SAP BusinessObjects (BO) is a powerful suite of front-end applications that allow business users to view, sort, and analyze business intelligence data. To harness the full potential of SAP BusinessObjects, understanding its basic navigation is crucial, especially for new users. This article provides a clear and concise overview of how to navigate through SAP BusinessObjects, enabling users to efficiently access reports, dashboards, and other BI content.
SAP BusinessObjects is an enterprise reporting and analytics platform that helps organizations make data-driven decisions by delivering intuitive dashboards, ad-hoc reports, and real-time analytics. The platform supports multiple tools like Web Intelligence (WebI), Crystal Reports, and the BI Launch Pad, each serving specific reporting needs.
BI Launch Pad is the web-based entry point for users to access all BusinessObjects content. It provides a user-friendly interface where you can browse reports, documents, and applications.
¶ 2. Folders and Categories
Content in SAP BusinessObjects is organized in folders or categories, making it easier to find reports or dashboards based on functional areas or projects.
¶ 3. Documents and Reports
These are the actual BI objects such as reports, dashboards, or analysis documents created by developers or business analysts.
- Open your preferred web browser.
- Navigate to the BI Launch Pad URL provided by your organization.
- Enter your credentials (username and password).
- You arrive at the home page, which typically displays your favorites, recent documents, and available folders.
- Use the navigation panel on the left to browse folders and subfolders.
- Folders are categorized logically (e.g., Sales, Finance, HR).
- Click on a folder to display the list of reports or documents contained within it.
- Use the search bar at the top to quickly find reports by name or keyword.
- Apply filters such as date modified, author, or document type for refined results.
- Click on a report name to open it.
- Reports may open in Web Intelligence or Crystal Reports viewers depending on their type.
- Once opened, you can interact with the report by applying filters, drilling down, or exporting data.
¶ 5. Using Favorites and Recents
- Add frequently accessed reports to your favorites for quick access.
- View your recently accessed documents under the "Recent Documents" section.
¶ 6. Running and Scheduling Reports
- Reports can be run on-demand by clicking the report.
- You can also schedule reports to run at specific times and have the output delivered via email or saved to a specific location.
- Use tabs or pages within a report to switch between different sections.
- Drill down on charts or tables for more detailed data.
- Apply filters or prompts to customize the displayed data.
- Bookmark frequently used reports to save time.
- Use search filters to avoid scrolling through large folder structures.
- Understand report types (WebI vs. Crystal Reports) to know what interaction is possible.
- Familiarize yourself with the toolbar icons inside reports for exporting, refreshing, or printing.
Mastering basic navigation in SAP BusinessObjects is the first step toward leveraging the full power of business intelligence in your organization. The BI Launch Pad provides an intuitive and centralized interface to access, manage, and interact with reports and dashboards. By learning to efficiently browse folders, search reports, and interact with BI content, users can make more informed decisions and contribute to their organization’s data-driven culture.