Integrating Reporting and Analytics into the SAP User Experience
SAP Business Client is a versatile desktop application that integrates access to multiple SAP systems and technologies into a unified interface. One of the powerful integrations possible with SAP Business Client is its connection to SAP BusinessObjects (BO)—SAP’s leading platform for enterprise reporting and analytics. By connecting SAP Business Client to SAP BusinessObjects, organizations can provide users with seamless access to rich analytical content alongside transactional and operational SAP applications.
This article explores how to establish and optimize the integration between SAP Business Client and SAP BusinessObjects to enable a unified, efficient user experience.
- Centralized Access: Users can launch BusinessObjects reports, dashboards, and analytics directly from the SAP Business Client without switching between multiple applications.
- Improved Productivity: Consolidating reporting and operational workflows in one interface streamlines decision-making.
- Consistent User Experience: Integration ensures a uniform look and feel when navigating between SAP GUI, SAP Fiori apps, and BusinessObjects content.
- Enhanced Security: Leveraging SAP Business Client’s single sign-on capabilities simplifies authentication across systems.
Before connecting SAP Business Client to SAP BusinessObjects, ensure the following:
- SAP BusinessObjects Platform is installed and configured, including the BI Launch Pad.
- SAP Business Client version supports embedded browser technology compatible with BusinessObjects (usually Chromium-based).
- Proper network connectivity and firewall configurations allow communication between SAP Business Client and BO servers.
- User roles and authorizations are set up in both SAP Business Client and BusinessObjects to ensure secure access.
- Single Sign-On (SSO) configuration is recommended for seamless user experience.
- Open SAP Business Client.
- Navigate to the system connections configuration.
- Create a new connection using the URL of the SAP BusinessObjects BI Launch Pad.
- Configure connection parameters such as system alias, authentication methods (e.g., SSO), and security settings.
- Ensure the embedded browser in SAP Business Client supports the BO web interface.
- Enable JavaScript, cookies, and other browser features required for BusinessObjects functionality.
- Adjust cache and security settings to optimize performance and maintain secure sessions.
- Add tiles or shortcuts to key BusinessObjects reports and dashboards on the SAP Fiori Launchpad within SAP Business Client.
- Link relevant BI content directly within user role catalogs for easy access.
- Configure navigation parameters to open BO content in new tabs or embedded windows as preferred.
¶ 4. Test Access and User Experience
- Launch SAP Business Client and authenticate.
- Navigate to the BusinessObjects BI Launch Pad connection.
- Open reports and dashboards to verify functionality and responsiveness.
- Confirm that SSO and security policies work seamlessly.
- Unified Workspace: Users benefit from a single point of access for transactional and analytical tasks.
- Reduced Training Needs: Familiar SAP Business Client interface lowers learning curves for accessing complex BI content.
- Faster Insights: Easy access to reports accelerates business decisions.
- Simplified IT Management: Centralized configuration and access control improve governance and support.
A supply chain manager uses SAP Business Client daily for logistics operations via SAP GUI and Fiori apps. By integrating SAP BusinessObjects, the manager can now access real-time supply chain analytics and custom dashboards directly from the client, enabling quicker identification of bottlenecks and faster response to disruptions—all without leaving the SAP Business Client environment.
Connecting SAP Business Client to SAP BusinessObjects bridges operational and analytical processes, empowering users with comprehensive, integrated access to enterprise data and applications. With proper configuration, this integration enhances user productivity, improves data-driven decision-making, and streamlines SAP landscape navigation.
For organizations leveraging both SAP Business Client and SAP BusinessObjects, this integration is a strategic step toward a seamless, efficient, and modern SAP user experience.