Control companies in real time

In the past, transactions and analytics functions were strictly separated. With SAP Embedded Analytics, this data is now in one system. This has the advantage that data no longer has to be extracted via decentralized components, transformed and inserted into separate analytics tools.

In the past, static evaluations in SAP were based on data output in list form. This offered companies little flexibility when it came to making adjustments; in most cases, expert know-how had to be bought in. This is now changing with embedded analytics.

Advantages of Embedded Analytics

Data is analyzed and visualized directly in the source system. This eliminates complicated and time-consuming data preparation steps. Pre-built standard dashboards and seamless trans-actions between analytical and transactional apps give users completely new ways to display charts and graphs. With screen personas, where content is displayed in the Fiori UI (tile look), reports can be accessed on all devices (PC, tablet, mobile) and at any time.

In addition, embedded analytics benefits from multidimensional reporting, i.e. the possibility of specifying different tables and fields for the analysis. Individual criteria of key figures can be evaluated in the system standard. Companies can save their self-created views as tiles on their Fiori launchpad. No training is required for this. Thanks to the intuitive Fiori interface, applications also run on mobile devices.

New authorization concept

How can a company's employees be integrated into the embedded analytics concept? A three-tier model has proven itself for this purpose. System operators are divided into end users, key users and developers by means of authorizations and functions. 

End users apply the reports and analyze data. They primarily work with the Fiori launchpad, where they have various tiles from which they can call applications. End users typically have viewing permissions. Providing, customizing and managing reports and business data models falls under the remit of key users. They can parameterize the applications and adapt them to the needs of the end users. With their authorizations, they maintain parameters, reports and KPIs, manage queries, assign these to users or user groups and maintain the data models.

To enable key users to perform their tasks without in-depth technical understanding, the tools should be well structured and as intuitive as possible. The third authorization group, the developers, manages databases and the technical basis of the applications and can develop new apps and planning functions.

Central added value

Embedded Analytics is ideal for companies where S/4 handles all business functions (planning, purchasing, manufacturing, sales, marketing and more). From my real-world experience, I can say that it is a fast and flexible way to evaluate. With real-time reporting, you can evaluate and retrieve more data, at any time and on any device. For many companies, this is a key added value of S/4, and many of our customers rely intensively on it so that they can quickly become aware of all circumstances in the future and intervene in time.

CFO: The Chief Financial Officer has gone from being a numbers and finance manager to an influential shaper of the digital transformation. It is in his hands to identify risks at an early stage and to develop central visions and strategies for his company.