Across every industry, reporting has the same premise: a way to display data in an efficient and presentable manner. As technology improves, internet connections get faster and more data is able to pass through, and the number of data users with access to information is expected to grow exponentially. More and more companies are using this opportunity to relay information about their company to their employees, potential investors and the general public. This information dissemination comes in many forms, from many vendors and with many features.
SAP's Web Application Designer (WAD) includes an array of web-based business intelligence applications. An SAP application further enhancing web-based reporting is the Business Explorer Web Application Designer (BEx WAD). SAP's Web Application Designer is an application for designing Business Warehouse (BW) specific matter in a WEB format. Reports can be created by way of a Wizard or via the Drag and Drop system within the editor; where you can create templates; which are the basis of a WEB application.
As the diagram below illustrates, business explorer allows users to tap into several data sources simultaneously.
WAD allows the report developer to create WEB templates which include HTML pages; which also include BW-specific substance; such as tables, charts, or maps. The data taken from the InfoProvider (objects for which the queries in SAP BW can be created or executed) is translated from the InfoProvider to the web via HTML code (not Excel).
Once all data has been retrieved, then all charts and graphs can be been laid out to share the URL so the report may be viewed via a browser, or any supported mobile device. It can also be saved and published to a portal or dashboard.
Using the WAD Wizard
An easy way to create a page is via the Web Application Wizard.
The Wizard is a part of the Web Application Designer that helps a user creates HTML pages (in a step-by-step method) with ease. First, pick out the web object from the list provided (whether a table, graph, check box) to contain and output your information. Then you "attach" the object to a particular InfoProvider. This will be the foundation of where the object retrieves its information.
Just as a car needs a driver, in order for the object to provide the necessary information, it must be assigned an InfoProvider. The next step is formatting your object accordingly; shadings, size, borders, name, etc. Next, is the overview page; where deleting or adding an object takes place. Once formatting has been completed, it is saved and published out to the web or portal. The Wizard can be an efficient tool for beginners to get their information out in a quick and complete manner.
Using the Drag and Drop Method
The Drag and Drop system allows a more customized way of creating HTML pages.
In the Layout tab, the user simply drags the object from the Web Items area (top left) and drops it into the template area (layout design is up to the user).
To format a particular item, the properties area (bottom left) will allow which InfoProvider, color, etc. is edited. On the bottom of the Dropdown Box section of the Designer is an HTML tab. For creators who prefer customization via HTML code rather than Drag and Drop, this option is also available. Once completed (either Layout or HTML procedures the last tab) the Overview tab is where the page can be viewed as it will appear on a web page. This allows the rough draft to be reviewed prior to publishing.
One particular feature of the WAD is the Ad-Hoc Query Designer. This is where the viewer can create reports themselves (once it has been published).
One Best Practice is to use it on the web to create queries for all InfoProviders. The user can assign characteristics and key figures to columns and rows (as well as free characteristics) and define filters. Key figures and characteristics can be restricted while conditions and exceptions can be changed. Anyone viewing the page can create and execute the query behind the report without saving it. Different query combinations are available for different views; it's all up to the user.
The Web Application Designer allows for a more free range area of design – whereas formatted reports are limited to the space allocated "page to page".
Formatted reports are best used for reports which will be printed. Via the WAD, the open-format allows more creativity with graphics, colors and construction of reports.
It must be noted that if there are many different InfoProviders in use (as data sources) the page will execute slower. Information queried from one data source will have faster retrieval times – rather than searching through multiple data sources.
The Web Application designer allows for more possibilities and has the potential to reach a larger audience. For some eyes, viewing reports on the web allows them to get their information when they want it – and in some cases how they want it.
The web look, when created efficiently, will have all the necessary and vital data that report consumers need – in a presentation format.
Written by Ramon Talwar, Data Management Group Consultant
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