As SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC) approaches its scheduled end of maintenance, businesses that rely on the platform are facing an important decision. Continuing to use unsupported software can expose organizations to security risks, operational disruptions, and a lack of future updates. To maintain a competitive edge and ensure seamless financial operations, now is the time to explore alternative solutions. In this article, we’ll evaluate the top migration options available, including SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) and OneStream Software.
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.
