InfoSets
InfoSets (formerly known as Functional areas in earlier versions of SAP) are the second component of SAP reporting. InfoSets are created on the Maintain InfoSets screen, which you can access using transaction code /nSQ02. The technical definition of InfoSets are areas that provide special views of logical databases and determine which fields of a logical database or data source can be evaluated in queries. Basically, an InfoSet is the data source; it’s where you get your data to use in your reports. InfoSets can be built on a variety of sources, but the most common is the use of what is known as a logical database (LdB). Recall that writing reports without Query tools requires a programmer to write code that goes into the main R/3 database and retrieves the records it needs. This is no easy skill. SAP’s answer to this issue is the logical database.
Logical databases are rational prearranged groupings of data from multiple related tables that are indexed. In layman’s terms, logical databases place all the fields you want to report in an easy container from which you simply select the fields you need to include in your report. An overview of the relationship between these different elements is shown in Figure 20.1. Although the maintenance of InfoSets is usually a task for your System Administrator, you learn how to create a sample InfoSet later in this section.
By the Way
Depending on your SAP authorization privileges, you might need to request assistance from your System Administrator in creating a test Query Group, functional area, and query. It is also possible, if you are working with a newly installed SAP system, that you will receive a message saying you must convert objects first. If you receive this message, contact your System Administrator. He or she will be required to perform a standard administration function to convert the objects before you can proceed.