How To Load Master Data From Flat File in SAP BI/BW

By : Jessica Blake Jessica Blake
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⚡ Smart Summary

Load master data from a flat file in SAP BI/BW by configuring a flat file source system, creating a DataSource, transformation, DTP, and InfoPackage. The structured workflow ensures clean attribute mapping, validated extraction, and reliable loading into InfoObjects.

  • 🧱 Source System Setup: Use transaction RSA1 in SAP BI to register a flat file source system under the FILE folder before any data load.
  • 📦 DataSource Creation: Define an Application Component, create a DataSource with field structure matching the target InfoObject attributes, and activate it.
  • 🔁 Transformation Mapping: Build a transformation between the flat file DataSource and the InfoObject attribute target so source fields map cleanly to target fields.
  • ⚙️ DTP Execution: Create the Data Transfer Process to move records from PSA into the master data InfoObject reliably.
  • 📥 InfoPackage Scheduling: Configure an InfoPackage to schedule the load from the flat file into the PSA, then run the DTP to load the DSO.
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Load Master Data From Flat File in SAP BI/BW

Load Master Data From Flat File

Master data loading in SAP BI/BW is a foundational task for analytical reporting. In this walkthrough, you will learn how to load master data into an InfoObject from a flat file using a clear, repeatable workflow.

We will learn the load with the help of a scenario: Load master data into InfoObject ZMAT (Material Number), which has the attribute ZMAT_NM (Material Name). Below are detailed steps to load data into the master data InfoObject from a flat file.

Load Master Data From Flat File

Step 1: Create a Source System for the Flat File

The first stage is to register a flat file source system so SAP BI can recognize where the incoming data originates.

  1. Go to transaction code RSA1.
  2. Click the OK button.

Create Source System Transaction RSA1

In the next screen:

  1. Navigate to Modeling tab > Source Systems.
  2. Right-click on the folder named FILE and choose “Create” from the context menu.

Create FILE Source System

On the next screen:

  1. Enter the Logical System Name.
  2. Enter the Description.
  3. Click Continue.

Enter Logical System Name

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Step 2: Create an Application Component

Application Components organize DataSources logically. Define one before creating the DataSource so the flat file load is grouped sensibly.

  1. Navigate to Modeling tab > Data Sources.
  2. Choose the Source System you just created.

Choose Source System for Data Source

  1. Right-click and select Create Application Component.

Create Application Component

  1. Enter the Technical Name.
  2. Enter the Description.
  3. Click Continue.

Enter Application Component Technical Name

Create the DataSource

Next, create a DataSource under the Application Component to hold the incoming flat file structure.

  1. Navigate to Modeling tab > Data Sources.
  2. Right-click and select Create Data Source.

Create Data Source

  1. Enter the Technical Name.
  2. Choose the DataType for the DataSource.
  3. Click Continue.

Choose DataSource DataType

  1. Enter the fields shown below. This structure should match the DSO to which transaction data will be loaded.

DataSource Fields Matching DSO

  1. In the Extraction tab, choose the Adapter as “Load Text-Type File from Local Workstation”.
  2. Choose the file path where the flat file is placed, then activate the DataSource.

Extraction Tab Flat File Path

Click Save.

Step 3: Create Transformation Between DataSource and InfoObject Attribute

The transformation defines how source fields map to the target InfoObject attributes. SAP BI auto-suggests mappings when field names align.

Right-click on the DataSource and select Create Transformation.

Create Transformation from DataSource

On the next screen:

  1. Enter the Target Object Type.
  2. Enter the Target Object Name.
  3. Enter the SubType.
  4. Click Continue.

Transformation Target Object Settings

The transformation is created with automatic mapping of the source fields to the target fields.

Create the Data Transfer Process (DTP)

A DTP transfers records from the PSA into the active data target.

Right-click on the DTP folder and choose Create Data Transfer Process from the context menu.

Create Data Transfer Process

The screen below shows the DTP created successfully.

DTP Created Confirmation

Step 4: Create an InfoPackage and Schedule the Data Load

The InfoPackage controls how the flat file is read into the PSA. Schedule it before running the DTP.

  1. Enter RSA1 in the command prompt.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. Navigate to Modeling tab > DataSources.
  4. Right-click on the DataSource and select Create InfoPackage.

Create InfoPackage

  1. Enter the InfoPackage Description.
  2. Click Save.

InfoPackage Description

  1. Click the Schedule tab.
  2. Click Start to begin the load from the flat file to the DataSource.

Schedule InfoPackage

Step 5: Load Data to the DSO

The final stage executes the DTP to move records from PSA into the active master data InfoObject.

  1. Click the Execute tab in the DTP.
  2. Click the Execute button to start the data load from the DataSource (PSA) into the DSO.

Execute DTP Load to DSO

Best Practices for Flat File Master Data Loads

Following a few proven habits keeps flat file loads predictable and easy to troubleshoot in SAP BI/BW.

  • Validate the flat file: Ensure the field order, delimiters, and date formats in the file match the DataSource structure before activation.
  • Match attribute keys: Verify the key field of the InfoObject is unique in the source file to avoid load rejections.
  • Test with small samples: Run the InfoPackage and DTP with a small file first, then scale to full volume after the mapping is confirmed.
  • Monitor PSA records: Check the PSA after the InfoPackage run to confirm record counts before triggering the DTP.
  • Document the load: Record the Application Component, DataSource, and DTP names so the load can be reproduced or handed over easily.

FAQs

SAP BI/BW supports CSV text files and ASCII files for flat file loads. Files can be loaded from the local workstation or from an application server path defined in the DataSource Extraction tab.

An InfoPackage loads source data into the PSA layer. A DTP (Data Transfer Process) then moves records from the PSA into the target object such as a DSO, InfoCube, or master data InfoObject.

Mapping errors usually occur when source fields do not match target InfoObject attributes by name or type. Verify the DataSource field structure, data types, and key fields align with the target InfoObject before activation.

Yes. Use the Schedule tab in the InfoPackage to configure periodic loads such as daily or weekly runs. For unattended runs, place the file on the application server and schedule via Process Chains.

AI tools can profile source files, detect anomalies, and recommend field mappings between DataSource structures and InfoObject attributes. Machine learning models can also flag duplicate records and forecast volume spikes that may impact load performance.

Yes. AI-powered data quality tools can standardize names, deduplicate records, fix casing, and validate reference codes in the flat file before it reaches the PSA. This reduces transformation rejects and improves InfoObject attribute accuracy.

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