What are CDS views and what is the Virtual Data Model (VDM)?
The Virtual Data Model (VDM) in SAP S/4HANA and SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a consistent representation of CDS views (Core Data Services) and follows defined modeling rules. It forms the basis for data access in SAP S/4HANA, for example for analytical applications of embedded analytics.
CDS views are based on SQL expressions and annotations to define data structures, relationships and filters, thus enabling efficient database queries.
The VDM provides an abstracted view of the data in SAP S/4HANA and SAP S/4HANA Cloud, which enables a uniform and simplified data access layer for various applications.
What are the advantages of CDS views?
"We are happy to support you in the area of embedded analytics with CDS views so that you can make the most of the possibilities of your technology and the associated reporting."
CDS views as a data source
In SAP S/4HANA, SAP continues to deliver the familiar standard extractors for the Business Warehouse. CDS technology opens up new ways of extracting data more efficiently while using the same data model as in the analytical Fiori apps.
- Efficient data provision for BW / Datasphere reporting. Faster provision for reporting means that reporting cycles can be shortened and relevant information can be better analyzed.
- Standardization of the technology and data source used for operational reporting, simplifying maintenance and reducing complexity.
- Previous extractors had to be initialized, which led to a booking stop in the system. With CDS technology, extractors no longer need to be initialized. This means that operations in S/4HANA are guaranteed throughout.
FAQs
There are two different types of CDS views in the SAP world:
- ABAP CDS views
- HANA CDS views
In SAP S/4HANA Embedded Analytics, the data models are modeled with ABAP CDS views.
The difference between the two views lies mainly in the technology used and the area of application.
- ABAP CDS views can be used for embedded analytics.
- HANA CDS views are developed natively on the HANA database.
CDS views are defined in SQL. Annotation gives them additional functionality, e.g. for the hierarchical representation of data.
With the help of annotations, CDS views can be enriched with additional information or metadata.
