the cursor in where class

-----àApply the condition

-----àSelect the checkbox; use the filter as mandatory in query

-----àSelect the Radiobutton Apply on Universe or Apply on class

Data Merging/ Aggrigation

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DATA MERGING:

The joins applied in Universe structure panel between the Two Tables is the Data Merging.

DATA AGGREGATION:

It is the process of converting Source detail data into Summary data, for the numeric objects (FACTS) under the class panel.

---àDouble click on amount_sold

---àSelect Object from the class panel

---àClick on Properties Tab

---àSelect the Qualification as Measure and select the required aggregated function. By default is Sum.

---àClick on Ok

Note: One source table column is not only added for one time under the class panel, it can be added for any number of times based on Business needs.

If report requirement is to display summary totals of amount_sold and also average total of amount_sold, add amount_sold for two times as an Object in a class. For the first Object add the qualification Measure with the function Sum. For the second Object add the qualification Measure with the function Average.

Data Scrubbing in Universe

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DATA SCRUBBING CONCEPT IN UNIVERSE:

----àClick on Insert Menu

----àObject

----àName the Object [overall_cost]

----àData Type----Number

Place the cursor in Select

----àBrowse

----àExpand shopfacts---Double click on amount_sold multiplied by Double click on quantity_sold [amount_sold * quantity_sold]

----à Click on Parse

If Parsing is Ok ----Click on Ok

CONDITION BASED DATA SCRUBBING:

----àClick on Insert Menu

----àObject

----àName the Object [discount]

----àData Type----Number

Place the cursor in Select area

----àBrowse

----àExpand Character functions

----àDouble click on IIF (If and only If)

----àDouble click on quantity_sold and type >=10, place the cursor in true condition area----Double click on amount_sold multiplied by 0.12, place the cursor in false condition area ---Double click on amount_sold multiplied by 0.04

Finally the expression is

IIF (shop_facts.quantity_sold>=10, shop_facts.amount_sold*0.12, shop_facts.amount_sold*0.04)

----à Click on Parse

If Parsing is Ok ----Click on Ok

Data Cleansing in Universe

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DATA CLEANSING CONCEPT IN UNIVERSE:

----àClick on Insert Menu

----àObject

----àName the Object

----àType----character

Place the cursor in Select

----àClick on Browse

----àFrom Functions area------Expand character

----àDouble click on Ucase Function.

----àExpand Tables and Columns

----àDouble click on Month name

The expression is applied as Ucase (Table name. Column name)

----àClick on Parse

If Parsing is Ok ----Click on Ok

STEP 7: Create / Insert Objects

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7) CREATE / INSERT OBJECTS:

Reporting columns are called as Objects.

To create the Object without selecting any Tables from structure panel, drag the Required column into Class Panel.

By default for every Source Column Dimension Object is the property added, to display source business data as it is in reporting.

Second Procedure to create the Objects:

----à Select the required class from Class Panel

----à Click on Insert Menu

----à Select Object

----à Name the Object [Article ID]

Note: Here Object name can be added with Spaces.

----à Select the Data type as Number

----à Place the Cursor in select Statement

----à Click on Browse in select Area.

----à From Tables and Columns Expand the required Table

----à Double click on the required column

----à Click on Parse to check the Syntax.

----à If parsing is Ok

----à Click on Ok

Data Cleansing:

Converting Source Non-Unique Data Format into Unique data Format is called as Data Cleansing.

Data Scrubbing:

Adding Extra column with required Business expression is called as Data Scrubbing.

Data Merging:

Combining two Tables data is called as Data Merging.

Data Aggregation:

Converting Source Detailed data into summary Format is called as Data Aggregation.

Note: Manual Navigation is recommended to support Data Cleansing and Data Scrubbing options.

STEP 6: Creating Classes

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6) CREATING CLASSES:

One class represents Schema.

A class is assigned with one or more Tables information.

A Table converted in to class can be accessed by Reporting.

To create the class use the following Navigations:

----à Click on Insert Menu------Class

----à Name the Class

----à In the same way create one more Class.

*** Class: Enterprise Information

SubClass: Business Activity Information.

SD (class)

Sales (subclass)

Billing (subclass)

Shipping (subclass)

Agreements/Contracts (subclass)

FICO

Accounts Receivables (subclass)

Accounts Payables (subclass)

Cost Centre (subclass)

Bank Accounts (subclass)

G/L Accounts (subclass) [General Ledger]

STEP---5: To resolve Loops:

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STEP---5:

To resolve Loops: To resolve the Lops use the following methods

1) Delete Unnecessary Joins

----à Any join which has Many-to-Many cardinality can be deleted from Structure Panel.

Note: While detecting cardinalities Business Objects reads only few records from the Database Table and returns the relation. To confirm the extract relations Manual Checking is Possible in Universe Structure Panel using

----àRight Click on required table

----àClick on Table Values.

Check the data in common Column which is used in joins. Repeated data display indicates that the cardinality is Many.

2) Creating Alias Tables

----àSelect any Master Table or Dimension Table [Dimension tables are also called as Lookup Tables].

----àClick on Alias –Name the Alias Table

----àClick on Ok

----àDelete the Join which is causing the Loop and create New Join condition between Alias table and Corresponding Fact Tables.

3) Shortcut Joins:

Double click on Any Join which is having a Loop

----àDouble click

----àSelect the Checkbox-----Shortcut Join

----àClick on Ok

4) Context:

To create a Context, select the required Joins (which has no Loops)

----àClick on Insert Menu

----àContext

----àName the Context

----àClick on Check to find Loops

----àIf no Loops are displayed---click on Ok

----àClick on Ok.

STEP---4: Detecting Loops:

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STEP---4:

Detecting Loops: Using this option we find number of Loops possible from Universe Structure Panel Tables.

Navigations:

----àClick on Tools Menu

----àAutomated Detections

----àDetect Loops

----àClick on it

It displays the number of Loops and selected Joins from Structured Panel.

STEP—3: Insert Joins

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STEP—3:

Insert Joins

To display the Joins between Tables in Universe Structure Panel use following Navigations

1) Manual Join

----à Without selecting a Table drag a table column [Article_ID of Article_lookup] in to corresponding column of second table [Article_ID of Article_color_lookup]

----à Double click on Applied Join [link]

----àClick on Detect to find the Cardinality

----àClick on OK

2) Insert Menu Join

----àClick on Insert Menu ----àJoin

It opens Edit Join Interface

----à Select the First table as Article_lookup

----à Select the Second table as Article_lookup_criteria

----à Select Article_ID between the two tables

----àClick on Detect

----àClick on OK

3) Auto Detecting Joins

----à Click on Tools menu----àAutomated Detections----àDetect Joins

It displays the possible Joins from Universe Structure Panel.

----àSelect the Required Joins----àClick on Insert.

For Detecting Joins we need to depend on Detect Cardinalities to Apply Data Relationships.

Navigations:

----àClick on Tools menu

----àAutomated detection

----àDetect Cardinalities

FAQ:

1) How many types of joins can be applied from Universe?

Ans: There are 5 types of joins

1) Inner Join [Equi Join]

2) Left Outer Join

3) Right Outer Join

[Full Outer Join is not supported by Universe]

4) Theta Join

5) Shortcut Join

Inner Join: If the Join condition is applied with only = [equal to] operator is called as Inner Join or Equi Join

Using this property only common data of two tables is returned.

Right Outer Join: In the Edit join screen if Left side Outer join is selected it is treated as Right Outer Join

Internally it returns common data between the two tables and all extra records in Right Table.

Left Outer Join: In Edit Join screen, if the Right side Outer Join is selected it is treated as Left Outer Join

Using this property, it returns common data between the two tables and all extra records in Left Table.

Theta Join: While applying the join condition if we select other than to Equal operator then it is called as Theta Join or Non-Equi Join

Shortcut Join: This property is recommended to resolve the Loop by applying Second Priority for the Joins.

STEP—2: Navigations For efashion sample database.

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STEP—2:

Navigations For efashion sample database.

Insert Tables

Click on Insert menu

----àTables

----àDisplays the list of Source Database Tables

----àSelect the Required Tables

----àClick on Insert

----àSelect the Required Tables

----àClick on Insert

These are added in to Universe Structure Panel.

----àClick on Close

----àArrange the Tables in Database Design Format

----àSAVE the Universe

Creating the Universe for SQL Server

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Server name: ABC [system name where SQL Server services are running]

Password: sa

Database: gosl

Navigations:

----àCreate the Universe

----àName the Universe

----àClick on NEW to create a Connection to the SQL Server

----àClick on Next in Initial Screen

----àName the Connection

----àExpand the Microsoft

----àExpand MS SQL Server 2005

----àSelect OLEDB providers

----àClick on Next

----àGive the Connection details

----àClick on Test Connection

If the server is Responding Click on OK

----àClick on Next

----àClick on Finish

----àClick on OK

----àSave the Universe

Navigations for Creating the Universe Connection for the Source ORACLE

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Navigations for Creating the Universe Connection for the Source ORACLE.

----àCreate New Universe, Name the Universe.

----àClick on New to create a Connection.

----àClick on Next in initial screen

----àName the Connection

----àExpand the ORACLE Database

----àExpand the corresponding versions of Oracle

----àSelect Oracle Client

----àClick on Next

----àUsername: Scott

Password: tiger

Service: oracle

----àClick on Test Connection

If the server is responding Click on Next

----àClick on Next

----àClick on Finish

----àClick on OK

----àSave the Universe

Note: The drivers which are installed with corresponding Database are called Native Drivers.

OCI-------Oracle Call Interface

A sample Database and Creating Universe

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This sample Database has following Tables.....

STEP-1

Creating the universe for source efashion Database (efashion.mdb)

Use the following Navigations to use ODBC Drivers for efashion Database.

---àClick on Start menu

---àSettings

---àControl Panel

---àDouble click on Administrator tools

---àDouble click on Datasources (ODBC)

---àClick on System DSN ---àClick on Add

---àSelect Microsoft Access Driver ---à Click on Finish

---àName the Database

---àClick on Select

---àSelect efashion.mdb Database from C drive

---àClick on Ok ---àClick on Ok---àClick on Ok

To enable the BO services click on

---àClick on Start menu

---àPrograms

---àBO XI 3.1

---àBusiness Objects Enterprise

---àCentral Configuration Manager

It displays the list of BO services.

---àRight click on Server Intelligent Agent ---àStart

---àRight click on Apache Tomcat ---àStart

We can start /stop services which are needed for us.

NOTE:

System: ABC [name of the computer where BO services are running]

Username: Administrator

Password: ............... [By default BLANK]

Authentication: Enterprise

In Authentication Enterprise indicates BO services.

1) LDAP-----indicates Directory Services

2) SAP -----indicates Source BW Systems

3) Standalone(no CMS)----Local Database

4) Windows AD----Windows Administrator Services.

5) Windows NT----Windows Network Services

To create the Universe, use the following Navigations.

---àClick on Start menu

---àPrograms

---àBO XI 3.1

---àBusiness Objects Enterprise

---àDesigner

---àEnter BO Login Information

---àSelect Authentication as Enterprise ---àClick on Ok

---àClick on Cancel for Quick Design

---àClick on New Universe (ctrl+N)

---àName the Universe (access—Universe)

---àClick on NEW to create a new Connection

---àClick on Next in initial screen

---àName the Connection

---àExpand Microsoft

---àExpand the required Version of Access

---àSelect ODBC drivers

---àClick on Next

---àSelect the Created DSN--- [DSN11AM]

---àClick on Test Connection

---àIf the server is responding Click on Ok

---àClick on Next

---àClick on Finish

---àClick on Ok

---àSAVE the Universe (ctrl+S).

By default the Universe is saved with the extension (.unv)

Business Objects Step by Step Tutorial

Business Objects Step by Step Tutorial

Business Objects : Basic Question and Answers

9) What are the products installed along with BOXI R2 software

12) How to create a universe?

13) Process of Universe creation?

20) What are the formats supported for Business Objects documents?

27) What are the types of Joins?

32) What are aliases?

Purpose

41) What are cardinalities?

65) What is a Prompt?

66) What are the parameters a prompt function takes?

67) Where will you find the address of repository in BO?

68) Explain the Repository of the Business Objects?

69) Can we have multiple domains?

Designing, Creating and maintaining a universe

Planning

Analysis

Design

Implementation

Maintenance

STEP 9: EXPORT UNIVERSE

STEP 8: CEATING HIERARCHIES:

Query Filter/ Report Filter/ Level Restrictions

Data Merging/ Aggrigation

Data Scrubbing in Universe

Data Cleansing in Universe

STEP 7: Create / Insert Objects

STEP 6: Creating Classes

STEP---5: To resolve Loops:

STEP---4: Detecting Loops:

STEP—3: Insert Joins

STEP—2: Navigations For efashion sample database.

Creating the Universe for SQL Server

Navigations for Creating the Universe Connection for the Source ORACLE

A sample Database and Creating Universe