SAP CDS view Vs InfoProvider to Perform Reporting

CDS Views: Redefining Data Access in SAP

CDS views (Core Data Services views) are a powerful way to model and access data in SAP systems like S/4HANA. They represent a significant evolution from traditional InfoProviders, offering several advantages for reporting and analytics.

What are CDS Views?

CDS views are essentially virtual data models defined using SQL-like syntax within the ABAP layer of SAP. They provide a semantic layer on top of database tables, simplifying data access and enabling developers to define reusable data models with clear business meaning.

Key Features of CDS Views:

• Semantic Richness: CDS views allow you to define relationships between tables, add calculated fields, and apply filters, making the data more meaningful for business users.
• Performance Optimization: CDS views push down data processing to the database layer, leveraging the power of the SAP HANA database for optimized performance.
• Reusability: CDS views can be reused across different applications and reports, promoting consistency and reducing development effort.
• Extensibility: CDS views can be extended to add custom fields or logic, adapting to evolving business requirements.

CDS Views vs. InfoProviders for Reporting

Feature	CDS Views	InfoProviders
Data Source	Database tables	Various sources (DB tables, flat files, external systems)
Data Modeling	SQL-like syntax in ABAP	Graphical modeling tools
Performance	Optimized for SAP HANA	Can be less efficient with large datasets
Flexibility	Highly flexible and extensible	Can be less flexible for complex scenarios
Integration	Tightly integrated with S/4HANA	Requires data extraction and loading
Real-time Access	Enables real-time reporting	May involve data latency

Advantages of CDS Views over InfoProviders:

• Simplified Data Access: CDS views provide a more intuitive and efficient way to access data compared to navigating complex InfoProvider structures.
• Improved Performance: CDS views leverage the power of SAP HANA for faster data retrieval and processing.
• Reduced Data Redundancy: CDS views eliminate the need for data duplication, as they access data directly from source tables.
• Enhanced Agility: CDS views are easier to maintain and adapt to changing business needs.

When to Use CDS Views:

• Operational Reporting: CDS views are ideal for real-time reporting on transactional data in S/4HANA.
• Embedded Analytics: CDS views enable embedded analytics within S/4HANA applications, providing users with direct access to relevant data.
• Data Extraction: CDS views can be used as data sources for external reporting tools or data warehouses.

In summary, CDS views offer a modern and efficient approach to data modeling and reporting in SAP S/4HANA. They provide a compelling alternative to traditional InfoProviders, especially for scenarios requiring real-time access, high performance, and tight integration with S/4HANA.