In my previous blog post, I talked about my experience with converting free-hand SQL Deski reports in BI4.1 SP05. The resulting Webi reports worked flawlessly. That’s not to say I didn’t run into any issues.
The fact that this feature is available is great. There are, however, a few limitations.
We’ll start with what the feature allows you to do:
Here are a few limitations and gotchas:
Troubleshooting Tips:
During my initial tests, I ran into a major snag. My Deski reports just would not convert. They would fail with an error: “Failed: Error on Migration Engine” & “Not Converted : FHSQL1 - .wid document could not be generated due to unknown reason”. Here are things I tried to resolve my issue.
Client Side Tracing:
This KB 1586166 - How to enable tracing for BI4.x client applications is very useful. I copied the BO_Trace.ini file from the dir: <\SAP BusinessObjects\SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 4.0\conf>
I followed Option 2: Tracing via environment variable. I initially just enabled regular tracing:
//==========================================================
//Trace Syntax and Setting
//
//uncomment the lines below to enable tracing via ini file.
//This will override the trace setting via command line
//
//==========================================================
sap_trace_level = trace_error;
sap_log_level = log_error;
//keep = false;
//size = 100 * 1000;
But I found that this didn’t get me the information I wanted. So I changed the following lines:
sap_trace_level = trace_error;
sap_log_level = log_error;
to
sap_trace_level = trace_debug;
sap_log_level = log_info;
This gave me verbose trace logs. Now don’t be surprised if there are multiple files generated. I saw the following:
All these files are important. The Report Conversion Tool calls are in the TraceLog file, but it’s a java process hence the java logs, and it also invokes the Universe Designer Tool, we believe, for connectivity information. If you run into any problems with RCT, and the issue isn’t obvious, then I highly recommend verbose tracing and collecting all these logs.
Now at the time of writing this blog, the reason for my issue was not apparent in the logs. We saw error messages, but it didn’t scream “I did it”. We have an open dialog with our development team about possibly improving our error messages.
Just recently we also discovered that the RCT might also be requesting information from the APS. I figured out the reason why my reports were not converting, which I will talk about, but I will update this blog after I run a new trace and this time include the APS in the tracing process. Stay tuned!
Conversion Tool Audit
Since I was not having any luck with trace logs, and my patience was wearing thin, I decided to try a different avenue of troubleshooting. My server has Auditing enabled so I thought I’d audit the RCT activity to see if it clearly states why my reports were not converting.
This KB is what I used as a guide: 1846268 - How to enable Report Conversion Tool Audit in BI 4.0
Things to keep in mind:
Here is what the Report Conversion Tool Report looks like after converting 2 bad reports and 2 good reports.
Let's take a look at the "Not Converted" report tab.
While the report gives good information, it didn't tell me exactly why my reports were failing to convert.
Migrating other objects
I tried migrating other objects like Repository Objects, Universes, Rights, etc... Because my test was really simple, I really didn't need anything but the reports. I can understand that as a customer, more likely than not, you would do a full system migration. Please note that while that's perfectly fine, if you're testing reports, using the method I mentioned in my previous blog is just fine.
Changing the settings in RCT
At this point I was grasping at straws, so I thought I'd change the settings in RCT. This was pointless as all I really needed was to check the check box that read: Convert documents containing free-hand SQL / stored procedures.
Retraced my steps
Finally I decided to retrace my steps. In doing so, I realized my mistake. I had created the FHSQL Deski report using a MS Access 2003 ODBC driver. In my BI4.1.5 environment, I didn't have that driver installed. So I created a new FHSQL Deski report (although updating the connection would have worked too) using MS Access 2007 ODBC driver, migrated the reports and converted them SUCCESSFULLY!
Knowledge Base Articles
I will try to update this Blog with any helpful KBAs I come across.
It took some trial and error, but we figured it out. In the process we were able to identify areas that need improvement, we defined a few possible troubleshooting techniques, and actually celebrated the fact that once it worked, it was awesome.
Other Resources
BI 4 How To: Planning the Desktop Intelligence conversion to Web Intelligence
Conversion from Desktop Intelligence to Web Intelligence
DeskI is not back... but here is something that will help you to move to BI 4
SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence 4.1: Calculation Engine Changes
Upgrade | SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Solutions
First look at FHSQL reports in BI4.1
For the latest information about Web Intelligence, check out the WebI Bulletin
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