Kumar Srinivasan, Sridhar Srinivasan

SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning for Finance

Bonn

Boston

Contents at a Glance
PART I 1 Planning and the Evolution of SAP Planning Software ................................................................... 25 27

An Overview of Business Planning ................................... Developing Planning Applications Using SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning ..................

PART II 2

51 53

Introduction to SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning ............................................................................

SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning Configuring a Financial Application ................................. 131 SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning User Interface ................................................................... 201

PART III Developing Planning Applications ........................... 243 5 Essential Tools for Developing SAP NetWeaver BI Planning Applications ....................................................... 245 SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning Implementation and Best Practices ................................. 297 Author Biography .............................................................. 305 Sources and Further Reading ............................................ 307 Glossary ............................................................................ 309

A B C

Contents

Contents
Foreword by Kellie Gypin .......................................................................... Foreword by Kevin Harrington ................................................................... Acknowledgments ..................................................................................... Introduction and Overview ........................................................................ 11 13 15 17

PART I: PLANNING AND THE EVOLUTION OF SAP PLANNING SOFTWARE 1 An Overview of Business Planning ...................................... 27
1.1 Concepts in Business Planning ................................................. 1.1.1 Planning as Compared to Budgeting and Forecasting ................................................................. 1.1.2 Planning Timelines ...................................................... 1.1.3 Planning Types ............................................................ 1.1.4 Planning Area ............................................................. 1.1.5 Common Scenarios for Planning in Business ................ 1.1.6 Planning Considerations .............................................. Evolution of Planning Software in SAP systems ........................ 1.2.1 The Origin of Planning in the SAP R/3 System ............. 1.2.2 Introduction to SAP Strategic Enterprise Management (SAP SEM) ............................................. 1.2.3 Introduction to SAP NetWeaver .................................. 1.2.4 Introduction to SAP NetWeaver 7.0 and SAP NetWeaver Business Intelligence (BI) ................... The Role of IT in Developing a Planning Application ................ Summary ................................................................................ 28 28 29 30 31 33 35 37 38 38 42 44 47 49

1.2

1.3 1.4

PART II: DEVELOPING PLANNING APPLICATIONS USING SAP NETWEAVER BI INTEGRATED PLANNING 2 Introduction to SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning .... 53
2.1 Objects Used in SAP NetWeaver BI ......................................... 2.1.1 InfoObjects ................................................................. 2.1.2 InfoProviders .............................................................. Extracting, Transforming, and Loading Data in SAP NetWeaver BI ................................................................... 2.2.1 DataSource ................................................................. 54 54 55 57 57

2.2

Contents

2.3 2.4 2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.9

2.10

Flow of Data in SAP NetWeaver BI (Extraction, Transformation, and Loading) ...................................... 2.2.3 Process Chains ............................................................ Reporting in SAP NetWeaver BI ............................................... SAP Business Content .............................................................. Planning Framework in SAP NetWeaver BI .............................. 2.5.1 Comparing SAP BW BPS and SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning ..................................................... High-level Overview for Creating a Planning Application ......... 2.6.1 SAP BW BPS: Steps to Develop a Planning Application ................................................................. 2.6.2 SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning Steps to Develop a Planning Application .................................. Modeling Considerations in Planning ....................................... 2.7.1 Standard InfoCube versus Real-Time InfoCube ............ 2.7.2 Key Figure Model vs. Account Model .......................... Case Study for Financial Planning ............................................ 2.8.1 Rich Bloom, Inc. Sample Company for the Case Study .................................................................. 2.8.2 Requirements of the Case Study .................................. Building the Data Model in SAP NetWeaver BI ........................ 2.9.1 Create and Activate InfoObjects .................................. 2.9.2 Create InfoAreas ......................................................... 2.9.3 Create InfoCubes ........................................................ 2.9.4 Create DataSources ..................................................... 2.9.5 Create Transformations ............................................... 2.9.6 Create the DTP ........................................................... 2.9.7 Create InfoPackages .................................................... 2.9.8 Load Data from the PSA to the Data Target ................ 2.9.9 Reporting Data in SAP NetWeaver BI .......................... 2.9.10 Create a Query to Analyze Sales Data .......................... Summary .................................................................................

2.2.2

58 62 62 63 64 65 66 66 68 71 71 73 75 76 77 80 82 93 93 108 112 116 118 120 122 128 130

SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning Configuring a Financial Application ............................................................ 131

3.1 3.2 SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning Prerequisites ............... 132 SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning and the Planning Modeler .................................................................................. 133 3.2.1 Navigation in the Planning Modeler ............................ 134

Contents

3.3

3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7

Creating and Configuring a Planning Application ..................... 3.3.1 The InfoProvider Tab ................................................... 3.3.2 The Aggregation Levels Tab ........................................ 3.3.3 The Filter Tab .............................................................. 3.3.4 The Planning Functions Tab ........................................ 3.3.5 The Planning Sequences Tab ...................................... Characteristic Relationships .................................................... Data Slices .............................................................................. Settings .................................................................................. Summary .................................................................................

135 135 138 142 145 185 191 195 198 199

SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning User Interface ... 201

4.1 Reporting Tools in SAP NetWeaver BI ..................................... 4.1.1 BEx Query Designer .................................................... 4.1.2 BEx Analyzer ............................................................... 4.1.3 BEx Web Application Designer .................................... 4.1.4 BEx Report Designer ................................................... 4.1.5 Visual Composer ......................................................... Creating an Input-Enabled Query for Planning ......................... Creating a Planning Application User Interface Using the BEx Analyzer ............................................................................ 4.3.1 Analysis Toolbar .......................................................... 4.3.2 Design Toolbar ............................................................ 4.3.3 Steps to Create a Planning Application User Interface Using the BEx Analyzer Tool ........................................ Creating a Planning Application User Interface Using the BEx Web Application Designer ................................................ 4.4.1 Web Items Used in BEx Web Application Designer ..... 4.4.2 Developing a Planning Application Using the BEx Web Application Designer .................................... Analysis of Gross Profit Margin ................................................ Summary ................................................................................. 201 202 204 204 205 206 206 212 213 215 220 226 227 230 238 241

4.2 4.3

4.4

4.5 4.6

PART III: DEVELOPING PLANNING APPLICATIONS 5 Essential Tools for Developing SAP NetWeaver BI Planning Applications .......................................................... 245
5.1 Locking .................................................................................... 246 5.1.1 What is Locking? ......................................................... 246 5.1.2 Locking Configuration ................................................. 248

Contents

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5 5.6 5.7

Status and Tracking System (STS) Application .......................... 5.2.1 STS and Bottom-Up Planning ...................................... 5.2.2 STS and Top-Down Planning ....................................... 5.2.3 STS Key Points ............................................................ 5.2.4 Planning Scenario for Using the STS Application .......... 5.2.5 STS Application Concepts ............................................ 5.2.6 Preparing for the STS Configuration ............................. 5.2.7 Configuring the STS Application .................................. 5.2.8 Send Start Email to Start an STS Planning Session ........ Authorization .......................................................................... 5.3.1 Types of Security Roles ................................................ 5.3.2 Legal Auditing ............................................................. Transporting Planning Objects ................................................. 5.4.1 Change Control Process .............................................. 5.4.2 Creating a Transport Request ...................................... Retraction ................................................................................ Performance Monitoring and Analysis ...................................... Summary .................................................................................

253 254 254 254 255 256 256 258 268 272 273 286 286 287 287 290 294 296

SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning Implementation and Best Practices ..................................... 297
6.1 6.2 6.3 SAP ASAP Methodology .......................................................... 297 Best Practices for Project Implementation ................................ 299 Summary ................................................................................. 301

Appendix .............................................................................. 303

A B Author Biography ............................................................................... Sources and Further Reading .............................................................. B.1 Sources .................................................................................... B.2 Further Reading ....................................................................... Glossary ............................................................................................. 305 307 307 307 309

Index ......................................................................................................... 315

10

This chapter walks you through the development of a complete planning application user interface that will meet the requirements of the case study that was detailed in Chapter 2. This chapter will also describe the various tools available for building a user planning application in the SAP NetWeaver BI system.

SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning User Interface

Well begin this chapter by introducing the range of tools available to users for planning and reporting in the SAP NetWeaver BI system. Next, we will illustrate the steps in defining an Input-Enabled Query for creating and modifying the plan data, using the planning objects created in Chapter 3. Subsequently, we will discuss the steps for creating a planning application user interface using the BEx Analyzer tool. More specifically, well show you how to integrate the Input-Enabled Query we will create in this chapter and the planning objects we created in Chapter 2 into a Microsoft Excel workbook. Later in the chapter, we will describe the steps for creating a planning application user interface on the Web. The BEx Web Application Designer tool is used for this purpose. Finally, we illustrate the steps to create a query that will meet the key requirement of Rich Bloom, Inc. to analyze the planned gross profit margin. We will see how the plan data created using the planning application can be used to plan the gross profit margin. Lets start by looking at the different options available for reporting using the BEx suite of tools and Visual Composer.

4.1

Reporting Tools in SAP NetWeaver BI

The SAP BI system provides a range of tools that enable planning and reporting. They are: BEx Query Designer BEx Analyzer

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BEx Web Application Designer BEx Report Designer Visual Composer Lets look at each of these tools in more detail.

4.1.1

BEx Query Designer

The BEx Query Designer is the tool that is used to create queries in the SAP NetWeaver BI system. A query is used for analyzing data. Some of the key features of the BEx Query Designer include variables, drill-down capabilities, conditions, exceptions, Input-Enabled Queries, the ability to use information broadcasting, and enabling queries for use with third-party applications. Lets look at each of these features in more detail.

Variables A variable can be defined to restrict the data returned when a query is executed. Different types of variables are supported and can be used based on the requirements of a query. The variable that prompts for user input when executing a query is the most common type of variable used to restrict the data returned by a query.

Drill-Down Capabilities When a user executes a query, all of the data required for analysis may not be needed at once. The Characteristics that are absolutely required for analysis when a query is executed are included in the Rows area of the query. The Characteristics that may be used optionally for analysis are included in the Free Characteristics area. The Characteristics included in the Free Characteristics area can be used for analysis as drill-down Characteristics after the query is executed.

Conditions A condition is used to restrict data returned by a query, based on quantitative information. For example, a condition can be defined to display only the top ten customers, based on sales revenue.

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4.1

Exceptions An exception is defined in a query to help analyze the data better. The exception allows for color-coding of the data returned by a query. The colorcoding helps users to grasp visually the meaning of data. The color-coding displayed in the output of a query can be used to recognize deviations in data from the standard norm and can help with timely decision-making.

Input-Enabled Query A special type of query called Input-Enabled Query can be defined for the purpose of planning. A query developed as an Input-Enabled Query can be used for manually creating or modifying plan data. This type of query can be based on the planning objects created using the SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning tool.

Information Broadcasting A query can be defined to include the Information Broadcasting feature for distributing data. The Information Broadcasting function provides the settings for determining when a query should be executed and how the output of a query should be distributed. The results of a query can be distributed via various channels, such as email, printer, or SAP Enterprise Portal. Users have considerable flexibility in choosing the format for sending the output of a query. Available formats include HTML, online link, and PDF. Information Broadcasting lets users distribute reports in a timely manner. In addition, Process Chains provide the ability to trigger a process to execute a query and distribute the data as defined in the Information Broadcasting setting.

Enabling queries for Third-Party Applications A query created in the BEx Query Designer can be enabled for use in thirdparty applications and used in those applications as the source of data. For example, a query created in the BEx Query Designer can be used in the Crystal Reports application to generate formatted reports. The SAP Enterprise Portal is a platform supplied by SAP that helps companies to unify business processes by allowing users to access up-to-date information from different systems used by an enterprise. This is the recommended option for deploying the reports created in the SAP NetWeaver BI

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system to users on the Web. Starting with SAP NetWeaver 7.0, the use of SAP Enterprise Portal is mandatory to use any of the new capabilities available in this release when reporting on the Web. We will now see how the BEx Analyzer tool can be used to deploy a query created in the BEx Query Designer to users.

4.1.2

BEx Analyzer

Many users work with Microsoft Excel software for reporting and analysis. SAP has taken this into consideration when building the software to report data in SAP NetWeaver BI. The BEx Analyzer tool helps users report and analyze data using features available in Microsoft Excel. The BEx Analyzer tool must be installed as an add-on along with the SAP GUI on a users computer before it can be used to create and execute queries in the SAP NetWeaver BI system. When the BEx Analyzer tool is used, the query is executed and displayed in a Microsoft Excel workbook, which provides users Microsoft Excel features for reporting and analyzing the data. Use of workbooks is particularly helpful when executing queries related to financial data. The data can be easily integrated and exported to other Microsoft Excel documents in the context of analysis and decision-making. We will now see how the BEx Web Application Designer is used for developing reports from anywhere, using the Internet.

4.1.3

BEx Web Application Designer

The BEx Web Application Designer is used when queries will be deployed on the Web. Queries developed in the BEx Query Designer can be integrated into a Web template using this tool. One of the significant advantages of using the BEx Web Application Designer for developing reports is that users can run the applications directly on the Web. No special software needs to be installed on users computers. The only prerequisite for executing applications on the Web is that users should be able to access the Web. The BEx Web Application Designer in SAP NetWeaver 7.0 provides a sophisticated interface for reporting by allowing users to develop dashboards for presenting key performance indicators (KPIs). All the features that are available when using the BEx Analyzer for reporting are also available when using the BEx Web Application Designer. The BEx Web Application Designer also lets you distribute reports using Information Broadcasting.

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4.1

The Web template created in the BEx Web Application Designer can be used as the basis for reporting data as an iView in the SAP Enterprise Portal. An iView is an application that can be deployed on a Web page. The application can be sourced from different systems: SAP R/3, SAP CRM, SAP NetWeaver BI, etc. Prior to SAP NetWeaver 7.0, the Web application server was primarily used as the basis for deploying Web applications developed in the SAP NetWeaver BI system. The SAP Enterprise Portal was not mandatory for deploying the Web application. In SAP NetWeaver 7.0, the SAP Enterprise Portal is required to use any of the new capabilities available in this release when reporting on the Web. The new features introduced in the BEx Web Application Designer can be used when developing the Web templates.
Tip

The output of a query on the Web can be displayed as a PDF document. This is a new feature introduced in SAP NetWeaver 7.0.

You will now see how you can use the BEx Report Designer for developing formatted reports.

4.1.4

BEx Report Designer

The BEx Report Designer is a new tool introduced in SAP NetWeaver 7.0 to meet the requirements of formatted reporting. One of the main limitations when using the BEx tools prior to SAP NetWeaver 7.0 was the complexity and limited functionality for creating formatted reports. Even though the Web application provided for features to create formatted reports, they required additional customization and did not fully satisfy all of the user requirements. Users sometimes needed third-party software to develop formatted reports. The above limitations led SAP to create the BEx Report Designer, an exclusive tool for formatted reporting. It is especially useful when the generated reports are to be sent to customers or vendors in a particular format and when the BEx Analyzer and the BEx Web Application Designer tools cannot fully satisfy this requirement. Next, we will look into how Visual Composer can be used to integrate information from multiple systems.

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4.1.5

Visual Composer

The data used by an enterprise might be in different systems: SAP R/3, SAP CRM, Oracle, Informix, etc. The data from these systems may need to be presented as a homogenous report. Visual Composer can be used in this case to bring data from multiple systems and present in a single interface. Visual Composer uses the SAP Enterprise Portal for defining and executing reports. A Visual Composer report is defined and saved as an iView in the SAP Enterprise Portal and made available to users.
Note

SAP plans to use Visual Composer extensively in future releases as a key vehicle for reporting. The features available in the BEx Web Application Designer are also expected to be made available in Visual Composer.

In this section, we briefly discussed the different tools available for reporting data and explained features offered by the BEx suite of tools and Visual Composer. In the next section, we will create a query that will be used as the basis for manually creating and modifying plan data.

4.2

Creating an Input-Enabled Query for Planning

With the introduction of BI Integrated Planning in SAP NetWeaver 7.0, a new feature of the BEx Query Designer is the Input-Enabled Query. An Input-Enabled Query is used only in the context of a planning application. It makes it possible to create and modify data in a Real-Time InfoCube. One of the objectives that our model company, Rich Bloom, Inc., would like to achieve using the SAP NetWeaver BI Integrated Planning tool is to make available a complete planning application that would help the sales force to plan data for 2007. One of the requirements is to create a query that can be used for entering the plan data. Although the actual sales data for 2006 will be used as reference data for planning for 2007, the company expects to make manual changes to reflect the demand for the period. In Chapter 2, we discussed the steps to create a query using the BEx Query Designer. We will now use the same steps to create a query that will be used for planning. The query created for this requirement will be enabled for user input. The following steps are used to create an Input-Enabled Query:

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4.2

1. Launch the BEx Query Designer tool from your PC using the menu path Start Programs Business Explorer Query Designer. The BEx Query Designer toolbar displays. Click Create on the toolbar to display the New Query: Select Infoprovider dialog box. 2. The next step is to select an InfoProvider for the query from the list displayed in the dialog box. An Input-Enabled Query should be created based on an InfoProvider of type Aggregation Level. The Aggregation Level is created using the Planning Modeler. For our case study, select the Aggregation Level ([ZSL_A_ALL], All characteristics and Key Figures) (see Figure 4.1, callout 1).

Figure 4.1 Selecting the InfoProvider for Creating an Input-Enabled Query

3. The Query Designer Query: <technical name> screen displays, showing the Filter tab. In the Characteristic Restrictions area, include the Characteristics that will be used as the basis for filtering the data returned by the query. When a Characteristic is included in this area, you must specify a type of restriction for the Characteristic. The restriction can be based on variables or fixed values (see Figure 4.2, callout 2). The restrictions that are set here are permanent and cannot be changed during navigation of the query. For our case study, set the following restrictions: Company Code = 20 (Rich Bloom, Inc.) Sales Office = S01 (US sales office)

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Country = US (USA) Controlling Area = 1000 (Rich Bloom) Distribution Channel = 70 (Direct Distribution) InfoProvider = ZSLS_PLN (Sales plan) Value Type = 20 (Plan) Version = 01 (Plan Version: Change 1) Currency = USD (United States Dollar) Sales Unit = EA (Each) Sales Organization = 20 (Rich Bloom Inc, San Diego,CA,USA)
Note

The restrictions for the Input-Enabled Query can also be based on a Filter planning object. If a Filter planning object is configured for the Aggregation Level that is used by a query, then the Filter object can be seen under a separate folder along with the Dimension and Key Figure folders. Users can drag and drop the Filter planning object from the folder to the Characteristic Restrictions area.

4. Next, you can include restrictions in the Default Values area of the query. The Characteristics included in the Default Values area can be used for specifying temporary Filters for the query; that is, those that can be changed while navigating the query. The Characteristics included here can also be included in the Free Characteristics area or the Rows area of the query. For our case study, we will not set any restrictions directly in the Default Values area.
Note

You will notice that in Figure 4.2, callout 3, Characteristics are included in the Default Values area. This is because Characteristics included in the Row or Column areas of the query, as we will do in the next step, are automatically added to the Default Values area.

5. Click the Rows/Columns tab (see Figure 4.2, callout 4). 6. Identify the Characteristics and Key Figures to be used in the Free Characteristics, Rows and Columns areas. The Characteristics included in the Free Characteristics area (see Figure 4.3, callout 5) are not displayed immediately but are available for drill-down after the query is executed.

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4.2

Figure 4.2 Determining the Filters for a Query

For our case study, in the Free Characteristics area, we will include the Controlling Area Characteristic and in the Rows area of the query, include Material group, Calendar Year/Month, Material, Division, Business area, Cost Center and Customer Characteristics (see Figure 4.3, callout 6). 7. The Key Figures are usually included in the Columns area of the query (see Figure 4.3, callout 7). For our case study, include the planned Quantity, Sales amt GC and Cost amt GC Key Figures. 8. Next, youll need to set the properties of the query. For our case study, well set the query to be an Input-Enabled Query. To do so, on the Extended tab of the Properties pane of the query, select the Start Query in Change Mode checkbox (Figure 4.4, callout 8 and 9).

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Figure 4.3 Selecting the Characteristics and Key Figures for the Query

Figure 4.4 Enabling a Query for Planning

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4.2

9. Next, you will need to set the properties of Characteristics and Key Figures. Click the individual Characteristics or Key Figures in the Columns or Rows pane and configure the desired settings in the Properties pane. You need to set the property for the Key Figures for which the data can be changed (or cannot be changed) by the query. The following options are available:
Data cannot be changed Data can be changed using planning functions Data can be changed using user entries or planning functions

For our case study, on the Planning tab for the selected Key Figure (see Figure 4.5, callouts 10 and 11), set Quantity, Sales amt GC and Cost amt GC to be changed using user entries or planning functions.
Note

SAP NetWeaver 7.0 provides advanced features to select multiple Characteristics and Key Figures at once. This is useful when a property setting applies to more than one Characteristic or Key Figure.

Figure 4.5 Enabling a Key Figure for Changes to Data

10. Save the query by specifying a technical name and description for the query. The query can be tested by selecting the Query Execute button (see Figure 4.5, callout 12).

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You have now created an Input-Enabled Query for planning. The Input-Enabled Query will be integrated into a planning application and made available to users. The planning application will contain all of the planning requirements listed by Rich Bloom, Inc. in the case study.
Note

When a user maintains plan data using an Input-Enabled Query, all of the Characteristic and Key Figure values pertaining to each of the rows will be written to the Plan InfoCube. It is important that the design of the Input-Enabled Query ensures that for each row entered, the values of all Characteristics in the Aggregation Level are uniquely identified.

In the next section, we will see how to create a planning application using the BEx Analyzer tool.

4.3

Creating a Planning Application User Interface Using the BEx Analyzer

The BEx Analyzer provides a Microsoft Excel-based front end to plan, report and analyze data. In this section, you will see how to develop a complete planning application using the BEx Analyzer tool. Launch the BEx Analyzer tool from your PC using the menu path Start Programs Business Explorer BEx Analyzer. The BEx Analyzer add-on should be installed on the computer for this purpose. The BEx Analyzer provides two toolbars:
Analysis

The Analysis toolbar is used for setting the environment to report data, maintain Microsoft Excel workbooks and execute queries and Microsoft Excel workbooks.
Design

The Design toolbar is used for designing a Microsoft Excel workbook or a planning application.
Note

A workbook is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that contains the results of executing a query.

We will now discuss the different options available on the Analysis toolbar.

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4.3

4.3.1

Analysis Toolbar

The Analysis Toolbar contains eight options, as shown in Figure 4.6. Lets look at each option in more detail.

Figure 4.6 Analysis Toolbar in the BEx Analyzer

Open Click Open (see Figure 4.6, callout 1) to open a query or workbook in the BEx Analyzer.

Save Click Save (see Figure 4.6, callout 2) to display the Save Workbook, Save Workbook As and Save View options. The Save option allows you to save the current workbook displayed in the Analyzer. The Save Workbook As option is used for saving the workbook in a different name. The Save View option is used for saving the current state of the workbook as a view.

Refresh/Pause Refresh Click Refresh/Pause (see Figure 4.6, callout 3) to toggle between Refresh and Pause. A refresh requests current data from the system for an active workbook. If Refresh has been clicked, clicking it again will pause the refreshing of current data.

Change Variable Values Click Change Variable Values (see Figure 4.6, callout 4) to change the values of the variables that are used in a query associated with the workbook. When a workbook includes a query that uses variables, these variables are processed and the Select Value for Variable screen displays for any variables that allow user input.

Tools Click Tools (see Figure 4.6, callout 5) to gain access to other BEx tools or launch the Planning Modeler. The following sub-menus are available:

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Create New Query

Lets you create a new query using the BEx Query Designer.
Edit Query <Query Name> Lets you edit the query associated with the current workbook. The <Query Name> represents the query associated with the current workbook. BEx Information Broadcaster

Lets you use the broadcast features to pre-calculate and distribute workbooks.
Planning Modeler

Lets you launch the Web-based application for creating and maintaining planning objects when using the BI Integrated Planning tool.
BEx Report Designer

Lets you design and execute formatted reports.

BEx Web Analyzer

Lets you perform ad hoc analysis of data in InfoProviders on the Web.

Global Settings Click Global Settings (see Figure 4.6, callout 6) to configure settings for all of the objects maintained in the BEx Analyzer. To do so, you have four tabs available.
Behavior

The Behavior tab lets you configure the following settings:

Maximum number of Objects in Local History

Lets you control the display of the number of queries and workbooks recently opened or edited in the History sub-menu option. The number of entries in this list is based on this setting.
Display System Name in Local History

Lets you display the system name of queries and workbooks when listing the history information.
Log on with Attached SAP GUI

Lets you receive messages from the server.

Legacy Version from Easy Access Menu

Lets you launch the 3.x version of BEx Analyzer when using the RRMX transaction.
Launch Analyzer When Excel Starts

Lets you start the BEx Analyzer when Microsoft Excel is launched.

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4.3

Select Default Workbook

Lets you set the default workbook where the output of a query is to be displayed.
Trace

Let you collect information for a BEx Analyzer session. The information in trace files can be used for further analysis when encountering issues with the BEx Analyzer.
Statistics

Lets you log performance data associated with executing queries.

Connect/System Information Click Connect/System Information (see Figure 4.6, callout 7) to display the SAP NetWeaver BI system to which you are connected. This item can also be used to connect to or disconnect from a system.

Application Help Click Application Help to display two sub-menus:

Application Help

Provides detailed help on the BEx Analyzer tool.

About

Displays the version of the BEx Analyzer that is being used. We can now discuss the different options available in the Design toolbar.

4.3.2

Design Toolbar

The Design toolbar, as shown in Figure 4.7, is used to design a workbook or a planning application. The Design toolbar is a new feature in SAP NetWeaver 7.0 and provides the same set of tools available in the BEx Web Application Designer. The output of the data when using the BEx Analyzer displays in a workbook.

Figure 4.7 Design Toolbar in the BEx Analyzer

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The Design toolbar contains thirteen options. Lets look at each option in more detail: Design Mode Click Design Mode (see Figure 4.7, callout 1) to toggle between Design mode and Analysis mode. Design mode is used to design a workbook or a planning application. Analysis mode is used to execute a workbook or a planning application. Analysis Grid Click and drag the Analysis Grid item (see Figure 4.7, callout 2) into a workbook to display the results of a query in a tabular format. This is the most commonly used option and is used to display the output of a query. The Analysis Grid item can also be inserted into a workbook by selecting a cell in the workbook and then clicking Analysis Grid. More than one Analysis Grid item can be included in a workbook. The properties of an Analysis Grid item can be set by right-clicking it and choosing one of the following tabs that relate to the display of the results of a query:
General

The following settings can be configured on this tab.

Data Provider

Lets you set the source of data for the Analysis Grid item. A query can be set as a Data Provider. The results of the query selected in the Data Provider are displayed in the workbook.
Range

Lets you set the size and the location where the item is to be displayed in the workbook.
Use Formulas

Lets you set any cell that displays in the Analysis Grid to be replaced by a formula developed using formula feature in Microsoft Excel.
Adjust Print Area

Lets you automatically adjust the Print Area for the Analysis Grid item in the workbook.
Enable Cell Protection

This property is used in the context of planning and lets you protect cells that are not defined as modifiable in a query from being changed in the workbook.

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4.3

Apply Formatting

Lets you format results displayed in a workbook. When the checkbox for this property is deselected, all formatting for the workbook is turned off. De-selecting this option may help to improve performance.
Allow Navigation

This property is set to allow navigation for the Analysis Grid item. If this option is de-selected, the context menu is not available and further navigation is not possible for the item. You cannot use drag-and-drop functionality in this case.
AutoFit

Lets you set the cells of the Analysis Grid item to expand and display the full width of the data.
Display Sort Icons

Lets you sort the Characteristics and Key Figures in the Analysis Grid in ascending and descending order. The Sort icon displays along with the description for the header columns when this option is enabled.
Display Hierarchy Icons

This property is useful when displaying data in a hierarchical format. It lets you expand and collapse the hierarchical data.
Clipping

Lets you set scrolling for horizontal or vertical data in the table.
Associated Chart

Lets you display the chart associated with the data displayed in an Analysis Grid.

Navigation Pane Click Navigation Pane (see Figure 4.7, callout 3) to further filter and drill down through the results of the execution of a query in a workbook. The navigation pane is associated with a Data Provider and lets you navigate by the Characteristics and Structures contained in the Data Provider.

Filter List Click Filter List (see Figure 4.7, callout 4) to display the active filters for the Characteristics selected in this list.

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Button Click Button (see Figure 4.7, callout 5) to enable the execution of a command in a workbook. Commands are a new feature introduced in SAP NetWeaver 7.0 and enable users to define a wide range of functions in the report. The commands help to enhance the user experience when executing the report. Dropdown Box Click Dropdown Box (see Figure 4.7, callout 6) to select data that is displayed in a workbook. This option is typically used to select data that is displayed in the Analysis Grid item. A Data Provider is associated with the Dropdown Box item, and a Characteristic included in the Data Provider is chosen as a Characteristic for selection. You can use three tabs to set the properties of the Dropdown Box. They are the General tab, the Dimensions tab, and the Target Data Providers tab.
General

Used to set the following properties of the Dropdown Box: Data Providers to be used as the basis for the item Range to set the size and location of the item Label for the item
Dimensions

Used to set the Characteristic for the Dropdown Box. In addition, the Read Mode can be specified on this tab. The Read Mode determines the data displayed in the filter. Three options are possible for displaying the data.
Posted Values

The values that are in the fact table of the InfoProvider for the Characteristic are displayed.
Dimension Table

The values on the Dimension tab of the InfoProvider for the Characteristic are displayed.
Master data Table

The values that are in the master data for the Characteristic are displayed.
Target Data Provider

Used to set the Data Providers that will be affected when a selection is made in the Dropdown Box. When a selection is made in the Dropdown Box, all Web items associated with the Target Data Provider will be filtered based on the selection.

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4.3

Checkbox Group Click Checkbox Group (see Figure 4.7, callout 7) to display a list of all values for a Characteristic and allow users to select multiple values.

Radio Button Group Click Radio Button Group (see Figure 4.7, callout 8) to display a list of all values for a Characteristic and allow users to select one of the values.

List of Conditions Click List of Conditions (see Figure 4.7, callout 9) to display the conditions that are associated with a query as a list. The conditions are defined in the query. Users will be able to activate and deactivate the conditions in the workbook.

List of Exceptions Click List of Exceptions (see Figure 4.7, callout 10) to display the exceptions associated with a query as a list. The Exceptions are defined in the query. Users will be able to activate and deactivate the exceptions in the workbook.

Text Design Click Text Design (see Figure 4.7, callout 11) to display information about a query displayed in the workbook. Properties such as the author of the query, query description, or InfoProvider can be displayed.

Messages Click Messages (see Figure 4.7, callout 12) to display messages associated when executing a query inside a workbook. Options are available to display warning, success, and informational messages.

Workbook Setting Click Workbook Setting (see Figure 4.7, callout 13) to display the settings for the workbook. Among the settings available here are those that enable you to refresh the workbook and process the variable screen when opening the workbook.

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4.3.3

Steps to Create a Planning Application User Interface Using the BEx Analyzer Tool

You have now seen the functions that are available in the BEx Analyzer Analysis and Design toolbars. Next, we will explore the usage of these design elements in our planning application. Looking once again at our sample company, Rich Bloom, Inc., we know that the company wants to create a complete planning application to plan for the gross profit margin. In Chapter 3, we created several Planning Functions that could be used in the planning application. In Section 4.2, we created an Input-Enabled Query that will be used for planning. Lets now create a planning application using the BEx Analyzer tool.

Preparing the BEx Analyzer Tool for Security Before you can begin to create a Planning Application using the BEx Analyzer, you need to configure security settings, as shown in the following steps and illustrated in Figure 4.8: 1. Launch the BEx Analyzer tool from your PC using the menu path Start Programs Business Explorer BEx Analyzer. 2. Select Tools Macros Security. 3. Ensure that macros can be executed in BEx Analyzer by verifying that the option Trust access to Visual Basic Project is enabled (see Figure 4.8, callout 1). If it is not, enable it now and click OK.

Figure 4.8 Security Settings to Execute Workbooks in the BEx Analyzer

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4.3

Configuring the Properties for the Analysis Grid Item Once you have configured the security settings in the BEx Analyzer, the next task is to configure the Properties for the Analysis Grid item, as described in the following steps and illustrated in Figure 4.9: 1. The Design mode is automatically enabled. Select a cell on the workbook and click the Analysis Grid item in the Design toolbar (see Figure 4.9, callout 2). This adds the item to the workbook. 2. Next, you will set the properties for the Analysis Grid item. Right-click the item and select Properties (see Figure 4.9, callout 3). 3. You will first assign an Input-Enabled Query as Data Provider for the Analysis Grid item. On the General tab, click the Create button (see Figure 4.9, callout 4) to open the Create Data Provider dialog box. Next to the Query field, click the Query Selection button (see Figure 4.9, callout 5) and select the Input-Enabled Query ZSLSPLN_INPUT. 4. Click OK (see Figure 4.9, callout 6) to save changes. 5. In the Behavior area, define the settings for the Analysis Grid item as shown in Figure 4.9, callout 7, and confirm the settings by clicking OK (see Figure 4.9, callout 8).

Figure 4.9 Configuring Settings for the Analysis Grid Item

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Configuring the Properties for the Dropdown Box Item The planning application should enable users to restrict the data displayed for planning based on the Material group Characteristic. Therefore, we will add a Dropdown Box that will enable users to select a value for Material group. Follow these steps: 1. Select a cell in the workbook and click the Dropdown Box item in the Design pane. This will add the Dropdown Box to the workbook. 2. The next step will be to set the properties for the Dropdown Box item. Right-click the item and select Properties. On the General tab (see Figure 4.10, callout 9), set the Data Provider to be used for the Dropdown Box item by using the same steps outlined for making the assignment for the Analysis Grid item in the previous task. 3. Click the Dimensions tab (see Figure 4.10, callout 10) to select the Characteristic to be used in the Dropdown Box. Choose the Material group Characteristic from the dropdown list (see Figure 4.10, callout 11). Select the Text Type, Read Mode, and Display settings as shown in Figure 4.10, callouts 12, 13, 14. 4. Click OK (see Figure 4.10, callout 15). 5. Select the TargetDataProvider tab (see Figure 4.10, callout 16) to select the target Data Provider that will be affected when values are selected in the Dropdown Box. Because we have assigned only one Data Provider for the planning application, the system will automatically use this Data Provider as the Target Data Provider.

Figure 4.10 Configuring Settings for the Dropdown-Box Item

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4.3

Configuring the Properties for the Button Item The planning application should make it possible to use commands for performing tasks such as filtering and drilldown. The Button item enables the use of these commands. All of the navigation and command options used in a workbook can be automated via commands. There are also commands that can be used for executing Planning Functions. The necessary command can be enabled by including a Button item in a workbook and assigning a command to the Button. For our case study, we will include buttons for executing the Copy Planning Function, the Revalue Planning Function, and the Save Area command. 1. Click a workbook cell and add a Button item for each of the command that needs to be executed. 2. Right-click the item and select Properties. The Button Properties window displays. Under Button Text, enter the text to display on the button (see Figure 4.11, callout 17). 3. In the Static Parameters area of the Button Properties window, specify the commands to be executed for each button. The names of the commands and the associated parameters for executing a Planning Function are shown in Table 4.1.
Command Name CMD DATA_PROVIDER_FILTER Parameter EXECUTE_PLANNING_FUNCTION <NAME OF THE DATA PROVIDER> The Data Provider that is used as the Filter for the Query is specified here. <NAME OF THE PLANNING FUNCTION> The name of the planning function that should be executed is specified here.

PLANNING FUNCTION_NAME

Table 4.1 Commands to Execute a Planning Function Inside a Button Item

4. Select the commands under the Name column as shown in Figure 4.11, callout 18. 5. In the Value column, select the corresponding parameters for the commands. For the command PLANNING_FUNCTION_NAME, select <PLANNING_FUNCTION> in the Value column (see Figure 4.11, callout 19). This displays the Open window where you can choose a Planning Function. Select Copy 2006 sales data as 2007 plan (see Figure 4.11, callout 20).

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6. Click Open (see Figure 4.11, callout 21). 7. Click OK (see Figure 4.11, callout 22).

Figure 4.11 Selecting the Commands in a Button Item to Execute a Copy Planning Function

8.

You can include as many buttons as required into the workbook. Define another button to execute the Revalue sales amount Planning Function by following the steps outlined for the Copy Planning Function.

9. Add another button to save the changes made to the plan data. The command you need to use for this button is the SAVE_AREA command (see Figure 4.12).

Figure 4.12 Selecting the SAVE_AREA Command

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4.3

10. Add a Workbook Setting item into the workbook and set the properties of the workbook as shown in Figure 4.13.

Figure 4.13 Settings for a Workbook

11. Optionally, you can add a Message (see Figure 4.7, callout 12) item into the workbook to display any system and warning messages that relate to the display of data or the execution of commands in the workbook. 12. This completes designing the workbook to contain the necessary design items for our planning application. Save the workbook using the Save option (see Figure 4.6, callout 2) in the Analysis toolbar and specify a description. The workbook can now be executed by switching from Design mode to Analysis mode. The planning application now displays inside a Microsoft Excel workbook, as shown in Figure 4.14. Notice the Dropdown Box to select data based on the Material group Characteristic and the Buttons to perform the Copy, Revalue, and Save functions. Key Figures that have been enabled for changes can be modified in the planning application. After users have entered plan data using this interface, the information can be transferred to the Planning Buffer, which is a temporary area in the SAP NetWeaver BI system to store plan data. To do so, right-click anywhere in the workbook and choose Transfer Values (see Figure 4.14, callout 22). This

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option reads the new and changed values in the workbook, transfers them to the BI server to check consistency against the planning model based on Characteristic Relationships and Data Slices, and transfers the data to the planning buffer.

Figure 4.14 A Complete Planning Application in a Microsoft Excel User Interface

Note

Users can create a new plan record by entering the information at the bottom of the Analysis grid.

You have now seen how to create a complete planning application user interface that meets the requirements of our sample company, Rich Bloom, Inc., using the BEx Analyzer tool. In the next section, we will detail the development of the same planning application user interface using the BEx Web Application Designer.

4.4

Creating a Planning Application User Interface Using the BEx Web Application Designer

The BEx Web Application Designer can be used for designing a planning application user interface that is to be used on the Web. It lets you create Web templates that form the basis of building the application. A variety of Web items can be included in a Web template. The Web items to be included in a Web template will depend on the reporting requirements.

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4.4

The version of the BEx Web Application Designer in SAP NetWeaver 7.0 has several new Web items and enhancements to existing Web items. One of the significant features in the new version is the ability to include commands in a Web application. The command interface allows developers to provide enhanced features when developing a complete Web application for users. We will now explore some of the Web items that are frequently used in the BEx Web Application Designer.

4.4.1

Web Items Used in BEx Web Application Designer

The BEx Web Application Designer provides several items that enable you to create a complete planning application user interface. The Design model used with this tool is intuitive and enables rapid development of the interface.

Analysis Web Item The Analysis Web item is a frequently used design element in a Web template. It is used for displaying the results of a query. A Data Provider is specified as the source of data for the Analysis item, and to associate a query, query view, or an InfoProvider to the Web item. The following properties can be set on an Analysis Web item:
Visibility

Specifies whether the Web item is visible in the Web application.

Data Column From

Specifies the column position from which data is to be displayed. The default value for this parameter is 1.
Data Column To

Specifies the column position to which data is to be displayed. The default value for this parameter is 0. When the parameter is set to 0, all of the columns are displayed.
Data Row From

Specifies the data row from which the data is to be displayed in the result set.
Data Row To

Specifies the data row to which the data is to be displayed in the result set.

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Allow Navigation

Specifies whether navigation is possible within the Web item. If this property is de-selected, no navigation is possible on this item.
Data Provider

Lets you assign a Data Provider to the Web item. The Data Provider that is associated with an InfoProvider, Query, or a Query View should be created before this assignment can be made for the Web item.

Dropdown Box The Dropdown Box Web item is used for restricting the data displayed in a Web application. A Data Provider is associated with this Web item. A Characteristic used in the Data Provider can be used for filtering data. The values that are displayed in a Dropdown Box can be one of the following:
Characteristic Values for Filtering

Enables selecting data based on Characteristic values.

Query View Selection

Can be used to select from a list of query views as provider of data for the item.
Fixed List of Options

Enables users to select from a fixed list of values.

Fixed List of Options (Manual Update)

Enables users to select from a fixed list of values and also maintain the list.
Variable Selection

Lets you use a variable that determines the set of values.

Radio Button Group The Radio Button Group Web item is used for the same purpose as the Dropdown Box Web item. It provides a radio button for each of the entries associated with the Characteristic. Users can choose one value from the set of entries.

Check Box Group The Check Box Group Web item also is used for the same purpose as the Dropdown Box Web item. It provides a checkbox for each of the entries associated with the Characteristic. Users can choose multiple values from the list of entries.

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4.4

Navigation Pane The Navigation Pane is associated with a Data Provider. It provides for further navigational abilities when using the Data Provider.

Report The Report Web item provides the option to include reports designed in the BEx Report Designer into a Web template.

Charts SAP NetWeaver 7.0 lets users include charts in a Web template; that is, the data returned by a query can be displayed as a chart in a Web template. Different types of charts can be used for displaying data, including line chart, bar chart, pie chart, scatter chart, and Gantt chart.

Button Group The Button Group Web item can be used to create a group of buttons. Each button included in the group can be used to execute a set of commands. For example, a button can be included to execute a Web template. We will discuss the different types of commands that can be used in a Web application later in this section.

Filter Pane The Filter Pane Web item works similar to that of a Dropdown Box Web item. A Characteristic along with the Data Provider is specified for displaying the data. More than one value can be selected when using the Filter Pane Web item.

List Box The List Box Web item lets you filter data based on a Characteristic by displaying the data as a list. The advantage of using this Web item over the Dropdown Box Web item is that it lets you select multiple values.

Commands Beginning with SAP NetWeaver 7.0, command wizards can be used in Web templates. Commands are used to automate the steps that are manually per-

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formed by using the navigation options in a Web template. The Commands that can be created in a Web application can be grouped as follows:
Commands for Data Providers

These commands affect Data Providers. For example, a query associated with a Data Provider can be changed dynamically using a command.
Commands for Planning Applications

These commands are relevant only in the context of planning applications; for example, the command to save changes made to plan data.
Commands for Web Items

These commands affect the status of Web items; for example, the command to change parameters for a Web item.
Commands for Web Templates

These commands affect the Web template that is being displayed in the Web application; for example, the command to save bookmarks. Now that we have analyzed the Web items that are frequently used in a planning application, we will examine the details of developing a planning application using the BEx Web Application Designer tool.

4.4.2

Developing a Planning Application Using the BEx Web Application Designer

We already have discussed the steps for developing a planning application using the BEx Analyzer tool. In this section, we will develop the same application using the BEx Web Application Designer. Perform the following steps to develop the planning application using this tool, as illustrated in Figures 4.15 through 4.24: 1. Launch the BEx Web Application Designer from your PC using the menu path Start Programs Business Explorer Web Application Designer. 2. Start creating a new Web template by clicking Create. 3. Start identifying the Data Provider to be used for the Web template by double-clicking New Data Provider (see Figure 4.15, callout 1). 4. In the Define Data Provider Type area, select the Data Provider from the appropriate dropdown list. A Query View, Query or InfoProvider can be used as a Data Provider. For our case study, assign the Input Enable Query ZSLSPLN_INPUT as the Data Provider Type (see Figure 4.16, callout 2). Note that more than one Data Provider can be created and used in a Web template. Confirm the selection by clicking OK (see Figure 4.16, callout 3).

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4.4

Figure 4.15 Creating a New Data Provider

Figure 4.16 Settings for a Data Provider

5. Under Standard Group of Web items, in the upper left pane of the Web template, select the Anaysis item and drag it into the Web template. The system assigns the name ANALYSIS_ITEM_1 to the item (see Figure 4.17, callout 4). 6. The properties of an Analysis Item are set by selecting the item in the Properties pane and specifying the properties on the Web Item Parameters tab. Set the properties of ANALYSIS_ITEM_1, as shown in Figure 4.17, callout 5.

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Note

To allow users to enter a new plan record using the Web planning application user interface, set the Number of New Lines under the Internal Display property of the Analysis item to be greater than 0. This displays as many new rows as users need to enter plan data.

Figure 4.17 Settings for the Analysis Item

7. Under Standard Group of Web items, in the upper left pane of the Web template, select Dropdown Box and drag it to the Web template. The system assigns the name DROPDOWN_ITEM_1 to the item (see Figure 4.18, callout 6). 8. The properties of a Dropdown item are set by selecting the item in the Properties pane and specifying the properties on the Web Item Parameters tab. Set the properties of DROPDOWN_ITEM_1, as shown in Figure 4.18, callout 7. For our case study, in the Data Binding section of the Properties pane, select the Material group Characteristic Dropdown Box.

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4.4

Figure 4.18 Settings for the Dropdown Box Item

9. Under Standard Group of Web items, in the upper left pane of the Web template, select the Button Group and drag it to the Web template. The system assigns the name BUTTONGROUP_ITEM_1 to the item (see Figure 4.19, callout 8). 10. The properties of a Button Group Item are set by selecting the item in the Properties pane and specifying the properties on the Web Item Parameters tab. Set the properties of BUTTONGROUP_ITEM_1, as shown in Figure 4.19, callout 9. 11. Select the dropdown list as shown in Figure 4.19, callout 10 to define the settings for the individual button inside the group. 12. Enter the name of the Caption for the button; for our case study, this name is Copy (see Figure 4.20, callout 11). This will be shown as the description of the button when executing the Web template. 13. Next, you need to specify the command that will be used when executing the button. Click the dropdown list next to Command (see Figure 4.20, callout 12) to display the Edit Command window shown in Figure 4.21. 14. Select the All Commands tab (see Figure 4.21, callout 13).

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Figure 4.19 Settings for the Button Item

Figure 4.20 Settings for a Command in the Button Item Copy

15. Under the Commands for Planning Applications group, select the checkbox for Execute a Planning Function (Simple) [EXEC_PLANNING_ FUNCTION_SIMPLE] (see Figure 21, callout 14). 16. Click Next (see Figure 21, callout 15).

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4.4

Figure 4.21 Settings for a Command in a Button Item Choose Command

17. In the next Edit Command window, shown in Figure 4.22, youll need to select the parameters to be used for the command you selected in the previous step. Under Data Binding, select the Data Provider DP_1 to be used as a Filter when executing the Planning Function (see Figure 4.22, callout 16). 18. Under Command Specific Parameters, using the Dropdown Box for Planning Function, select the Planning Function. For our case study, this is ZSL_P_COP (see Figure 4.22, callout 17). 19. Click OK to confirm the selections (see Figure 4.22, callout 18). 20. A Button Group can include a list of Buttons. To include another Button in the Button Group, create a new entry as shown in Figure 4.19, callout 10. Repeat the steps you used to add the Copy Planning Function to define another Button that will execute the Revalue Planning Function. 21. The option to save the changes to the plan data should be included in the planning application. Therefore, include a Button called Save in the Button Group item. Select the Saved Changed Data option in the list of commands displayed under Commands for Planning Applications when creating the Button (see Figure 4.23, callout 19).

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Figure 4.22 Settings for the Button Item Choose Planning Function

Figure 4.23 Selecting the Command to Save Changes to Plan Data

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4.4

22. Under Miscellaneous Group of Web items, in the upper left pane of the Web template, select the Text item and drag it to the Web template. This can serve to describe the purpose of the Web template when users execute it. 23. Save the Web template.

Testing the Web Template You can now test the Web template by clicking the Web template Execute button. The URL that is associated with the Web template can be captured as follows: 1. Click Web Template in the menu bar. The menu options are displayed. 2. Click Publish. 3. Choose Copy URL into Clipboard (see Figure 4.24, callout 20). This saves the URL to the clipboard. You can now copy the URL to the Address bar of your browser and execute the Web template. You can also add this URL to the favorites in your browser.
Note

The URL can also be integrated into the SAP Enterprise Portal and executed from there.

Figure 4.24 Copying the URL of the Web Template to the Clipboard

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After the Web template is executed, its output displays as shown in Figure 4.25. The planning functions can be executed by clicking the respective buttons created in the planning application (Copy and Revalue in our example). You can use the Save button to make and save necessary changes to the data.

Figure 4.25 A Complete Planning Application Displayed on the Web

In this section, you have seen how to create a planning application user interface using the BEx Web Application Designer. Lets now learn how to analyze the gross profit margin.

4.5

Analysis of Gross Profit Margin

One of the key planning objectives for Rich Bloom, Inc. is to find ways to improve its gross profit margin. Rich Bloom, Inc. hopes to increase the gross

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4.5

profit margin by reducing cost. The company wants to use the planning process to understand where the costs are incurred so that it can find ways to cut unnecessary costs. It is also working to improve its operations in order to reduce labor and inventory costs and increase gross profit margin. To achieve this goal, we will create a query to help management understand the gross-profit- margin percentage that the company plans to achieve for the different products, both as an actual amount and as a percentage of sales. The results of the query will aid in understanding the different aspects of cost in an effort to reduce costs and increase the gross profit margin percentage. The company also intends to use the results to compare its performance with that of other companies with comparably sized operations in the same business. The goal here is to compare its level of efficiency with that of its competitors. The following steps are needed to create a query to analyze the gross profit margin, as illustrated in Figures 4.26, 4.27, and 4.28: 1. Launch the BEx Query Designer tool from your PC using the menu path Start Programs Business Explorer Query Designer. The BEx Query Designer toolbar displays. 2. Use the Create button on the toolbar to start creating a new query. 3. Select the InfoProvider that contains the plan data for creating the query. 4. Add the Characteristics that are required for making the analysis in the Rows area of the query (see Figure 4.26, callout 1). For our case study, we will select Material group and Material. 5. Add the Key Figures to be used for the analysis in the Columns area of the query (see Figure 4.26, callout 2). For our case study, select Quantity, Sales amt GC, and Cost amt GC. 6. Create a formula to determine the planned gross profit margin amount. To do so, in the Columns area, right-click Key Figure and choose Create New Formula (see Figure 4.26, callout 3). 7. The Properties window displays. Under Description, enter Gross Profit Margin (Amount) (see Figure 4.26, callout 4) and click Enter. This takes you back to the Query Definition screen. 8. Right-click Gross Profit Margin (Amount), and choose Edit to specify the definition of the formula. The planned gross profit margin amount is calculated by subtracting Planned Cost from Planned Sales (Figure 4.26, callout 5).

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Figure 4.26 Settings for the Gross Margin Analysis Query

9. Using the steps to create the formula Gross Profit Margin (Amount), create another formula, Gross Profit Margin (%) to determine the planned gross profit margin as a percentage of planned sales. This formula will be calculated by subtracting the planned cost from planned sales and dividing it by the planned sales. This will be multiplied by 100 to express the result as a percentage (see Figure 4.27, callout 6). 10. Save the query by specifying a Technical name and Description. The query can be executed by choosing the Query Execute button from the toolbar. The output of the query is shown in Figure 4.28. We have now created a query that can be used for analysis of the planned gross profit margin. The query displays the planned gross profit margin at a Material group level. This helps Rich Bloom, Inc. identify products that yield higher margins, so that the sales team can focus on these products in the future. It also reveals the planned costs of the different products, so that the company can look for opportunities to reduce costs.

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Summary

4.6

Figure 4.27 Settings for the Gross Margin Analysis Query Create Gross Profit Margin (%)

Figure 4.28 Output from the Query Created for Gross Margin Analysis

4.6

Summary

In this chapter, we first discussed the different options available for reporting in the SAP NetWeaver BI system. We identified the BEx suite of tools available for reporting and analysisand also discussed how Visual Composer can be used in the context of reporting data from multiple systems.

241

Index
A
Accelerated SAP 297 Account Model 73 Aggregates 295 Aggregation Level 69, 134, 138 ALV 67 Analysis 284 Analysis Authorization 273 Analysis toolbar 212 Application Help 215 Change Variable Values 213 Connect/System Information 215 Global Settings 214 open 213 Refresh/Pause Refresh 213 Save 213 Tools 213 Analysis Web Item 227 Attribute change run 91 Authorization 21, 245 Business Server Pages 256 Button Group 229

C
Characteristic 54 Characteristic Relationships 191 With Derivation 191 Without Derivation 191 Characteristics 208 Charts 229 Collection Mode 287 Commands 223, 229 Communication structure 60 Compressing data 295 Conditions 202 Corporate Performance Monitor 39 Cost Center Planning 290 Cost of goods sold 76

D
Data extraction 44 Data Level Access Role 273 Data Mining 273 Data Provider 216, 218 Data Slices 195 Data Transfer Process 59 Data Warehousing Workbench 84 DataSource 57, 108 DB Connect 58 Design toobar Radio Button Group 219, 228 Design toolbar 212 Analysis Grid 216 Associated Chart 217 Button 218 CheckBox Group 219, 228 Clipping 217 Design Mode 216 Dropdown Box 218, 228 Filter List 217 List of Conditions 219 List of Exceptions 219 Messages 219

B
Base Unit of Measure 184 Best practices 299 BEx 46 BEx Analyzer 63, 201, 204 BEx Query Designer 62, 122, 202 Filter tab 123 InfoProvider area 123 Messages area 124 Properties pane 124 Rows/Columns tab 124 BEx Report Designer 205 BEx Web Analyzer 214 BEx Web Application Designer 204 Budgeting 28 Business Blueprint 298 Business Consolidation 39 Business Content 44, 53, 63 Business Explorer 44 Business Information Collection 39 Business Intelligence 44 Business Planning and Simulation 39

315

Index

Navigation Pane 217, 229 Text Design 219 Workbook Setting 219 Dimensions 43 ID 43 Table 43, 218 Documentation 300 Drill-down capabilities 202

E
Enterprise data warehouse 18 Exceptions 203 Extraction, transformation, and loading 57

InfoProvider 55, 134 Logical InfoProviders 56 Physical InfoProviders 56 Information Broadcaster 214 Information Broadcasting 203 InfoSet 57 InfoSource 59 Input Template 186 Input-Enabled Query 201, 206 Investment Planning 290

K
key 204 Key Figure 55, 73 Calculated Key Figure 127, 209 Restricted Key Figure 127 Key Figure Model 73 Key performance indicators 204

F
Filter 69, 134, 142 Filter Pane 229 Final preparation 298 Financial Planning 75 Forecasting 28 Formula 240 FOX 295

L
Legal Auditing 286 List box 229 liveCache 249 Location 300 Lock 248, 251 Lock Characteristics 249 Lock Server 248 Lock Table 248, 249 Locking 21, 242, 246 Characteristics 248 configuration 248 conflict 248, 252

G
Generation 281 Go-live and support 298 Gross profit margin 76 Group Authorization 282 Grouping 287

H
Hierarchy 126, 256

M
Maintenance 277 Manual planning layouts 67 Mapping 115 Microsoft Excel 67 Monitor 119 MultiProvider 103

I
Individual Authorization 282 InfoArea 93 InfoCube 94 Real-Time 71 Standard 71 InfoObject 54 InfoPackage 60

N
Network 300

316

Index

O
Operational Data Store 43

P
Performance 21, 245, 294 Persistent object 116 Plan Administrator 272 Plan Coordinator 272 Planner 254, 272 Planning 28, 33 Considerations 35 Demand 35 Gross Profit Margin Planning 33 Investment 34 Labor 34 Long-Term Planning 29 Medium-Term Planning 29 Methods 36 Operational 30 Origin of planning 38 Profit and loss and balance sheet 34 Profitability 33 Sales 34 Short-term Planning 29 Strategic 30 Tactical 30 timelines 29 Planning Area 31, 66 Finance 32 Human Resources 33 Marketing 33 Production 32 Planning Functions 67, 134, 145 Copy 149 Currency Translation Planning Function 180 Custom 175 Delete 156 Distribution by Key 160 Distribution by Reference 163 Forecast 167 Formula 170 Repost Planning Function 158 Revaluation 153 Unit Conversion Planning Function 183 Planning Level 66 Planning Method

Bottom-up 36 Top-down 36 Planning Modeler 133, 214 Planning Packages 66 Planning Scenario 269 Planning Sequence 67, 134, 185 Steps 186 Trace Mode 187 Planning Session 254 Process Chain 189 Profitability Analysis (CO-PA) 290 Project preparation 298 Project sponsorship 299 Pull Mechanism 290 Push Mechanism 291

Q
Queries 64 Query Designer 201 Filter tab 123 InfoProvider area 123 Messages area 124 Properties pane 124

R
Realization 298 Regression 245 Report 229 Report Designer 202 Reporting data 122 Retract plan data 242 Retraction 21, 71, 245, 290 Role-Based Authorization 282

S
Sales revenue 76 SAP BI Integrated Planning 65 SAP Business Intelligence 297 SAP BW BPS 64 SAP Enterprise Portal 42, 203 SAP GUI 67 SAP MDM 43 SAP NetWeaver 40, 42 SAP NetWeaver 7.0 44 Scheduler 119 Scope 300

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Index

Selling Unit of Measure 184 Service API 57 Settings 198 Shared Object Memory of Server 249 Sizing 295 Skilled Positions 47 Infrastructure Team 48 Planning Analyst 47 Project Manager 48 SAP ABAP Developer 48 SAP NetWeaver BI Architect/Developer 47 SOAP 58 Special InfoObjects 279 Stakeholder relationship management 39 Status and Tracking System 21, 70, 242, 253 Hierarchy 256 Planning Area 256 Planning Session 256 Subplan 256 Strategic Enterprise Management 38 Business Consolidation 39 Business Information Collection 41 Business Planning and Simulation 40 Corporate Performance Monitor 40 Stakeholder Relationship Management 41 Subplan 256

Time Characteristic 54 Tools 213 Total Cost of Ownership 18, 65, 242 Training 300 Transfer rules 60 Transfer structure 60 Transformation 59 Transport 21, 245, 282 Transport Connection 287 Transporting 242 Type of User Role 273

U
Unit Characteristic 55 Universal Data Connect 58 Update rules 61 User exit 126 User interface 69

V
Variables 126, 202 Virtual InfoProvider 139 Visual Composer 201, 202, 206

W
Web application 58 Web Application Designer 63, 202 Web template Testing 237

T
Third-party applications 203 Third-party systems 58

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