Vendor:
Founded:
Headquarters:
SAP
1972
Walldorf, Germany
Customers:
Deployment Model:
Free Trial:
251,000+
Cloud, On-Premise
Yes
Download Vendor Comparison Guide
Business Objects At A Glance
Product Overview
SAP has roughly 14 BI solutions that are aimed at different company sizes and industries. For example, one BI solution is aimed at SMBs, while another solution is geared toward companies that work with Microsoft Office. Other solutions allows for the user to access their BI data via their mobile devices or provide additional analytical features.
For the purpose of the review, we will focus primarily on SAP’s BusinessObjects BI Platform. Like other BI software, SAP allows for self-service functionality, meaning the end users can access and retrieve their business data without IT’s involvement. This frees up the IT department so they can focus on other aspects of their jobs.
Most BI platforms tend to be specific to the company function (i.e. HR or sales) but the SAP’s BusinessObject platform provides a broader solution. Users can perform BI analysis from multiple data sources and in different formats.
SAP and Microsoft now has a new partnership (as of second-quarter 2014) – SAP users can work with Microsoft Excel and access applications and data through Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Office 365. SAP mobile apps is also available for Windows and Windows Phone 8.1.
Features
SAP’s BI platform includes the ability to integrate data with Java and Microsoft SharePoint, among other sources. Users can also publish customized BI data to anyone, as well as manage BI deployment from a single platform.
SAP also includes a BI launch pad for users to access any data within the company network via any platform (desktop, mobile, etc).
- Ad Hoc Analysis?
- Online Analytical Processing (OLAP)?
- Predictive Analysis?
- Profit Analysis?
- Trend Indicators?
- Ad Hoc Reporting?
- Automatic Scheduled Reporting?
- Customizable Dashboard?
Target Market
SAP sells its products to over 251,000 customers in many industries, including healthcare, education, retail, banking, and manufacturing. Below is a partial customer list.
- 3M
- Bayer Material Science
- BOA Group
- Dow Corning
- eBay
- Family Dollar
- Pennsylvania State University
- Proctor & Gamble
- Smithfield Foods
- T-Mobile
Free Report: Selecting The Right BI Vendor
Choosing a BI vendor is all about finding the right fit. Our exclusive report will walk you through the process and help you select the perfect solution.Download Now
Implementation/Integration
SAP offers these following implementation services:
- Cloud Professional Services – Some of the services SAP offer includes advising and assessing cloud readiness, developing strategy on moving to the cloud, virtualizing a company’s business-critical SAP applications in private cloud, and migrating existing SAP software to the cloud.
- Early Adopter Services – This service is for companies that want to adopt SAP’s new software in an efficient manner. With their Ramp-Up program, SAP provides companies the opportunity to review key features, explore benefits of early adoption, meet other Ramp-Up customers, and learn about upcoming Ramp-Up schedules.
- Rapid Deployment – This approach allows customers to have SAP solutions implemented in weeks rather than in months, regardless of whether it’s on-premised, SaaS, or both.
Customer Service & Support
SAP provides training on its software both online and in a traditional classroom setting. Prospective users can enroll in any of SAP’s 40 training centers. Or they can enroll in a virtual live classroom without leaving their home or office.
Online training is also an option – SAP offers e-Learning courses as well as a Learning Hub. Users can access any training materials at their convenience. Note that the cost of training is not included in the software purchase.
SAP also offers customer support for existing users. For example, the SAP MaxAttention allows your company to be involved in a long-term partnership with SAP – SAP works with your IT department to provide training, maintenance, and upgrades. SAP also provides standard support, such as a knowledge base and the ability for customer service to fix issues remotely.
Finally, SAP provide users a chance to suggest improvements on all of SAP’s solutions via its Customer Connection Program. This program is free to join.
Shortcomings
SAP’s ERP program has bee noted as being not very user-friendly or inuitive, and it can be difficult for non-tech users to navigate. More training support from the vendor would be helpful to users struggling to adapt to a complex technology.
Specifically, because SAP is so multi-leveled and complex, many SAP expert support personnel are only distinctly qualified in one specific area. This can cause a disconnect between the problem at hand and the ultimate needs of the business, causing additional costs and reduced efficiency.
The licensing process with SAP has proven confusing for many users. Some have reported frequent support fee hikes, and there are multiple levels of maintenance required on the program that build up additional costs.
Screenshots
About
SAP is the third-largest independent software manufacturer. It aims to help companies of all sizes and industries operate their business efficiently and stay ahead of their competition. In addition to BI and other analytics, SAP provide products for CRM, Human Resources, ERP, and Sustainability, among others.
SAP has offices in more than 130 locations all over the world. SAP Americas, a subsidary, has over 40 branch offices in the U.S., with its main headquarters in Newtown Square, PA.
Download Vendor Comparison Guide
