UPDATE: SAP has announced end-of-maintenance dates for BPC, prompting many organizations to reevaluate their planning and consolidation platforms. At SandPoint Consulting, we now help BPC customers determine the right next step–from transitioning to a new solution to maximizing the value of their current system in the interim. This article remains relevant for teams still managing BPC projects, as well as those beginning to plan their transition.
When evaluating the Return On Investment (ROI) of a BPC project our clients often overlook an important benefit: the opportunity to strengthen BPC skills. New BPC implementations, upgrades and enhancement projects are especially suited to skills-building since they touch many elements of the system. Knowledge transfer is a key objective for these types of projects because it allows our clients to get the most from their BPC system and actively guide its evolution. The best way for employees to gain BPC skills is by working closely with SandPoint consultants to build reports, configure dimensions and models, set up security, test and perform other project tasks. Assigning employees to these critical tasks and having SandPoint provide role- and system-specific training and support greatly accelerates BPC skills-building.
To get the most from BPC knowledge transfer it’s important to assign the right employees to the project, backfill their positions as necessary and track progress to completion. When selecting employees to assign to a BPC project, look for four fundamental qualities:
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills
Experience using formulas, formatting, cell referencing and locking, data manipulation (sort, filter, validation, etc.) and charts. These are all essential features used in BPC. - Clearly-defined role in the organization
With clear expectations, employees can focus their learning priorities on functionality relevant to their role and BPC models. - Familiar with the company’s processes and teams
Understanding BPC work flows in IT, Accounting, Finance, Sales and other areas provides important context for advancing skills. - Employees who plan to grow with the company long-term
BPC expertise should be seen as important for employee career progression in the company.
Strengthening an organization’s BPC skills is a very important and often overlooked outcome from BPC projects. We encourage our clients to consider it when evaluating project ROI, assigning resources and creating project plans.
