Keywords:

• End of Maintenance (EoM): The point at which a software vendor stops delivering full support, enhancements, or new features.
• Extended Maintenance: A paid support model that continues after mainstream maintenance ends, typically with higher costs and limited services.
• Mainstream Maintenance: The standard period in which software receives updates, bug fixes, security patches, and development investments.
• Software End of Life (EoL): Sometimes used interchangeably with EoM, though EoL can imply a complete retirement of the product.
• Support Sunset / Support Wind-Down: Alternative terms for the end of maintenance lifecycle.

When software vendors announce an end-of-maintenance timeline, the reaction is often confusion. Does the software stop working? Will support vanish overnight? Does it force an immediate migration?

The short answer: No.

The more accurate answer: It depends—but the risks increase quietly and steadily.

“End of maintenance” doesn’t mean a system suddenly shuts down. Instead, it marks a shift in the vendor’s priorities and a slow decline in updates, resources, and long-term value. SAP BPC (Business Planning and Consolidation) is a timely example, as several versions approach key support milestones. Understanding what those milestones mean helps organizations plan proactively rather than reactively.

This article breaks down what end of maintenance really entails, what changes when software enters extended maintenance or support wind-down, and why waiting too long to make a decision can become costly for finance and IT teams.

What Does “End of Maintenance” Actually Mean?

Vendors use different phrases—end of life, end of support, support sunset, support wind-down—but they all point to the same shift:

The vendor stops investing in the product.

A helpful way to think about it:

Mainstream Maintenance = active growth

Extended Maintenance = preservation mode

End of Maintenance = the product is on borrowed time

Here’s what actually changes behind the scenes.

Many organizations assume that end of maintenance is simply a date on a roadmap. In reality, it signals several shifts that directly affect reliability, risk, and long-term strategy.

1. No new features or development

This is the most significant impact for finance teams.End of maintenance means:

• No feature upgrades
• No UX improvements
• No performance enhancements
• No innovation investments
  
  

The software effectively becomes frozen in time while the rest of the market moves forward—especially in areas like predictive analytics, automation, and AI. The product may still run, but it stops progressing. Over time, that gap becomes strategic, not just technical.

2. Bug fixes become limited and slower

In mainstream maintenance, issues get fixed as part of normal operations.

After end of maintenance,  fewer engineers are assigned to the product and fixes shift to critical security patches (maybe) and major system stability issues. Everything else is often not addressed.

Support doesn’t disappear, it simply becomes increasingly limited and sometimes painfully slow. Some tickets cannot be addressed at all and fixes may require costly extended support contracts. This shift becomes more noticeable as fewer customers remain on the product.

3. A shrinking talent pool

As more users migrate to supported platforms, expertise becomes harder to find:

• Consultants move to newer platforms
• Internal experts migrate to other teams
• Documentation and tribal knowledge fade

For finance systems tied to reporting, close, and planning cycles, these talent gaps can become a major operational risk

4. Higher costs through extended maintenance

Vendors often offer extended maintenance as a temporary bridge for customers who need extra time.

While choosing extended maintenance may seem like an easy choice for consistency, it often comes with a premium price for standing still: higher annual support fees, lower coverage, and fewer development resources.

SAP BPC: A Real-World Example of End-of-Maintenance Timelines

SAP BPC is a good case study because its support roadmap spans multiple versions, platforms, and timelines. Many customers still rely on the solution, yet misunderstand what the upcoming milestones really mean.

SAP BPC Support Timeline Overview

Versions approaching end of mainstream support:

• BPC for NetWeaver: Enters extended maintenance after 2027
• BPC for Microsoft: Support ending mid-2026

Versions with long-term support through 2040:

• BPC for SAP BW/4HANA
• BPC for SAP S/4HANA

Understanding where your version sits is essential, but the date is only one part of the story. The roadmap reveals something more important: The innovation pipeline for BPC has been closed for years. Even the versions supported through 2040 are in “preservation mode,” not development mode.

The Reality of End of Maintenance for SAP BPC Customers

A Solution with No Future Enhancements

SAP BPC no longer receives meaningful enhancements. There are no new features, integration updates, or AI and predictive capabilities. Even versions with longer support are effectively frozen, limiting the system’s ability to evolve with business needs.

Gaps in Modern Finance Capabilities

Legacy BPC cannot support modern finance demands such as continuous planning, driver-based forecasting, scenario modeling, or predictive insights. As CFO expectations rise, the gap between system functionality and business needs becomes more pronounced.

Rising Support Costs

As expertise becomes scarce, external consulting becomes harder to find, internal knowledge gaps widen, and projects take longer. Extended maintenance may keep systems running, but at a higher cost and with fewer resources to support them effectively.

The Hidden Cost of Delaying Decisions

One of the most important questions organizations ask is: “Can we wait another year?”

The truth is, probably. In fact, many of our clients still use SAP BPC and we are one of the few firms that still supports the platform. But we advise all of our clients to have a plan. 

We continue to offer the same level of service to these clients that we did when we first started our BPC practice more than 20 years ago. The difference is that today, we also help these organizations develop their own roadmap based on their individual needs. For some this means we are migrating to more modern platforms. For others, it means maintaining their system while preparing for future transitions. Some take a phased or hybrid approach to transfer specific processes or accounts. 

The bottom line is, your team needs a plan. The cost of waiting only grows and the danger isn’t your system turning off—it’s your finance function falling behind.

How Organizations Should Respond to an End-of-Maintenance Announcement (Without Panic)

Here’s a more realistic, practical progression instead of a rigid step-by-step plan:

Start with clarity, not technology.

Ask: 

• What are today’s pain points?
• What has the business outgrown?
• Where is manual effort creeping back in?

Define the finance team you want to be in 3–5 years.

Do you need:

• Real-time modeling?
• AI-assisted forecasting?
• Unified planning and consolidation?
• Deeper integration with ERP?

These answers—not the support dates—should guide your direction.

Then align timing with major projects.

For many organizations in the SAP ecosystem, the timing of their S/4HANA migration is an important variable. (S/4HANA is SAP’s next-generation Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software) Some are waiting to prioritize that transformation before addressing enterprise performance management (EPM) processes like planning and consolidation. This approach may make sense for some, but it is not the right decision for all teams. 

We recommend discussing timing with a migration partner who understands SAP BPC and its migration paths.

Finally, build a transition plan—not a rush job.

Planning early gives you better choices, smoother timelines, and more predictable budgets. Remember migrating your data, building a new system, implementing processes and training teams all take time.

Conclusion

End of maintenance does not mean software stops working. It means the vendor stops investing in it and over time, that impacts stability, innovation, and your team’s ability to support the business. How long do you want to invest in a system that is no longer evolving?

Whether your organization uses SAP BPC or another end-of-maintenance tool, the themes are the same:

• Increasing risk
• Shrinking expertise
• Growing costs
• Stagnant capabilities
• Limited transformation potential

Treating end of maintenance as a strategic signal—not just a date—gives your organization the time, clarity, and resources needed to choose your next step thoughtfully and confidently. A signal that it’s time to protect your finance operations, modernize your planning environment, and position your team for the future.

The post What Does “End of Maintenance” Really Mean for Software? appeared first on SandPoint Consulting.

Like any long-term relationship, breaking up isn’t easy. You’ve built processes, routines, and maybe even a little emotional attachment. But with BPC’s end of maintenance dates quickly approaching, staying in this relationship could mean increased risks, instability, and missed opportunities.

So, how do you move on without heartbreak? Let’s talk about navigating a SAP BPC migration because the right match is out there, and we’re here to help you find it.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Move On from SAP BPC?

Not sure if you’re ready to take the leap? Here are a few signs that your relationship with BPC is heading toward its final chapter:

• It’s no longer supporting your needs – With SAP’s official end-of-maintenance deadlines approaching in 2026 and 2027, future updates and support will become a thing of the past.
  
• Security and stability are at risk – Unsupported systems can expose your organization to security vulnerabilities and compliance challenges. Regulatory frameworks evolve, and without updates, your finance team may struggle to meet new requirements.
  
• Performance issues and inefficiencies – Legacy systems often struggle to keep up with modern finance demands. Slow processing times, outdated interfaces, and integration challenges can slow down reporting, forecasting, and close cycles.
  
• You need more advanced capabilities – Today’s finance leaders require real-time insights, automation, and AI-driven analytics. BPC wasn’t built for this level of agility, which can limit your ability to scale and innovate.
  
• You’re stuck on-premise while the world moves to the cloud – Most versions of BPC require on-premise infrastructure, while modern finance solutions offer cloud-based flexibility, lower maintenance costs, and remote accessibility. If cloud migration is a priority for your organization, staying on BPC could hold you back.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to start exploring your options.

How to Navigate the SAP BPC Breakup Without the Heartache

Change can be overwhelming, but with the right plan, your transition can be smooth—dare we say, even exciting? Here’s how to take the next step with confidence:

1. Reflect on what you really need in a new system – Think about what worked well with BPC and what left you frustrated. Do you need stronger reporting capabilities? A cloud-based solution? A platform that integrates better with your existing tech stack? Knowing what you need in a new partner (or system) will help you find the right match.
   
2. Explore Your Best BPC Migration Options – The right system depends on your business model, existing tech stack, and long-term goals. Here are two leading options:
   
   • SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) for Planning – If you want to stay within the SAP ecosystem, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) for Planning is SAP’s preferred alternative to BPC. Key features include:
     • Integrated planning and analytics – Combines financial and operational planning with built-in AI and machine learning.
     • Cloud-based flexibility – No need for on-premise infrastructure, reducing maintenance costs.
     • Seamless SAP integration – Works well with SAP S/4HANA and other SAP tools.
       
       However, SAC does not include financial consolidation, meaning companies may need SAP’s Group Reporting module to handle complex consolidations separately.
       
   • OneStream – For organizations looking for a more comprehensive CPM solution, OneStream offers:
     • Unified planning, budgeting, and consolidation – All in a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple tools.
     • Flexibility – OneStream’s MarketPlace allows companies to add new features without third-party integrations.
     • Scalability – Designed for growing enterprises needing advanced automation and reporting.
       
       Choosing between SAC and OneStream depends on whether you prefer SAP continuity or a fully unified finance platform.
       
3. Get expert guidance – Breakups are easier with a good support system. A trusted consulting partner can help you evaluate your options, develop a roadmap, and execute a seamless migration.
   
4. Don’t wait until the last minute – Procrastinating only makes things harder. The closer we get to the end-of-maintenance deadlines, the more rushed (and costly) migrations become. Starting now gives you time to make a thoughtful, strategic transition.
   

Ready to Find the Perfect Match for Your Finance Solution?

Breaking up with BPC might feel daunting, but the right system is out there—one that meets your needs today and grows with you into the future.

At SandPoint Consulting, we’ve helped countless organizations transition from BPC to modern solutions like SAP Analytics Cloud and OneStream. Our team of finance and accounting professionals understands the technical and strategic challenges of migration, ensuring a seamless and stress-free process.

Whether you’re ready to explore your options or just need advice on where to start, we’re here to help. Let’s find the best path forward together. Contact us today.

FAQs

1. When is SAP BPC’s end-of-maintenance date?
   SAP has announced that mainstream maintenance for BPC will end in 2026 for standard versions and 2027 for embedded versions. After this, SAP will no longer provide updates, security patches, or official support.
   
2. What are the risks of staying on BPC after support ends?
   Continuing to use an unsupported system can lead to security vulnerabilities, compliance challenges, and performance issues. Without regular updates, your organization may also struggle to adapt to new regulatory requirements and evolving business needs.
   
3. What are the best alternatives to SAP BPC?
   The best alternative depends on your needs. Two leading options are:
   • SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) for Planning – A cloud-based planning and analytics solution that integrates with SAP systems.
   • OneStream – A unified CPM platform that combines planning, reporting, and financial consolidation in one system.
   
4. How long does a typical BPC migration take?
   Migration timelines vary based on factors like data complexity, system integrations, and customization needs. A well-planned transition can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, so it’s best to start early.
   
5. How can I choose the right finance solution for my business?
   Consider factors such as cloud readiness, integration needs, reporting complexity, and long-term scalability. Working with an experienced consulting partner like SandPoint Consulting can help you assess your options and ensure a smooth transition.

The post Breaking Up Is Hard: Navigating Your BPC Migration with Ease appeared first on SandPoint Consulting.

Understanding the End of Maintenance for SAP BPC

The end of maintenance for BPC signals the conclusion of regular updates, technical support, and security patches from SAP. For organizations that continue using BPC, this translates to potential system vulnerabilities, increased operational risks, and higher support costs.

With SAP shifting its focus to cloud-based solutions, businesses must plan ahead to avoid disruption to their planning, budgeting, and consolidation processes. Evaluating migration options early will help ensure a smooth transition.

Migrating to SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC)

Overview of SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC)

SAC is SAP’s integrated solution for analytics, planning, and business intelligence. As a cloud-based platform, SAC provides real-time access to data, enabling businesses to improve collaboration and decision-making. For organizations already embedded in the SAP ecosystem, SAC offers a familiar environment and seamless integration with existing SAP systems, including BPC models.

Key Benefits of SAC

• Real-time Data and Analytics: SAC offers immediate access to data, allowing users to run reports and make informed decisions faster.
• Unified Planning and Analytics: The platform combines analytics and planning functions in one interface, eliminating the need for multiple tools.
• Cloud Scalability: SAC’s cloud-native design allows organizations to scale operations without needing additional infrastructure.
• Data Visualization: Built-in tools create interactive dashboards, enabling financial teams to visualize performance and trends clearly.

Considerations for SAC Migration

Moving to SAC is generally easier for companies already using other SAP products. However, depending on your organization’s complexity, challenges can arise around data migration, system customization, and cost structures. It’s essential to assess whether SAC’s features meet your unique business needs, especially if your planning and consolidation processes involve extensive customization. It’s also important to note that SAC does not handle consolidations, which would need to be performed using SAP Group Reporting—a separate system that requires additional integration.

Migrating to OneStream Software

Overview of OneStream

OneStream software offers a comprehensive platform designed to unify financial processes such as budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and consolidation. Known for its flexibility, OneStream is particularly well-suited for organizations with complex financial structures and unique reporting needs. It operates on a single, unified platform, meaning all financial data and processes exist within the same system—eliminating the need for multiple point solutions.

Key Benefits of OneStream

• Single Platform for All Financial Processes: OneStream consolidates multiple financial tasks into one application, reducing complexity and improving data accuracy.
• Extensive Customization: OneStream allows for high levels of customization, which is crucial for businesses with complex charts of accounts or unique reporting requirements.
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Over time, OneStream’s unified platform typically requires fewer external integrations and less maintenance, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership.
• OneStream Marketplace: The Marketplace offers ready-made solutions for additional functionality, allowing businesses to expand without major overhauls.

Considerations for OneStream Migration

OneStream offers a highly customizable experience, which can be both an advantage and a challenge. The migration process will require skilled consultants, particularly if your organization has specific data structures or financial processes. The platform’s flexibility also means there is a learning curve for finance teams, though the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial setup time.

Other Migration Paths to Consider

Staying with BPC in the Short Term

Some organizations may consider staying with BPC past its end of maintenance through extended licenses or third-party support. While this might offer a short-term solution, it carries significant risks, including outdated software and lack of technical updates. Delaying migration is generally not recommended due to the long-term costs and security concerns.

Hybrid Approaches

For businesses not ready to fully transition to a new system, hybrid approaches can offer a middle ground. This involves combining on-premise solutions with cloud-based tools to bridge the gap and ease the transition. For instance, leveraging SAP Data Warehouse Cloud alongside BPC could help extend functionality without a complete migration.

Key Factors When Choosing a Migration Path

1. Assessing Business Needs

Each organization’s financial landscape is unique. Before deciding on a solution, consider your specific requirements, including data volume, reporting needs, and system complexity. For example, highly regulated industries or companies with complex financial structures may benefit from OneStream’s customization, while SAC might be more suitable for businesses already aligned with SAP’s ecosystem.

2. Total Cost of Ownership

Beyond initial implementation costs, consider the long-term financial implications. This includes maintenance fees, support costs, and scalability needs. OneStream’s unified platform typically offers a lower total cost of ownership compared to multiple point solutions, while SAC’s subscription-based pricing can appeal to those seeking cloud-based flexibility.

3. Future-Proofing Your Solution

Think ahead. As financial technologies evolve, it’s important to choose a platform that can grow with your business. Both SAC and OneStream offer significant flexibility and scalability to support future financial needs. SAC’s integration within the broader SAP ecosystem provides a clear path for continuous innovation, while OneStream’s extensibility and Marketplace apps allow businesses to easily expand functionality over time.

Finding a Specialized BPC Migration Partner

At SandPoint Consulting, we specialize in guiding organizations through successful SAP BPC migrations. Our team of finance and accounting professionals understands the daily challenges you face and is committed to delivering tailored solutions—whether you’re moving to SAP Analytics Cloud or exploring OneStream. We help ensure a seamless migration by taking the time to understand your specific needs and offering expert guidance from start to finish.

Reach out today for a personalized consultation and see how we can help you navigate the end of BPC maintenance with confidence.

Conclusion

The end of SAP BPC maintenance doesn’t have to disrupt your financial operations. By exploring top alternatives like SAP Analytics Cloud and OneStream software, you can find a solution that fits your organization’s unique needs and positions you for future success. Now is the time to act—begin evaluating your options and plan a smooth migration before time runs out.

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Update (November 4, 2025): SAP BPC end-of-maintenance timelines have been updated to reflect the most recent information from SAP.

As of December 31, 2030, all versions of SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) will reach end of maintenance. This marks a significant milestone for businesses that rely on this solution for financial planning and consolidation. At SandPoint Consulting, we understand the critical implications this has for our clients. As one of the few remaining firms dedicated to supporting SAP BPC, we aim to provide clarity on what this means and how you can navigate this transition effectively.

Understanding the End of Maintenance

First, it is important to note that each SAP BPC version has a specific end of maintenance date:

• SAP BPC for Microsoft: End of maintenance is scheduled for June 30, 2026
• SAP BPC for NetWeaver: End of maintenance is scheduled for December 31, 2027
• SAP BPC for SAP BW/4HANA (2021 and 2023 Versions): End of maintenance is also set for December 31, 2030

After these dates, SAP will no longer provide standard support services, including updates, patches, and technical assistance. This termination can impact several areas:

• Security: Without regular updates, the system becomes more vulnerable to security threats.
• Compliance: Adhering to regulatory requirements may become challenging without the latest patches.
• Innovation: Lack of updates means missing out on new features and improvements.
• Operational Risks: Increased likelihood of encountering issues without official support.

Implications for SAP BPC Clients

Businesses using SAP BPC need a strategic plan to address the change. Here are key considerations:

• Risk Management: Identify potential risks associated with staying on an unsupported platform and devising mitigation strategies.
• Continuity Planning: Take a proactive approach to system support and maintenance to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Migration Strategy: Evaluate alternative solutions and implement an alternative solution such as SAP Analytics Cloud for Planning.

How SandPoint Consulting Can Help

At SandPoint Consulting, our expertise in SAP BPC uniquely positions us to support clients through this change. Here’s how we can assist:

• Extended Support Services: Despite the end of SAP’s official maintenance, we continue to offer specialized support, ensuring your BPC environment remains stable and secure.
• Transition Planning: Our deep understanding of SAP BPC allows us to guide you through the evaluation and implementation of alternative solutions, minimizing disruption.

The end of maintenance for SAP BPC presents opportunity to modernize your financial planning processes. By partnering with SandPoint Consulting, you can navigate this transition smoothly and ensure your business remains resilient and forward-thinking. Contact us today to discuss your BPC support and migration strategy.

 

At SandPoint Consulting, we support our clients through every phase of their SAP journey. Reach out to learn how we can help your business thrive in a post-BPC landscape.

The post End of Maintenance for SAP BPC: What You Need To Know appeared first on SandPoint Consulting.

Note: This post is no longer being updated. For the most current SAP BPC end-of-maintenance information, please refer to our updated article.

Many BPC users breathed a sigh of relief after SAP’s April 2020 announcement of mainstream maintenance being extended for most versions of BPC. BPC Maintenance extension gives companies more time to come up with a solid roadmap for transitioning to their next CPM solution.  If your company uses BPC it’s important to know the End of Maintenance (EOM) date of your product to help you make a plan.

*These maintenance extension dates are up-to-date as of December 8, 2020 and will be continually updated in case of any further changes

So, what does this mean for your company? It’s time to find a partner like SandPoint that can help you create a roadmap for replacing BPC. SandPoint can help you maximize the final few years of your BPC investment while creating a plan for your eventual transition to a replacement solution. In the meantime, check out the solution that have our consultants and customers excited for the future of corporate performance management solutions-SAP Analytics Cloud for Planning. 

Questions? Email the author at sarah@sandpointc.com.

Sources:

https://community.sap.com/topics/abap/netweaver-maintenance-strategy

https://blogs.sap.com/2019/11/06/extend-sap-bpc-with-sap-analytics-cloud/

The post SAP BPC Extension Dates to Know appeared first on SandPoint Consulting.

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.

Many companies who own SAP BPC have a need to streamline their cash flow process.  If a company uses SAP BPC for Consolidations, it already has balance sheet and income statement data, at a minimum, that comprise a good portion of what’s needed to create a cash flow.  SandPoint has helped many companies create cash flows in BPC via various methods to help improve their process.

Report-Only Method

The first method we’ve implemented for cash flow is a method that is solely based on using a cash flow report matrix.  This method uses report values only (no logic) to calculate changes in balances in balance sheet accounts, and apply those values to cash flow line items for the Operating, Financing and Investing sections.  It also uses report values to apply income statement and statistical/roll-forward data into cash flow line items.  The benefits of using this method is that it’s the quickest to implement and gives the most user flexibility to drive values and format of the cash flow report in a variety of ways.  The downside of this method is that any Excel-driven method is prone to errors and it can also become a very large spreadsheet if a company is trying to calculate FX Impact in a report.

Report Method including FX Impact Logic

The second method is very similar to the first method.  The cash flow calculations are primarily report driven.  The additional aspect for this method is that the hardest part of multi-currency cash flow creation (FX Impact) is created via business rule logic.  FX Impact is the difference between the Year-to-date USD change and the Year-to-date Activity Change, translated at AVG Rate, in the Cash account.  But this same value can be calculated by taking the same calculation on all the other balance sheet accounts other than cash.  Clients with FX Impact logic in BPC really enjoy this aspect because then every balance sheet account, by entity and time period, has an FX Impact value and clients can therefore find exactly what accounts and entities are creating a large FX Impact value for cash flow in a given month. 

Logic-Driven Method 

The logic-driven method is similar to the above two methods except that logic is used as much as possible to drive the cash flow report for just External cash flow or Internal and External purposes.  This logic is normally created to run on an entity-level as well as a consolidated basis, which is different than the above two methods which normally are setup only on a consolidated basis.  In business rules, the activity of all the balance sheet, income statement, and statistical values are mapped to cash flow accounts in the operating, financing, and investing sections.  Logic for FX Impact is also created.  Logic is run on a month (which on average takes five minutes to run).  Cash Flow Reports by entity are setup to show that cash is explained for every entity to give the client the ability to feel like no data is being missed in the cash flow setup.  Finally, a consolidated cash flow report can be put together to show the various sections and allow adjustments to be made for one-time items into a final cash flow.

Implementation

Clients tend to choose one of the methods above based on time, cost, and flexibility needed in cash flow.  The first two methods normally take between one to three weeks to implement, whereas the last method can take several more weeks to finalize.  Overall, though, cash flow provides a lot of value to be implemented in SAP BPC.   For more information regarding any of the cash flow implementation option presented here, please email us at info@sandpointc.com.

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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:

1. 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.
2. Clearly-defined role in the organization
   With clear expectations, employees can focus their learning priorities on functionality relevant to their role and BPC models.
3. 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.
4. 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.

The post SAP BPC Skills-Building: A Key Project Outcome appeared first on SandPoint Consulting.

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.

Having clearly defined business process and project requirements is critical to the success of any BPC implementation. Too often, projects that begin without this foundation run into missed deadlines, budget overages, and solutions that fall short of user expectations.

At SandPoint Consulting, we recommend conducting a dedicated project workshop before the blueprint and design phases begin. This workshop brings key stakeholders together to define project goals and align on which business processes the BPC solution should improve. The outcome provides a clear framework for the Statement of Work (SOW) and helps identify areas that require internal discussion and agreement prior to kickoff.

Taking the time to establish these requirements upfront helps ensure the resulting BPC solution meets the needs of finance, accounting, and IT teams–while staying on time and within budget.

Get Started with Confidence

Planning a BPC project? Start on the right foot with expert guidance. At SandPoint Consulting, we help clients define business process and project requirements that set the stage for a successful implementation.

Our team brings deep experience in finance and system design to every engagement—bridging the gap between stakeholders and ensuring your BPC solution aligns with your business goals.

Contact us to schedule a project planning workshop or to learn more about how we can support your team from strategy through execution.

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