The data replication in SAP is done between a source system and the central Finance system of S4 HANA Finance. We usually re-create the configuration either manually or via Business Configuration set. These we manually import actually.
We can handle the Master data manually also but we usually re-create them automatically through master data management solutions. For eg. SAP Master Data Governance (SAP MDG). Finally, we can replicate the transactional data out of the box via SAP Landscape Transformation Replication Server (SAP LT Replication Server).
Further, now we discuss the features and concept of Data Replication in SAP Central Finance.
In configuring the SAP LT Replication Server, we define how frequently we should replicate the data from the source system, usually in real-time. The SAP LT Replication server monitors the source database. As soon as we create the transactions, the system transfers these transactions to the central system.
We can also schedule this configuration with time intervals, from minutes to hours or days as we require.
When the master data replication process creates lags in the transaction process we recommend this setup.
The SAP LT Replication server constantly monitors source systems for any changes, which could hurt performance in the source system. To avoid performance issues, we can check several parameters.
In a Central Finance-only scenario, the number of tables that we must monitor is usually less than 5. The SAP LT Replication Server system itself does not need many background jobs to trigger analyses. Thus, make sure your system is set up with a minimum of background jobs.
When searching for changes in source systems, the SAP LT Replication server normally triggers a job in the source system for each identified table. In most cases, we don’t identify any changes. The SAP LT Replication server will continue to check if it sees some changes.
Replicating transactions between the source systems and the target system can consume a great deal of memory on the SAP LT Replication server during the initial load. However, going forward online replication requires much less memory.
In the Replication Settings under Performance options, we can define the package size for both the initial load and online replication. The default value is 5000 documents per package. Depending on the amount of available memory, you might increase the package size for the online replication and reduce it for the initial load.
Unscheduled downtimes can disrupt a central Finance environment, especially with three major systems involved (source, SAP LT Replication server, target). This leads to systems becoming out of sync.
In this case, you will need to execute a partial load, which will involve creating additional replication objects with additional filters. See the detailed procedures in the recovery guide attached to SAP Note – 2154420.
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As we do the data replication in SAP for the transactions from the source into the central system, errors may occur. The role of the central Finance centre of excellence is not so much to solve these errors but to dispatch errors and coordinate their resolution.
We need representatives from multiple domains to sort through errors that are related to the following.
The master data represented should help revise the Master Data Management process. This is to ensure that all necessary master data elements and their corresponding mapping are synchronized in the central system before the transactions are replicated.
During the period-end close in the source system, we take action to prepare for the next period. For example, ensuring that the next fiscal period is open for posting.
The finance reprehensive should make sure that the period-end process is extended to their communication with the centre of excellence. Or to take direct actions in the central system to prepare for the next period.
The IT representative should ensure proper communication with the infrastructure group so that the centre of excellence is aware of any downtime/upgrade to an interface that could impact the central system.
The source system might change over time. The business representative and the architect should maintain close collaboration with the rest of the organization to anticipate changes in the configuration of the inbound system or its processes.
I recommend using the SAP Application integration Framework notification features available in Transaction/AIF to ensure that errors do not accumulate too quickly. Check the Master and upgrade guide for the SAP Application Integration Framework for more details.
Also Read: SAP Central Finance Vs. S4 HANA Finance
We need reconciliation between the source and target system at least after the close of each period in the source system. We recommend performing regular checks during the period using the reconciliation reports.
The reconciliation process involves the following steps:-
In the central system, execute the report Central Finance Comparison for FI Document Headers (Transaction FINS_CFIN_DFV_NUM). This report counts the number of relevant Finance documents in the source system, the target system or the SAP Application Integration Framework and highlights the number of missing documents.
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In the source system, list the missing documents – Transaction SE16.
Reuse the information from the comparison report to extract extended information on the missing documents from table BKPF (Accounting Document Headers). This list serves as the root cause analysis. For instance, you may have missed a document. For example, if data is stored in the cross-company code column.
In the Central System, compare line items. Use the list of missing documents from previous steps as parameters to run the report Central Finance.
Comparison of FI Line Items (Transaction FINS_CFIN_DFV_FI_DOC). Documents should contain line items. If the report shows no line items for the selected documents, we don’t need to transfer these documents to Central Finance because they don’t carry any balances.
Report – Comparison of FI Document Headers
Report- Comparison of FI Line Items
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As I mentioned, the Data replication in SAP helps in making zero downtime disaster recovery. It also synchronizes data across various database environments putting minimal impact on source systems.
With Data mapping, we can perform the data migration without any interruptions.
Lastly, while the mapping procedure, the transactions remain consistent and inflow.
All these features and benefits of SAP Central Finance are reasons why we should do the data mapping or replication in SAP using the central finance segment of S4 HANA Finance.
This is among many fabulous features of SAP S4 HANA Finance that help consultants do their Migration work smoothly.
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