Do you know? You can optimize the SAP BODS data-flow by setting the right processes limit

Yes, you can limit the number of processes to be run on SAP BODS using the al_engine processes value. The value of al-engine processes specified are not just for any sing job but all the job server processes and value. This value is specified as 8 by default which means that if 10 jobs run there is a possibility for 80 all_engine process. By setting the proper value would have a significant impact on the data-flow that is running in parallel.

The chance for maximum data-flow is limited

The default value set to the al_engine processes limits the number of data flow in accordance with the free processing slots available. For instance, for a job running with default al_engine value can only accommodate seven data services. This is because of the default value 8. After the job occupies one all_engine processing slot, the remaining seven are available for data-flow al_engine processes.  Here, if there is any additional al_engine data-flow they are halted in a queue until the existing seven al_engine processes are successfully executed.

Setting the value higher would be beneficial

In most occasions, the data flow al_engine process seems to be higher than the default. Sometimes, they might be many. Thus, having the value of al_engine processes limit higher than the default would prove to be beneficial.

The queries are executed faster

By configuring the al_engine processes greater than the default, the times consumed by some data flows to execute the complex queries will match up the data flow that are triggered in parallel to accelerate the result. It also helps to begin the quick responding result sets before time taking queries. This will ensure that all the quick response data flow queries could be completed before the long-time taking queries.

Worst Case Scenario

It is obvious to encounter a worst case in every optimistic process. By increasing the value of al_engine process, the SAP BODS is made efficient and triggered for better performance. Even the chances are less, the worst case could be encountered where every data flow in all the workflows use a huge amount of memory. In that case, the system will start using the entire RAM available and if it goes further the OS in the job server would simply bring the system to its knees without crashing. Even in this worst case, only the failures of data flow with memory errors are encountered. This is a very reasonable negative impact while achieving the overall performance benefits with the job server.

Setting the maximum number of engine process

The al_engine processes value which sets the maximum number of engine processes that could be enabled is specified dynamically in SAP BODS. Once it is set while running, the value is stored and used for the further assignments. In order to change the settings, following steps are used.

1. Go the SAP BODS data services designer


2. Go to Tools and click on options.


3. Then select Job Server and then Environment.


4. Now you can specify the al_engine processes value.

This value can also be changed by editing the DSConfig.txt file where you’ll have a value set for MAX_NO_OF_PROCESSES in the AL_Engine section.