In SAP IBP, it is possible to have several 'what-if' sets of data. This could be a version of data or a scenario with the same version. After a scenario is perfected, scenario data may be 'promoted' to base or active version. In addition, simulation of results is also possible. This does not save data but shows the user what results of a change or running an operator may change data. Simulated data can then be saved as needed.
Creating and Comparing Versions and Scenarios
Objective
After completing this lesson, you will be able to create and compare scenarios.
Simulation and Scenario Concept
Version Planning and Simulation
Version Planning, Simulation, and Scenario Comparison
| Version Planning | Simulation | Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-User | Single User | Multi-User (Share) |
| Over long periods of time | While Planning view is open | Over long periods of time |
| Administrator creates in configuration | Planners in IBP Excel UI | Planners in IBP Excel UI |
| On entire dataset | On entire dataset | On entire dataset |
| For Version-Enabled Key Figures | For all Key Figures, any time | For all Key Figures |
| For Analytics and Planning views | Only in Planning views | For Analytics and Planning views |
| Comparison | Currently, no comparison | Comparison |
| Version-specific Master Data | No Master Data changes | Uses Master Data of baseline only, not scenario-specific |
A version is a plan that consists of a set of key figures. The base version is provided in the standard system. The model administrator can define additional versions (for example, upside and downside) by copying the base version, and if required, they can create version-specific master data.
Versions are separate sets of data, which are created in configuration. Users with proper permissions can use version for planning.
Using the version planning and simulation functions in SAP Integrated Business Planning, you can do the following:
Define alternate plans for your entire business in scalable way*
Copy values from baseline to versions, and versions to baseline easily
For multiple users in real time at aggregate and detailed levels
Track assumptions and changes to versions*
Include simulation-mode for all plans*
Compare versions in real time*
* Product Differentiations
Product Overview: Version Planning and Simulation
Data can be copied from one version to another by triggering the utility from SAP IBP Excel UI from the Version group in the SAP IBP menu bar. Caution should be used when performing version related tasks.
Version Planning Model
In the SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft Excel, you can use the following functions in the Versions group:
- Manage:
You can copy key figures from one version to another. If version-specific master data has been configured, you can also copy master data from one version to another.
- Note that copying a version is not possible if the planning area has daily time buckets.
The following copy functions are available:
Copy: Update existing data and insert new data.
Delete: Remove all selected data from the source version (no target version required).
- Status:
You can check the status of the background job that is created when you copy master data and key figures between versions.
- Schedule:
You can plan recurring jobs for version management.