In SAP BW (Business Warehouse), the key date is a critical parameter used in queries to determine the validity of data based on time-dependent objects. The key date allows users to retrieve data as it was valid on a specific date, which is particularly important for time-dependent master data and hierarchies. Below is a detailed explanation of how the key date affects different types of objects in a BW query:
Explanation: Display attributes are additional descriptive fields associated with characteristics in SAP BW. These attributes can be time-dependent, meaning their values may change over time. When a key date is specified in a BW query, the system retrieves the value of the display attribute that was valid on that specific date.
[: In SAP BW, display attributes are often derived from master data tables. If the master data is time-dependent (e.g., material descriptions or customer names that change over time), the key date ensures that the correct historical value is displayed in the query result., , 2. Basic Key FiguresExplanation: Basic key figures represent measurable quantities such as sales revenue, quantity sold, or costs. These values are typically stored in fact tables and are not directly affected by the key date. Instead, they are influenced by the time characteristics (e.g., fiscal year, calendar month) used in the query., Why Not Affected: Since basic key figures are numeric measures tied to transactional data, they do not depend on the validity of master data or hierarchies. Therefore, the key date does not impact their values., Reference: SAP BW documentation confirms that key figures are independent of the key date unless explicitly modeled with time-dependent logic., , 3. Time CharacteristicsExplanation: Time characteristics (e.g., fiscal year, calendar month, or posting date) are directly influenced by the key date. The key date determines the time period for which data is retrieved in the query. For example, if the key date is set to "01.01.2023," the query will fetch data relevant to that specific date or period., Reference: Time characteristics are integral to BW queries, and the key date serves as a filter to restrict data retrieval to a specific point in time. This functionality is well-documented in SAP BW query design guides., , 4. HierarchiesExplanation: Hierarchies in SAP BW are often time-dependent, meaning their structure or node assignments may change over time. The key date ensures that the hierarchy version valid on the specified date is used in the query. For example, an organizational hierarchy might change due to restructuring, and the key date determines which version of the hierarchy is applied., Reference: SAP BW supports time-dependent hierarchies, and the key date is a standard mechanism to manage these changes. This is extensively covered in SAP BW hierarchy management documentation., , 5. Navigation AttributesExplanation: Navigation attributes are similar to display attributes but are used for filtering or navigating data in queries. Like display attributes, navigation attributes can be time-dependent. However, the key date does not affect navigation attributes because they are primarily used for query navigation rather than displaying values., Why Not Affected: Navigation attributes are not directly displayed in query results, and their behavior is not influenced by the key date., Reference: SAP BW query modeling guidelines clarify that navigation attributes are not impacted by the key date., , ConclusionThe key date in a BW query affects objects that are time-dependent, such as display attributes, time characteristics, and hierarchies. It ensures that the correct historical values or structures are used in the query results. Basic key figures and navigation attributes are not directly influenced by the key date., By understanding these relationships, SAP Data Engineers can design robust queries that accurately reflect historical data as per business requirements.]
