8 reasons why you should migrate to the new SAP BI 4.3

SAP BI 4.3 IS A MAJOR RELEASE.

Generally speaking, major releases bring many enhancements, features and functionalities, often accompanied by a substantial change in the software architecture. Although this version has not received a new main version number (i.e. BI 5,0), in our opinion there are enough improvements to consider this a main version update.

Anecdotally, SAP did not name this version 5.0 to avoid confusion with legacy systems running v5 of the original 1990s software.

SAP BI 4.3 features a hybrid architecture, increasingly focused on cloud computing, so whether an existing user or new to the product, this release is an ideal starting point for companies adopting cloud technology.

Improvements TO SAP BI 4.3

Improvements can be grouped into three main areas:

• Company: additions in terms of base, source management and platform
• User interface: visual harmony between cloud and mobile environments
• Hybrid: new features involving the interrelation between the installations and the cloud

HERE IS OUR SUMMARY OF THE 8 KEY REASONS TO UPGRADE TO SAP BI 4.3

: the new licensing model, the simplified authentication setup, the new types of supported data sources and the removal of some old tools (Xcelsius, Explorer, Widgets) are not enough reasons. All these changes are welcome, but not disruptive enough to be on our main list!

The changes that we believe are revolutionary, and make upgrading a necessity, are as follows:

1. Introduction of Webi data models

This is a new concept of data modelling conceived to get the local data cloud, but local front-end applications will also be able to take advantage of it.

This new WebI data model concept reuses existing document components, where multiple queries from various data sources can be used, combined and enriched with variables.

This creates a new dataset that can be used as a source in the cloud by SAC (SAP Analytics Cloud) or locally, feeding new WebI documents, or even in dashboards or Live Office using Web Services.

2. The WebI viewer (with Fiori look and feel) for browsers and clients

The WebI viewer has been enhanced to achieve feature parity with the DHTML viewer, which is already the most widely supported by the most common browsers (and does not use Java). This new WebI viewer has a Fiori-style look and feel for users.

In addition, the "WebI Rich Client" has been modified so that developers who prefer to use the client tool get a unified and familiar HTML5 experience, very similar to SAC.

3. The BI launch platform (with Fiori appearance) is now mandatory

The BI launch platform, alternative in version 4.2, becomes mandatory in version 4,3. End users will discover a rejuvenated look and feel with a new colour scheme, as well as clearly visible and navigable buttons and tiles.

Some additional features have also been added, including programming to multiple destinations.

4. Integration of "Analytics Hub"

The new release includes a new button in the Central Management Console (CMC) called "Analytics Hub", where the local platform will be configured to communicate with this meta-layer cloud-based device to provide hyperlinked content and user information.

Corporate content in local and cloud modules can be managed and secured directly from this centre, a necessity for any hybrid environment.

5. Website improvements

BI 4.3 incorporates a certain functionality from other modules such as Lumira Discovery or Lumira Designer:

· Micro graphics in cells: For example, trends per line in a table.

· Trellis: multiplied charts based on one dimension, which allows the inclusion of all components in a single rectangular chart.

· Trend lines in charts: new option to add a linear regression for time series.

· Zoom and panorama: another great addition of interactivity, which allows highlighting a selection using the mouse and the subsequent filtering.

6. Improvements in the universe

A complete list of improvements has not yet been published, but the universes have generally become faster in processing and have better compatibility and security options with SAC.

7. Mobility, responsiveness and touchscreen preparation

The completely new front-end, written in HTML5, brings with it a number of new features that enhance the user experience, enabling "Analytics on-the-go" through Web Intelligence, full functionality from any device, fully responsive interface across the platform and touch readiness, which is vital for mobile device users.

8. Enhanced credential mapping for the BI Platform

Currently, security at the column and row level of corporate data typically moves to the database due to certain limitations in user and profile management at the platform level.

With SAP BI 4.3, users will be able to log into multiple database sources with different passwords, bypassing current platform limitations and the repository creation cycle,

simplifying and streamlining back-end maintenance.

FINAL CONCLUSIONS

The general direction the BI 4.3 upgrade is taking is positive. The move away from Flash and JS in favour of HTML5 is impressive, and although older modules such as CMC will retain a legacy format for now, this bodes well for future interface development.

We would still like to see these cosmetic developments on the administrator's side as well!

Working in an environment where innovation is directly related to the success of our business, we can strongly recommend that you evaluate and ideally implement this version when it becomes widely available.

You will get the benefits from a product that is not only highly integrated with traditional back-end BW and ERP, but is integrated and ready for futuristic SAC and SCP cloud platforms.