SAP BODS Tutorial

The modern technology-based world seems complex and rapidly transforming, so managing and processing data from multiple sources has become crucial for every business. Here is when the SAP BODS Cloud tutorial comes with the solution. SAP BODS Cloud is a cloud-based ETL tool that allows businesses to easily integrate and transform data from various sources, including on-premise and cloud-based systems. According to a recent report, the global cloud-based ETL market is expected to grow from $1.4 billion in 2020 to $3.3 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 18.2%. This shows the increasing demand for cloud-based ETL tools like BODS Cloud in the market. Our SAP BODS Tutorial aims to help you excel in the platform and utilize its data integration and data management feature to help your organization to extract, transform, and load (ETL) data from various sources into a target system.

What is ETL?

ETL is a process that extracts the data from different RDBMS source systems, transforms the data with the help of applying calculations, and loads the data into the Data Warehouse system. It acronyms for extract, transform, load. It is a process of how data is loaded from the source system to the data warehouse. 

What is SAP BODS?

SAP BODS is an ETL or an extract, transform, and load tool for extracting data from disparate systems, transforming data into meaningful information, and load data in a data warehouse. It is designed to deliver enterprise-class solutions for data integration, data processing, and data profiling. SAP BODS stands for Business Objects Data Services.

What is the use of SAP BODS?

After having a brief idea of what is SAP BODS, let us understand what is it used for. BODS or Business Object Data Services is a GUI or a Graphical User Interface tool. It allows you to create and keep track of jobs that derive data from various sources and modify complex data per the business requirement. BODS then loads the data to any target type, like an SAP application.

What is the history of SAP BODS?

Before going ahead with this SAP BODS tutorial for beginners, it is essential to know how SAP BODS came into being. Business Objects Data Services relaunched their two software products of Acta as the Business Objects Data Quality tool and Business Objects Data Integration tool in 2002. Business Objects was acquired by SAP in 2007. Post this, both products were renamed SAP BODQ and SAP BODI. SAP combined both products in a single tool and relaunched it as SAP Business Objects Data Services BODS in 2008. 

SAP BODS Architecture

Let us move on to SAP BODS Architecture in this SAP BODS tutorial. It is categorized into different layers, stages, and components. Each of these has a unique function and plays an essential role in the overall data management and transformation process. Some vital components include a repository, management console, job server, data service designer, engines, access, and address servers. SAP BODS Architecture can be divided into three layers, i.e., Web application, Database Server, and Database Service as given in the diagram.

1. Web Application Layer

The web Application Layer is the topmost layer in the SAP BODS architecture. Here, users can access the BODS Cloud application through a web browser. It is due to its web-based user interface. Furthermore, the application server is also a part of this layer. It manages user requests, performs the necessary calculations, and returns the results to the user.

2. Database Server Layer

Next is the Database Server Layer. It is present in the middle of the SAP BODS architecture. It comprises the database management system, which is responsible for storing and managing the data utilized by the application. Apart from this, user access controls and security mechanisms required to maintain data privacy and security are present in this layer.

3. Data Services Layer

Data Services Layer is present at the bottom of SAP BODS Cloud architecture. It consists of services for integrating and transforming data. These services enable companies to combine data from multiple sources, format it as per the requirement, and load it into the database for usage by the application. This layer also contains all the tools required to ensure data quality, perform data cleansing, and maintain data accuracy.

Important terms in SAP BODS

Before going forward in the SAP BODS tutorial, it is essential to be familiar with certain terms associated with this tool. 

• CMC or Central Management Console:  CMC or Central Management Console is a web-based administration tool for BOD. It is helpful tool in performing critical functions like repository registration, user management, etc.
• Datastore:  A Datastore provides a connection to a data source like a database. It acts as an interface bridge between the actual backend database and data services. 
• Data Integrator Web Administrator:  A Data Integrator Web Administrator is helpful in maintain repositories in data services. It is also known as DI web admin.

Data Services Components in SAP BODS

The following are the key Data Services Components in SAP BODS:

• Data Service Designer
• Data Services Management Console
• Repository Manager
• Data Services Server Manager
• Workbench

Advantages of SAP Data Services

If you are new to SAP BODS and going through this SAP BODS tutorial for beginners, it is essential to the pros and cons of SAP Data Services. Let us learn more about them:

• SAP BODS tool is quick and easy to learn.
• SAP BODS come with an easy user interface to perform data manipulation tasks.
• The objects and functions of BODS in SAP allow you to perform manipulations and data transformation very efficiently.

Disadvantages of SAP BODS

• SAP BODS is an expensive tool. The initial purchase cost is quite high.
• SAP BODS requires several servers and extensive hardware.
• SAP BODS is a developer platform. It means organizations that want to use this tool will require the support of a highly skilled and experienced development team at the time of installation.

SAP BODS FAQs

1. What are SAP bodies used for?

Ans: SAP BODS is used for data integration, data profiling, and data processing. It enables you to integrate and transform trusted data-to-data warehouse systems for analytical reporting.

2. Is SAP BODS easy to learn?

Ans: Yes. SAP BODS is handy and easy to learn. It comes with an easy Graphical User Interface or GI, enabling you to perform data transformation quite efficiently. 

3. Does SAP BODS require coding?

Ans: Yes. SAP BODS require coding.

4. How do I start SAP BODS?

Ans:

Step 1 - Click on setup

Step 2 - Go through the BODS installation video.

Step 3 - Check the prerequisites for installing BODS. If anything is missing, then resolve the issue before moving ahead

Step 4 - Welcome wizard for installation window will pop up.

Step 5 - Click on next.

Step 6 - Accept the License Agreement.

Step 7 - Click on next.

Step 8 - You will be asked to enter the product key you get while purchasing the product.

Step 9 - Enter the place where you want to install BODS.

Step 10 - Select the language for installation.

Step 11 - Click on next.

Step 11 - You will be asked to enter the CMS server detail.

Step 12 - Select for default user as administrator.

Step 13 - Click next.

Step 14 - You will be asked to stop SIA Server for installation.

Step 15 - Click Yes.

Step 16 - Install with the default configuration - Job Server and Access Server will be created.

Step 17 - Install without configuration: The job server and Access Server must be created manually.

Step 18 - You can select skip configuration.

Step 19 - Click on next.

Step 20 - Enter the user ID and password.

Step 21 - If you want to integrate with Solution Manager, click on next.

Step 22 - Start the installation.

Step 23 - Finish the installation.

5. What is the ETL tool in SAP BODS?

Ans: ETL tool in SAP BODS extracts data from different RDBMS source systems. It then transforms data with the help of specific calculations and then loads data in data-to-data warehouse systems in the form of tables. Like its functioning, ETL stands for extract, transform, and load. 

Conclusion

The future of the data integration and management market looks bright, with businesses increasingly relying on data to drive their decision-making processes. SAP BODS Cloud offers a range of benefits to businesses, including easy integration with various data sources, improved data quality, and faster processing times. With the increasing adoption of cloud computing, BODS Cloud is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. As more businesses move their data management processes to the cloud, tools like BODS Cloud will become essential to their technology stack. In conclusion, if you want to streamline your data integration processes and improve the quality of your data, BODS Cloud is worth considering. Moreover, this SAP BODS tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of SAP BODS Cloud, enabling professionals to get started with the platform and take advantage of its many features and benefits.