Modern enterprise planning with SAP Analytics Cloud

SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) offers the potential to fundamentally transform enterprise planning by combining data integration, real-time analytics, predictive scenarios and collaborative workflows in one platform. The result is faster, more accurate and more efficient planning processes that enable companies to best meet the planning needs of today’s dynamic business world.

12 key questions for optimizing your enterprise planning

Features of modern enterprise planning

Modernizing enterprise planning is about optimizing traditional planning workflows with advanced technologies and integrated analytics. Modern enterprise planning with SAC is characterized by the following features, among others:

• Integrated planning and analyses
  SAP Analytics Cloud combines planning, reporting and analyses in a single environment. This means that companies do not have to use separate tools for planning and data analysis, but can integrate data seamlessly. As data analysis is directly linked to planning, companies are able to react more quickly to changes and adapt their planning to new circumstances.

• Data integration

  With SAC, companies can access real-time data to update their planning on an ongoing basis. This means that planning is always based on the latest information, which leads to reliable decisions. In addition, SAP Analytics Cloud integrates data from various sources such as SAP BW/4HANA, SAP S/4HANA and external systems and provides a holistic view of business data.

• Collaborative working

  Different teams work simultaneously on the same plans, promoting collaboration and breaking down silos. The immediate consequences are an accelerated planning process and fewer coordination problems. Version control makes it possible to track who has made which changes to the plans. The tracking functionalities increase transparency and strengthen the accountability of those involved.

• Predictive analyses

  SAP Analytics Cloud offers integrated predictive analyses based on machine learning. This enables companies to make realistic predictions – for example regarding future sales figures or cost trends – implement proactive planning and make adjustments and corrections at an early stage. Simulations open up the opportunity to evaluate the impact of changes before a final decision has to be made.

• Greater automation

  Automated workflows make many manual planning tasks, such as merging and updating data, superfluous and increase the efficiency of the planning process. At the same time, the risk of human error is minimized.

• Scalability and flexibility

  As SAC is a cloud-based solution, it offers a high degree of scalability and flexibility. Companies can implement SAP Analytics Cloud quickly and adapt it to their specific needs and requirements without having to set up cumbersome on-premise infrastructures.

What benefits does SAC offer?

When companies use SAC to perform their planning, they benefit from faster decision-making. Access to real-time data creates a stable basis for data-based decisions and increases accuracy. The automation of routine tasks reduces the workload for planners and saves time. Less manual intervention in the planning process also means less susceptibility to errors and an acceleration of the planning process.

By running through various what-if scenarios, companies can simulate the effects of different developments and measures before making a decision. This enables them to react flexibly to market changes and adapt their plans to new business conditions at any time without the need for lengthy manual processes. Predictive analytics is used to create forecasting models that offer companies the opportunity to identify trends and patterns at an early stage and respond appropriately. Potential risks and opportunities can be identified in advance, giving companies the opportunity to adapt their strategies before disadvantages arise.

The seamless integration of data from cloud and on-premise systems (SAP S/4HANA, SAP BW/4HANA, etc.) gives companies a comprehensive overview of their business data and enables them to carry out enterprise-wide, cross-departmental planning. All departments work on the same database, making planning more consistent and reliable. Data consistency avoids the negative impact of outdated or inaccurate data. The ongoing integration of new data into the planning process continuously improves and refines the quality of planning.

Consistent planning without system breaks

Enterprise planning with SAP Analytics Cloud avoids system breaks that usually occur in a multi-stage planning and reporting process. This eliminates the need to work with elaborately prepared Excel forms in which data is first collected and discussed before being imported into a database for planning and/or reporting. The use of operational data from SAP S/4HANA or already cleansed and harmonized data from a data warehouse increases the efficiency and quality of planning processes.

SAC can be integrated into existing SAP and non-SAP systems, offers live data connections, supports hybrid environments and promotes a seamless user experience thanks to single sign-on. Companies can integrate SAC into their existing infrastructure without having to make extensive changes to it. In this way, they benefit from modern data visualizations, up-to-date planning and predictive analyses.

Conclusion: More effective, more efficient and more flexible

SAP Analytics Cloud is an impressive, comprehensive solution for analyses and planning scenarios. It enables companies to immediately translate findings into the right measures and simulate different scenarios for better business results. In terms of enterprise planning, SAC ensures a significant increase in effectiveness, efficiency and flexibility – and thus precisely meets the requirements that today’s volatile business world places on companies’ planning processes. Those who modernize their enterprise planning with the help of SAC create an important prerequisite for ensuring that planning can continue to fulfil its elementary role in the steering of companies.