1. What Are the Different Types of Replication Techniques?
SAP provides three primary data replication techniques:- ETL-Based Replication – Uses SAP BusinessObjects Data Services (BODS) for Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) processes.
- Trigger-Based Replication – Uses SAP Landscape Transformation (SLT) to capture and replicate changes in real-time.
- Extractor-Based Data Acquisition – Utilizes Direct Extractor Connection (DXC) for data transfer.
2. What Is SLT?
SAP Landscape Transformation (SLT) is a trigger-based replication method that enables real-time or scheduled data transfer from SAP or non-SAP source systems to an SAP HANA target system. SLT acts as a middleware replication server that captures changes from the source system and updates the target system efficiently.3. Can Data Be Loaded and Replicated from One Source System to Multiple Target Database Schemas in HANA?
Yes, SLT allows replication from a single source system to up to four different target database schemas within the SAP HANA system.4. Is It Possible to Specify the Type of Data Load and Replication?
Yes, SLT allows users to configure data replication in different modes:- Real-time replication
- Scheduled replication (by time or interval)
5. What Is a Configuration in SLT?
A configuration in SLT is the set of parameters that define the connection between:- Source system (SAP or non-SAP)
- SLT replication server
- SAP HANA target system
6. Are There Any Prerequisites Before Creating the Configuration and Replication?
Yes, there are prerequisites based on the type of source system:- For SAP Source Systems:
- The DMIS add-on must be installed on the SLT replication server.
- The RFC user should have the IUUC_REPL_REMOTE role but not DDIC.
- For Non-SAP Source Systems:
- The DMIS add-on is not required.
- A database user must be granted sufficient authorization for data replication.
7. What Is the Configuration and Monitoring Dashboard?
This dashboard runs on the SLT replication server and helps users:- Define replication configurations (source system, target system, and connections)
- Monitor replication status via transaction LTR
- Yellow Status: Triggers are not yet created successfully.
- Red Status: The master job is aborted (check transaction SM37).
8. What Are Advanced Replication Settings in SLT?
Advanced replication settings allow users to customize data replication using:- Modifications to target table structures
- Performance optimization settings
- Transformation rules to manipulate data during replication
9. What Is Latency in SLT Replication?
Latency refers to the time taken for data replication from the source system to the target system. Lower latency ensures near real-time data availability in SAP HANA.10. What Is a Logging Table?
A logging table in the source system records all changes made to the replicated tables. The SLT replication server reads this table to transfer updated records to the target system.11. What Are Transformation Rules in SLT?
Transformation rules allow data modification during replication. These rules can be configured to:- Convert field values (e.g., changing currency formats)
- Fill empty fields with default values
- Skip specific records during replication
12. What Happens When a New Configuration Is Set Up?
When a new SLT configuration is created, the system automatically generates:- Database connection
- Globally Unique Identifier (GUID)
- Mass Transfer ID (MT_ID) – Used for naming SLT jobs and uniquely identifying schemas
13. What Factors Influence the Number of SLT Jobs?
Several factors determine the number of jobs needed for optimal replication:- Number of active configurations on the SLT server
- Number of tables being replicated
- Speed of initial data load
- Replication latency requirements
14. When Should the Number of Data Transfer Jobs Be Adjusted?
Adjusting the number of data transfer jobs can optimize performance:- Increase the jobs if the replication speed is too slow.
- Reduce the jobs after the initial load is completed.
- Adjust jobs dynamically if SLT has more resources available.
15. What Are the Different Jobs Involved in the SLT Replication Process?
Several jobs are executed during SLT replication:- Master Job: IUUC_MONITOR_<MT_ID> – Oversees the entire replication process.
- Master Controlling Job: IUUC_REPLIC_CNTR_<MT_ID> – Controls replication management.
- Data Load Job: DTL_MT_DATA_LOAD_<MT_ID>_<2digits> – Handles initial data load.
- Migration Object Definition Job: IUUC_DEF_MIG_OBJ_<2digits> – Defines migration objects.
- Access Plan Calculation Job: ACC_PLAN_CALC_<MT_ID>_<2digits> – Calculates access plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What Are the Benefits of SLT Replication?
- Real-time data replication with minimal latency.
- Flexible replication for SAP and non-SAP systems.
- Advanced transformation rules for data customization.
- Support for multiple target schemas in HANA.
Q2. How Can I Monitor SLT Replication?
Use transaction LTR (Configuration & Monitoring Dashboard) to track replication status and troubleshoot issues.Q3. Can SLT Handle Large Data Volumes Efficiently?
Yes, but performance tuning is essential. Adjust data transfer jobs, latency settings, and initial load strategy for optimal performance.Q4. What Happens if a Table Structure Changes in the Source System?
If a table structure changes, SLT automatically detects it, but manual intervention might be needed to adjust transformation rules.Q5. Is SLT Suitable for Cloud Deployments?
Yes, SLT supports on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments, making it versatile for SAP HANA cloud migrations.Q6. How Can I Improve SLT Performance?
- Use parallel processing for large data volumes.
- Tune replication jobs based on system resources.
Monitor latency and optimize network connectivity.
Conclusion
SAP Landscape Transformation (SLT) is a powerful replication tool that ensures real-time, flexible, and efficient data movement across SAP and non-SAP systems. Understanding its configurations, transformation rules, and performance tuning techniques is essential for optimizing SLT-based data replication.