In today’s fast-paced business environment, project managers require timely, accurate, and insightful reporting to monitor project progress, control costs, and make informed decisions. SAP Project System (PS) is a powerful tool for managing projects within the SAP ERP ecosystem, but when it comes to advanced analytics and interactive visualizations, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) stands out as the go-to solution.
This article explores how SAP Analytics Cloud can be effectively used to enhance project reporting in SAP PS, providing organizations with better visibility and control over their project portfolios.
SAP Analytics Cloud is a cloud-based analytics platform that combines Business Intelligence (BI), planning, and predictive analytics into a single environment. It enables users to create interactive dashboards, perform real-time data analysis, and leverage machine learning insights — all accessible through a web interface.
For SAP PS users, SAC can transform raw project data into meaningful visual stories, enabling faster decision-making and greater project transparency.
SAP PS generates vast amounts of project-related data, including cost, schedule, resource usage, and progress information. While SAP PS standard reports provide essential data, SAP Analytics Cloud offers several advantages:
The first step is to connect SAP Analytics Cloud to the SAP ERP system where SAP PS resides. This can be done via:
Live connections are preferred for real-time project status reporting.
Focus on the key SAP PS tables and data structures required for project reporting, such as:
Mapping these data sources into SAC is critical for comprehensive reporting.
Build SAC models tailored for project reporting by organizing and relating SAP PS data entities. Incorporate hierarchies like WBS breakdown and network activities to enable drill-down capabilities.
Leverage SAC’s drag-and-drop interface to design dashboards that include:
Interactive filters and drill-down options empower users to explore data from high-level overviews to granular details.
Utilize SAC’s integrated planning capabilities to align project financials and schedules. Update forecasts based on actual project performance, enabling scenario analysis and what-if planning.
Configure alerts for project thresholds like budget overruns or schedule slips. Use SAC’s collaboration features to share insights, add comments, and assign tasks to stakeholders.
SAP Analytics Cloud empowers organizations using SAP Project System to elevate their project reporting capabilities beyond standard ERP reports. With rich visualizations, real-time insights, and integrated planning tools, SAC enables project teams to monitor project health effectively, identify risks early, and collaborate efficiently.
By combining the robust project management features of SAP PS with the analytics power of SAC, businesses can drive better project outcomes and ensure strategic objectives are met.