“Simplifying your technological infrastructure and creating a translucent data ecosystem.”
Also known as SAP Landscape Transformation, SAP LT is an ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tool that can enable you to replicate data in a real-time scenario. In addition, you can also use the same to schedule data from one SAP or non-SAP source system into the SAP HANA database.
Now, the question is – how does it do so?
SAP LT, unlike any other similar tool, employs a trigger-based replication procedure to pass data to the target from the source system. As a result, it can improve the agility of the transformation and ensures that you are making the most out of SAP’s flexible architecture.
In addition, the trigger-based replication approach is only performed when you have a massive amount of data populating your table. Hence, it can make your job of maintaining the data flow much easier. Let’s keep reading this article till the end to know more about it.
SAP LT – A Technical Overview
SAP Landscape Transformation, or SAP LT, is positioned or deployed as a real-time tool used for replicating big data for SAP ABAP-based source systems.
Once the processing of the data is completed, it’s replicated and delivered to SAP HANA and other SAP-related databases, like –
- SAP Business Suite.
- SAP Applications, and
- Non-SAP sources.
Note: SAP LT Replication Server is a real-time replication tool for non-SAP systems. However, it also supports SAP Business Suite 2.0 or higher (Unicode versions only).
SAP LT – The Functionality
As a real-time replication tool, SAP LT can capture all the inserts, updates, and deletes for a replication table. The cornerstone of the tool is both providing an efficient data replication procedure and offering a robust, zero-impact data capturing technology.
The replication process done by SAP LT usually accords with real-time data movement. It means that the data is getting speedily synchronized to a target system from the source. Usually, SAP LT divides this procedure into two different parts, including the following –
Step – 1: The Initial Load.
At first, SAP LT loads the existing data and its determined subset from the core source system. It then sends the same to the target system. In the meantime, the source system begins to set up a logging table for each one to be replicated. If you want, you can run or process the initial load of data while the core source system is still active.
While the aforesaid procedure is ongoing, SAP LT sits and detects the data changes that might occur when the initial load process is working. All of these changes are written and saved to the previously created log tables. Once the initial load procedure is finished, they are transferred to your target system.
Step – 2: The Replication Procedure.
Once the initial load procedure is complete, SAP LT begins monitoring the tables available within the source system. If needed, it also replicates the data (otherwise known as delta data) changes required for the process. Everything is done in real time and without any distractions. There’s no need to worry about data loss.
If the target systems become temporarily unavailable, SAP LT continues to record the changes to the source system available in the log table. It also updates the target system to a table when it (the source system) comes back online.
Note: If you want, you can also use SAP HANA as the core data base structure You can also apply rules and filters to lower the quantity of replicated data or modify it.
Note (2): Technically, SAP Landscape Transformation is integrated as an add-on to DMIS2011, a NetWeaver stack. You will need to install it on the following system to make it work –
- SAP LT server.
- SAP source system.
SAP LT tightly coalesces with the SAP system landscape infrastructure. Hence, you can easily connect the add-on to the “SAP Solution Manager monitoring and notification framework.”
SAP LT Architecture – What Does It Feature?
The architecture of SAP LT is quite elaborate and segmentized. Each of them also works quite differently from the other. So, let’s get to know them closely.
Part – 1: The Read Engine.
It’s responsible for reading data from the logging tables and passing it again to the SAP LT replication server. It usually partakes in the initial load procedure.
Part – 2: Write Engine.
As the name implies, this system is responsible for writing relevant data from the replication server. However, you will need to start it manually before getting it to work.
Part – 3: DB Triggers.
The DB triggers focus on monitoring various events, including insert, modify, update, delete, for instance,, in the application table. It’ll be created automatically within the source system.
Part – 4: Logging Tables.
After an instance of DB trigger has occurred, the logging table will start capturing and storing the triggered data instantaneously. They will be created in the Source System as well.
Part – 5: Mapping and Transformation Engine.
The mapping and transformation engine is generally responsible for creating a well-structured transformation of data. For example when migrating from an ECC system to a target S/4HANA system.
The Benefits of SAP Landscape Transformation
The SAP Landscape Transformation software is all about helping you to master transformation activities from the get-go. After all, it’s been specifically designed to align and migrate roughly any type of data available within the existing SAP system. Additionally, it can also guide you through nearly any type of business reorganization.
The benefits of SAP LT may entail the following –
1: Sell, Purchase, and Restructure.
With SAP LT, you can comfortably secure data consistency and continuity through predefined scenarios during mergers, phasing-in divestiture, and acquisition activities.
2: Evaluate Transformation Feasibility.
It can also help you explore different possibilities in your IT landscape transformation project while offering instant insights from various in-depth evaluations, including –
- Profit.
- Cost.
- Risk, and
- Benefit.
3: Harmonize and Unify Data.
Thanks to SAP Landscape Transformation, you can easily streamline business procedures and enhance the overall data structure and quality. It can be done in various departments, like –
- Human capital management.
- Logistics, and
- Financials.
… to meet all the changing requirements of the business market.
How Does It Offer Such Benefits?
Well, the courtesy goes to the remarkable features that SAP Landscape Transformation comes with. Here’s what you need to know about them.
Feature – 1: Immediate and Instantaneous Deployment.
With SAP Landscape Transformation, it’ll be much easier for you to deploy data quickly and effectively. Also, there’s a step-by-step tutorial for a successful deployment available here. Simple scenarios can be handled in-house with little effort.
Feature – 2: Improved Operational Management.
SAP LT can also help you migrate with confidence and efficiency. And how does it do so? In essence, it centralizes management and operations with the SAP Solution Manager. So, it becomes much easier for you to track whatever you are doing and take care of the mistakes properly.
Feature – 3: Transformation Planning.
With SAP LT, you can ensure an optimized and consistent transformation of data thanks to the automated data transfer procedure. You can also document contents, configurations, and various processes effortlessly. It can also track and trace all your results to help with your planning.
Elements of SAP Landscape Transformation
Since the introduction of SAP Landscape Transformation in 1987, SAP has been adding several new features to SAP LT. These, in turn, have helped businesses streamline organizational operations and corporate restructuring.
- Offering business managers with critical data that’s needed to make crucial and strategic decisions.
- Streamlining information flow to ensure that the managers are getting the right data at the right time, right place.
- Automating the process of information searching and providing all the data necessary to manipulate the decisions and use it in several applications.
So, let’s take a look at the elements of SAP Landscape Transformation.
Element – 1: View Models.
This specific component of the software is all about enabling users to “view” a representation of the information being evaluated. This can be designed and configured to meet your individual needs.
However, if you don’t have any knowledge about it, you may opt for an SAP-specialist firm to make the design for you. It’ll be quicker, easier, and much less time-consuming. Special expertise is required to work with SAP LT.
How do the view models help you out? To begin with, it can help the managers to determine what type of data is more significant and where they should focus on. You can also modify the view models in accordance with the continual updating of data.
Nonetheless, before you implement the view models in your system, it might be better for you to test them beforehand. We have explained the reason behind this later.
So, keep your eyes open!
Element – 2: Logic Unit.
The logic units are a part of SAP LT that creates a link between the visual display and how the managers need to manage it. They also allow you to interact with data with just a few clicks of the mouse. After all, when the information is kept in the database, it becomes quite complicated to use or view. So, without the logic units, it wouldn’t be possible at all.
Also, you can use logic units to manipulate the available data and integrate it alongside various tools and applications.
Is Testing SAP LT Software Before Implementation Important?
Testing during a SAP LT project is critically important. Why? Well, you are essentially performing open-heart surgery on an SAP system, working with data, tables, and external applications. Making sure the right data is being extracted, correctly transformed, and then imported into the target system is a critical success factor.
Note: While you’re planning for changes, it’s also crucial to consider how you have established the data in the past. For example, some specific data transformations may cause inconsistencies in the future, which might lead to inconsistencies. If you want to minimize such problems, it’ll be best to build frameworks and numbering conventions to avoid headaches during the project. The more you assess your situation, the better you’ll know about the software and how to make it work for you.
The Final Say
Performing a landscape transformation to your business can offer a massive number of benefits to your company. For instance, you’ll be able to increase financial visibility, manage your data much more efficiently, and do proper information management planning.
However, it might be tricky for you to deploy the transformation technique properly. So, in that case, opting for an SAP-savvy organization might be helpful for you.
