Introduction to Process Chains in

SAP BI 7.0

Applies to:
SAP BI 7.0. For more information, visit the Business Intelligence Homepage.

Summary
Process chains are a robust graphical scheduling & monitoring tool to maintain automation, visualization &
monitoring of tasks/processes. These chained processes are designed to carry specific tasks. In this article,
well discuss an introduction on process chains with a demo example - loading data into an info provider.
Author:

Arun Bala Ganesan

Company: Wipro Technologies

Created on: 22 February 2010

Author Bio
The author is presently working in Wipro Technologies with 1+ experience as Associate SAP BI
Developer. His expertise includes SAP BI 7.0 and ABAP.

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

1

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Usage of Process Chains ................................................................................................................................... 3
Process chains in SAP Business Intelligence .................................................................................................... 4
Process Chain Views ...................................................................................................................................... 4

Planning View: ....................................................................................................................................................... 4

Checking View: ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

Log View: ............................................................................................................................................................... 4

Step-by-Step Guide......................................................................................................................................... 4
Step 1: Creating a Data Model ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Step 2: Accessing Data from AL11 .............................................................................................................................. 5
Step 3: Creation of Transformation .............................................................................................................................. 8
Step 4 - Process Chain Planning ................................................................................................................................. 9

Trouble Shooting Process Chains ................................................................................................................ 13

Rescheduling Process Chains ...................................................................................................................... 14
Related Content ................................................................................................................................................ 16
Disclaimer and Liability Notice .......................................................................................................................... 17

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

2

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Introduction
Process chains are a robust graphical scheduling & monitoring tool to maintain automation, visualization &
monitoring of tasks/processes. These chained processes are designed to carry specific tasks. Process
chains are integrated into CCMS, which is in turn integrated into portal based BI administration cockpit.
What Process Chains does is simply automate complex tasks/process scheduling, visualization of these
processes plus central controlling of these tasks (either in same or linked process chains). If a process chain
isnt available for a specific task, SAP provides customers with an easy way to create custom process types,
wherein one can still run customer programs using Business Content ABAP process types.
A process chain consists of a start process, individual application processes and the so-called collection
processes. The application processes are the actual processes. SAP BI supports process types like load
process and post processing processes, Data target administration processes and other processes

Fig. A. An Example of a Sample Process Chain Version M of process chain IC3_PC

Usage of Process Chains

Process Chains are similar to flowcharts which are scheduled to be waited in background & triggered for a
event (or for starting further other processes) by a process. Here we need to list all Info packages, DTPs
that's necessary to load the data, which can be either a full load or delta load, following which these chains
are scheduled (Viz. hourly, daily, monthly, etc, depending on business requirement). So, before creating
process chains, we need to keep the process flow perfect (i.e. the links between BI objects like Info package,
DSO, Cubes etc) in the BID system.
This process chains can be used to automatically load attribute/hierarchy etc, wherein in procedure these are
listed as application process.

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

3

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Process chains in SAP Business Intelligence

Previously in 3.x, we had used Event chains, automatisms and process chains for automating processes,
which had a lesser flexibility. In SAP BI 7.0, the existing automation functionalities are backward compatible,
but now automations are not longer used for transformations & data transfer processes in SAP BI 7.
Processes chains are necessary to support those processes which are sometimes complex & parallelization
plus where branching for status-dependency is necessary. We can divide a process chain into several sub
processes which enable us to administrate it better for sake of clarity & effective management.
Process Chain Views
In a processes chain, within a particular time slot all the respective time dependencies are bundled together,
and they offer central controlling & monitoring of all processes steps defined in them.
Process chain maintenance can be reached via Data Warehousing Workbench or via the transaction code:
RSPC, which offers different views on process chains.

Planning View: Using click, drag and drop, the process chain is designed at this stage. All the
existing process chains and definition of process chains can be overviewed here and here in the
planning view all the process chains are created & maintained.

Checking View: The process chain is checked for errors. We can view this using the control Ctrl+F2
in RSPC, where the results from the testing (both syntactical and semantic) are defined in the plan
view, so as and when some changes are made respective process chains are executed.

Log View: The results of each run are monitored. In this log view, we have the details of the process
chain selected on the plan view.

Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Creating a Data Model
Create a process flow model for data to be loaded into some provider (say Info Cube/DSO). In the following
diagrams we will see how to create one.

Fig.1.1 - Initially we first create an Info area (as in above example) in RSA1 (Data warehousing workbench),
following which we create an Info cube.

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

4

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Fig.1.2 Its to be noted that Info cube we have considered for demo has a template as SAP Demo cube.
(SAP Purchase Cube: 0D_PU_C01). This cube we created abstracts only skeleton of original cube.

Choose Create Application Component

Fig.1.3 Now, we go to Data sources, wherein here we create an application component. Before that care
must be taken to change the Source system type (say, BI, File and Web Service etc)

Fig.1.4 Further to it we create a Data source. Right click the application component area & create a
Transaction Data type data source, which is from a source system called FLAT_FILE.

Fig.1.5 The data source (As in example: ds_gods) has the above settings as extraction parameters. Here,
we are loading the file from Application Server (Viz. AL11), so we have chosen the adapter as Load TextType File from Application Server. Following this here this being a fixed length format & usage of delta
process we choose the respective options as stated in above figure.
Step 2: Accessing Data from AL11

Fig.2.1 After choosing to load data from Application Server folder, well be prompted to choose data from 2
options as in above figure. We now choose AL11 files & proceed to choose
DIR_HOME 0D_PU_C01_TD_2003_2004.csv, which is a test data in the AL11.

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

5

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Fig.2.2 The AL11 Application server files would look something as this. Herein we need to proceed to
Copy name option to choose particular test data file (0D_PU_C01_TD_2003_2004.csv)

Fig.2.3 Click on Load Example Data in the Proposal tab of data source (as in example: ds_gods) & start
we can see as in right side list of all fields, its description, data type & length.

Trouble Shooting: Its to be noted that here not all fields are copied. If you scroll down, youd know why.

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

6

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Fig.2.4 Here we need to fill up these values in the template as in the field names in the particular data
source. We need to update the information here & activate. Following this we see a preview as below.

Fig.2.5 Read preview data option is clicked & data is viewed as below in Preview tab of the data source.

Fig.2.6 Create an Info package followed by writing its description

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

7

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Fig.2.7 We must not start this now, thats what we intend to do using process chains.
Step 3: Creation of Transformation

Fig.3.1 Create a transformation with the target info providers (Cube: TEST_B2) & data source names.

Fig.3.2 Once done, the next step is to create a Data Transfer process, by right clicking the cube &
creating a DTP as shown in above figure. As above i.e. for transformation, we have the source as Data
source (DS_GODS) & target DTP as Info Cube (TEST_B2) (Pl. refer figure 3.1 reg. transformation).

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

8

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Fig.3.3 As of now the pipeline has been created, and now for loading data by Process Chain
Step 4 - Process Chain Planning

Fig.4.1 Start Transaction code RSPC. Go to planning view & process list. Click on Create & enter the
name of the process variant & long description for the same. Now once done, click on command button
Change Selections

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

9

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Fig.4.2 in start time panel there

are a list of options like Immediate /
Date-Time / after Job / after Event
etc. We need to choose the
appropriate scheduling the process
chain requires. For demo purpose,
weve chosen Immediate as the
option & click on Save

Fig.4.3 The top row displays the name of variant, details like last changed by etc.
There are 2 options like
1. Direct Scheduling: The job will be scheduled when the process chain is activated
2. Start using Meta Chain or API: No triggers are scheduled. The start of the process chain will be done
via FM, RSPC_API_CHAIN_START or with another process chains.
In our example, we are processing single process chain, so weve chosen Direct Scheduling

Fig.4.4 Enter name of start process for the particular trigger; each process type is very generic. Example:
Load data into an Info cube. Here, each process needs a variant, which tells us the process exactly which
objects to work on.

Fig.4.5 A special type of process is the Start process. Every chain must have one. Again, a Start process
without a variant is worthless. The variant provides information about when to start.

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

10

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Fig.4.6 Choose the Search help here &

please note to copy the IP name from RSA1:
ZPAK_D3GY6M7MA9YVYBLKYRG0HX3N2

Fig.4.6b Use search option to

check the technical name

Fig.4.7 - Once you drag and drop Execute info package we get a popup. We need to key in the Info
package name. To do this click on F4 and chose corresponding Info package and click on 'Enter'

Fig.4.8 - Click on the icon process types as shown in the figure, when a list of options will be displayed. In
our demo example we are loading data to an Info provider.

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

11

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Fig.4.9 - To process this we need to have Info Package, DTPs for the corresponding DSO. Open tree Load
Process and Post Processing, We need to drag and drop Execute Info Package

Fig.4.10 - The process chain log view gives an whole picture of status of all BI tasks, where one can monitor
special BI processes (change runs or reporting agent) & common activities (Info packages, DTP,
drops/create index )

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

12

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Fig.4.11 - When we right click a process icon, we get a list of all available log functions as in above figure.
Using the Legend icon you can find the list of meanings for the colors. You can go directly to specific chain
by choosing RSPC Log View, but there are better options for overall system monitoring.
Trouble Shooting Process Chains

Fig.4.12 -- Theres some simple error which well debug now. The possible error as of now is shown above,
the value PERI6 is listed for 0CALMONTH, which needs to be changed from External to Internal parameter.

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

13

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Rescheduling Process Chains

Fig.4.13 Once you drag & drop the Info Package, the corresponding DTPs and the corresponding Active
Data table are automatically called. Further, save & execute the process. Once the process is completed, we
can see the whole chain converted to Green, which indicates the process is successfully completed. On
selecting Administer Data Target, will lead you to Info Provider Administration.

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

14

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Fig.4.14 Info provider request IDs now display green, which means data has been successfully loaded.

Fig.4.15 Fig. displays data present in the info cube, a successful completion of our process chain.
Further as specified on SDN, the following are list of checks & legends in RSPC.

Checks for consistency: Double start variants, Missing index deletion, incorrect references in variants

Meaning of colors: Green Error free process; Yellow Process with warnings; Red Errors

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

15

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Related Content
Using Process Chains in SAP Business Information Warehouse
Event Chains replaced by Process chains
Enhanced decision process type for BW process chains
SAP Central Process Scheduling - Increasing value of SAP Business Intelligence
For more information, visit the Business Intelligence homepage.

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

16

Introduction to Process Chains in SAP BI 7.0

Disclaimer and Liability Notice

This document may discuss sample coding or other information that does not include SAP official interfaces and therefore is not
supported by SAP. Changes made based on this information are not supported and can be overwritten during an upgrade.
SAP will not be held liable for any damages caused by using or misusing the information, code or methods suggested in this document,
and anyone using these methods does so at his/her own risk.
SAP offers no guarantees and assumes no responsibility or liability of any type with respect to the content of this technical article or
code sample, including any liability resulting from incompatibility between the content within this document and the materials and
services offered by SAP. You agree that you will not hold, or seek to hold, SAP responsible or liable with respect to the content of this
document.

SAP COMMUNITY NETWORK

2010 SAP AG

SDN - sdn.sap.com | BPX - bpx.sap.com | BOC - boc.sap.com | UAC - uac.sap.com

17