Revolutionary data analysis with SAP Analytics Cloud

Success Story

Game changer in the world of data

How a leading car manufacturer is reprogramming its future with SAP Analytics Cloud.

Introduction

The implementation of the SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) by Sulzer GmbH has revolutionized the data analysis and reporting of a leading automotive manufacturer.

By eliminating shadow IT, creating a standardized database and providing a future-proof reporting system, significant efficiency gains and improvements in data quality were achieved. This case study demonstrates Sulzer’s expertise in the implementation of complex SAP projects and how we create customized solutions that offer real added value for our customers.

Data Analytics Cloud

The challenge

The car manufacturer was faced with a fragmented and inefficient data landscape. This complex and unstructured landscape spanned multiple systems such as Excel and Microsoft Access, which led to various problems as shadow IT:

BI-Architecture at 2019
Decentralized data management:
Different departments were using their own data sources and reporting tools, which led to inconsistencies and increased maintenance costs. This made it difficult to provide consistent and reliable data for decision-making processes.
Limited technical support:
The existing Tableau reports were mainly created by the business department without the support of the IT department. This led to technical limitations, particularly with regard to the MDX interface.
Lack of future security:
The existing solution was not future-proof and not compatible with the latest SAP developments and the company’s strategic direction.

These challenges affected the efficiency and accuracy of reporting, making a standardized database and improved reporting processes an urgent priority.

Solution

Sulzer supported the customer during the evaluation phase and in the selection of the optimal reporting tool. After reviewing various options, including Tableau, Qlik View, PowerBI and SAC, the decision was made in favor of SAP Analytics Cloud. This decision was based on the following reasons:

BI-Target-Architecture
SAP compatibility:
The seamless integration of SAC with SAP BW made it possible to incorporate 80% of the data without data redundancy.
Live data access:
The ability to combine SAP BW data in real time enabled dynamic and up-to-date reporting, which significantly accelerated decision-making processes.
Future security:
As the official successor to SAP BO and an integral part of the SAP strategy, SAC offered a long-term solution that was in line with the company’s future direction.
Empowerment of the departments:
The introduction of self-service reporting enabled the teams to work independently and more efficiently, reducing their dependence on the IT department.

Project implementation

Technical implementation:

Sulzer supported the introduction of SAC by developing a solid data model in the SAP BW system and migrating data from Oracle. This created a stable foundation for the new reporting tool and enabled a smooth transition.

Governance creation:

Sulzer developed comprehensive SAC governance to establish standardized processes and templates for reporting. This facilitated the uniform use of the tool and promoted compliance with best practices.

Training of key users:

A crucial part of the project was the training of key users by Sulzer. This training was repeated quarterly to ensure that users were able to use the new tools and processes effectively, leading to successful adoption of SAC across the organization.

Supporting role of Sulzer:

During the implementation phase, Sulzer took on an advisory and supportive role, particularly in setting up the BW data model and providing technical advice. This enabled efficient implementation and adaptation to the customer’s specific requirements.

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Results and added value

Long-term effects
Extension of the SAC functions:
The customer has already introduced the SAC planning function and set up a second SAC tenant to further increase flexibility and capacity.
Intensified training:
Further training courses for different skill levels are planned in order to deepen users‘ skills and increase their efficiency.
Follow-up projects:
Interest in the use of SAC has increased in other specialist areas, which will lead to further follow-up projects and support the ongoing transformation of the company.

Findings and recommendations

Intensive preliminary analysis:

A thorough analysis of the reports to be migrated and their benefits should be carried out in advance to ensure that only necessary and useful reports are migrated. A decision should also be made at an early stage as to whether a one-tenant or two-tenant landscape meets the requirements in order to avoid subsequent changes.

Comprehensive training and promotion:

Training should not only cover the technical creation of reports, but also the design of content and the use of the right visualization methods. It is also important to promote the tool and highlight new possibilities in order to encourage acceptance and use.

Ensure user acceptance:

Prior to the introduction, future users should be brought on board, the added value
demonstrated and acceptance increased.
A regular exchange and highlighting the benefits can significantly increase motivation and willingness to use the new tool.

Risk management:

The close cooperation with the specialist departments and the flexible adaptation of the project plans were decisive in successfully overcoming risks such as data connection difficulties and time pressure due to the expiry of the existing licenses.

Data Analytics

Conclusion

The project was a great success and demonstrated the technological expertise and pragmatic approach of Sulzer GmbH. The close and trusting cooperation with the automotive manufacturer led to a sustainable improvement in data management and reporting. The implementation of the SAP Analytics Cloud laid the foundation for future IT initiatives and follow-up projects that will further increase the customer’s efficiency and competitiveness.

This success story underlines the transformative potential of the SAP Analytics Cloud and the ability of Sulzer GmbH to make a significant contribution to digital transformation and the optimization of business processes through technological expertise and partnership-based collaboration.

Get to know our expert

Are you facing similar challenges within your company? Would you like to optimize your data analysis and reporting processes to make them future-proof?
Sulzer GmbH is your experienced partner for digital transformation. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.

Anni Hoja
Head of Delivery Unit Product Intelligence