In our previous newsletter, we informed you about the different flavors of SAP BPC. Now we want to focus on the latest version of SAP BPC; SAP BPC 11.0 version for BW 4/HANA. SAP BPC 11.0, version for SAP BW/4HANA is a new release of BPC on the BW/4HANA platform and not on NetWeaver BW.
SAP BW/4HANA is the next generation of SAP Business Warehouse powered by SAP HANA.
Business warehouse (BW) is a combination of databases and database management tools that are used to support management decision making. BW traditionally supported various databases like Oracle, Microsoft, IBM DB2, and many more. However, SAP BW/4HANA is designed to run on SAP HANA only.
SAP HANA is an in-memory data platform that accelerates business processes, delivers more business intelligence, and simplifies the IT environment. SAP HANA primary function as a database server is to store and retrieve data as requested by the applications. In addition, it performs advanced analytics (e.g. predictive analytics) and includes ETL capabilities as well as an application server.
Combining BW and SAP HANA leads to SAP BW/4HANA. SAP BW/4HANA:
- is a new data warehouse solution
- is highly optimized for HANA
- solves analytics problems in seconds
- accelerates solution development
- means you have one version of the truth
- is ready for the internet of things at petabyte scale
Architecture SAP BPC 11.0, version for SAP BW/4HANA
SAP BPC on BW/4HANA still supports both Standard and Embedded models. For a further explanation on the Standard and Embedded model we would like to refer to our previous newsletter.
Figure 1. SAP Business Planning and Consolidation 11.0 version for SAP BW/4HANA
What does the above mean?
The structures in SAP BW/4HANA have been simplified, you can integrate data from SAP and non-SAP sources, larger volumes can be handled, and it’s enabled for both the cloud and/or on premise.
BW/4HANA platform always uses the HANA database. When using BW/4 HANA data will be kept ‘in memory’. This means push down query formula operation to HANA which makes calculations faster.
Also, BW/4 HANA offers a full integration with SAP Analytics Cloud (formerly called BusinessObjects Cloud). This allows users to seamless and quickly sync data back and forth between SAP Analytics Cloud and BPC. SAP offers hybrid planning functionality; supporting Corporate planning in BPC BW/4HANA with SAP Analytics Cloud for light weight business unit planning and/or enhanced visualization.
SAP BPC 11.0 provides a new homepage, a new admin module and new navigation. There are multiple business-user interfaces, depending on the model (Embedded or Standard).
Is this new version interesting for you?
When you consider to implement SAP BPC, SAP BPC 11.0, version for SAP BW/4HANA should be taken into consideration to take all the advantages SAP BPC 11.0, version for SAP BW4/HANA offers; simplification, better performance and modern interface.
For clients currently running BPC NetWeaver, SAP BPC 11.0, version for SAP BW/4HANA could be an option, but depending on your current total system landscape this might be a big step. It is not an upgrade; it is a migration. Analysis should be done to investigate the current use of BW and a migration plan should be written for your specific situation.
SAP S/4HANA and SAP BW/4HANA – Positioning
Currently there are different SAP BPC versions and related products available. Not all products can be combined (yet). For example, BPC 11.0 is only available on BW/4HANA.
SAP BPC BW/4HANA is not the same as BPC optimized for S/4HANA, which we discussed in our previous newsletter. However, the technical drivers for SAP S/4HANA and SAP BW/4HANA are the same. Like SAP S/4HANA, SAP BW/4HANA introduces fundamental changes in data model and/or features which make them both new products. With SAP BW/4HANA being SAP’s strategic platform for Enterprise Data Warehousing, it’s new functionality will enhance the integration with SAP S/4HANA in the long term.
Figure 2. SAP S/4HANA and SAP BW/4HANA Positioning
Do these developments impact the current versions of SAP BPC?
No, the introduction of SAP BPC 11.0, version for SAP BW/4HANA doesn’t impact the current versions of SAP BPC. It adds a new flavor. Also, the development of SAP BPC for Microsoft will fully continue.
Training of our consultants
Our consultants have recently followed several intensive courses to keep up with the latest SAP technology and developments. If you would like to receive more information or if you have any questions, please contact your consultant or support team.
Support and maintenance
The current versions will be supported until at least 2020/2022, depending on your version. For more information of releases and mainstream maintenance, we refer to our release overview.
More information? Contact our support team.
Disclaimer: this article is based upon the information and releases available today. Software develops rapidly and new updates and release will be expected in the (near) future which will clearly lead to the introduction of new functionalities and opportunities and therefore outdate the information in this article.
