BusinessObjects (BO) to Power BI Migration: Implementation

Target customers
Our workshop is ideal for:

• Digital transformation & innovation leaders
• IT executives (CIO/CTO/CSO)
• BI/Analytics Team
• SAP BusinessObjects Admins
• Project/Program Managers

Agenda:

1. Discovery & Assessment

• Analyze existing BO Universes, reports (WebI/Crystal), usage logs, and performance bottlenecks.
• Categorize reports based on usage frequency, complexity, criticality, and department.
• Identify Universe logic overlap, shared data sources, and consolidation opportunities.
• Finalize report scope and strategic goals for full BO decommissioning.

2. Migration Strategy & Planning

• Design a phased migration roadmap using our MigrateFAST accelerator.
• Define Power BI architecture, workspace strategy, and data model layering to replace BO’s semantic layer.
• Establish report equivalence strategy.

3. Data Model Migration & Universe Translation

• Translate BO Universes to Power BI datasets, applying DAX to replicate metrics and logic.
• Use Power Query to replicate LOVs, prompts, and join conditions.
• Optimize models for performance and storage efficiency.
• Cleanse and restructure data where BO logic was embedded in report layers.

4. Report Conversion, QA & Enhancement

• Use MigrateFAST to assist with report mapping and WebI logic conversion.
• Rebuild reports in Power BI using native visuals, slicers, and bookmarks.
• Use Power BI Paginated Reports to replicate fixed-layout Crystal report.
• Conduct rigorous QA testing and validation with stakeholders for each report.

5. Training, Deployment & Support

• Conduct comprehensive training for developers, admins, and business users.
• Deploy Power BI reports to production with role-based access controls.
• Set up data gateways, refresh pipelines, and monitor dashboards.
• Provide Hypercare support post-deployment.

Deliverables:

By the end of the workshop, you will receive:

• All targeted BO WebI/Crystal reports rebuilt in Power BI and/or Power BI Paginated Reports.
• BO Universes converted into modern Power BI datasets, optimized for reuse and performance.
• Workspace layouts, data flows, security roles, refresh schedules.
• Reports reviewed and approved by end users for accuracy and functionality.
• Report catalog, metric mapping, dataset design, governance model.

Benefits:

Join our workshop and enjoy these benefits:

• Semantic Layer Migration: Translate BusinessObjects Universes (.UNV/.UNX) to Power BI data models using DAX and Power Query to retain business definitions and logic.
• Web Intelligence (WebI) to Power BI Rebuilds: Recreate key WebI reports in Power BI, preserving KPIs, filters, sections, and prompts as interactive slicers and drill-down.
• Crystal Reports Transition: Convert Crystal Reports to paginated reports in Power BI Report Builder where pixel-perfect output is required.
• Enhanced Self-Service Capability: Empower end users with ad-hoc exploration and real-time dashboarding, unlike BO’s static reporting model.
• Security & Access Mapping: Rebuild row-level security (RLS) and user permissions from BO into Power BI.

Why choose MAQ Software

MAQ Software combines deep expertise in SAP BusinessObjects environments with certified Power BI capabilities. Our MigrateFAST framework automates the migration process and accelerates delivery while minimizing disruption. We have helped global enterprises successfully retire BO platforms and embrace modern Microsoft BI ecosystems—with high adoption and minimal risk. Ready to decommission BusinessObjects and transition to a modern, scalable BI platform? Contact CustomerSuccess@MAQSoftware.com to schedule a discovery session and begin your migration journey.