2.6    SAP S/4HANA Embedded Analytics

The analytical functionality provided by SAP S/4HANA is referred to as SAP S/4HANA embedded analytics. This function enables users (not just analytical data experts but any users) to create and carry out real-time analyses based on SAP S/4HANA application data. Standard reports and analytical SAP Fiori apps are also delivered by SAP S/4HANA. The analytical data is displayed via the new SAP Fiori launchpad, which is based on SAP Fiori technology.

Technically, SAP S/4HANA embedded analytics functions are based on the core data services (CDS) views of the ABAP layer in SAP S/4HANA. These CDS views are database views organized in a virtual data model (VDM). On the basis of these CDS views, users can run queries on transactional data in real time. For these queries, users can either use default views, enhance existing views, or create new views based on the relevant application tables.

In addition to fast customization of analytical queries, SAP S/4HANA’s simplified data structures considerably enhance the creation of queries in real time. Because aggregates have been omitted and data redundancy is thus eliminated, users do not have to know the aggregation logic and can build their queries on the data of the native tables.

Analytical data is usually displayed via SAP Fiori interfaces. Various user interfaces and use cases are provided for different user groups (end users, key users, and developers). As shown in Figure 2.10, end users are provided with analytical analyses that are adapted to the role and use case, but tools and functions for analytics key users are also available to enable them to create their own queries.

Figure 2.10    SAP Embedded Analytics: Different User Roles

Figure 2.11    Overview Page for Critical Sales Orders

Let’s look at an example of a user role, an internal sales employee, to illustrate how the integration of analytical data supports the processing of critical sales orders. The SAP Fiori app for sales order fulfillment enables employees to process exceptions for sales orders. Critical orders (e.g., orders where the promised delivery date cannot be kept) are displayed in an overview page (see Figure 2.11). From this page, end users can navigate to the relevant detail views and analyze the reason for the delay individually for each critical order.

[»]  Additional Information

You can find more information and examples of analytics at https://experience.sap.com/skillup/sap-fiori-2-0-a-primer-on-embedded-analytics/ or in the SAP Fiori apps reference library at www.sap.com/fiori-apps-library.