CDS Metadata Extension is always allocated on a Layer. Possible Layer value ranges include Core, Localization, Industry, Partner and Customer. What are the practical uses of these layers?
SAP CDS (Core Data Services) is a powerful data modeling tool that allows you to define data models and services to support SAP application development. In SAP CDS, metadata plays a vital role, describing the structure and semantic information of the data model. In order to better manage and organize these metadata, SAP introduced the concept of layering to distribute CDS Metadata Extension to different levels. The purpose of these layers is to help organizations manage and customize CDS metadata in different scenarios to meet the needs of different users.
The following is a detailed introduction to the concept of metadata layering in SAP CDS, including its practical uses and examples.
1. SAP CDS metadata layering concept
In SAP CDS, the metadata layering concept is a way of organizing and managing metadata. Each CDS Metadata Extension must be assigned to a specific level. These levels include:
-
Core : Contains metadata related to the basic structure and core semantics of the data model. This is the most basic level and is used to define the basic form of the data.
-
Localization : Contains metadata related to language, region, and geographic location. This layer is used to support multi-language and multi-region data models.
-
Industry : Contains metadata for specific industry areas. This allows organizations to tailor data models across different industries to meet industry-specific needs.
-
Partner : Contains metadata extensions provided by partners. Partners can extend the data models provided by SAP to support their own application needs.
-
Customer (customer layer) : Contains metadata extensions customized by SAP customers. This level is used to meet the individual needs of specific customers.
2. Practical use
The SAP CDS metadata layering concept has a wide range of practical uses, and they help organizations manage and customize data models in different scenarios. Here are the important roles of these layers and examples:
2.1 Core layer
Function : The core layer contains the basic structure and semantic information of the data model. It ensures the consistency and maintainability of the data model because it defines the basic form of the data and these basic structures remain unchanged regardless of the application scenario.
Example : Consider a supply chain management system. The CDS metadata at the core layer defines the structure and relationships of basic data objects such as products, orders, deliveries, and inventories. These metadata are common throughout the supply chain system and can be reused whether in production planning or inventory management.
2.2 Localization layer
Role : The localization layer allows the data model to be localized to support multi-language and multi-region requirements. It ensures that applications can be localized globally to meet the language and cultural preferences of different users.
Example : An international e-commerce platform can use a localization layer of CDS metadata to support multiple languages and currencies. For example, product descriptions, prices, and currency units can be automatically switched based on the user's language and region to provide a better user experience.
2.3 Industry level
Role : The industry layer allows the data model to be customized to suit the needs of a specific industry. Different industries have different data needs, and CDS metadata extensions at the industry level can ensure that the data model is consistent with industry-specific standards and practices.
Example : In the healthcare industry, industry-level CDS metadata can extend the standard patient information model to include medical records, diagnostic information, and Medicare-related data. This way, healthcare applications can better meet the needs of the healthcare industry.
2.4 Partner layer
Role : The partner layer allows third-party partners to extend the data model provided by SAP to support their own application needs. This encourages the development of an ecosystem where the SAP platform can be integrated with solutions from different vendors.
Example : A logistics service provider can use the CDS metadata extension at the partner level to integrate their transportation and warehousing data in SAP's supply chain management system. This integration allows SAP customers to seamlessly use the logistics service provider's services.
2.5 Customer layer
Function : The customer layer allows SAP customers to customize the data model to meet their personalized needs. This allows each customer to customize it to their unique business processes and requirements without modifying the standard model provided by SAP.
Example : A manufacturing company can use customer-level CDS metadata extensions to include specific production processes and quality inspection steps in SAP’s production planning module. This allows the company to follow its requirements in the SAP system
Specific requirements govern the production process.
3. Summary
The SAP CDS metadata layering concept provides a powerful tool for organizing and managing data models. Different levels of CDS metadata extensions allow organizations to manage and customize data models in different scenarios to meet the needs of different users. The core layer provides basic structural and semantic information, while the localization, industry, partner and customer layers allow the data model to be further customized and extended to meet specific business needs. This layered approach makes SAP CDS a flexible and scalable data modeling tool that can adapt to a variety of complex business scenarios and requirements.