Dashboard based on the SAP Analytics Cloud: BOMAG optimizes and simplifies KPI reporting

Developing and optimizing existing business processes has always been paramount for BOMAG. As part of a future-oriented IT strategy, the company has used SAP’s integrated ERP software for years when executing core business processes and regularly updates it. ERP software is complemented by SAP’s cloud solutions wherever it makes sense to do so.

There was a need for action when it came to viewing the company’s key figures and their effect on today’s common mobile devices, including the associated selection and function options. BOMAG previously used the SAP Business Warehouse (SAP BW) business intelligence (BI) application together with a web-based front-end solution based on SAP BusinessObjects. However, this tool is no longer supported by SAP. The look-and-feel came with somewhat rigid, inflexible interfaces, and it lacked update options.

^{Source Photo: © BOMAG GmbH}

As such, the previous BI front end is intended to be recreated during the migration from SAP BW to the SAP BW/4HANA solution. After an in-depth evaluation, the SAP Analytics Cloud solution was chosen, based on which a modern and flexible KPI dashboard was created.

Users notice the convenient usability benefits of this dashboard right after they begin to use it. Thanks to comprehensive filter options, you can refine key figures and relevant KPIs in order to give the user a fast and clear knowledge and insights into important company parameters.

“Since KPI inquiries in the dashboard are now independently performed in the dashboard according to the pull principle, acceptance among users is even higher. The dashboards are very actively used to retrieve and discuss key figures”, explains Michael Kiefer. At the same time, the dashboard delivers greater efficiency in KPI reporting since comparison figures can be visually identified far more easily at first glance, making it possible to immediately carry out the corresponding analyses and measures.

^{Source Photo: © BOMAG GmbH}

ORBIS SE was commissioned with creating and introducing the dashboard. The Saarbrücken-based IT service provider has comprehensive know-how related to SAP analytics solutions and has already supervised several related projects at BOMAG as a strategic IT partner. By using agile methods, the project was executed smoothly.

In close cooperation with in-house IT and the group’s Controlling department, the ORBIS experts created a mock-up and afterwards a prototype of the subsequent dashboard as part of a proof-of-concept (PoC) based on the SAP Analytics Cloud. Afterwards, using only SAP standard tools, this prototype was successively tailored to BOMAG’s individual requirements in terms of functions, the characteristics, and the layout.

^{Source Photo: © BOMAG GmbH}

One challenge – which was solved by using special programming – was illustrating the fiscal year, which differs from the calendar year at BOMAG. Furthermore, ORBIS supported the development of data models in SAP BW and the queries for inquiries, creating models in SAP Analytics Cloud, and selecting and using diagram and graphic types.

^{Source Photo: © BOMAG GmbH}

„By giving users the ability to act with far greater autonomy, the SAP Analytics Cloud-based dashboard has significantly increased the efficiency and flexibility of our KPI reporting.“