Learning About SAP IBP

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to describe the available features of the SAP IBP solution.

What is SAP IBP?

SAP IBP is a modular cloud-based solution with six different business applications that deliver a complete set of supply chain planning capabilities in one integrated and consistent platform.

Each one of the six boxes in this chart represents a specific subset of capabilities which organizations may subscribe to individually, so they can grow into a completely digital planning suite at their own pace.

The 6 different applications that IBP has available are: Supply Chain Control Tower, S&OP, Demand Planning, Inventory Optimization, DDMRP and Response & Supply

All the SAP IBP applications have a common database (SAP HANA), a common data model, a common set of user interfaces – one being Microsoft Excel Add-In and the other being the Web interface – as well as common data integration services, collaboration services, and common system administration processes and tools.

Note

The customer can choose to subscribe to additional SAP IBP business applications at a later phase, and these can be implemented in the same SAP IBP system.

How to Start Learning SAP IBP?

  1. Explore the SAP IBP introductory courses available here to build a strong foundation.

    Hint

    Start by completing the course Exploring Planning Processes in SAP IBP (duration: 105 min) and the course Exploring the Tools and Features in SAP IBP (duration: 130 min).
  2. Find all Product Documentation (including the Configuration Guide and Security Guide) in the SAP IBP Help Portal.
  3. Connect and engage with SAP experts on the SAP IBP Community page.

Planning User Interfaces for SAP IBP

SAP IBP offers two types of planning User Interfaces (UIs) to facilitate supply chain planning tasks, providing flexibility and choice for planners:

- Microsoft Excel Add-In

- Planner Workspaces App (Web-based)

Both planning UIs offer full flexibility and functionality, allowing planners to efficiently manage their supply chain planning activities. The UIs coexist within SAP IBP as fully functional alternatives, each leveraging its own technical foundation to deliver unique value propositions.

Overview of the two User Interfaces available in SAP IBP solution that planners can use and leverage. The planners have full flexibility to accomplish their planning tasks in both Planning User Interfaces.
  • Microsoft Excel Add-In: This UI allows planners to utilize the familiar interface of Excel, which can simplify training and adoption while providing robust data manipulation capabilities. Information for business users and administrators is available here.
  • Planner Workspaces: This web-based application offers a modern, user-friendly interface accessible from any browser, providing planners with additional flexibility and accessibility. More details on how to create and manage the Planner Workspaces App are available here.

Additional Information

Plan Your Transformation from SAP APO into SAP IBP

If you are planning to transition from SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) to SAP IBP, the SAP Readiness Check for SAP Supply Chain is an invaluable self-service tool that provides insightful information. This tool helps you assess the degree of customization, volume of integrations, and existing data footprint, among other factors.

For further information, please visit the SAP Readiness Check page or contact SAP_Readiness_Check@sap.com.

Follow the SAP IBP Performance Best Practices

Details on SAP Work Zone

Find all product documentation in the SAP Build Work Zone Help Portal.

Learning

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