Mobile Apps from SAP Partners

Five SAP partners participated in an app development program earlier this year. We got a sneak preview of the results. Read on for screenshots and demos of these five powerful business apps.

SAP and Sybase expect 90% of all mobile SAP apps to be developed by partners and independent software vendors (ISV). These developers will likely be able to build focused industry- and line-of-business apps more quickly than SAP.

Partners and ISVs who want to benefit from the huge market potential of mobile SAP applications, however, first need to gain experience in developing apps on the Sybase Unwired Platform (SUP).

That’s why SAP has instituted various programs to support and educate developers in building apps for SUP. The SAP Co-Innovation Lab (COIL) and SAP Mobility Unit carried out one such program called PAdMA, or Partner delivered Mobile Applications, with five SAP partners: Accenture, AkaaRa, Arteria, SIGGA, and WIPRO.

On the following pages, we’ll tell you all about the apps these partners developed:

• Accenture: HCM Employee Lifecycle
• AkaaRa Consulting: Project Insight
• Arteria: Mobile Sales Force Automation
• SIGGA: Work Order Execution
• WIPRO: Meter Reading and Billing Solution

For more details on the PAdMA program and where you will be able to get these apps, skip to the end of the article:

• Overview of PAdMA and App Availability

Managers check the data against business rules set in the SAP system (screenshot: Accenture)

Accenture: HCM Employee Lifecycle

Accenture developed an app that addresses some of the inefficiencies within HR processes. For example, non-automated workforce processes can be time-consuming and error prone. In addition, they aren’t transparent to users. Many automated processes, however, are not very user-friendly.

That’s why the HCM Employee Lifecycle app is all about simplifying and speeding up workforce management tasks in all industries. The app is designed for the iPad running iOS 4.2 or newer and has a streamlined user interface. HCM Employee Lifecycle works with enhancement package 4 for SAP ERP HCM and SUP 1.5.5.

The HCM Employee Lifecycle app carries out approval requests using workflow notifications on the iPad. Say an employee wants to reduce his working time to 80%. His manager initiates the request for a change in the app and sends it to the HR service rep. Here, the changes are made in the app and sent to the senior manager for final approval. Once it has been approved, the new work time and salary are updated in the SAP system automatically. Everyone involved in the workflow receives a notification of the update.

The business benefits entail not only improved transparency, reduced errors, and faster workflow processes, but also cost savings since the existing HCM forms are used in the backend. Another advantage is the ability to immediately check whether data complies with business rules in SAP.

In addition, Accenture provides multiple access channels – mobile channels or the SAP Standard Portal solution – so users can choose the one that’s right for them.

Changes made in the app are updated automatically in the SAP system (screenshot: Accenture)

The app is designed for devices running on Apple’s operating system (screenshot: AkaaRa)

AkaaRa Consulting: Manage Infrastructure Projects with “Project Insight”

The app from AkaaRa Consulting aims to help companies complete projects on time and within budget through improved project management. One of the biggest challenges for companies is the communication barrier between employees working online at headquarters and employees working offline at the project site.

The “Project Insight” solution from AkaaRa Consulting meets this need for real-time visibility and communication in project management with a set of applications for both off-site monitoring from company headquarters and on-site inspection and reporting at the project location. Within the solution are apps for different roles – Project manager, Site Supervisor, Site Engineer and Quality Engineer – and for various aspects of project management.

In the demo, AkaaRa Consulting showed how the app can be used in an inspection scenario. An employee notes that a spool is malfunctioning and creates a site report. Here, you can choose to attach a photo, document, or audio memo. The manager who receives the report can then input further information, such as the subcontractor who will repair the defect, the due date for repair, priority, and status. Here, you will also find an overview of all outstanding issues for the project organized under categories like “quality assurance” and “inspections.”

This is an example of what AkaaRa Consulting calls “evidence of execution.” By automating processes like repairs, materials management, inspections, and ad-hoc purchasing, companies always know exactly where the project stands in terms of budget and time.

This app is designed for Apple iOS and integrates with SAP ERP. It is intended for use in the infrastructure industries such as Engineering and Construction, Industrial Machinery, Mining, Oil & Gas, Mill Products, and Utilities.

A behind-the-scenes view of the app in SAP ERP (screenshot: AkaaRa)

A view of the app on the iPad (screenshot: AkaaRa)

In the mSFA app, sales reps can sync new orders, order status, latest product pricing, inventory data and overdue invoices with SAP ERP (screenshot: Arteria)

Arteria: Mobile Sales Force Automation

The needs of sales representatives are fairly straightforward. They want to be able toprovide customers with up-to-date information on placed orders, inventory, product pricing information, and be able to book new orders while on the move.

Arteria met those needs with mSFA, an app that enables sales force teams in the field to access SAP ERP data in real time. This app is suitable for sales teams in all industries, and it is designed to be used on a BlackBerry device.

Arteria showed how the app works in a typical sales scenario: A sales representative has an upcoming meeting with a client. He starts mSFA on his BlackBerry and gets the latest information on order status, product inventory and latest product pricing from the SAP system.

Here, he can also access customer order history, credit limit, and contact details. He makes an order on the BlackBerry and then syncs the app with SAP ERP. The order request is immediately input in the SAP system. The corresponding delivery, goods issue, and invoice are sent back to the BlackBerry.

The app integrates with SAP ERP 6.0 and it can be deployed in six to eight weeks.

Employees in the field receive push notifications of new service orders (screenshot: SIGGA)

SIGGA: Mobile Asset Maintenance: Work Order Execution

SIGGA aimed to extend the SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) module by automating the data entry process in SAP ERP and mobilizing field service employees. The resulting app, SIGGA SM2, is suitable for all industries with maintenance operators in the field and can be deployed on several mobile operating systems.

The demo shows the function of creating maintenance orders. In this case, an employee verifies a maintenance order, including tasks and materials, in the SAP PM module and then opens the SIGGA web application to dispatch the order to a mobile device.

The field service employee receives a push notification on his mobile device with the new maintenance order. Once the order is closed, the changes made in the app can besynced back to SAP ERP where the cost, status and performed work can be checked.

The new version of SIGGA SM2 is in the ramp-up stage now and general availability is planned for Q4 2011. Further information about SIGGA and the currently available version of SIGGA SM2 can be found at SAP Store.

WIPRO designed a meter reading app for devices running Windows Mobile OS (screenshot: WIPRO)

WIPRO: Meter Reading and Billing Solution

For the utility industry, meter reading is a time-consuming and data-intensive process. Accurate readings are essential for billing purposes. Some countries like India, however, still enter readings manually which can lead to errors. Countries where meter reading is already automated, on the other hand, haven’t taken the next step to mobilize meter data. The readings still have to be downloaded manually to the backend system. WIPRO developed an app to address both of these weaknesses.

The meter reading app is designed for the commonly used Windows Mobile operating system, rather than industry-specific devices. Once the meter reading is entered in the app, real-time synchronization updates the data in the SAP system. The app also works in offline scenarios. In that case, it synchronizes the data once connectivity is regained.

The app also enables utilities companies to bill customers directly at the time of the meter reading. An invoice is sent via SMS or email.

Overview of PAdMA and app availability

The PAdMA program is intended to educate SAP partners on the technical aspects of developing mobile applications on SUP. Partners learn the pros and cons of thedifferent architectural approaches they can use while designing their mobile solutions. The PAdMA program also supports partners throughout the actual development phase.

At this time, many of the more intricate technical capabilities of SUP are not widely known. For development teams to produce apps like the ones highlighted above, they have to work with SAP and Sybase.

“Adoption has just started,” said one PAdMA program leader. “PAdMA offers partners and ISVs an opportunity to build high-impact mobile solutions with the latest SUP release in a collaborative environment. At the same time, it also serves as a testing ground for the Sybase engineering team to determine the needs of and goals of partners when it comes to mobility.”

The program was set up with two waves in mind. In the first wave, Accenture, AkaaRa, Arteria, SIGGA, and WIPRO built apps with offline and online support for SUP 1.5.5. The partners showed demos of these apps during SAPPHIRE NOW in Orlando.

The second wave began in July with six partners who are developing apps on SUP 2.0. These more lightweight apps will likely be shown during Q3 at SAP events like TechEd and SAPPHIRE. There is talk of a second phase for wave two.

The apps are planned to be available through the SAP Store. Partners can also choose to bring their app to market on their own.

This article was originally posted by Heather McIlvaine at sap.info on August 22, 2011.

Crossgate Acquisition by SAP to Instantly Connect SAP Customers and Their Business Partners for Networking at Enterprise Level; Will Link Enterprises for Smoother Interoperability, Faster Information Flows, More Productivity, Smarter Decisions.

WALLDORF, Germany – September 20, 2011 – Adding to its portfolio of solutions that create rapid value for customers worldwide, SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced its intent to acquire business-to-business (B2B) integration provider Crossgate. A leading provider of hosted B2B integration services, Crossgate enables companies to fully integrate and network with trading partners, clients and suppliers, allowing electronic data exchange with any business partner regardless of their technical capability. As a result of this acquisition, SAP will enable networking at the enterprise level, providing an easy way for trading partners to collaborate, share data and automate processes that link customers and suppliers for streamlined B2B e-commerce.

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Crossgate helps more than 40,000 business partners across multiple industries to securely exchange important documents and data by connecting companies with their trading partners for faster, more efficient B2B e-commerce. The acquisition of Crossgate follows SAP’s strategy to complement existing applications and solutions with smart purchases that offer innovative technologies and capabilities while maintaining its successful organic growth track record.

Crossgate helps companies connect with any trading partner by joining the network once and linking with prebuilt business partner profiles. This is a full-service alternative, which eliminates the need for costly point-to-point integration. It lowers costs and enables further partner participation in B2B initiatives. Additionally, Crossgate’s e-invoicing services offer an innovative and secure solution covering the entire process of inbound and outbound invoices, including signatures, compliance monitoring, integrated with customers’ backend systems and finance processes.

SAP and Crossgate have a proven history of partnership as part of the SAP ecosystem, and in October 2008 Crossgate received an investment from SAP. Soon after, the partnership was furthered by entering into a global reseller agreement that allowed SAP to offer its customers Crossgate’s B2B Content Engine as an SAP solution extension under the product name SAP® Information Interchange application by Crossgate. Most recently, SAP agreed to resell and market the SAP® E-Invoicing for Compliance application by Crossgate, which allows companies to send and receive digitally signed, compliant PDFs or EDI invoices electronically.

“Companies live in an evolving global network of customers and partners, and technology from Crossgate allows them to interact in new ways at the enterprise level the same way that social networking has transformed the way people interact as individuals,” said Peter Maier, general manager, head of Line of Business Solutions, SAP AG. “By acquiring Crossgate’s highly differentiated solution, we help our customers extend their end-to-end business processes running on SAP to their customers and partners. As a result, thousands of SAP customers will join the network to exchange information easier, execute transactions faster and collaborate better.”

“Crossgate is extremely excited that SAP, our long-term partner, has acquired our company and solutions,” said Stefan Tittel, CEO and founder, Crossgate. “With combined social network paradigms and service extensions of business applications, SAP and Crossgate now have the potential to change the face of business networks and deliver a new level of collaboration to SAP customers and their business network partners. Our executive management team is excited about the possibility of bringing the Crossgate mission to the next level together with SAP. Our customers will experience business networking that is simple, compelling and efficient.”

The acquisition is subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities. SAP will provide additional details about future plans after the acquisition of Crossgate is completed, which the company anticipates will occur by November 1, 2011. Terms and purchase price of this acquisition are not publicly disclosed.

This article was originally published by SAP on September 20, 2011.

Today, SAP announced the general availability of SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0, allowing organization to know their business, decide with confidence and act boldly. The BI and EIM 4.0 release represents the future of analytics with real-time, mobile and social capabilities, read the BI and EIM 4.0 RTC (release to customer) press release. Organizations such as Lionsgate and Hilti use business analytics from SAP to run better.

What’s New with SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0?
This release includes the latest versions for Web Intelligence, Dashboards, Crystal Reports, Explorer,  the Business Intelligence Platform, Edge BI and Information Steward and completes the BI 4.0 development cycle with the Analysis, and Data Services solutions already being GA.

Unified on a common infrastructure and with a user experience that boasts the friendly usability of social networking tools, the new Business Intelligence and Enterprise Information Management releases manifest the broad range of technology innovations that are shaping the future of analytics – in real time, with in-memory computing; instant powerful BI in users’ hands, with more mobile devices supported than ever before; across business and social data with certainty, combining structured and unstructured information and providing the tools to govern the information; and providing the best fit, right now in any deployment model, whether on-premise, on-demand, embedded in business operations, or in a “hybrid” manner.  Learn more about what’s new in SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0.

Watch this demonstration of SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0

Demo of SAP BusinessObjects 4.0

New innovations for Mobile BI
Along with new BI and EIM suite enhancements in 4.0, there are new capabilities for mobile BI available in 4.0 including the SAP BusinessObjects Mobile app for iPad. The existing SAP BusinessObjects Explorer for iPad/iPhone continues to be one of the top downloaded apps for business with over 200,000 downloads from the Apple Apps Store. This fully supported app now includes new enhancements for location-based analytics and integration with Google maps. Download these mobile apps from iTunes today.

Analytics for SME and LOBs
SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0 is not just about analytics for the large enterprise, SAP recently announced analytics for SME and lines of business. With this latest releases of SAP Crystal Server and SAP BusinessObjects Edge, organizations can gain better insight into business opportunities for a broader range of users.

Analytics and BIG data with SAP HANA
SAP also recently announced the generally available for SAP HANA, the in-memory computing appliance for real-time analytics on BIG data, SAP HANA provides the in-memory foundation for the next generation of analytics to be realized.  SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0 and SAP HANA are part of a broader portfolio of solutions for Business Analytics at SAP. Learn more about Business Analytics from SAP and listen to Steve Lucas (EVP of Business Analytics and Technology) talk about the complete business analytics portfolio and how that aligns with SAP’s core business suite and enterprise mobility strategy.

Resources and Education
A major focus of the SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0 release was making the products easier to use. To help customers learn how the BI products work a complete collection of eLearning tutorials for the entire BI suite is included with this release. These tutorials are available on the SAP Community Network and are directly integrated into the products with the 4.0 release. Watch and learn more about building Crystal Reports, designing dashboards, or using the new information design tool to build a universe.

How do I Access and Download SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0?
Customers can access SAP BusinessObjects BI 4.0 by visiting the SAP software download center on service marketplace today.

Stay Connected with Business Analytics from SAP

• Stay connected with Business Analytics from SAP on Facebook and via Twitter
• Follow the latest information and join the conversation on the Business Analytics blog:http://blogs.sap.com/analytics
• Watch video demos, customer stories, and sneak previews of new technology on Business Analytics TV

This article was originally posted by Nic Smith on SAP’s Business Analytics blog on September 16, 2011.

SAP and Google Team for Location-Based Intelligence

Intuitive Overlay of Enterprise Data onto Maps to Fuel Better Business Decisions

SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that it is building on its collaboration with Google to help customers manage large data volumes in intuitive, visual displays and facilitate faster, more-informed decisions. SAP plans to enhance itsbusiness analytics software with location-based data capabilities, allowing people to interact with real-time information via Google Maps™. The plans continue a strong history of collaboration between the companies, most recently on advances for the SAP® StreamWork™application such as inclusion in the Google Apps Marketplace™, integration with Google Docs™ and OpenSocial adoption. The announcement was made at the AlwaysOn Silicon Valley Innovation Summit, being held in Santa Clara, California, July 27-28.

Video Demo Google Maps and Business Analytics from SAP

Watch how SAP and Google are pairing enterprise applications with consumer-friendly tools to bring “big data” to life. With location-based intelligence capabilities from SAP, people will be able to interact with real-time information via Google Maps and Google Earth to analyze their businesses in a geospatial context to better understand the “where” of their information.

SAP and Google are working together to pair enterprise applications with the kinds of consumer tools that enrich millions of people’s lives every day, such as Google Maps and Google Earth™. With location-based intelligence capabilities, SAP envisions bringing corporate information to life via Google’s dynamic, interactive map, satellite and even street-level views. As a result, customers could analyze their businesses in a geospatial context to effectively understand the “where” of their information, as well as global, regional and local trends and how they are impacted by different scenarios — helping to increase efficiency and profitability, among other benefits. To see location-based intelligence in action, watch this short video: “Demo: SAP and Google Team for Location-Based Intelligence.”

SAP has been driving a convergence of enterprise and consumer software, giving an increasing number of people the ability to make important business decisions through the lens of mobile and social technologies while navigating the complexity of “bigdata,” or the growing volume, variety and increased velocity of information.

With comprehensive global coverage, Google Maps is the world’s most popular online mapping tool. For enterprise customers, Google Maps delivers a cost-effective and easily deployed mapping platform that makes it easy to visualize geographic data. Companies large and small can use Google’s infrastructure to quickly process vast amounts of geographic data and gain better insights into their businesses.

Following are examples of how organizations running SAP solutions with Google Maps API Premier could benefit from overlaying enterprise information onto intuitive mapping tools:

1. A telecom operator could use Google Earth and SAP BusinessObjects Explorer™ software to perform dropped-call analysis and pinpoint the geo-coordinates of faulty towers.
2. A state department of revenue could overlay household tax information on a map of the state and group it at the county level to track the highest and lowest tax bases.
3. A mortgage bank could perform risk assessment of its mortgage portfolio by overlaying foreclosure and default data with the location of loans on Google Maps.
4. With SAP StreamWork, a team of customer support representatives in a consumer packaged goods company could collaborate and pinpoint the location of consumer complaints within specific geographies and make a decision regarding how to address and prioritize resolution.
5. A theme park operator could use the Google Maps API Premier and get real-time traffic information on attractions withSAP® BusinessObjects™ solutions to send rerouting messages to customers in order to improve satisfaction rates.
6. U.S. census data could be overlaid on a Google map of the country, grouped by state and drilled down on at the county level.

The new enterprise offerings from this collaboration between SAP and Google are planned for availability in the upcoming releases of various SAP enterprise products, including SAP BusinessObjects solutions and mobile apps. For a closer look at how the on-premise, on-demand and on-device  solutions can allow people to view specific details by location and even analyze data directly within the interactive maps, visit: “Screenshots: Location-Based Intelligence from SAP.”

“Today, more and more information is being geo-tagged, and it is unlocking an entirely new dimension for enterprise data,” said Sanjay Poonen, president, Global Solutions, SAP AG. “SAP’s work with Google marries powerful enterprise software with the world’s most popular mapping platform to create entirely new ways for people to understand and interact with business information. We aim to provide our customers the opportunity to tap into the power of business analytics combined with location intelligence through a geographic view and use rich, interactive analytics to respond to events as they unfold in real time.”

“We’re excited to work with SAP to help enterprise customers use Google’s cloud mapping tools with SAP software,” said Dave Girouard, president, Google Enterprise. “This integration will allow our customers to more easily visualize geographic data and make better business decisions.”

For further information, including screenshots and a demo video, visit the Business Analytics newsroom. Follow SAP BusinessObjects on Twitter at @businessobjects.

All in: SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 comes complete with numerous BI tools (graphic: SAP AG)

A new design tool, a uniform user interface, and impressive BI tools: SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 has it all. It even supports mobile devices and SAP HANA. Read here to find out what’s inside SAP’s BI suite.

Although it received less attention than the subjects of mobility and in-memory computing at SAPPHIRE NOW 2011, the release of SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 was quite a momentous event. It introduced plenty of new features, such as support for the SAP In-Memory Appliance (SAP HANA), software interfaces that accommodate more users and (mobile) devices, and a uniform user interface that makes the BI tools in the SAP BusinessObjects portfolio easier to understand.

Here, we’ve compiled all of the relevant information to demonstrate the innovations SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 has in store for you.

Semantic layers

Semantic layers – known as “universes” in the world of SAP BusinessObjects – structure business data in a way that enables users to generate reports and queries. Universes support any BI client and can be created across multiple sources of data –including SAP HANA – thanks to the standardized interface sported by all of the BI tools from SAP BusinessObjects. Plus, users don’t need to have any knowledge of the database language SQL.

In addition to serving as the link between SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse and SAP Business Explorer queries, BI Consumer Services (BICS) based on the OLAP analysis principle include support for SAP HANA. The German-speaking SAP User Group (DSAG), meanwhile, considers the improved integration of the SAP BusinessObjects BI client and SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse the most important update in the latest release. The ability to continue to use universes created with SAP BusinessObjects XI without any migration or conversion presents another highlight.

Since no complex ETL processes are required to merge data sources in a target database, SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 also promises more cost-effective integration of new projects.

BI tools make it possible to produce both structured and unstructured data (graphic: SAP AG)

Information Design Tool

Users can create and publish universes with the new Information Design Tool, which also includes a number of new features for developing semantic layers:

1. Universes that support OLAP
2. Universes that facilitate the use of multiple relational databases
3. A security editor for data and metadata
4. Enhanced connection management
5. Simplified repository management

Universes created with the Information Design Tool can be used in the 4.0 versions of SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence, SAP BusinessObjects Explorer, SAP Crystal Reports Dashboard Design, and SAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise. The tool automatically generates OLAP universes for OLAP cubes involving Microsoft Analysis Services, and the security editor establishes a security framework for users. The Information Design Tool also provides for a uniform user experience and enables multiple individuals to work simultaneously on the same BI project.

Every SAP BusinessObjects business intelligence solution now sports a new query panel (screenshot: SAP AG)

A consistent user experience

SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 aims to offer a modern, standardized user experience, which is why the user interfaces of SAP Crystal Presentation Design, SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence, SAP BusinessObjects Explorer, and the suite’s other applications now conform to one another. Users who are familiar with a particular tool will thus have an easier time finding their way around the others. No matter whether it’s a dashboard or a report on a PC, smartphone, or iPad, the UI is the same, and Sybase Unwired Platform serves as the basis for integrating mobile devices.

In addition, the SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 solutions feature improved icons, menus, and function bars; typical workflows for data access, formats, and page setup; and more elements users will find it easier to recognize. Diagrams many will be familiar with from SAP BusinessObjects Explorer have also been enhanced with graphical functions and added to SAP BusinessObjects Analysis and SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence.

BI Launch Pad & BI Workspace

The SAP BusinessObjects business intelligence solutions focus on the aspect of self-service by offering BI Launch Pad and BI Workspace, which gives users simple ways to obtain the information they need on their own. Designed to serve as a self-service BI portal, BI Launch Pad now sports enhanced search functionality and makes it possible to work on several documents at once.

The new BI Workspace, meanwhile – a technological successor of Dashboard Builder – is a browser-based application that aids in centralizing and standardizing personalized information that is needed on a regular basis. In addition to content from the SAP BusinessObjects business intelligence solutions, BI Workspace supports the use of material from external Web sites, Microsoft Office programs, and PDFs. Workspaces can be viewed with OpenDocument or through a company portal, provided the portal integration kit is in use.

A dashboard for monitoring performance (screenshot: SAP AG)

Alerts and monitoring

SAP has also added several updates to the alerts and monitoring functions in SAP BusinessObjects 4.0. Alerts enable companies to respond more quickly to changes in their area of business by providing users with context-specific information in real time. The tools relevant in this regard include SAP Crystal Reports, SAP BusinessObjects Event Insight, and the central management console, which send alarm messages by e-mail or through BI Launch Pad.

The monitoring aspect captures key performance indicators from SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 servers and applications for reports and notifications. These KPIs are then displayed on dashboards while test systems conduct checks by means of simulated workflows. The monitoring applications in the new release can also be integrated with solutions such as SAP Solution Manager and IBM Tivoli.

Business intelligence tools

Five BI tools branch off from the data pool-based SAP BusinessObjects business intelligence solutions. They include SAP BusinessObjects Analysis, SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards, SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence, SAP BusinessObjects Explorer, and SAP Crystal Reports. In addition to the conformity of their user interfaces and a standardized interface for various data sources, these tools now boast a number of further innovations.

SAP BusinessObjects Analysis

SAP BusinessObjects Analysis carries out multidimensional analyses, offers a drag-and-drop system, and makes it easier to work with existing content – including cubes developed for SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse and queries created with SAP Business Explorer (SAP BEx). SAP BusinessObjects Analysis is available in versions for Microsoft Office and OLAP. The former delivers functions that support analysis within Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, integrates simply into SAP landscapes, and eases the transition from SAP BEx tools to SAP BusinessObjects solutions. The OLAP version, meanwhile, also includes self-service analysis workspaces for personal or shared use online.

SAP BusinessObjects Analysis (screenshot: SAP AG)

SAP BusinessObjects Dashboards

Formerly known as SAP BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise, this software is based on the SAP BusinessObjects BI solutions and requires no infrastructural investment. Its interface supports virtually any data source, and a single dashboard can be used in various regions and languages. Microsoft Excel is no longer required.

SAP BusinessObjects Explorer

In addition to a wider selection of graphical options, a refined search function that makes data analyses accessible to larger user groups is worth particular mention. All of the innovations in SAP BusinessObjects Explorer 3.2 are available through BI Launch Pad.

SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence

SAP says it has made the primary improvements to this software in three areas: interoperability, interactivity, and data navigation. The latter aspect now enables users to immediately begin browsing through providers, objects, and other data. The software’s interfaces also offer increased usability in the form of toolbars and the ability to call up frequently used functions more quickly.

SAP Crystal Reports

Along with sporting a revamped design, SAP Crystal Reports uses the same metadata model as the other tools and includes full universe support.

Embedded analytics for SAP Business Suite (screenshot: SAP AG)

Improved integration

SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 supports embedded analytics for SAP ERP Financials, SAP Customer Relationship Management, and SAP ERP Human Capital Management. The BI applications can now also be integrated into the SAP BusinessObjects solutions for enterprise performance management and governance, risk, and compliance. In addition to direct access to SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse, SAP Solution Manager and Change and Transport System+ ensure users’ ability to incorporate these solutions into SAP landscapes.

SAP BusinessObjects 4.0 and the SAP BusinessObjects solutions for enterprise information management (EIM) – two of the company’s heavyweight offerings – possess similar UIs and are integrated into the same infrastructure. To learn everything there is to know about the SAP BusinessObjects EIM solutions, turn to the article “BI Analysis on iPad.” Meanwhile, collaborating and making use of social media is another option made possible by SAP StreamWork. The article “BusinessObjects 4: Real-Time, Mobile, Social” takes an in-depth look at SAP StreamWork and the new software SAP BusinessObjects Event Insight and SAP BusinessObjects Information Steward.

This article was originally published by SAP.info on July 19, 2011.

SAP NEWSBYTE – July 20, 2011 - SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that a growing roster of customers worldwide are benefiting from the use of SAP® Interactive Forms software by Adobe used together with Arch Forms Lifecycle Manager (FLM™), now an SAP-endorsed business solution (see “Arch’s Forms Lifecycle Manager Becomes an SAP-Endorsed Business Solution”). The integrated solutions improve the efficiency of forms-driven business processes while making it easy for end users to interact with SAP solutions.

SAP, Adobe and Arch have teamed up to deliver to customers new and innovative ways to increase business agility while keeping total cost of ownership (TCO) down. More than 3,500 customers currently benefit from the use of SAP Interactive Forms by Adobe. Through integration with Arch FLM, customers gain even greater value from the software, including simplified and automated deployment and centralized and scalable management. The solutions will also enable customers to provide their end users with a multi-channel, multi-device user experience with mobile capabilities.

Customers are reaping the benefits of SAP Interactive Forms used together with Arch FLM, including Amey, Anglian Water Services, Buckinghamshire County Council, Informa, Linklaters, OCS Group and Tasnee. The Transport for London’s successful evaluation of an efficient forms deployment with business processes extended to a multi-channel user interface, further highlights the value of these complementary offerings.

“As a user of both FLM and SAP Interactive Forms by Adobe, we were keen to be involved in the HTML forms “proof of concept” testing earlier this year,” said Christian Hauser, operations and reporting manager, HR Services Operations, Transport for London. “The new Arch technology looks like a very powerful way to help us extend the use of intuitive forms capabilities and SAP software to staff using multiple environments and devices, including Blackberry, iPhone and iPad. We look forward to exploring FLM’s new capability more fully later in the year.”

“The power of SAP NetWeaver combined with SAP Interactive Forms based on Adobe’s document technologies have enabled organizations to automate and extend business processes to a broad range of users,” said Ed Van Siclen, vice president, Technology and Partner Solutions, Adobe Systems. “We’re pleased to continue working with SAP and Arch, an Adobe Enterprise Partner, on enhancing these solutions to help customers further extend their investments in SAP solutions integrated with industry-standard PDF-based forms.”

The integrated solutions are targeted at organizations that need to automate and extend business processes to many end users via forms-based user interfaces using PDF, Flex and HTML formats, onsite or on the go. Whether government to citizen, business to business or business to consumer, customers can reach a much broader set of users using SAP Interactive Forms, embedded in the SAP NetWeaver® technology platform.

Additional information and details highlighting the benefits of the integration of SAP Interactive Forms by Adobe and Arch FLM can be found incustomer case studies and an on-demand webinar. For more information, including comments from Sanjay Chikarmane, senior vice president, Technology, SAP, visit the Ecosystem newsroom. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.

Did you know that OfficeMax was one of the first US Retailers to go live on SAP? Hear how OfficeMax, one of the largest retail superstores of office supplies uses SAP ERP, Business Objects, and other SAP solutions to effectively manage their business. Watch the video below to learn more…

Video

You may have heard by now that SAP Community Network is mirating to the Jive Social Business System later this year. What you may not know is how much greater your experience will be. One of the our favorites is the “What Matters” feature. This tool helps the right information to find you! Watch the video and read the blog to learn all about it. Blog: http://spr.ly/6037RJF7

-Sylvia Santelli, SCN Social Media Team

It’s Summertime and whether its for travel, holiday or just some time off with family and friends, a lot of folks are taking leave from work. Take a look at this short video to see just how easy it is to request some time off with SAP Mobile Apps.

- Kevin Cassidy, SAP Social Media Team

Example of meeting minutes taken in SAP StreamWork. (The image above is a stock file and does not belong to CAPS)

The Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) helps members hone their public-speaking and business management skills by providing education-focused programming and networking at both the chapter and national levels. Adrian Davis, president of the Toronto Chapter of CAPS, says the organization was facing challenges coordinating programs and tracking activities, given the organization’s goals and the board members’ busy schedules.

Although individual board members were using various technologies to become more productive, the organization itself was relatively low-tech and needed a solution that could streamline communications and processes without requiring a lot of training. According to Adrian, CAPS selected SAP StreamWork and hasn’t looked back since. By using the on-demand solution to streamline processes and provide a collaborative space available to all, the organization has become more productive and innovative. Board members were all able to catch on quickly and have been using SAP StreamWork in ways they couldn’t have anticipated.

Adrian calls out six key ways in which CAPS uses SAP StreamWork:

1) Board Meetings

The board meets 10 times a year and follows a strict agenda to tackle key issues. Nevertheless, the group typically doesn’t have time to address every issue on the agenda, not to mention new ones that crop up during the course of the meeting. To address this problem, CAPS has begun posting the minutes of each meeting to SAP StreamWork. There, board members can review or hash out issues that are still under discussion, revise the minutes and submit approvals. For issues that require a majority vote, they post a poll. New board regulations require that minutes be kept under a password-protected site, so Adrian says the security features of SAP StreamWork are a great benefit.

Adrian also mentions that SAP StreamWork is a big time saver in the distribution and approval of minutes. Previously, board members would email the minutes to the group and continue the conversation in email, which usually resulted in some duplication of effort. With SAP StreamWork if someone catches an error in the minutes, they can correct it immediately in the Activity. With email strings, multiple people might catch the same error and send several notes back to the minutes administrator. SAP StreamWork also allows the person managing the minutes to view all of the requests for amendments in one place, rather than combing through emails for requests or repeating side conversations with board members.

2) Monthly Newsletter

CAPS also uses SAP StreamWork for publishing its monthly newsletter. In advance of publication, the marketing director will notify people via SAP StreamWork of deadlines and how he wants content submitted. Any comments or questions about the content can be posted and shared with everyone, again avoiding duplicate efforts of asking and answering. Since there are two co-chairs of the organization who may offer slightly different directions regarding the newsletter, SAP StreamWork helps ensure cohesion by hosting the conversation in a collaborative space available to all, making it less likely that different directions will go out.

3) Mobile Features

Adrian frequently accesses SAP StreamWork on his iPhone and iPad. He has SAP StreamWork set up for a daily notification that lets him see issues and address them immediately, by commenting and responding to questions.

Screenshot from SAP StreamWork 2.0 for iPhone. (The image above is a stock file and does not belong to CAPS)

4) Prioritization

CAPS has been adopting more new technologies this year than in previous years. Using SAP StreamWork, the group created a matrix that maps out the most urgent and important technologies so they can plot out a roadmap for adoption. Using SAP StreamWork, the document isn’t just an Excel file. Instead, it is a living, evolving matrix where it’s easy for people to comment on specific areas of the grid. By mapping it all out, they are able to get a consensus around where they need to focus their tech training time and which software to adopt. Using SAP StreamWork to host documents and discussions has helped them understand what they need immediately and what they can plan for in the future. Before, Adrian says, they would have done this in email.

Example of a discussion in SAP StreamWork. (The image above is a stock file and does not belong to CAPS)

5) Program Development

Adrian says SAP StreamWork has helped CAPS become more innovative. The organization used the technology to upgrade the programming and quality of the content offered to members in monthly events. CAPS has also used SAP StreamWork to revisit pricing issues, including benefits contained within member “season passes,” price differentials between guests versus members, and ways of generating revenue outside membership dues.

Example of a pro/con table created using SAP StreamWork. (The image above is a stock file and does not belong to CAPS)

There have been rigorous discussions, where users have created pro/con tables to aid in the decision-making process — with the entire discussion captured in one place, along with the eventual decision. Additionally, the group can hold ideas for future reference if they need to be revisited. Adrian says if anyone ever has a question regarding rationale for pricing strategy, they can go back and see the flow of the discussion. He anticipates questions arising in the year to come, given that the position(s) of chairperson turn over every year. New leaders will be able to quickly get up to speed on how decisions were made and the discussions involved. Adrian sees it as a built-in “on boarding” bonus for new board members and officers.

6) Organization

Adrian notes that some of the team’s favorite tools are the poll, consensus and time management features, which put structure around a discussion. He also thinks it’s “cool” that SAP StreamWork builds a table of contents along the side of the activity. If he wonders, for example, what the team decided about having a workshop in July, he can just go to the table of contents and access the conversation instantly. Adrian says he finds this a much less stressful way of organizing information, since it’s all in one place.

What are you favorite ways to use SAP StreamWork? Please let us know in the comments below!

This article was originally published on June 23, 2011 by SAP StreamWork.