Lesson 3 of 6
Query browser
7 min
Behind most multidimensional reports sits an analytical query: a definition of which measures and dimensions are available, which filters apply and how the result is laid out by default. A typical SAP S/4HANA system contains a large number of them, delivered by SAP and created by the customer. The Query Browser app is how business users and key users find the right one.
What the Query Browser shows
When you open the Query Browser, it lists the analytical queries you are authorized to use, across business areas. You can search with simple keywords, filter the list, and select a query to see all the fields (columns) it offers. That field list is the quickest way to judge whether a query can answer your question before you run it. The app shows SAP-delivered and customer-created queries; what you see depends on your roles.
- SearchKeyword such as "billing" or "overdue"
- InspectSelect a candidate query and read its fields: does it have the measure and dimensions you need?
- OpenLaunch it; it opens as a multidimensional report on live data
- OrganizeTag it, mark it as a favorite, or create a tile so you do not search again
Tags, favorites and tiles
Two features keep the list manageable. Favorites let you switch the view to just the queries you use often. Tags let you label queries with your own keywords, such as "month-end" or "O2C", and filter by them. For queries used every day, a launchpad tile is better still: a common approach is to create a tile for a frequently used query so that users never need to search for it.
Query Browser and View Browser
A related app, the View Browser, covers more ground: it shows all CDS views in the virtual data model, not only analytical queries, including the views underneath and their source. That makes it a tool for key users and analytics specialists who need to understand where data comes from. Business users who only run reports are usually given the Query Browser, which hides that complexity.
| Query Browser | View Browser | |
|---|---|---|
| Shows | Analytical queries only (the top layer) | All CDS view types in the virtual data model, including queries |
| Shows underlying views and sources | No | Yes |
| Typical users | Business users and key users | Key users, analytics specialists, developers |
| Typical purpose | Find and run a report | Understand and choose data sources, for example before building a custom query |
When nothing fits
Sometimes no query has the right combination of fields, filters or layout. Before asking for development, check three things: a different delivered query in the same area, a different layout of the closest query (many fields are available but not shown by default), and the free fields in the navigation panel. If none works, a key user can build a custom analytical query, covered in lesson 5.
What would you do?
Dan finds two queries with "Revenue" in their names that give different totals for September in company code 1710. What should he do first?
- Analytical queries define the measures, dimensions, filters and default layout of a report.
- The Query Browser lists the queries you may use; inspect fields before running one.
- Use favorites, tags and tiles to avoid repeated searching.
- The View Browser shows all CDS views and their sources and suits key users and specialists.
- When reports disagree, compare query definitions first.
Check your understanding · not graded
Lesson check
1. What does the Query Browser list?
2. In which app does a query open when launched from the Query Browser?
3. Which app shows underlying CDS views and their sources?
4. How can you avoid searching for a query you use daily?