ABAP Runtime and SAP HANA Runtime
Transformations can be processed in ABAP (ABAP Runtime) or in SAP HANA (SAP HANA Runtime). You make this setting for a Transformation explicitly on the General tab. If you switch the run time, the system checks that the rules and any existing routines are still supported.
The runtime of the Data Transfer Process can no longer be set in the Data Transfer Process. Instead, the system determines whether execution in SAP HANA is possible (SAP HANA Runtime), or must be performed in ABAP (ABAP Runtime), and creates the processing type accordingly. If possible, the Data Transfer Process is executed in SAP HANA.
Note
With an ODP source system, ABAP Runtime is recommended, since the extraction is done by ABAP anyway. A transformation in SAP HANA would cause unnecessary effort, since the data must first be persisted.
SAP BW Transformations have been optimized for many years to be processed directly in SAP HANA by migrating them into HANA DB procedures (Code Push down).
In SAP BW/4HANA, all Transformation elements are available for SAP HANA processing (SAP HANA Runtime):
- Mappings, Conversions, Formulas, Read InfoObject / DataStore Object (advanced)
- Field /Start /End /Expert script
If ABAP coding is still required, the SAP BW/4HANA Transformation cannot be pushed down, however the Transformation is then processed by the SAP BW/4HANA application layer (ABAP Runtime).
Note
You can check SAP Note 2329819 "SAP HANA execution in DTPs (Data Transfer Processes) - Optimizations" for more details.
What should be considered regarding transformations using SAP HANA runtime?
Switching to SAP HANA runtime is a feature to improve performance. If significant (and critical) processing time is not gained, there is no reason to do so
SAP recommends the usage of formulas in transformations, since most formulas can be pushed down and their clear behavior allows easier analysis and support
SAP HANA runtime is an alternative mode and not a replacement of ABAP runtime
ABAP runtime will also work in future, will be supported, and will also see additional improvements and new features
Note
You can check SAP Note 2603241 "Overview and summary of the most important SAP Notes in the context of BW transformations with SAP HANA and ABAP execution" for more details.