SAP BPC

What is SAP BPC?

SAP BusinessObjects Planning and Consolidation (formerly OutlookSoft) is an Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) tool that can cater for all types of planning and forecasting, from simple small processes to complex multi layer processes, while also providing consolidation and easy to use reporting.

SAP BPC offers a robust, multiuser platform, which is fully integrated with Microsoft Excel.  Initially leveraging off the power of Microsoft SQL Server and Analysis Services there is now another version that uses SAP Netweaver as its back-end database. Although similar, especially to the end user, these two versions of the product do offer different functionalities (see whitepaper)

The main features of SAP BPC are: 

Multi-Dimensional

The multi-dimensional nature allows users to “slice and dice” the data according their needs.

Dynamic

As SAP BPC utilises OLAP technology, this means that data is available as soon as it has been entered – no need to aggregate data!

Workflow Management

Enables an organisation to keep track of its progress through a budget/forecasting process

Unified

Whilst other software requires different modules to do consolidation or forecasting, SAP BPC handles these within a single software product.

Integrated with Microsoft Office

Embedded in Microsoft Excel, with the ability to report directly in to corporate Microsoft Word and PowerPoint documents.  

Zero footprint Option

Using the Web portal, data can be accessed and reports shared without the need to install the client add-ins (or even have Microsoft office installed!)

Store Comments

SAP BPC allows the user to store commentary against any data point in the application