SAP Classical Archiving, also known as SAP Data Archiving, is a method used in SAP systems to manage and store data that is no longer actively used but needs to be retained for legal, regulatory, or business purposes. It is a way to remove data from the active database and store it in a separate repository while still maintaining access to the information when needed.
DATA SELECTION AND EXTRACTION
SAP Classical Archiving allows you to define criteria and rules to select and extract data from SAP applications based on parameters such as document type, date range, business object, or other relevant attributes.
ARCHIVING OBJECT
An archiving object in SAP represents a specific set of data that can be archived. Examples of archiving objects include purchase orders, invoices, material master data, or customer documents. Each archiving object is associated with a specific SAP application module.
ARCHIVE FILES
Once the data is selected for archiving, it is typically written to archive files, which are separate from the active database. These archive files can be stored on disk or other storage media and are usually compressed and encrypted for efficient storage and security.
RETRIEVAL AND ACCESS
SAP provides tools and functionalities to retrieve and access archived data when needed. This includes search functionalities, reporting tools, and integration with SAP applications to display archived data within the context of business processes.
DATABASE SIZE REDUCTION
By moving data to the archive, SAP Classical Archiving helps reduce the size of the active database, improving system performance and response times. This is particularly beneficial for SAP systems with large amounts of data that can impact system performance and maintenance activities.
COMPLIANCE AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
SAP Classical Archiving enables organizations to meet legal and regulatory requirements by retaining data in a compliant and auditable manner. Archived data can be accessed for legal inquiries, audits, or other business needs while ensuring its integrity and authenticity.
It’s important to note that SAP has evolved its data archiving capabilities, and newer archiving methodologies like SAP ILM (Information Lifecycle Management) and SAP S/4HANA Data Aging have been introduced to address specific requirements and take advantage of advancements in technology. These newer methods offer enhanced functionality and integration with SAP’s latest solutions.
If you are using a specific version of SAP or considering implementing SAP Classical Archiving, it is recommended to refer to SAP’s official documentation, consult with SAP experts or partner consultants, to understand the specific features, capabilities, and best practices applicable to your environment.