Navigation Attributes & Planning Characteristics

Hi,
We plan to maintain some of the characteristics as Navigation Attributes. We understand that there are performance issues if we use navigation attributes in planning area.
I have a query: If we do not navigate data based on navigation attribute in interactive planning, even then the performance be low or only when we select navigation attribute in interactive planning?
regards,
Mohit

By definition, nothing is stored in live cache against navigation attributes. So if you load a selection containing navigational attribute or drill down by navigational attribute, in theory this should be much faster vis a vis reading from live cache (not withstanding the general computing theory of memory resident processing). This statement (of mine) is contra positive to SAP warnings on performance when using navigational attributes. There are a dozen notes on this to scare users.
There is no definitive answer I guess... at least empirically. It depends eventually on the query size. When query is large, it is hard to blame navigational attributes alone (if you are using some). It can be more so because of transaction time (SQL>LC routine > SQL) in the live cache as well. Sometimes reading a simple relational table (if indexed) can be much faster than reading non-relational (live cache) tables.
I am not a techspert and authority on this. This response is based on my painful experiences. For me anything more than couple of seconds on interactive DP is a waste of time.
Thanks
Borat

Similar Messages

RSDRI_INFOPROV_READ and navigational attributes

Hi experts,
can you please share your knowledge and experience with me?
the issue:
within a custom ABAP program i am calling function module RSDRI_INFOPROV_READ with standard parameters. this works fine only if no characteristics or basic characteristics selection is applied. But the call will fail in case we select on navigational attributes of characteristics.
is there any experience in the field or at SAP about this restriction, or maybe some helpful workaround?
Many thanks for your feedback and assistance!
Cheers, Harry

Hello everybody,
I face the same problem that RSDRI_INFOPROV_READ doesn't work with navigational attributes. It throws an exception. I did some debugging and found out the following:
At some point in the call stack, the method CL_SQL_PARAMETERS->SET_PARAM_STRUCT is invoked.
This Method reads the structure of the fields:
cl_abap_typedescr=>describe_by_data_ref( struct_ref ).
struct_ref is filled with /BIC/V<Cube>2
This dictionary structure does not contain any navigational attributes.
Then, there is a loop on the InfoObjects that were transferred to RSDRI_INFOPROV_READ with the parameter I_TH_SFC (also nav. attributes). Within the loop, the fields are "compared" to the components of the structure /BIC/V<Cube>2:
READ TABLE sdescr_p->components ASSIGNING <comp>
WITH KEY name = <cf>.
Since the nav. attributes are not contained in the internal table sdescr_p->components an exception is raised and the function terminates with an error.
By the way, this problem only occurs after we have upgraded to BI 7.0.....
Can anybody help?
Thanks a lot!
Cheers
Michael

Use of planning characteristics vs navigation attributes in APO DP

I am using APO DP V5.
I have a product characteristic.
Products are grouped into 'product groups'.
I want to be able to run stat forecasts at the 'product group' level, and also adjustments via key figures at the 'product group' level.
For the 'product group', I could set up a planning characteristic or a navigation attribute.
What are the pros/cons of setting up a planning characteristic or navigation attribute, bearing in mind the need to forecast and make adjustments at this level?
Thanks in advance...

Hi,
The pros for using navigatyion attribute are quite easy: it will give you far more flexibility.
For example in case of change of hierarchy, you will not need to run realignment.
It simplify in the same way the data loading.
Now the cons: there is still some limitations: you can without any problem run stat forecast and adjustment for a navigation attribute. The only limitations I can remember are for promotion and store the assigment of a forecast profile to a selection (see /SAPAPO/MSDP_FCST2 - Assign Forecast Profiles to a Selection ).
this point might, or not, be the issue for you: do you plan to use the automatic forecast profile selection? If yes, then I suggest you to test it with navigation attributes; but as far I know it will fail. (note: I think there is workaround with a badi implementation, but can't remember which one now)
I hope it helps
Julien

Using navigation attributes in planning queries

Hi all!
In one of the SAP demos I saw something like: we've got a "Store" char in planning query, and Region, Format and Climate added as free characteristics. Region, Format and Climate are navigation attributes of the Store characteristic. And when user drags, for example, Region into the planning table, he or she can enter the values on region level, and when saving the data it's being automatically distributed by all the Stores that have that Region as an attribute.
I have a somewhat similar task - I have a "Branch" characteristic that has "Country" as a navigation attribute. I have to plan data for that navigation attribute, the country, and I expect the data to be distributed by all the branches that have that country as an attribute. But when I add it to the planning query, I've got repeating rows for each branch in each country even though I don't see the branches.
What should I do to accomplish this task?
Thanks!
Best regards,
Andrey

Hi Gregor!
Thanks a lot for your help!
It's almost working as I want it to work.
But there's something I'm probably doing wrong.
I'm selecting B as a "free characteristic" in the query and hide it, and put B__C in the rows section, then choose "Master Data" for both "Access Type for Result Values" and "Filter value selection..." for both characteristics. After that I execute the query and see that everything seems to be as it should be, and after I enter data for something, it automatically distributes by the branches that have that country as an attribute.
That's weird. Because when I do as you told me to, using the flag "Characteristic Rel-ps" for "Access Type for Result Values", put B__C and B in rows (B is hidden) and execute the query, I get multiple repeating rows for each branch that has the selected country as an attribute. And system tells me that "3 characteristic combinations generated successfully" (that is correct - I have 3 branches for the selected country).
I've tried setting "Char rel-ps" for both of the characteristics, then for only one each of them - and I still get the same picture.
Could you please tell me what I might be doing wrong here? And why it seems to be working with "Master data" chosen for "Acc. type for result values"?..
Thanks!
Best regards,
Andrey
Edited by: Andrey Makeev on Feb 3, 2012 6:45 AM

APO Demand Planning - Navigational Attributes BADI

Hi,
I have an issue in that I need a Navigational Attribute to be able to store the GUID for a Forecast Profile to a Selection. In standard, only a selection with Key Characteristics can do this. It is not practical for us to use a Key Characteristic because the realignment would take to long therefore it needs to be a Navigational Attribute.
Having read the note "Use of planning characteristics vs navigation attributes in APO DP " dated 19/10/2009 in SAP Solutions » SCM - APO Forum, it indicates that there is a BADI work around to enable this to be done but cant remember which one.
Does anyone know the BADI can be used to achieve this?
Thanks
Mark

Prabhat
Please refer to OSS note 413526 for a comparison of Navigational Attributes v/s basic characteristics. While most planning tasks can be done with navigational attributes there are a few limitations.
Rishi Menon

Integrated Planning on Navigational Attribute

Hello Experts ,
We are using BI 7.0 integrated planning.
We have a Report that is input enabled on Service . Service info Object is a characteristics in the info provider and is in the rows area of the Report . Input enabled was fine .
But I would like to bring Service which is navigational attribute of Fund center ie 0funds_ctr-bservice in the report(rows area) and want to plan against that service.
But when I bring this navigational attribute , now the query is not enabled for input . Do i have to any thing else in the Planning to make it input enabled .
Any ideas please .
Thanks

Andrey, indu,
Thanks for your reply.
Andrey,
I have put navigational attribute(Service) in the rows area and restricted with a variable . Still query is not enabled.
The query is not enabled as soon as i select Fund center in the Aggregation levels in IP.
If I remove(un check) fund center in the aggregation level , the query is input enabled . But i got to enable Fund center at aggregation level so that I can bring in Navigational attribute(service) of func cener.
Any ideas please .
Thanks

Restrict on Navigation attribute in Integrated Planning

Hello,
I have created an Aggregation Level on the Multiprovider(combines Actual and Plan) and I have created a ready to input query on the multi provider. The query works fine for planning.
However, I would like to restrict the query to show only few accounts. Account type is the navigational attribute on the Sold to party and I want to restrict only the Sold to party of Account type 1 2 3 & 4. When I restrict that in the query the Planned values are not editable. I am not able to input the planned values. I am able to input when I take the navigational attribute away in the query.
Could anyone of you please help me with this. Could anyone please let me know the steps to use the navigational attribute in the input ready query or Integrated Planning
thanks,
KK

Hi,
As Sven has mentioned has mentioned you can lock each record by having a characteristic "0createdby".
But you have to create a characteristic relationship of type "Exit" where in you write a small piece of ABAP code to generate the value of "0createdby", when the end user tries saving a reocrd in to the planning cube.
Kindly refer to the following link for more details on characteristic relationship,
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw70/helpdata/en/43/1c3d0f31b70701e10000000a422035/frameset.htm
Regards,
Balajee

Integrated Planning - Navigation attribute not shown for Planned figures

Hello,
I have created a Input ready query to get the actual figures from previous years and enabling users to enter the planned figures. I have created Planning functions to copy and revaluate.
Reg   Account    Actual         Planned
US         123000     $3000         $4000
US         124200     $5000         $6000
I have one more report where it shows the Actual & Plan comparision.
In the Actual & Plan comparision report I have an additional Navigational attribute SIC code to be shown for each account.
My Actual & Plan comparision report should ideally be seen like below.
Reg   Account    SIC Actual         Planned
US         123000      3026         $3000         $4000
US         124200      4325         $5000         $6000
But it is showing as below where it has # for Planned figures and it shows blank.
Reg   Account     SIC   Actual         Planned
US         123000      3026         $3000         <blank>
US         123000      #              <blank>       $4000
US         124200      4325         $5000          <blank>
US         124200      #              <blank>        $6000
SIC Code is a navigational attribute of account. What changes do I have to do to make the SIC code to be shown for planned figures.
Any help would be highly appreciated and rewared.
Regards,
KK

I figured it out. I didnt assign the navigation attribute to the plan cube in the multiprovider. Thanks!!
Edited by: KK on Feb 19, 2008 10:12 PM

Can we use Navigational attributes as Virtual Characteristics

Hi,
I need to derive the virtual characteristic based on 2 infoobjects in the multiprovider. One of the infoobject is a navigational attribute. I am using the BADI approach to create the virtual characteristic. Can we use navigational attributes to pass values to derive the virtual Char or is there any limitation.
Basically can I use the below code to read navigational attr
when <b>'0EMPLOYEE_0JOB'</b> OR '0PROFIT_CTR'.
          l_s_chanm-chanm = <chanm_used>.
          l_s_chanm-mode = rrke_c_mode-read.
          append l_s_chanm to c_t_chanm.
Thanks,
Kal

Hi Kal,
          I think you model a virtual KFig in the way you have suggested.I think the routine will work.Its looking similar populating a field using read masterdata.I think it will work.
Regards
Karthik

Use of navigation attributes in APO DP

I am trying to clarify how navigation attributes compare with full planning characteristics in APO DP (V5).
In general, I know that navigation attributes are used for selection and navigation in APO DP.
But suppose I have a navigation attribute called 'product type' for planning characteristic 'product'. Isn't it also possible to forecast and make adjustments at the 'product type' level.
If the answer is yes, what is the real difference between the use of navigation attributes and planning characteristics?
Thanks for any help with this.
Bob Austin

You do not see difference in Attribute and characteristics in the interactive planning screen. So you should be able to create selections and do general navigation
just a little more detail on the difference between nav attributes and planning char
But creating forecast profiles might be a problem- Selections with navigational attributes do not create forecast assignment table entries. As of SCM4.1, the attribute information can be stripped out of the selection via BADI, allowing an assignment entry to be created.
Maintenance of CVCs also have to be done differently. Navigational attributes are not same as CVCs. Instead they point at the value of another characteristic. We create master data for nav attrib in the Admin workbench. Also If you plan to use navigational attributes on standard characteristics, say in 9AMATNR, then you could have issues in SNP since SNP does not support Nav attrib
Also realignment of Navigational attributes is not a standard process but can be done.

How to check Navigational attribute in Planing book?

we have 5 characteristics and 1 navigational attribute in our MPOS.
after loading data into PA and checking planning book, I do not see navigational attribute in the planninng book selection window. on the left side object selection and drill down my planning book shows only 5 charactercis and not the navigational attribute..
how can I view data in the planning book using navigation atttribute as a selection? Thx
Edited by: SCM0925 on Jul 27, 2010 10:06 PM

My infocube shows that nav attr field is populated with the values. but for some reason nav attribute is not shwoing up in the planning book. any reason do u guys think of?
CVC shows that nav attribute field
infocube shows nav attr field and values
but planning book doesnot show that attrbute.. only its shows chars
Edited by: SCM0925 on Jul 28, 2010 2:32 AM

Navigation Attributes

dear All,
Is there any thumb rule to decide whether a characteristic should be defined as an attribute/navigational attribute.
the reason is from a realignment point of view, navigational attributes can be easily realigned by just updating the master data. For plain attributes, we need to carry out the realignment.
Can i use navigational attributes in planning?
regards,
Kedar

Hi Kedar,
You cant plan using navigational attributes.You can do one thing if you really want to plan using navigational attributes convert them to separate characteristics and can start planning.
Regarding realignment , you cant do realignment for attributes you need to convert them to characteristics in order to plan.
Please let me know if your question is answered. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks ,
Raj

Navigation attributes in APO DP

I am using APO DP V5.
I have a planning characteristics of product and customer. I also have a characteristic of 'product group'. I am trying to clarify the <u>real difference</u> between modelling this characteristic as a planning characteristic or as a navigation attribute of product.
Based on my testing, using product group as a navigation attribute, I can select by product group and apply fixing and disaggregation.
So, what is the 'added value' of modelling 'product group' as a planning characteristics?
Any feedback appreciated.
Thanks, Bob Austin

To quote OSS note 413526
When defining a planning area you have the option of using either basic
characteristics or navigation attributes. With regard to the design the
following aspects should be considered:
Navigation attributes:
===========================================================
The use of navigation attributes adversely affects performance during
data selection and during navigation in the interactive planning. The
number of used navigation attributes is important and not the different
specifications of a navigation attribute.
It is very easy to realign the planning objects since only the master
record table of the affected InfoObject has to be changed.
Navigation attributes can not be used as a characteristic during the
definition of a fixed aggregate.
During the disaggregation a navigation attribute can never represent the
lowest planning level.
Navigation attributes can not be used in the promotion planning, in
other words an 'assign object' is not possible for navigation attributes.
Basic characteristics:
===========================================================
In comparison with navigation attributes, the exclusive use of basic
characteristics improves the performance.
It is possible to realign the planning objects, but this is more
complicated.
Basic characteristics can be used during the definition of aggregates.
Both navigation attributes and basic characteristics can be used during the
data extraction.
It is therefore not possible to give a clear-cut recommendation for or
against navigation attributes.

Virtual infoprovider with services - Navigational attributes

Hi all,
I have a basic cube in BI system- X , and created a virtual cube in another BI system Y with services to read data from basic cube of BI system X . In BI system Y we built a report on virtual cube. This report (on virtual cube in BI system Y) is using a characteristics say Product group ( which is a navigational attributes of prodect in BI system X).
DataFlow is as under:
Basic cube in BI system X:
Product
Year
Amount
and Product group is switched on as navigational attributes in this basic cube.
Virtual cube in BI system Y:
Product group
Year
Amount
Report in BI system Y:
Product group in rows
Amount in column
This report is not working.
If I do the the following changes as follows then it works:
1.Use Product instead of product group in report
2. Switch off navigational attributes in basic cube.
We are in BW 3.5 and navigational attributes option is ticked on for virtual cube.
In summary, If I do not use navigational attributes in report and switch off navigational attributes from basic cube then report shows data.
Could you please help me to figure out the issue.
Thanks,
Harry

Thanks Naga,
Yes, I tried adding product in virtual cube as well but it did not work. Secondly, we do not want to add product in virtual cube because of data aggregation.
Most strange thing is that, once we switch on any navigational attributes on basic cube, function module stop working (paasing any data to virtual cube report). report says no appropriate data found. We are using sap standard function module "RSDRI_INFOPROV_READ_RFC". I debegged this code and no data in internal tables.
If we switch off all navigational attributes from basic/source cube this function module provide data to internal tables in code.
Why function module is behaving like that.
You guys experience/support/any clue will be appreciated highly.
Thanks,
Harry

How to see Navigation attribute in Report

Hi ,
I am working on BI7.0.
In my Query , material is a characteristic which has 3-4 Navigation attributes. But when I execute the report , I can only see Material data displayed (because only material is in the rows). I also want to see data of its attributes in report results. I dont have authorisation to change the query.
Also I am unable to open the Query in Local view (some connectivity issues).
Can you please suggest How I can drill-down those attributes.??
Also these attributes are not visible in free characteristics.
Thanks,
Su

Hi there,
To use the navegational attributes with drill down, they have to be available in either rows, columns or free characterisitic.
For that you have to edit the query. There's no other way.
But each navegational attribute is also a display attribute.
Therefore, you can after executing the query, right-click over material and select properties. You'll see a tab named attributes where you can add the avilable attributes to the left (so they will be displayed), and change the settings of each one of them (see only key, key and text, etc.), but you can't filter by any of those attributes, or do any drill down options over them. They are only display attributes.
Hope this helps.
Diogo.

Navigation Attributes & Planning Characteristics

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for