Forecast visualization in SAP BO vs SAP BPC 

SAP BusinessObjects (BO) and SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) both provide visualization capabilities for forecasts, but they have different strengths and weaknesses:

Forecast visualization in SAP BusinessObjects (BO): 

BO provides a wide range of visualization capabilities, including charts, graphs, tables, and dashboards. BO allows you to visualize and analyze forecast data in a variety of ways, including time series plots, scatter plots, and more. BO also provides advanced visualization capabilities, such as geographic mapping and heat maps, which allow you to view and analyze your forecasts in new and creative ways.

Example: 

You might use BO to create a time series plot of your sales forecast. You would start by connecting to your forecast data source, such as a database or spreadsheet, and then use BO's visualization capabilities to create a time series plot that shows the forecasted sales for each month. Once you have created the time series plot, you could use BO's advanced visualization capabilities to create additional visualizations, such as a scatter plot that shows the relationship between your sales forecast and other factors, such as advertising spend or market trends.

Forecast visualization in SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC): 

BPC provides limited visualization capabilities specifically designed for financial forecasting. BPC provides a centralized platform for financial forecasting, including visualization capabilities, and supports various forecasting methods, including bottom-up and top-down approaches. BPC allows you to create and manage multiple scenarios, compare and analyze different forecast scenarios, and provide an audit trail of the forecasting process.

Example: 

You might use BPC to create a bar chart of your budget vs. actual performance. You would start by defining your budget and actual data in BPC, including selecting the financial data you want to use for the analysis. BPC would then create the bar chart, showing the budget and actual results for each department or cost center. You could use BPC's reporting capabilities to create a report that summarizes the results of your analysis, such as a chart that shows the budget vs. actual performance for the entire company or for individual departments.

In conclusion, both BO and BPC provide visualization capabilities for forecasts, but BO provides a more comprehensive solution for visualization, while BPC provides a limited solution specifically designed for financial forecasting. If you are looking for a more comprehensive solution for forecast visualization, BO may be the better choice, while BPC may be the better choice if you are specifically focused on financial forecasting.

Machine learning algorithms in SAP BO Vs SAP BPC 

SAP BusinessObjects (BO) and SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) both provide machine learning capabilities, but they have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to machine learning algorithms:

Machine learning algorithms in SAP BusinessObjects (BO): 

BO provides a wide range of machine learning algorithms, including decision trees, random forests, gradient boosting, and more. BO allows you to perform machine learning on a wide range of data sources, including databases, spreadsheets, and web services. BO also provides a range of visualization tools, such as charts and graphs, that allow you to view and analyze the results of your machine learning algorithms.

Example: 

You might use BO to perform a decision tree analysis on customer data to identify the factors that influence customer behavior. You would start by connecting to your customer data source, such as a database or spreadsheet, and then use BO's machine learning capabilities to perform the decision tree analysis. Once you have completed the analysis, you could use BO's visualization tools to view and analyze the results, such as creating a decision tree diagram that shows the decision rules and the corresponding outcomes for each decision rule.

SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC): 

BPC provides limited machine learning capabilities specifically designed for financial forecasting. BPC provides a centralized platform for financial forecasting, including machine learning algorithms, and supports various forecasting methods, including bottom-up and top-down approaches. BPC allows you to create and manage multiple scenarios, compare and analyze different forecast scenarios, and provide an audit trail of the forecasting process.

Example: 

You might use BPC to perform a machine learning algorithm on financial data to create a forecast for the next quarter. You would start by defining your forecast scenario in BPC, including selecting the financial data you want to use for the analysis. BPC would then perform the machine learning algorithm using the financial data, and you could use BPC's forecasting capabilities to compare and analyze the different scenarios. Finally, you could use BPC's reporting capabilities to create a report that summarizes the results of your analysis, such as a chart that shows the actual results and the forecast for the next quarter.

In conclusion, both BO and BPC provide machine learning capabilities, but BO provides a more comprehensive solution for machine learning, while BPC provides a limited solution specifically designed for financial forecasting. If you are looking for a more comprehensive solution for machine learning, BO may be the better choice, while BPC may be the better choice if you are specifically focused on financial forecasting.

 Statistical modeling in SAP BO Vs SAP BPC

SAP BusinessObjects (BO) and SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) both provide statistical modeling capabilities, but they have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to statistical modeling:

Statistical modeling in SAP BusinessObjects (BO):

BO provides a wide range of statistical modeling capabilities, including linear regression, logistic regression, decision trees, and more. BO allows you to perform statistical modeling on a wide range of data sources, including databases, spreadsheets, and web services. BO also provides a range of visualization tools, such as charts and graphs, that allow you to view and analyze the results of your statistical modeling.

Example:

You might use BO to perform linear regression analysis on sales data to identify the factors that influence sales. You would start by connecting to your sales data source, such as a database or spreadsheet, and then use BO's statistical modeling capabilities to perform the linear regression analysis. Once you have completed the analysis, you could use BO's visualization tools to view and analyze the results, such as creating a scatter plot that shows the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable (sales).

Statistical modeling in SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC):

BPC provides statistical modeling capabilities specifically designed for financial forecasting. BPC provides a centralized platform for financial forecasting, including statistical modeling, and supports various forecasting methods, including bottom-up and top-down approaches. BPC allows you to create and manage multiple scenarios, compare and analyze different forecast scenarios, and provide an audit trail of the forecasting process.

Example:

You might use BPC to perform statistical modeling on financial data to create a forecast for the next quarter. You would start by defining your forecast scenario in BPC, including selecting the financial data you want to use for the analysis. BPC would then perform the statistical modeling using the financial data, and you could use BPC's forecasting capabilities to compare and analyze the different scenarios. Finally, you could use BPC's reporting capabilities to create a report that summarizes the results of your analysis, such as a chart that shows the actual results and the forecast for the next quarter. In conclusion, both BO and BPC provide statistical modeling capabilities, but BO provides a more comprehensive solution for advanced analytics, while BPC provides a solution specifically designed for financial forecasting. If you are looking for a more comprehensive solution for statistical modeling, BO may be the better choice, while BPC may be the better choice if you are specifically focused on financial forecasting.

Time series analysis SAP BO Vs SAP BPC

Time series analysis is the process of analyzing past data over time to make predictions about future values. Both SAP BusinessObjects (BO) and SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) provide time series analysis capabilities. However, there are some differences in how time series analysis is performed in each tool:

Time series analysis in SAP BusinessObjects (BO): 

BO provides a wide range of advanced analytics capabilities, including time series analysis. BO provides various time series algorithms, such as exponential smoothing, ARIMA, and state-space models, that can be used to perform time series analysis. BO also provides a range of visualization tools, such as charts and graphs, that allow you to view and analyze the results of your time series analysis. BO allows you to perform time series analysis on a wide range of data sources, including databases, spreadsheets, and web services.

Examples : 

You might use BO to perform time series analysis on sales data to predict future sales trends. You would start by connecting to your sales data source, such as a database or spreadsheet, and then use BO's time series algorithms to perform the analysis. Once you have completed the analysis, you could use BO's visualization tools to view and analyze the results, such as creating a line chart that shows the past sales data and the predicted future sales trends.

Time series analysis in SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC): 

BPC provides time series analysis capabilities specifically designed for financial forecasting. BPC provides a centralized platform for financial forecasting, including time series analysis, and supports various forecasting methods, including bottom-up and top-down approaches. BPC allows you to create and manage multiple scenarios, compare and analyze different forecast scenarios, and provide an audit trail of the forecasting process. BPC provides a more streamlined experience for financial forecasting, but may have limitations when it comes to advanced time series analysis capabilities.

Examples : 

You might use BPC to perform time series analysis on financial data to create a forecast for the next quarter. You would start by defining your forecast scenario in BPC, including selecting the financial data you want to use for the analysis. BPC would then perform the time series analysis using the financial data, and you could use BPC's forecasting capabilities to compare and analyze the different scenarios. Finally, you could use BPC's reporting capabilities to create a report that summarizes the results of your analysis, such as a chart that shows the actual results and the forecast for the next quarter.

In conclusion, both BO and BPC provide time series analysis capabilities, but BO provides a more comprehensive solution for advanced analytics, while BPC provides a solution specifically designed for financial forecasting. If you are looking for a more comprehensive solution for time series analysis, BO may be the better choice, while BPC may be the better choice if you are specifically focused on financial forecasting.

SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) architecture

SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) architecture 

SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) architecture includes:

Client tier: where users access the application through a web browser or Microsoft Excel

Application tier: where the BPC server runs and handles all application processes

Database tier: where the BPC database stores all application data

Data Warehousing tier: where the data is stored and transformed for reporting purposes

These tiers interact with each other to provide a comprehensive planning, budgeting, forecasting, and consolidation solution. The architecture is designed to support both standalone and integrated scenarios with SAP ERP or other systems. 

SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) is a component of the SAP Business Intelligence (BI) layer in the SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) landscape. The SAP BI layer sits on top of the SAP ERP layer and serves as a platform for reporting and analysis of the data stored in the SAP ERP layer.

The SAP BI layer also includes other components such as SAP BusinessObjects, SAP Lumira, and SAP Predictive Analytics. BPC integrates with these other components to provide a complete solution for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and consolidation.

SAP BO Vs SAP BPC

General Comparision:

SAP BusinessObjects (BO) and SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) are both components of the SAP Business Intelligence (BI) layer in the SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) landscape. However, they serve different purposes:

SAP BusinessObjects (BO): It is a reporting and analysis tool that provides a platform for creating, scheduling, and distributing reports, dashboards, and other data-driven content to support business decision-making.

SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC): It is a financial planning and consolidation solution that helps organizations plan, budget, forecast, and consolidate financial data. BPC provides a centralized platform for financial data management, including data input, calculation, consolidation, and reporting.

In summary, BO is a reporting tool while BPC is a financial planning and consolidation solution. Both tools can be used together to provide a complete solution for financial planning and reporting. 

Reporting:

When comparing SAP BusinessObjects (BO) and SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) for reporting purposes, the following differences can be noted:

Data source: BPC is specifically designed for financial planning and consolidation and as such, the data source for reporting is usually financial data stored in the BPC database. BO, on the other hand, can connect to a wider range of data sources, including BPC, and can be used to report on various types of data.

Reporting capabilities: BO provides a wider range of reporting capabilities, including report creation, scheduling, distribution, and data visualization. BPC, on the other hand, focuses on financial planning and reporting, providing capabilities such as budgeting, forecasting, and consolidation of financial data.

Integration with other SAP tools: BO integrates with other SAP tools such as SAP Lumira, SAP Predictive Analytics, and SAP BW, to provide a comprehensive solution for reporting and analysis. BPC integrates with SAP BO to provide a complete financial planning and reporting solution.

In conclusion, BO is a more comprehensive reporting tool that can be used for various types of data, while BPC is a financial planning and reporting solution that focuses specifically on financial data. Both tools can be used together to provide a complete solution for financial planning and reporting.

Forecasting:

SAP BPC: 

Forecasting is the process of estimating future outcomes based on historical data and other relevant information. In the context of SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC), forecasting refers to the process of estimating future financial results based on historical financial data and other relevant information, such as market trends, economic indicators, and company goals.

BPC provides a centralized platform for forecasting and supports various forecasting methods, including bottom-up and top-down approaches. BPC allows users to create and manage multiple scenarios, compare and analyze different forecast scenarios, and provide an audit trail of the forecasting process.

Forecasting in BPC is performed using Microsoft Excel or a web-based interface, and the results can be easily consolidated and reported to provide an accurate picture of the company's financial future. The forecasts can be used for budgeting, planning, and other financial decisions.

SAP BO:

Forecasting can also be performed in SAP BusinessObjects (BO). BO provides data visualization and analysis capabilities that can be used to perform forecasting. BO provides a range of tools and techniques for forecasting, including:

Time series analysis: This technique involves analyzing past data over time to make predictions about future values.

Statistical modeling: BO provides various statistical models that can be used for forecasting, such as regression analysis, time series decomposition, and exponential smoothing.

Machine learning algorithms: BO provides advanced analytics capabilities that allow you to build predictive models using machine learning algorithms, such as decision trees, random forests, and gradient boosting.

Forecast visualization: BO provides various visualization tools, such as charts and graphs, that allow you to view and analyze the results of your forecast.

In summary, BO provides a range of tools and techniques for forecasting that can be used to estimate future values based on historical data and other relevant information. The results of the forecasting can be visualized and analyzed to provide valuable insights for decision-making.

SQL based Syntax in Script Logic

SQL Based Syntax in Script logic :

1. Scooping Commands :    1A. *XDIM_MEMBERSET : It defines the scope of the logic to run on specific members of the Dimension.
                        *XDIM_MEMBERSET only work on member selection not on Properties.. For the Properties selection *XDIM_FILER  or *SELECT can be used.
         1B.  *XDIM_ADDMEMBERSET: So what is the use of this Command when *XDIM_MEMBERSET can cover all members required...When there are Hierarchies in the Member list and the command *XDIM_MEMBERSET defines  a articular Hierarchy to its BASE LEVEL then it will not accept any other member.
                           For this purpose SAP provided *XDIM_ADDMEMBERSET.
     
         1C.  *XDIM_MAXMEMBERS : Specifies the maximum number of members that should be included in one query, per dimension the syntax is associated with.
         
         1D. *XDIM_FILTER :  This command can be used to filter the scoping members based on the properties. *XDIM_FILTER TIME = [TIME].PROPERTIES("MONTHNUM") = "2“  will restrict the execution scope to only records containing a TIME dimension for February (month number 2). 

        1E. *XDIM_PACKAGEDBY:  This syntax is used for parallel processing. However configuration needs to be done in SPRO need to be done before using this.

Naming Conventions BPC /BI

Naming Conventions

Prefix: /BI0/ Business Content object 

Prefix: /BIC/ Object created by the customer 

InfoCubes 

/BI0/F Fact table for InfoCubes 

/BI0/E Fact table for InfoCubes (compressed) 

/BI0/L Validity data table for inventory InfoCubes 

/BI0/DN Characteristics Dimension (N is the dimension number) 

/BI0/DP Data Packet 

/BI0/DT Time Dimension 

/BI0/DU Unit Dimension 

ODS 

/BI0/A00 Active table 

/BI0/A40 Activation queue 

/BI0/B<10 gen. digits> ChangeLog 

Master Data 

/BI0/S Master Data SID 

/BI0/P Master Data 

/BI0/T Master Data Text 

/BI0/X Navigational attribute (time independent) 

/BI0/Y Navigational attribute (time dependent) 

Hierarchies 

/BI0/H Hierarchy 

/BI0/I Hierarchy SID structure (time independent) 

/BI0/J Hierarchy Interval 

/BI0/K Hierarchy SID

Temporary objects (stored in PSAPTEMP) 

/BI0/01 Table for intermediate results for query execution 

/BI0/02 Table for intermediate results for query execution - hierarchies 

/BI0/03 Table for intermediate results for query execution 

/BI0/04 Stored procedures during compression of InfoCube 

/BI0/F2<5 gen. digits>, 

/BI0/E2<5 gen. digits> Temporary fact table of an aggregate used during the changerun

BPC Naming Convention:

All InfoAreas are created sub InfoAreas under the one InfoArea “/CPMB/BPC” within the DataWarehousingWorkbench (RSA1).

The naming convention of the dyanmic tables are as follows:

•  Journal /1CPMB/appset_prefix+appl_prefix+JRDT 

•  Audit /1CPMB/appset_prefix+appl_prefix+AD 

•  Audit archive /1CPMB/appset_prefix+appl_prefix+AD_A 

•  Workstatus /1CPMB/LKWS+appset_prefix+appl_prefix 

•  Comment /1CPMB/appset_prefix+appl_prefix+CMT

•  Comment archive /1CPMB/appset_prefix+appl_prefix+CMTA

The appset_prefix for an AppSet can be found in table: UJA_APPSET_INFO

The appl_prefix for an AppSet can be found in table: UJA_APPL

The following Properties are shared across AppSets and are

•  /CPMB/ACCTYPE

•  /CPMB/CALC

•  /CPMB/RATETYP

•  /CPMB/YEAR

•  /CPMB/CURR

•  /CPMB/ENTITY

•  /CPMB/REPORT

•  /CPMB/FLOWTYP

•  /CPMB/TILEVEL

•  /CPMB/PERIOD

SAP BPC Interview Questions:

1.What is the Context with relevant to SAP BPC Reporting??

  Ans: The Context is the model, dimensions, and associated members authorized to a user and      applicable to what is displayed in the workspace, folder, or view. This  feature enables you to specify what defaults are used for the scope context.

2.What is multi user object locking?
    SAP BPC 420 ..Page -60.

3.What are the Enhancements in SAP BPC 10.0 from 7.3?

4.Allocation Logic you worked on?

5.Rolling forecast report??

6.Difference between Planning,Forecast and Budgeting? ( This Question asked to a fresher)

7.What Dimensions you maintained in you OPEX Report?

8.What is the Content  in OPEX Report you worked?

9.How many times  Account type Dimension can be associated to a Model?
    Ans: Only 1

10.What is Static Reporting?

11.Difference between Static and Dynamic Reporting?

12. In *REC Statement can we use Mathematical operations like +,_,*.

13.How you run the Script Logic?

14.How to debug the Data Manager Package?

SAP BPC Interview Questions Total 596 ( 401-500)

401.What are the required dimesions for reporting application?

402.What is light optimization ?

403.What is full optimization?

404.Changing the BI data model is light or full optimization?

405.Does partitioning available in BPC cubes ?

406.Does BPC uses the Sap standard time dimension ?

407.Is it possible to change the DB parameters in BW for BPC cubes ?

408.What are the objects get created in the backend when BPC application is created ?

409.Why a multiprovider and a query got created on top of the application cube and what is the purpose ?

410.Can a BPC infocube can be changed without the re modeling tool in BI ?

411.What information does UJA_APPL table contains ?

412.Does MDX statements select from the cube or from the query build on the multi provider ?

413.What is the purpose of the web admin parameter YTDINPUT ?

414.What is a measure ?

415.What is signeddata ?

416.What are the 3 delivered measure ?

417.What is the purpose of the UJA_FORMULA table ?

418.Why we need UJA_FORMULA and UJA_FORMULA_APP ?

419.What is concurrency lock?

420.What is tcode RSPLSE ?

421.What you maintain in tcode RSPLSE ?

422.Does BPS  and Integrated planning also use RSPLSE ?

423.What is UJR_PARAM table used for ?

424.What are the 2 types of locking ?

425.What is the formula for calculating id record level locking or interval level locking is needed/

426.What is sparsity coefficient ?

427.         BPC Data Manager packages are technically executed as a BW process chain. TRUE OR FALSE

                

428.         True Or False

a.              Planning InfoCubes are write optimized but Standard InfoCubes are read optimized.

b.              Consolidation InfoCubes are write optimized because the request id stays open until a threshold is reached for example.

c.              Request id's in real time cubes can be closed by switching the cube to the Standard type.

d.              A Real Time InfoCube has two 'data' modes, but only one will ever be used by Business Planning and Consolidation.

e.              As data comes in to the Planning InfoCube, it arrives in the 'F' table and remains there until it is compressed into the 'E' table.

f.               SAP BusinessObjects Planning and Consolidation can also be set up against Data Store Objects.

                

429.         Choose the Correct Answer(s)

a.              There are two main types of InfoObjects: Catalogs and InfoAreas.

b.              BW Characteristics have three potential types of master data.

c.              A BW Dimension table is exactly the same as an Business Planning and Consolidation Dimension.

d.              InfoCubes are made up of Fact and Dimension tables.

                

430.         Choose the Correct Answer(s)

a.              An SAP BusinessObjects Planning and Consolidation dimension is like a BW Characteristic

b.              An SAP BusinessObjects Planning and Consolidation property is like an Attribute in BW.

c.              The SAP BusinessObjects Planning and Consolidation 'signed data' column is like a key figure in an InfoCube.

d.              An AppSet is like a BW InfoArea.

e.              An SAP BusinessObjects Planning and Consolidation team folder is equivalent to a BW Role.

f.               An SAP BusinessObjects Planning and Consolidation InfoCube is just like an Application in BW.

                

431.         Fill in the Blank: BPC Application Development can be carried out from the BPC _____________, ______________. The system automatically

populates BW with the related object

                

432.         BPC equivalent of BI Objects: Fill in the Blank

a.              Characteristics , ___________________________

b.              InfoCubes , ___________________________

c.              MultiProvider , ___________________________

d.              Process Chain, __________________________

e.              Transports, ______________________________

                

433.         What are the entire required dimension “Non Reporting–Generic” Application?

                

434.         What is the reference Application for “Reporting–Generic” application?

                

435.         What is common between “Non Reporting– Generic” and “Reporting– Generic” Application? 

                

436.         We can not _______________ to “Non Reporting” application?

                

437.         Which of the following application options are common between Finance and Consolidation Application?

a.              Currency Conversion

b.              Calculation

c.              Intercompany Booking

d.              Intercompany Elimination

e.              Validations

f.               US Elimination

g.              Opening Balance

                

438.         True Or False: Is it possible to create an Application without a Reference Application?

439.         True Or False: Is it possible to create a Dimension without a Reference Dimension?

                

440.         ________________ allow the automated processing of data to render a consolidated set of financial statements.

                

441.         When you create new applications, we need to select at least one ____________ dimension. Then the ________________ need to allow access to the desired member

                

442.         Measure       dimension       used      to       determine       application       as           a

________________ OR _________________

                

443.         Most secure system store balances on a ________________ basis

whether the data is entered/stored in daily, weekly , monthly , fiscal period

                

444.         _____________ namespace is a reserved namespace in SAP

NetWeaver BI for BPC

                

445.         BPC Dimensions are created under an Application Set with BI Technical names of InfoObjects are generated with naming convention /CPM/XXYYYYY, Where “XX” _____________ , and “YYYYY” is a

____________________ string

                

446.         Default Application set for BPC Excel, Admin , Word , PPT can be set

through ______________________

                

447.         True Or False

a.              Only user with System Admin rights can create a new application , Dimension ,business rules table , work status

b.              Only user with Admin rights can create a new application ,

Dimension ,business rules table , work status

c.              Only user with Primary Admin rights can create a new application ,

Dimension ,business rules table , work status

                

448.         How to create an application set without using an existing application set?

                

449.         ___________,______________,_________________,______________ are copied from the source application set to the target application set based on the user choice

                

450.         ______________________ allows us to monitor the scheduled

application set copy process