SAP those things - Theory -12-SAP five-layer system introduction
The last article introduced the core design logic of SAP, I think the most core design is object-oriented (object-oriented) design, nvidia partner which is the most common design method used by software engineering since the 1970s, but SAP really put this design concept to the extreme. In this article, we begin to introduce the five-layer system of SAP system, which helps us to understand the entire system structure of SAP from the background to the foreground, and helps us to have a deep understanding of the system. After understanding the five-layer system, we can quickly start from familiar, and finally master the corresponding functional modules, the so-called one-through-all is like this. I fully believe that once we master one module, other modules can be quickly started and familiar with. Because all the modules follow the object based design we talked about in the previous article and the five layers we will talk about next. It can also be said that all ERP products will have these five levels of things, which makes our overall grasp of the system greatly beneficial. In the traditional sense, SAP's technical architecture is divided into three layers, server layer, application layer and client, which is correct from the technical architecture, I want to unify a division and explanation from the technology to the business layer.
1. Database layer and development layer;
This layer is the level that Basis consultants and development consultants focus on, because this layer directly determines how to deploy the system and develop, we know that SAP database can use other databases, such as Oracle, DM2, Sybase, SQL Server, etc. SAP Outsourcing Because SAP was originally more of an application-level software, it had to run on a database platform and a development platform, which was SAP's own (from ABAP to Netweaver, and from ABAP to Webdypro and Java), but SAP never had its own database. SAP has been promoting its own database HANA for a few years (since 2012), and now has a Business Suite S4 based on HANA database, which has been officially released since 2015. So, whereas before there was only the sword (development platform), now there is the sword (database platform and development platform), what is SAP going to do next? Honestly, I don't know.
2. Organizational architecture layer and system configuration layer
This layer, which we understand mainly to be the focus of consultants, is the organizational architecture layer (this refers to both the mapping of the actual business in the system, such as a company in the system is a company code, a department is usually a cost center, and also includes the system architecture of SAP itself. smart waste management For example, we talked about SAP object classes, object types, business transactions (or business transactions), object states, etc.), and also system configuration (Customizing) based on processes and scenarios. This layer, which depends on the consultant's familiarity with the system and the combination of the system and the business, changes a bit as SAP versions change, making it easier to configure and test, but not much. Personally believe that this layer will be more and more simplified in the future, mainly due to the development of hardware and various storage technology, computing technology, network transmission technology development, resulting in a more simplified design of the system, without considering the hardware, software, storage, transmission of various bottlenecks, the system to carry out complex design to maintain the balance between hardware, storage, algorithm, transmission. On this point, a lot of session execution was set up in earlier versions of SAP and many operations in later versions are no longer confirmed by session execution.
3. Primary data layer
The main data layer is actually related to the system configuration and the foreground operation, and the configuration also determines how the foreground creates the master data. This layer is relevant to consultants and enterprise users, but the focus is still on the foreground. This layer of data is mainly used to prepare data for business operation. If there is no main data layer, business operation is like water without a source and a tree without roots. The focus of master data is on the accuracy, integrity and timely update of master data, which will largely determine the smooth operation of the business level. In fact, we can understand the master data as personnel files, SAP refers to material files (material master data), customer files (customer master data), supplier files (supplier master data) and so on.
4. Service data layer
With the organizational structure, the system configuration, and the master data, the enterprise can record all kinds of daily business activities (including financial activities) in the system through various types of documents, forming data flow, information flow, and capital flow. The basic principle at this level is to reflect truthfully and in real time. The so-called true reflection is what the actual business is like (such as what products, how many quantities, what prices, etc.), as is reflected in the system; The so-called real-time reflection, when the actual business is happening, when reflected in the system. In real business, real time may not be realistic for some businesses, and the general principle is at least the same day, the same day. These two principles are simple to say, but not so easy to do!
5. Report layer and presentation layer
Report layer and display layer generally think very important, in fact, it just looks very important, just like a person's dress, if there is no internal temperament, light rely on heavy makeup to prop up face, at first glance can bluff people, will eventually reveal. From a pragmatic point of view, as long as the first four layers have been built, this layer is a natural thing, the front level is not built well, the report layer and the display layer are like water without a source, no root, no foundation of the building, is of no use. In general, the report layer mainly focuses on the query of various detailed reports, not so much attention to good looks, as long as it can be better compatible with Excel. The display layer focuses on the summary display of KPI (Key Performance Index key operating indicators), and focuses on looking good, such as management cockpit, various dashboards, various dynamic displays, and various interactive reports.
This five-layer system we can go to compare SAP modules, in addition to the database layer and the development layer, the other four levels are reflected in each module of SAP, you can go to find, look at, play.
