Overview: SAP HANA-Optimized InfoCubes

An SAP HANA-optimized InfoCube is a standard InfoCube that has been optimized for use with SAP HANA. After you create an SAP HANA-optimized InfoCube, you assign characteristics and key figures to dimensions. The BW system does not create any dimension tables separately from the package dimension. SAP system IDs (SIDs or master data IDs) are written directly to the fact table. According to SAP, the dimensions are used only as a sort criterion. They provide you with a clearer overview when you create a query in the BEx Query Designer.
The classic InfoCube has two fact tables: E for read-optimized partitioning, and F for write-optimized or delete-optimized partitioning. It also has dimension tables and shared master data tables. An SAP HANA-optimized InfoCube has only one fact table (F), and it joins directly with master data tables. Although you can still create dimensions for grouping characteristics, these are not stored in physical tables.
In the BW Source Designer for SAS Data Surveyor for SAP, the Select Columns tab has changed to accommodate this new feature. Dimension tables are not listed. Only the fact table, master data SID, and master tables are represented. The fact table contains a package dimension key and SIDs for master data. SIDs of the selected master data are required key columns. SIDs are available from the Info Objects tab. Once you select them, you cannot deselect them.
For more information, see “SAP HANA-Optimized InfoCubes” in the SAP NetWeaver BW 7.3 help.