Navigating Forward

INSPIRING COMPANIES TO EMBRACE THE TRANSITION FROM SAP BPC TO SAP ANALYTICS CLOUD

In this blog post Shane Lloyd, SAP BW, BPC, SAC Architect, shares some of the insights, experiences, and real-world lessons learned during his 15-year journey supporting businesses during their transitions from SAP BPC to SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC).

“ In the world of the rapidly evolving SAP ecosystem, transitions pinpoint crucial points in transformation projects. I’ve spent more than 15 years immersed in the SAP BW, S/4HANA, BPC, and SAC worlds, so I’m not just a consultant; I’m a professional explorer navigating the always evolving financial planning and analytics field. Over the course of this journey, my experience has evolved, and I now understand how crucial it is to support businesses as they successfully transition from SAP BPC to SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC). Together, let’s embark on this transforming journey as I share strategic insights, past experiences, and valuable lessons.

In my role as an SAP Consultant, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of technology transitions first-hand. One memorable project comes to mind, where I guided a substantial manufacturing enterprise through the transition from SAP BPC to SAC. Our initial steps involved meticulously mapping a trail – assessing and shaping data to ensure a seamless migration to SAC. Challenges inevitably cropped up, but they highlighted the paramount importance of establishing a robust data governance framework. This not only safeguarded the integrity of the migrated data but also set the course for sustained data quality.

Another exciting adventure involved steering a retail giant through its migration journey. Here, the focus shifted to navigating the human side of change. With SAP BPC deeply ingrained, users were understandably apprehensive about the transition to SAC. Our solution? Empowerment through education. Through tailored training sessions and personalised guidance, we illuminated the path forward and kindled excitement for the new system. This experience affirmed the pivotal role of effective communication and proactive change management in making the journey smoother.

My journey also led me to the financial sector, where SAP BW and SAP BPC to SAC transition was spearheaded. Here, the emphasis shifted toward striking processes with newfound capabilities. As we navigated workflows, collaboration across teams emerged as a key compass point. By involving stakeholders across departments, we not only streamlined processes but also empowered more informed decision-making. This reinforced the notion that the transition is not just a technical change, but an opportunity to refine and optimise processes.

In the midst of these transformative moments, challenges were met head-on. The complexity of data migration underscored the need for meticulous planning, while resistance to change reinforced the significance of fostering a supportive environment for users. Striking the right balance between customisation and adhering to best practices became the compass in uncharted territory.

It’s never been easier to test SAP value use cases while the BAU landscape or large SAP projects continue in their workstreams.”