The 3 level architecture of the SAP BW

The lowest level of the slide shows the source systems. SAP provides extraction mechanisms for production data from SAP systems. For non-SAP system, there are the BW BAPI interface, the interfaces for accessing relational database systems and multi-dimensional applications and an interface for processing XML files. You can also load data from flat files. Metadata and application data (master and transaction data) is managed in the Business Information Warehouse server. When a report (query) is executed, the OLAP processor reads the data. The third level shows the different reporting tools: BEx Analyzer, embedded in Microsoft Excel, andBEx Web Analyzer, embedded in BEx Web. You can use it to execute queries in the browser. In general, data can be transferred to a cell phone and, in particular, it is possible to run and display analyses on portal interfaces. The structuring and visualization of all information is ensured by the fact that, based on the requirements and expectations on reporting, suitable data is provided in the SAP BW. This data can originate from SAP systems as well as non-SAP systems, a large portion of the users of SAP BW extracts and analyzes non-SAP data. The Business Information Warehouse Server administers application and metadata. The OLAP processor analyzes the data when it is accessed via the reporting interface.