SAP BW on HANA vs BW/4HANA Training

Learn the differences, benefits, and migration strategies for SAP BW on HANA and BW/4HANA with practical insights.

When it comes to SAP data warehousing, two solutions often come up: SAP BW on HANA and BW/4HANA. Both run on the powerful HANA in-memory database but serve different purposes and offer distinct advantages.

At Feligrat, we ensure learners not only understand technical differences but also why businesses choose one solution over the other — giving you an edge if you aim to become an SAP BW consultant or analytics expert.

What is the Difference Between SAP BW on HANA and BW/4HANA?

• – BW on HANA: Existing BW system optimized with HANA for faster reporting and real-time analytics without a full redesign.
• – BW/4HANA: Fully modernized BW built for HANA, offering advanced analytics, cloud readiness, better integration, and a user-friendly interface.

In simple terms:

• BW on HANA = speed + performance
• BW/4HANA = speed + modern architecture + future-ready features

A Quick History of SAP BW

SAP BW (Business Warehouse) first appeared in 1998 to help businesses analyze data efficiently. Before BW, reporting on production systems slowed down operations. BW solved this by:

• – Extracting data from production systems
• – Transforming it into an optimal format
• – Loading it into a separate system for reporting

With HANA introduced in 2010, BW reporting became real-time and dramatically faster thanks to in-memory data storage.

Benefits of SAP BW on HANA

• – Faster reporting: Reports that took hours or days now run in minutes
• – Real-time insights: Make decisions using up-to-date information
• – Operational agility: Identify and resolve issues quickly
• – Low-risk transformation: Experience HANA’s power without redesigning the system

Benefits of SAP BW/4HANA

• – Advanced analytics with modern modeling tools and flexible operators
• – Seamless integration with SAP Data Hub, SAP Analytics Cloud, and more
• – Cloud-ready for on-premise, cloud, or hybrid environments
• – Modern interface using SAP Fiori and Web Cockpit
• – Improved data management with dynamic partitioning and Data Tiering Optimization

Should You Move to BW/4HANA?

SAP’s roadmap shows BW will integrate with S/4HANA eventually, but both BW on HANA and BW/4HANA are fully supported. Recommended approach:

• – Start with BW on HANA for safe, low-disruption HANA experience
• – Upgrade to BW/4HANA later for advanced features and cloud integration
• – Some companies migrate directly to BW/4HANA (in-place, remote, or greenfield)

Challenges in Migration

• – Legacy code complexity: Some older custom logic may need rewriting
• – System dependencies: Existing integrations must be tested carefully
• – Downtime risks: Migrations can disrupt business operations

At Feligrat, we teach tools like Protera FlexBridge to simplify migrations, reduce downtime, and ensure full visibility into potential issues.

Feature Comparison

Key Takeaway

• – BW on HANA: Perfect for speed and ROI without major disruption
• – BW/4HANA: For full modernization, cloud integration, and future SAP technologies

At Feligrat, we ensure students not only learn technical differences but also understand strategic business choices, preparing them to excel as SAP BW professionals.