Data Extraction and Reporting: Accessing Archived SAP Data

SAP data archiving helps organizations optimize system performance, reduce storage costs, and maintain compliance with data retention regulations. However, it is crucial to ensure that archived data remains accessible for reporting, analysis, and other business purposes when needed. In this blog post, we will discuss how organizations can effectively extract and report on archived SAP data, and the various tools and techniques available to support these processes.

1. Accessing Archived Data:

Archived SAP data is stored separately from the active database, typically in a compressed format that reduces storage requirements. To access this archived data, organizations must utilize specialized tools and techniques that can read and interpret the archived files. The choice of tool or technique will depend on the specific data and reporting requirements, as well as the organization’s existing IT infrastructure and skill sets.

2. Data Extraction Tools and Techniques:

Several tools and techniques are available for extracting archived SAP data, including:

  • SAP Standard Reports: SAP provides a range of standard reports that can be used to access and display archived data. These reports are designed to work seamlessly with the SAP archiving process and can be executed directly from the SAP system.
  • SAP Archive Information System (AIS): The SAP Archive Information System (AIS) is a powerful tool that enables organizations to search, access, and display archived data across various SAP modules. AIS provides a user-friendly interface and supports a range of search and reporting options, making it an ideal solution for organizations with diverse reporting requirements.
  • Custom ABAP Programs: In some cases, organizations may need to develop custom ABAP programs to access and report on specific archived data that is not covered by standard SAP reports or AIS. Custom ABAP programs can be tailored to the organization’s unique reporting needs and can offer a high degree of flexibility and control over the data extraction process.

3. Reporting on Archived Data:

Once the archived data has been extracted, organizations can utilize a range of reporting tools and techniques to analyze and present the information. These may include:

  • SAP Business Warehouse (BW): SAP BW is a powerful reporting and analytics platform that can be used to create custom reports and dashboards based on archived SAP data. BW supports a range of data sources, including extracted archived data, and offers advanced analytics capabilities, making it an ideal solution for organizations with complex reporting requirements.
  • Third-party Reporting Tools: Organizations can also leverage third-party reporting tools, such as ArchiveHub.io Fiori Tools, Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, or QlikView, to analyze and visualize archived SAP data. These tools can be connected to the extracted data through various integration options and can offer additional flexibility and customization options for reporting and analysis.

4. Tips for Effective Data Extraction and Reporting:

  • Ensure that archived data is properly indexed and searchable to facilitate efficient data extraction.
  • Consider the organization’s reporting requirements and choose the appropriate tools and techniques for extracting and analyzing the archived data.
  • Develop a comprehensive data extraction and reporting plan that includes the identification of relevant data sources, extraction tools, and reporting tools.
  • Train end-users on the chosen tools and techniques to ensure that they can effectively access and report on archived data.

Effective data extraction and reporting are crucial components of any SAP data archiving strategy. By leveraging the appropriate tools and techniques, organizations can ensure that their archived data remains accessible and usable for reporting, analysis, and other business purposes.