Earlier this year, Finit’s SAP Subject Matter Expert (SME) Rutvij Desai attended the SAP Insider conference organized by the Americas SAP User Group (ASUG) to explore the latest developments shaping SAP technology. From AI to Robotic Process Automation, customers were showcasing impressive SAP capabilities. But the true showstopper was SAP’s new offering for Financial Planning and Analysis: Seamless Planning.
SAP’s Seamless Planning integrates SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) for Planning directly within SAP’s Datasphere, helping to eliminate the need for data replication in SAC Planning. While the core Planning functionality remains the same, here is a comparison with OneStream:
1. Seamless Planning aims to eliminate Data Replication in SAP for Planning. However, data replication is not eliminated in the planning solution since the data still needs to be accessible within the SAP Datasphere, which may require replication from the underlying SAP ERP.
2. While Datasphere extends the ETL capabilities for customers who do not own it, this may result in additional costs beyond the SAP Planning licensing.
3. One key prerequisite for deploying the Seamless Planning solution is that SAC Planning customers currently leveraging the classic model must upgrade to the New Model, resulting in additional implementation costs and resources.
4. Seamless Planning still relies on IT for configuration and maintenance. While business users can leverage some data modeling and dynamic reporting, tasks such as data actions and metadata management remain IT responsibilities.
5. One of the Datasphere’s biggest advantages is bringing the non-financial (non-ACDOCA) data together before loading it into the CPM engine. The non-financial data requires significant ETL and harmonization within Datasphere before it enables xP&A capabilities in SAC Planning. Seamless Planning did not eliminate the need for this additional ETL.
The evolving landscape of SAP planning solutions presents both exciting opportunities and important considerations that deserve expert guidance. To dive deeper into these CPM innovations at SAP and discuss the capabilities of OneStream, contact our SME and Executive Program Director, Rutvij Desai.
About Finit
In 2002, Finit’s founders created a company where people matter more than profit. They loved building solutions and working with technology but were unsatisfied with the large consulting company approach. They believed that by doing excellent work and doing it with the highest standard of integrity, they could create unmatched experiences for both clients and employees. Finit’s unique business model, which compensates consultants based on client satisfaction, not billable hours, has delivered 100% success for over 350 clients, including many Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies, and well over 1000 projects. Finit consistently delivers value through excellent CPM solutions—with integrity and a constant focus on clients’ best interests. Finit was the first OneStream partner and leads the industry with 500+ successful OneStream projects. Learn more at www.Finit.com.