Tap data, gain information

Data is only the raw material from which decisions are made. Before the multitude of data we generate every day can be turned into reliable information and, in turn, into well-founded decisions, several intermediate steps are often necessary. Data in itself has no value, information all the more so.

Decision theory has coined the term "information value" for this purpose. This is the maximum amount of time and effort that a decision-maker may spend on obtaining and structuring information in order to ensure that it does not exceed the benefit of a better decision.

So much for the theory. In practice, the preparation of data was complex for CFOs. Even before they could make informed decisions, they often had to invest considerable effort in structuring the data.

This not infrequently led to decisions being made on the basis of an inadequate database, as a study by Horváth und Partner found out.

S/4 opens up new decision-making opportunities for CFOs - which also increase the information value. With S/4, decision-makers not only receive a user-friendly, standardized preparation of all data relevant to decision-making. They also get to the relevant information very quickly and easily, without having to put a lot of effort into structuring the data.

For example, instead of calling up an evaluation via "menu item" to find out the result, the dashboard tiles in S/4 already show the result as a key figure. In addition, it is evaluated in traffic light colors.

It's not for nothing that the clear Fiori user interface has earned SAP the Red Dot Design Award. Subtotals no longer have to be searched for in lists, but are displayed graphically after calling up an app.

Filter functions can be used to further narrow down the desired information. In the event that information is to be queried, the CFO does not have to note down the respective transaction number in order to then analyze it in a further program call.

Instead, he can branch directly to all overviews or detailed displays - all the way to the original document. If he wants to include other process participants in his decision, he can share a link instead of a screenshot, which leads the recipient directly to the questioned display without entering any further data.

Extensive search and selection options in S/4 Finance save having to create information structures such as cost centers or accounts in advance, maintain them in the appropriate hierarchies, and offer the user a wide range of account assignment options.

This saves an enormous amount of time and administrative effort while increasing flexibility. With little effort, the CFO has all the information he needs to make well-founded decisions. What's more, KPIs and traffic light functions even indicate where urgent action or decisions are needed.

This pays off in all areas of finance, but especially where decisions need to be made or adjusted regularly based on up-to-date information, such as in cash management or credit limit checks.

With S/4, financial decisions can be made faster and better. Because information is available from all areas of the company, ultimately all decisions are made with less effort - and the information value increases.

Apart from the business advantage that results from this, all decisions made on this basis can be easily and comprehensibly documented.

This makes the decision-making process sustainable and transparent from the CFO's perspective. Ultimately, this also increases confidence in the CFO's work and the influence of the FI key figures.