Tips and Tricks for Building a Web-Based Planning Application in SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning Anna Vladi LAZAR Consultants Š 2008 Wellesley Information Services. All rights reserved.
What We’ll Cover … • • • • • •
Creating planning applications aimed at the business Creating real-time InfoCubes Building the planning model Developing the planning application in WAD Deploying your planning Web Application Wrap-up
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Overview of Planning Applications •
Planning applications are SAP NetWeaverÂŽ BI applications that are based on a planning model. Power users combine the objects of the planning model into an interactive planning application that allows data to be entered and changed automatically or manually by users. BEx Query Designer
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Planning Model Objects Include … • •
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InfoProviders that contain data Aggregation levels as InfoProviders that provide a set of data with a particular level of granularity for data entry and change Input-ready queries that allow you to make manual entries for the aggregation level Planning functions that allow automated changes to be made to data in the aggregation level, and therefore model a part of the data flow
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Planning Tools • •
In addition, planning sequences can belong to the planning model Tools are available for creating planning scenarios. These tools are also used in reporting scenarios.
For Excel-based planning applications: BEx Analyzer For Web-based planning applications: BEx Web Application Designer
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Example •
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The two InfoCubes (at the bottom) contain the same characteristics, and have at least one common key figure; the only difference is the key figure Year. One of the characteristics is Country. This has to be included in the query. This graphic shows how the objects in the planning model are related.
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Starting Point •
Is this you?
Budget Planning
Revenue Planning
Tool Set A
Tool Set C
Tool Set B
Tool Set D 6
Benefits of BI Integrated Planning • • • •
Enhanced user productivity Faster implementation and lower maintenance costs Better performance Business user friendly
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BPS vs. BI Integrated Planning •
Planning level has been replaced by aggregation level, and packages have been replaced by filters
Source: SAP
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Example of the Planning Model
Source: SAP
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BI Integrated Planning as a Part of SAP NetWeaver BI
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Planning can be Web-enabled by using the new Planning Wizard in SAP NetWeaver BI 7.0 IP 10
Common Points of Difficulty/Confusion • • •
Taking into consideration the behavior of the real-time InfoCube Knowing when to utilize MultiProvider object in your planning Learning the algorithms behind the “out of the box” planning functions such as forecasting and trend analysis. Further information about them can be found on SAP Help Portal.
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What We’ll Cover … • • • • • •
Creating planning applications aimed at the business Creating real-time InfoCubes Building the planning model Developing the planning application in WAD Deploying your planning Web Application Wrap-up
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Creating Real-Time InfoCubes – Step 1 Make sure that Real Time check mark is checked
Creating Real-Time InfoCubes – Step 2
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Usually real-time InfoCube would have a similar structure to the standard InfoCube that you use in your model. Use a template to drag and drop InfoObjects.
Behavior of Real-Time InfoCubes
If you choose option #1 (loading the data), then planning is not allowed.
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What We’ll Cover … • • • • • •
Creating planning applications aimed at the business Creating real-time InfoCubes Building the planning model Developing the planning application in WAD Deploying your planning Web Application Wrap-up
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Planning on the MultiProvider – Manual Planning
Planning Modeling •
You can design your planning model by using the Web-based Planning Modeler
Business Experts do not have access to RSA1 but receive access to Planning Modeler 18
Planning Modeling (cont.) •
A wizard is available that simplifies your initial access to planning modeling
The wizard takes you through a simple scenario based on an InfoProvider.
Mandatory Steps in Developing a Planning Model 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Choose an InfoProvider Create an Aggregation Level Create a Filter Create a Variable for the Filter Create a Planning Function Develop a Planning Sequence Execute and Test
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Steps to Model – Choose Your InfoProvider Step 1: Search or type your InfoProvider name
Step 2: Choose from the list
Step 3: Click Start
Txn RSPLAN 21
Steps to Model – Build an Aggregation Level 1
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3 Selection of key figures and characteristics 22
Steps to Model – Saving Aggregation Level
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Once you save the aggregation level, it becomes available on the modeling side of BI.
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Steps to Model – Create a Filter
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Define a selection of characteristics values within the aggregation level that are shared with the Query Designer, and are dynamic and flexible (such as Variables, Hierarchies, or Attributes) 24
Steps to Model – Create a Variable for Use in Filters 1
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3
Don't Forget
Variable Wizard
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Creating Planning Functions Planning Functions are delivered by SAP
To learn what a specific function does, visit http://help.sap.com, under SEM-BPS-Planning Functions
Where to FIND it
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Steps in Planning: Create Forecast Planning Function There must be data available that can serve as reference data for the forecast Aggregation Level and Filter must have a Time Characteristic
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Steps in Planning: Create Forecast Planning Function (cont.)
In Forecast Data, you must select: 1. Key figures you are forecasting on 2. Historic key figures you are forecasting against 3. Forecast strategy
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Steps in Planning: Planning Sequence Definition Creating a Planning Sequence is the last step that you need to do to finalize your planning model.
Planning sequences can be integrated into Process Chains for automation.
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Steps in Planning: Execute/Test Your Planning Sequences
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Check your Planning Model when you create it. You can capture data manually, and validate whether the model delivers expected results.
Solution
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Steps in Planning: Create Ready for Input Query Queries should be based on an aggregation level and are able to write back to the InfoCube
Make sure to choose one of these options to enable changes to be made during planning
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Planning Model Impact • • • • • • •
One user-friendly user interface for Business Planning and Analysis applications Analytical capabilities such as drilldown, hierarchies, and calculated key figures Plan/actual comparison in one planning layout Using existing real-time InfoProviders Taking advantage of the MultiProvider concept Integration of information from SAP and non-SAP sources Alignment with ESA (Enterprise Services Architecture) 32
What We’ll Cover … • • • • • •
Creating planning applications aimed at the business Creating real-time InfoCubes Building the planning model Developing the planning application in WAD Deploying your planning Web Application Wrap-up
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Creating a Web Application Designer Template
Prerequisite: All queries have to have been created, and be input-ready
Combine planning and analysis capabilities in Web Applications to provide intuitive planning for end user. Steps: 1. Create a layout. Use the new Container Layout Web Item to layout Web Items in an organized manner. 2. Configure the layout 3. Choose Data Binding to assign a Query to the Web Item 4. Configure interaction where properties are maintained 34
Common Features for WAD Planning • • • • • • • •
Tables, charts, and templates Buttons for execution of planning functions Wizards for charts, maps, and commands Wizard for layout elements (buttons) Dialog boxes for parameterization Navigation area for selection Drop down for selection such as variables Document browser
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WAD: How to Work with the Container Layout Web Item •
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The Container Layout Web Item helps you to visually arrange the content in a Web Application. You can specify which Web Item is to be displayed for each cell in the layout grid; only one item can be displayed for each cell. In this way, you can systematically arrange Web Items over, under, or adjacent to, one another. Shown: A Container Layout item that includes an Analysis item and Drop-Down Box 36
WAD: Results of the Container Layout Web Item
Results would mimic the design in WAD 37
WAD: How to Work with the Analysis Web Item •
The Analysis Web Item displays the values of a data provider as a table in the Web Application. The list geometries that are used in the BEx Analyzer are also supported here. Characteristics and structures can be displayed in both rows and columns. 38
WAD: Results of the Analysis Web Item
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WAD: How to Use a Drop-Down Box Web Item •
You can specify the content of the drop-down box:
Characteristic values for filtering The connected Data Provider is filtered according to this value Query View Selection Lets you switch, in one step, from one Data Provider (displayed in a table, for example) to another that may be displayed differently (e.g., in a chart) Fixed List of Options
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WAD: How to Work with Drop-Down Box Web Item
1. Specify which Data Provider is the source
2. Specify Read Mode: Master Data Table or Fact Table
3. Specify which Characteristic to filter on
4. Choose Characteristic for the Filter 41
WAD: Result of Data Binding in Drop-Down Box Web Item
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WAD: How to Work with the Button Group Web Item •
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You can use the Button Group Web Item to add commands from the Web Design API to your Web Application. To do this, define a command or sequence of commands for each button. You can insert any text (languagedependent and language-independent) for the button labels, assign a quick link to them, and specify their design. 43
WAD: How to Work with the Button Group Web Item (cont.) 1. Set properties for a button
2. Choose planning function command
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WAD: Results of Using the Button Group Web Item to Create Planning Functions
Planning functions are ready for use
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WAD: How to Work with the Tab Pages Web Item
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You can assign one Web Item to each tab page. You must first insert the subordinate Web Items into the Tab Page Web Item. 46
WAD: Results of Using the Tab Web Item
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Using the Tab Pages Web Item, you can arrange and display Web Items as tab pages in your Web Application. 47
What We’ll Cover … • • • • • •
Creating planning applications aimed at the business Creating real-time InfoCubes Building the planning model Developing the planning application in WAD Deploying your planning Web Application Wrap-up
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Your Application Is Ready to Use in Planning Planning can now be done using the planning functions on the left
The cells open up for user entry 49
Deploying Complex Integrated Planning Applications
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What We’ll Cover … • • • • • •
Creating planning applications aimed at the business Creating real-time InfoCubes Building the planning model Developing the planning application in WAD Deploying your planning Web Application Wrap-up
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Summary – Review the Steps Create real-time InfoCube(s) Create Aggregation Level(s) Create Filter(s), using variables Create Planning Functions
1. 2. 3. 4. •
5. 6. 7.
Visit help.sap.com (under SEM-BPS-Planning functions) to learn more about the functions
Create Planning Sequence(s) (needed for process chains) Create ready-for-input queries Develop WAD Planning Application
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Resources •
Help.sap.com – Creating Planning Applications in the BEx Web Application Designer
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http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw70/helpdata/en/43/c8240e47460 aa5e10000000a1553f6/frameset.htm
SAP Developers Network – Planning- and reportingrelated presentations and white papers!
www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/go/portal/prtroot/docs/library/uuid/304 27aea-ea4f-2a10-e1b9-8c203f17b2cb
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7 Key Points to Take Home • • • •
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Use MultiProviders in your planning model to enable “Planned vs. Actual” reporting Use Planning Wizard (New Feature in IP) Use variables when working with filters for flexibility Always check for prerequisites for your planning (for a forecasting function you must have time characteristic in your aggregate level) Use planning sequences to schedule planning in process chains Build ready-for-input query on aggregate level, not the InfoCube Utilize container item and tabs when developing in WAD 54
Your Turn!
How to contact me: Anna Vladi annavladi@lzar.com 55