SAP Integrated Planning:
SAP BI-IP is a tool for planning and simulation, fully integrated in the platform SAP NetWeaver 7.x This means that BI Integrated Planning uses:
Data storage for ratios, metadata, master data and transactional data.
Analytical engine (OLAP)
User interfaces (Business Explorer Suite) and for reporting tasks.
BI Integrated Planning shares the same concept of variable filter, calculated ratios, exceptions, alerts and other BI components that can be used for planning tasks
BI-Integrated Planning (BI-IP) and PCBs. Both tools flagship planning via SAP.
Independently of any commercial argument, we wanted to test both tools on the concrete ground of the data, the developer of performance.
To do this, we have adopted the following basic scenario:
Loading data from a BW cube containing transactional data "real" to a PCB planning cube and cube to an IP
Copy of the "real" version to "forecast" version
Revaluation of the ratio of 10%
Technical environment: SAP BW 7.3 (SP 4), BPC 10.0
Operation volume BI-IP PCB
Copy sec 150 sec 100 000 130 (50 + 100)
Revaluation 100,000 sec 90 sec 105 (15 + 90)
Note: The IP time is as follows: write time in the buffer + buffer update time to the IP cube.
If we limit the clock at equal volume, the same scenario, PCB outperforms its BI-IP rival. But this flattering result does not show the bottom of upstream work to integrate the BW data warehouse to PCBs.
A delicate comparison:
While BI-BW IP shares with the same basic data base, it is not the same for PCBs, which has its own repository. We must therefore bear in mind that loading data "real" BW to BPC requires a specific setting work that should not be underestimated.
Certainly, since the purchase of Outlooksoft, SAP has invested a lot of effort to improve integration with BW data warehouse. However, experience shows that the connectivity between the two platforms remains dependent on a third conversion handling for the accession of the data.
In sum, one could say that "the athlete" BPC runs faster than the BI-IP counterpart except that it needs more training and preparation.
Extending the game comparisons between PCBs and BI-IP is tricky. Where BI-IP is an integrated planning engine BW data warehouse, BPC provides a complete solution dedicated to the planning and consolidation.
Note, however, that the collaborative aspect is very developed on PCBs compared to BI-IP. In addition, the tool is very user-oriented so that it can operate independently if he has the required professional skills. Instead, BI-IP processes are under the governance of the IT department.
From an integration perspective, it should be noted adaptability PCB with BI4, HANA and mobile devices. BI-IP side, integration with BI4 is provided with Analysis for Office; The same BI-IP is activated in HANA. Nevertheless, the choice of one or the other tools will depend primarily on business needs ... and eventually its investment resources.
Themed "In-memory" and "mobility" part of the SAP roadmap, we will certainly let you know soon our perception about the topics.
