SAP S/4HANA Embedded Analytics: Tools for Extending and Creating Analytical Content

SAP S/4HANA Embedded Analytics

SAP S/4HANA integrates powerful analytics capabilities directly within its core. Known as SAP S/4HANA Embedded Analytics, empowers users to derive insights from operational data without leaving the transactional environment. A critical advantage of this approach is the ability to extend and create analytical content using a robust set of native tools.

In this article, I present the tools and technologies provided within SAP S/4HANA that facilitate the customization and creation of analytical content tailored to specific business needs.

Understanding Embedded Analytics in SAP S/4HANA

Embedded Analytics allows business users, analysts, and developers to visualize data through reports, dashboards, and KPIs, right from within the S/4HANA system. It leverages the Core Data Services (CDS) views, which form the foundation of real-time data modeling.

The goals of Embedded Analytics include:

• Enhancing decision-making with contextual insights

• Reducing latency between data generation and insight

• Empowering end-users with self-service analytics

• Minimizing the reliance on external BI tools

Core Tools for Creating and Extending Analytical Content

1.      Custom CDS Views app 

CDS Views are the backbone of embedded analytics. They allow for the modeling of complex data structures directly in the HANA database layer, supporting both transactional and analytical purposes.

It is possible to develop new CDS views with the Eclipse IDE, but this tool requires a detailed understanding of the syntax used by CDS views.

SAP provide the Custom CDS Views app which requires only a basic knowledge of views. This app uses a guided process, similar to a wizard. No coding is needed.

2. Custom Analytical Queries app

Analytical queries play a foundational role in SAP S/4HANA Embedded Analytics, serving as core data sources for KPIs, multidimensional reports, and the Analysis Path Framework.

While SAP offers a large library of pre-delivered analytical queries across various lines of business, these standard queries may not always align perfectly with your organization needs. To address this, SAP provides the Custom Analytical Queries app, enabling users to create their own tailored queries without the need for complex development. Once a custom query is defined, it can be easily made accessible to end users by creating a dedicated tile on the SAP Fiori Launchpad, typically using the View Browser app.

3. Manage KPIs & reports App

SAP S/4HANA Embedded Analytics offers a wide range of predefined KPIs, but it also gives the flexibility to design your own custom KPIs using Manage KPIs & reports App. To begin, you must first create a KPI Group, which serves as a container for related KPIs.

A KPI is constructed using a single measure from a Core Data Services (CDS) view. When defining a KPI, start by selecting an appropriate CDS view and then specify a Value Measure.

To enhance the KPI's interpretability, create a Report that visualizes the data through charts, tables, or other graphical elements. Within each report, define at least one view that organizes and displays the KPI using selected dimensions.

To display a KPI, an SAP Fiori tile is created. If a Report is also assigned to the KPI, then a click on the tile launches the Report.

4. Review Booklet Designer App

SAP S/4HANA Embedded Analytics includes a range of pre-delivered Review Booklets as part of its standard content. Standard booklets can be customized to meet specific business needs.

SAP provides the Review Booklet Designer app. This app is used by the key business user and does not require any coding knowledge.

SAP S/4HANA Embedded Analytics significantly enhances the extensibility of KPIs and reports by offering a suite of intuitive, integrated tools that cater to both technical users and business users. Organizations can custom analytical content without heavy reliance on developers.

Author

Josiane Laure Modjom, CPA

SAP S/4HANA Certified Specialist