Cross Topics

• Technical upgrade to product version 2305 of the SAP Integrated Business Planning for Supply Chain solution
• New access to the SAP Best Practices content via Process Navigator by SAP https://me.sap.com/processnavigator
• The SAPIBP1 sample planning area has been enhanced as follows:
• Modeling for goods receipt processing time
• New forecast error measure (SPEC) for intermittent demand
• Key figure for storing outlier markers
• The new IBP for response and supply - shelf life planning solution process describes how to create an operational supply plan, considering the minimum remaining shelf life of independent demand as well as the remaining shelf life of existing stock on hand and planned receipts. After creating the supply plan including the shelf life planning information, such as the Minimum Remaining Shelf Life (MRSL) and the expiration date, planners can review the result of the run with the detailed pegging information on batch level in the Planner Workspaces app and other apps. 
• The new IBP - order-based planning inbound integration for shelf life planning solution process describes the complete integration process, the master data, and the transactional objects needed for the new solution process IBP for response and supply - shelf life planning. It provides references to SAP Best Practices for SAP S/4HANA which explain how you maintain this data in SAP S/4HANA. 
• The preconfigured Planner Workspaces (PWS) are updated to the latest version of the Planner Workspaces app: PWS for global demand planner, PWS for footprint analysis, PWS for deployment planner, and PWS for response planner. 
• The solution process IBP for response and supply - deployment planning - optimizer has been enhanced with the step to use the Supply Chain Network app to understand the supply relations within the network and evaluate the stock situations in each location. 

https://me.sap.com/processnavigator

With the new tool to access SAP Best Practices content, not only for SAP Integrated Business Planning but also for other SAP solutions such as SAP S/4HANA or SAP S/4HANA Cloud, several objects have been renamed and restructured. The most important changes are:

• Package => Solution ScenarioExample: The SAP Best Practices for SAP Integrated Business Planning Package is now called a Solution Scenario
• Scope Item => Solution ProcessExample: The solution process IBP for response and supply - shelf life planning
• Process Flow => Solution Process Flow Diagrams
• Configuration Guides => Setup Instructions

With 2302, the solution processes of SAP Best Practices for SAP Integrated Business Planning are available in Cloud ALM.

Cloud ALM will be updated every quarter with the latest version.

You can find the process flows and test scripts here: https://me.sap.com/processnavigator

As of 2208, new merged configuration guides as a central part of the SAP Best Practices for SAP IBP content replace the existing configuration guides.

Benefits:

• Fewer documents (3 instead of 21)
• Merged, streamlined and simplified configuration guides for each area
• Well-structured guides covering all steps required to configure planning areas, data integration, analytics, and Microsoft Excel planning views as well as steps to process specific configurations

As of 2305, the configuration guides are renamed to setup instructions:

The new setup instructions are:

• 6M9 - Setup Instructions for Implementing Time-Series-Based Planning
• 6MA - Setup Instructions for Implementing Order-Based Planning
• 6MB - Setup Instructions for Implementing Demand-Driven Replenishment

Shelf life planning helps you to generate a supply plan, considering the minimum remaining shelf life of independent demand as well as the remaining shelf life of existing stock on hand and planned receipts. As a supply planner, you first schedule the supply planning run job. This job generates the supply plan including the shelf life planning information, such as the Minimum Remaining Shelf Life (MRSL) and the expiration date. You can review the result of the run with the detailed pegging information on batch level in the Planner Workspaces app and other apps.

Order-based planning requires the automatic synchronization of the SAP S/4HANA execution system and the SAP IBP planning system with reconciliation. The built-in near real-time integration from the source to the target system using asynchronous functions ensures the consistency of the master data and the transactional data. Covering the complete integration process, this solution process describes the relevant master data and transactional objects and provides references to SAP Best Practices for SAP S/4HANA which explain how you maintain this data in SAP S/4HANA. You'll also find information on how to carry out the initial and delta load and check the imported data with the help of SAP Fiori apps. NOTE: This integration process solution process is a variation of the IBP - order-based planning inbound integration with SAP S/4HANA solution process adapted to the IBP for response and supply - shelf life planning solution process.

Used for order-based planning solution process: IBP for response and supply - shelf life planning

Reason for Change

The Stock-Keeping-Oriented Prediction Error Costs (SPEC) error measure is now available in the Manage Forecast Models app since release 2302. In sample planning area SAPIBP1, SPEC has now been added to sample forecast model BestFit_Intermittent_Demand. SPEC is considered more reliable than other error measures when forecasting is based on intermittent or lumpy demand in the past. 

For further information on this feature, please refer to the SAP IBP product documentation - Error Measures.

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/feae3cea3cc549aaa9d9de7d363a83e6/32cc1c552770a20ce10000000a44176d.html?locale=en-US

Reason for Change

In the Manage Forecast Models app, you since release 2302 specify key figures for the inputs of the outlier correction preprocessing algorithm in which the system should store your outlier markers. These markers override the results of automatic outlier detection. In sample planning area SAPIBP1, we have now added key figure OUTLIERMARKERS as an example for this.

For further information on this feature, please refer to the SAP IBP product documentation - Key Figures for Storing Outlier Markers.

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/66249b3bf97b45ec8029130605b89fdc/933f11cf534a4e139664d8cb1acd7f02.html?parentHref=/whats-new/32c10f7a340e4388bf62127862295456?Area=Demand%20planning&locale=en-US&parentName=What's%20New%20Viewer%20-%20SAP%20Integrated%20Business%20Planning%20for%20Supply%20Chain%202302&locale=en-US

Reason for Change

Since release 2302, you can define a goods receipt lead time for location and production sources, in which you can model processes such as quality inspection. Sample planning area SAPIBP1 has now been enhanced with the necessary attributes and key figures for this feature.

For further information on this feature, please refer to the SAP IBP product documentation - What´s New in 2302.

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/66249b3bf97b45ec8029130605b89fdc/639e1f3e856943e291e074a512152136.html?locale=en-US

Reason for Change

The decimal setting of three calendar key figures has been changed from 0 to 3.

Reason for Change

Name and description of attributes MINSHELFLIFEINVTARGET and MINSHELFLIFEINVTARGETTRIGGER have been changed.

Reason for Change

If a calculated key figure is assigned to a version but declared as a baseline key figure, it won't be visible in the version.

The following key figures were previously assigned as baseline key figures to UPSIDE and DOWNSIDE versions. This assignment was removed: ACTUALSQTYPRIORYEAR, AOPPRICE, MARGIN

The following key figures were previously assigned as baseline key figures to UPSIDE and DOWNSIDE versions. They have now been assigned as version-specific key figure: DEMANDPLANNINGREV, MARKETINGFORECASTREV, SALESFORECASTREV, SOPDEMANDPLANNINGREV

Since version 2208.2.0 of the Excel add-in, the same improved functions as were provided with the application job templates S&OP Operator V2 and S&OP Optimizer Explanation V2 are available from the S&OP Operator dropdown in the Application Jobs group of the SAP IBP ribbon.

With version 2305.2.0 of the Excel add-in, we are also supporting the improved functions when the S&OP operator is run in simulation mode by using the Simulate function in the Data Input group of the SAP IBP ribbon.

Therefore, the planning scope settings in the Edit View and New View dialogs that are used for simulating S&OP operators have been enhanced as shown in the following slides.

The planning scope settings for S&OP Operator and Inventory Planning (Advanced) are separated, if S&OP Operator V2 is enabled.

Whether the planning scope settings for one of the operator types are displayed in the Workbook Settings side panel of the Edit View and New View dialogs depends on the following:

• the configured operators that are enabled for simulation (interactive mode)
• your user permissions (business role restrictions for planning operators)

If no S&OP and Inventory Planning (Advanced) operators are available for simulation, no planning scope settings are displayed.

The planning scope settings for Inventory Planning (Advanced) stay the same.

However, if S&OP Operator V2 is enabled and the planning scope settings are separated, the time horizon settings do not show up any longer for Inventory Planning (Advanced), as the Planning Horizon defined in the Inventory Profile is used for simulation.

(Also with previous versions of the Excel add-in the selected time horizon is only used for the simulation of S&OP Operator.)

The time selection considers the Time Profile Level set in the S&OP Operator Profile.

If the S&OP operators available for simulation (interactive mode)…

• have the same time level set as Time Profile Level, this is the one that is displayed in your planning scope settings, as time level.
• have different time levels set as Time Profile Level, you can select the time level that you want to use in your planning scope settings.

Please note: Only S&OP operators where the configured Time Profile Level matches the time level you selected in the planning scope settings are enabled in the Simulate dropdown in the Data Input group of the SAP IBP ribbon.

The same applies as in the case of the application jobs; only one single version and one single scenario can be selected in the Planning Scope (S&OP Operator) settings if S&OP Operator V2 is enabled.

The same applies as in the case of the previous planning scope settings; you can only select the version and the scenario that you have selected in the Versions & Scenarios tab.

Instead of choosing from preconfigured subnetwork IDs, filters can be used to reduce the scope of the simulation run.

In the Network/Subnetwork dropdown, you can choose whether you want to select subnetwork IDs or you want to define a filter for subnetworks.

When using a filter, you must also select a value in the Environment Policy for Filter field.

Please note: Only attributes of the master data types location, product, or location product can be used as filter criteria, so you might not be able to select all of your saved filters.

See SAP Help Portal at Selecting Subnetworks by ID or by Filter for further information.

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/feae3cea3cc549aaa9d9de7d363a83e6/120103d236674997a1199098bb88cac6.html?locale=en-US

If you do not have any subnetworks configured in your planning area the only available option is Subnetwork by Filter.

Using the global configuration parameter V2_ENFORCE_SUBNETWORK_FILTER, you can decide whether defining a subnetwork filter is mandatory or not.

If the parameter value is set to YES, your business users are not allowed to simulate S&OP operators if (None) is selected in the filter dropdown for subnetworks in the planning scope settings. They will get an error message when choosing to simulate a S&OP operator in this case.

The parameter applies when running S&OP operators in simulation mode as well as when running or scheduling them as application jobs, independent if you are using the Excel add-in function or the Application Jobs app.

Previous versions of the Excel add-in checked whether the planning scope settings were filled whenever a planning view was created.

This meant that business users who do not use the relevant operators (S&OP Operator and Inventory Planning (Advanced)) in simulation mode were forced to select subnetwork IDs in the planning scope settings when creating a planning view.

With version 2305.2.0, this behavior has changed, and the Excel add-in checks whether the planning scope settings are filled only when you choose a relevant operator in the Simulate dropdown.

After you have simulated a S&OP operator, the planning scope settings are disabled and can't be changed. To be able to change the planning scope settings, you need to save the changes or discard them by choosing Refresh.

The same applies to the planning scope settings for Inventory Planning (Advanced), if related operators are simulated. 

With previous versions of the Excel add-in, the planning scope settings were disabled after simulating any operator or choosing Simulate (Basic). The version and scenario selection was still enabled, which has now been changed.

Local update algorithm for time-series-based supply planning

The local update algorithm for time-series-based supply planning (local mode) is automatically triggered when you change relevant key figure values and choose Simulate (Basic), if the following applies:

• The value of the global configuration parameter SCM_LOCAL_MODE is set to YES
• The local update algorithm has been configured for the planning area and the time level that is selected in the planning scope settings.

In this case, the planning scope settings for the active planning view are checked and considered accordingly, in the same way as when you simulate S&OP operators.

See SAP Help at Local Updates of Key Figures and Local Updates for further information.

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/feae3cea3cc549aaa9d9de7d363a83e6/0cc7405557038418e10000000a423f68.html?locale=en-US

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/feae3cea3cc549aaa9d9de7d363a83e6/bb38c207f6aa40438d53e173fa4b3179.html?locale=en-US

To enable the improved functions of S&OP Operator V2 for your business users, you must change the value of the global configuration parameter EXCEL_SOP_UI_2 in parameter group SOP from default NO to YES.​

Before enabling S&OP Operator V2, please make sure that all your business users are upgraded to version 2305.2.0 of the Excel add-in.​

If previous versions of the Excel add-in are used, and the value of the global configuration parameter EXCEL_SOP_UI_2 is set to YES, S&OP operators won't be visible in the Simulate dropdown of the Data Input group. Please check the table in the following slides.

Planning scope settings in existing templates and favorites

When you open existing planning view templates and favorites after having enabled S&OP Operator V2, all planning scope settings will be taken over, if possible.

However, there are some restrictions you need to keep in mind:

• If the previous time level of the planning scope doesn't correspond to the available time levels in the new planning scope settings, the default time settings are used:
  • Time level: lowest available (depending on the configuration of the S&OP operator profiles)
  • Time horizon: from current period to end of the planning horizon set for the planning area
• If several versions or scenarios were selected before, the base version or the baseline scenario are used if previously selected, otherwise the version or scenario is left empty.

Please note: If you save planning view templates and favorites with new planning scope settings (S&OP Operator V2 enabled) and change the global configuration parameter EXCEL_SOP_UI_2 back to NO, the planning scope settings might not be recognized and the default settings will be applied.

If subnetworks have been set up for the planning area, it is possible to define default values for subnetwork IDs in the User Settings in the About group of the SAP IBP ribbon.

The values you specify here are used if you create new planning views.

By selecting the Overwrite Template checkbox the planning scope settings are overwritten when you choose New View > From Template…

This behavior does not change with S&OP Operator V2 enabled, but you need to have the following in mind…

With S&OP Operator V2 enabled, the default values for subnetwork IDs are used in the following way:

• When you create new planning views, by default the value Subnetwork by Subnetwork ID is selected in the Network/Subnetwork dropdown of the planning scope settings, and your default values are selected in the Subnetwork ID field.
• If the Overwrite Template checkbox is selected, and you create a planning view from a template by choosing New View > From Template…, the following applies:
  • For templates that have the value Subnetwork by Subnetwork ID set in the Network/Subnetwork dropdown of the planning scope settings, the subnetwork IDs are overwritten by your default values.
  • For templates that have the value Subnetwork by Filter set, the planning scope settings are not overwritten

Please note: If, in the User Settings you've selected Last Used instead of Fixed, and you are changing the selection of the subnetwork IDs in the Create or Edit Planning View dialog, and you have planning scope settings available for the S&OP Operator and Inventory Planning (Advanced)), the subnetwork IDs selected for Inventory Planning (Advanced)) are used as a reference for Last Used field.

With version 2305.2.0 of the Excel add-in, an additional formula is available for the planning scope settings of S&OP Operator V2.

If S&OP Operator V2 is enabled and you want to display the selected planning scope settings for the S&OP Operator in the header section of your planning view templates you can use the formula: =SOP_Planning_Scope_v2

With this formula, the subnetwork IDs or the filter name is displayed depending on the Network/Subnetwork selection.

The existing formula =SOP_Planning_Scope remains the same and continues working. If S&OP Operator V2 is enabled, the formula displays the planning scope settings for Inventory Planning (Advanced). Otherwise it displays the combined planning scope settings for both operator types.

With version 2302.2.0 of the Excel add-in, we introduced the Workbook Filter function, an attribute-based filter that is applied to all worksheets of the planning view workbook.

In this version you could either use the Workbook Filter for all worksheets or specify a specific attribute-based filter for each worksheet.

With version 2305.2.0 and newer, it is possible to exclude the workbook filter from one specific worksheet and keep the Workbook Filter for all the other worksheets of your planning view workbook.

To do so, you need to select the Exclude Workbook Filter checkbox on the Filter tab of the Edit Planning View dialog for the specific worksheet.

You can use the workbook filter for worksheet "Demand" and choose to exclude the workbook filter from worksheet "Capacity", and define a different filter instead.

The Exclude Workbook Filter checkbox is also available in the Edit… function of the Worksheet Filter in the Planning View group of the SAP IBP ribbon.

With 2305.2.0 of the Excel add-in, the Drill Down function in the context menu can also be used if a workbook filter is applied to the worksheet.

When you choose Drill Down > By Attribute, the selected attribute is added to the planning view and the worksheet filter is adjusted in the following way:

• conditions of the workbook filter are merged with previously selected worksheet conditions
• conditions that filter on the attributes included in the planning view are replaced by the specific conditions for the planning combination of the selected cell.
• the Exclude Workbook Filter checkbox is selected automatically

When you choose Back or Initial View, the previous planning view is loaded again with the previously selected workbook filter and worksheet filter.

With the upgrade to SAP IBP 2305, the workbook filter is considered in the calculation of the number of exceptions for alert key figures in planning view favorites which is shown in the Alert Dashboard.

The workbook filter conditions are considered in the Cascading Filter function:

If you have multiple attribute-based filter conditions and you want to add additional conditions you can use the cascading filter function to check which filter values are valid in combination with the previously selected conditions.

For further details see SAP Help at Cascading Filter.

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/b28ffdd739bf45678ef36c44e64652d7/ec346a431e2846a0950188ca51003205.html?locale=en-US&q=Cascading%20filter

When you choose Log On in the Connection group of the SAP IBP ribbon, you will notice right away that something has changed with 2305.2.0.

The dialogs for logging on to SAP IBP and for managing your connections have been redesigned and improved.

As with previous releases, you can either select one of the available connections in the Connection dropdown, or open the Connection Manager dialog, by choosing the … button.

In the Connection Manager dialog you can:

• Create new connections
• Edit, duplicate or delete existing connections by using the buttons on the right side.
• Edit the connection name or the planning area by double clicking on it.
• Clear the cache for all existing connections

In the Create Connection dialog you can:

• Enter a name for your connection.
• Enter the URL of your SAP IBP system.
• Enter a planning area or choose one from the list of available planning areas.
• Set the connection as default, which will then be selected by default in the Connection dropdown in the Log on to SAP IBP dialog.

When you choose the Edit or Duplicate button for a specific connection the same settings are shown and can be adjusted.

The Clear Cache function for all connections replaces the previously available function Clear Metadata Cache for a specific connection.

Usually, there is no need to clear the cache. However, there might be situations where this is needed:

• If you encounter data inconsistencies (normally there shouldn't be any, as the system recognizes changes and reloads the cache automatically)
• If many connections have been used and deleted again, it might make sense to clear the cache.

After having cleared the cache, the first log on for each connection will take a bit longer as the cache needs to be downloaded again.

Enhancements

If you are using Excel add-in version 2305.2.0 or newer, you can check when specific master data entries have been last changed and by whom.

Per default the following noneditable columns are added to the master data workbook:

• Changed By
• Changed On
• Created By
• Created On

If you do not want the columns to be displayed, you can change the value of the global configuration parameter EXCEL_MASTER_DATA_ADMIN_FIELDS from default YES to NO.

Additional Details

• Even if it is possible to edit the cells of the columns Changed By, Changed On, Created By and Created On in Excel, these changes are not recognized as changes and ignored, when you choose Save Changes in the Master Data group.
• After having changed existing or added new master data entries in the master data workbook, you need to choose Refresh in the Master Data group if you want to see the updated values for Changed By, Changed On, Created By and Created On.
• The timestamps are displayed in UTC and formatted according to your Microsoft Windows Region settings for Date and time formats. Microsoft Excel recognizes the timestamps as such and you can filter on them by using the native Filter function in Microsoft Excel.
• If the time is exactly set to 00:00:00 the Excel default applies and only the date is displayed. You can change the format of the cells by choosing Format Cells… in the Excel context menu.

Global configuration parameter ADD_ALL_PLAN_OBJECT_RECORDS 

With the new global configuration parameter ADD_ALL_PLAN_OBJECT_RECORDS in parameter group PLAN_VIEW you can control how missing planning object records are created if needed during disaggregation in the SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft Excel or in the Planner Workspaces app:

• If you set the value to NO (default) missing planning object records are only generated if no planning object records exist that can be used as disaggregation target. 
• If you set the value to YES missing planning object records are always generated if needed.

A key figure is stored on monthly level. Its values are equally disaggregated without proportionality.

With version 2305.2.0 of the Excel add-in, the information message that is displayed when you run application jobs from the Application Jobs group of the SAP IBP ribbon has been enhanced in the following way:

• The status of the job is displayed within the message and is refreshed every 5 seconds.
• You can keep the message open and continue working until the status changes to Finished. (The message does not block Excel.)
• To check further details you can open the Status dialog by choosing the Navigate to Status button.

The same applies when you copy versions by using the Manage function in the Versions group of the SAP IBP ribbon.

With Excel add-in version 2305.2.0 and newer, you can navigate to the Manage Product Lifecycle app.

Choose Web Apps > Manage Product Lifecycle from the About group of the SAP IBP ribbon, and select Product Assignments or Forecast Dates.

You're then taken to the respective tab in Edit mode in the Manage Product Lifecycle app to adjust your product assignments or forecast dates.

The planning area you are connected to is taken over.

Additional details F1 Help

The F1 key is generally used in Microsoft Windows and the Microsoft Office applications to provide further assistance with the available settings and functions. As of version 2305.2.0 of the Excel add-in, you can open the detailed help on the SAP Help Portal by pressing the F1 key in the respective field or dialog you are currently working on.

We've been enhancing the documentation for the Excel add-in with content aimed at business users. We've added screenshots and step-by-step procedures to help explain the different functions of the Excel add-in. In previous versions of the Excel add-in, you could open the help by choosing Help > Open SAP IBP Help in the About group of the SAP IBP ribbon.

While this function remains available, you can now open the help for specific functions, directly in the dialog or field where the function is available by pressing the F1 key as shown in the next slide.

Note: This function doesn't work in all of the dialogs of the Excel add-in, but we're adding new topics continuously.

To make searching go quicker, in SAP IBP dialogs where there's a search bar available, you can now use the CTRL+F key combination to place the focus in the search bar.

With Excel add-in version 2305.2.0, the Connection Speed function, which can be found in the Help dropdown in the About group of the SAP IBP ribbon, has been enhanced.

The measurement of the network time has been changed to make it more reliable. Additionally, the ping time has been added. 

The following time measurements are now available:

• The server time measures the time for basic database access.
• The network time measures the time it takes to download a predefined response.
• The ping time measures the time it takes for a small data package to reach the SAP IBP server until receiving it back (roundtrip).

With version 2305.2.0 of the Excel add-in, a new setting to apply the cascading filter automatically is available in the User Settings in the About group of the SAP IBP ribbon.

By default the setting is not enabled. If you work with cascading filters when defining attribute-based filters in your planning views or master data workbooks, you can enable this setting.

This way, the cascading filter is automatically applied, when you are opening the value help to select attribute values for filter conditions. You do not need to choose Apply manually.

For further details see SAP Help at Cascading Filter.

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/b28ffdd739bf45678ef36c44e64652d7/ec346a431e2846a0950188ca51003205.html?locale=en-US&q=Cascading%20filter

With the upgrade to SAP IBP 2305, you can display and download a list of Excel planning view favorites using a certain key figure in the Where-Used Information for Key Figures app 

With restriction type Where-Used Entity Scope you can control if your own favorites or favorites of all users are displayed.

Which areas have been improved?

With the upgrade to SAP IBP 2305, the performance of the system has been improved when users open planning view templates or favorites, or refresh data in the SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft Excel (Excel add-in) or in the Planner Workspaces app.

Additionally, with the upgrade to version 2305.2.0 of the Excel add-in, there might be performance improvements in the following cases:

• When you open planning view templates or favorites.
• When you choose Refresh, Save Data or Simulate in the Data Input group of the SAP IBP ribbon.
• When using the SAP IBP Formatting Sheet to format the planning view.

Note: Especially if you are using formatting rules with Conditional Formatting or formatting of borders, you might notice a reduced formatting time, in comparison to previous versions.

In SAP Note 2686746 - SAP IBP, Add-In for Microsoft Excel Best Practices and Performance Considerations, we previously recommended using All in the Cell Format dialog whenever possible.

This rule can be revised: As of Excel add-in version 2305.2.0 and newer, we recommend only choosing the cell format that is really needed instead of selecting All.

For further details around formatting in the Excel add-in see SAP Help at SAP IBP Formatting Sheet.

https://launchpad.support.sap.com/#/notes/2686746

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/b28ffdd739bf45678ef36c44e64652d7/e073d4c2207e4800a50605c011e0baf7.html?locale=en-US&version=2302

You can define the file path for where the Microsoft Excel workbooks are downloaded and stored when users open templates or favorites. This setting can be changed in User Settings in the About group of the SAP IBP ribbon. If no custom file path is set, the default is used, which was set to %Temp%\SAP_IBP since Excel add-in version 2205.2.0.

The temp folder cannot be added as trusted location in Microsoft Excel, which depending on the Macro Settings set in the Trust Center Settings in Microsoft Excel might cause problems, when users open planning view templates and favorites that have VBA code included.

To prevent such problems, we changed the default file path for workbooks to %localappdata%\SAP_IBP_AddIn\Workbooks with Excel add-in version 2305.2.0.

What is the effect on the business user?

• If users have already defined a custom file path for themselves in the User Settings, or the administrator has defined a file path for the company's business users by using the Default User Settings*, the file path won't be changed for that specific system and planning area.
• If no custom file path has been defined for a specific system and planning area, the new default file path is automatically used once you install the Excel add-in version 2305.2.0 or newer.

Please note: The %Temp%\SAP_IBP folder will stay as it is, that you can still access the workbooks that have been saved there. If you don't need those workbooks anymore, please make sure to delete them or even delete the folder. This has no impact on the planning view templates and favorites that have been uploaded and saved in the SAP IBP system.

*The Default User Settings are only displayed, if you have added USRSTTINGS (Administrate Default User Settings) to the restriction field Administration Functions in your business role.

https://help.sap.com/viewer/b28ffdd739bf45678ef36c44e64652d7/latest/en-US/2db7aee749524beca6ee2cf3f41c3e4b.html

If you did not define a custom file path by using Default User Settings, please have the following in mind:

• The %Temp%\SAP_IBP folder will stay as it is and needs to be deleted if it's no longer needed.
• If you are using templates and favorites that have VBA code included and your Macro Settings in the Trust Center Settings of Microsoft Excel are set to Disable VBA macros... you need to:
  • add the new file path for workbooks to the Trusted Locations of Microsoft Excel
  • or sign the VBA code before adding the planning view as a template.

Please note: To be able to upload templates with VBA code that you have signed to your SAP IBP system, you need to first create the template with all its planning view definitions and then sign the VBA code just before uploading it. The signature gets removed when New View > Without Template On Current Sheet… is used.

Mitigation:

• If not done yet, download and roll-out a newer version of the Excel add-in to your user base.
• Check in the Login Statistics for Excel Add-in app to see which of your users are affected

and notify them to upgrade their Excel add-in in time. 

By using the global configuration parameter MINIMUM_ADDIN_VERSION you can let the

system bring up a warning message each time a user logs on with a version older than the

specified one. To do so, change the value of the parameter to, for example "2111.2.0". 

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/b28ffdd739bf45678ef36c44e64652d7/926a67f78aa143abb1eb48d54cc9d11d.html?locale=en-US

As part of the SAP IBP release 2311 we will introduce a new upgrade policy for versions of the SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft Excel (Excel add-in). The minimum version will be raised to 2205.2.0 (version six versions before 2311) and with each subsequent release we plan to raise the minimum version of the Excel add-in in a rolling manner by one major version.

This means once SAP IBP 2402 is released the minimum required Excel add-in version will be 2208.2.0 and so on.

As an administrator, you can use job definitions to simplify job scheduling for planners when they use the Planner Workspaces app. Job definitions are used to predefine job steps that require fewer fields to be displayed or changed. This allows them to focus on fewer job definitions that are assigned to them, which are mainly preset with parameter values relevant for their tasks.

Job Definitions unfold the following capabilities:

• Offer a possibility for planners to define more parameters than just version, scenario, and planning filter.
• Group parameters of the same type across job steps, so the same value is used for all of them.
• Show only the fields that you need and make them mandatory, visible, and read-only.
• Customize the scheduling view the planner sees by defining UI sections and UI configuration, and their order of appearance.
• Assign job definitions to users and user groups to have ultimate control, which user can see which job.
• Decide in which apps the job is available (Monitor Application Jobs or Planner Workspaces).
• Cluster jobs by using categories.

Further details on how to create job definitions can be found here: SAP Help Portal: Job Definitions

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/feae3cea3cc549aaa9d9de7d363a83e6/f179270858f54fee87062aaff14d92f1.html?locale=en-US&state=DRAFT

What has been changed?

Navigation menuProvides quick access to workbook variants or custom alerts. Enables users to efficiently navigate to the planning data that really matters.

WorkbooksA collection of one or more Planner Workspace components, such as planning views or analytics charts.

Workbook variantsA set of filters that can be applied to the components of a workbook to display the relevant data. Planning filters can be assigned to variants as well.

Custom alertsWorkbooks can be assigned to an alert subscription to identify and solve related issues. The context of an alert will be passed to the workbook, so you can review data that relates to the selected alert. As a result, you can assign different alert subscriptions to individual information sets. 

What has been changed?

Navigation menuProvides quick access to workbooks variants or custom alerts. Enables users to efficiently navigate to the planning data that really matters.

WorkbooksA collection of one or more Planner Workspace components, such as planning views or analytics charts.

Workbook variantsA set of filters that can be applied to the components of a workbook to display the relevant data. Planning filters can be assigned to variants as well.

Custom alertsWorkbooks can be assigned to an alert subscription to identify and solve related issues. The context of an alert will be passed to the workbook, so you can review data that relates to the selected alert. As a result, you can assign different alert subscriptions to individual information sets. 

What has been changed?

Navigation menuProvides quick access to workbooks variants or custom alerts. Enables users to efficiently navigate to the planning data that really matters.

WorkbooksA collection of one or more Planner Workspace components, such as planning views or analytics charts.

Workbook variantsA set of filters that can be applied to the components of a workbook to display the relevant data. Planning filters can be assigned to variants as well.

Custom alertsWorkbooks can be assigned to an alert subscription to identify and solve related issues. The context of an alert will be passed to the workbook, so you can review data that relates to the selected alert. As a result, you can assign different alert subscriptions to individual information sets. 

What has been changed?

Navigation menuProvides quick access to workbooks variants or custom alerts. Enables users to efficiently navigate to the planning data that really matters.

WorkbooksA collection of one or more Planner Workspace components, such as planning views or analytics charts.

Workbook variantsA set of filters that can be applied to the components of a workbook to display the relevant data. Planning filters can be assigned to variants as well.

Custom alertsWorkbooks can be assigned to an alert subscription to identify and solve related issues. The context of an alert will be passed to the workbook, so you can review data that relates to the selected alert. As a result, you can assign different alert subscriptions to individual information sets. 

What has been changed?

Navigation menuProvides quick access to workbooks variants or custom alerts. Enables users to efficiently navigate to the planning data that really matters.

WorkbooksA collection of one or more Planner Workspace components, such as planning views or analytics charts.

Workbook variantsA set of filters that can be applied to the components of a workbook to display the relevant data. Planning filters can be assigned to variants as well.

Custom alertsWorkbooks can be assigned to an alert subscription to identify and solve related issues. The context of an alert will be passed to the workbook, so you can review data that relates to the selected alert. As a result, you can assign different alert subscriptions to individual information sets. 

As an administrator, you can use job definitions to simplify job scheduling for planners when they use the Planner Workspaces app. Job definitions are used to predefine job steps that require fewer fields to be displayed or changed. This allows them to focus on fewer job definitions that are assigned to them, which are mainly preset with parameter values relevant for their tasks.

Job Definitions unfold the following capabilities:

• Offer a possibility for planners to define more parameters than just version, scenario, and planning filter.
• Group parameters of the same type across job steps, so the same value is used for all of them.
• Show only the fields that you need and make them mandatory, visible, and read-only.
• Customize the scheduling view the planner sees by defining UI sections and UI configuration, and their order of appearance.
• Assign job definitions to users and user groups to have ultimate control, which user can see which job.
• Decide in which apps the job is available (Monitor Application Jobs or Planner Workspaces).
• Cluster jobs by using categories.

Further details on how to create job definitions can be found here: SAP Help Portal: Job Definitions

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/feae3cea3cc549aaa9d9de7d363a83e6/f179270858f54fee87062aaff14d92f1.html?locale=en-US&state=DRAFT

New planning experience in Planner WorkspacesTransition from release 2302 to 2305

In case you were using Planner Workspaces already, you'll notice the following changes:

• For each Planner Workspace a new workbook (naming: "Workbook for <Workspace Name>") and one variant (naming: "Variant for <Workspace Name>") will be created
• Workspace filters will become workbook filters and the conditions remain unchanged, but…
  • Conditions maintained inside planning filters will be exposed. Previously planning filters were represented in a dropdown and there was no option to see the included conditions.
  • Version / scenario selection will move to the Workspace header. Changing version / scenario on workbook level is not supported.
• Alerts, previously displayed in the alerts overview component, are now placed inside the navigation menu
• Updated filter and planning filter handling
• New side panel design

New planning experience in Planner WorkspacesTransition from release 2302 to 2305

Once the upgrade to release 2305 has been deployed to your development or test tenant, please do the following:

• Delete the browser cache, see Google Help: Clear cache & cookieshttps://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32050?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
• Check the definition of your Planner Workspaces, especially the defined filters
• Optional: Combine workbooks from different Planner Workspaces into one Planner Workspace. You can also rename the existing workbooks and variants.
• Inform your users about the updates

Please note that there can be issues in case you are using the old and the new version of Planner Workspaces in the same browser session.

New planning experience in Planner WorkspacesPassing alert context to workbook filter

When you select a custom alert subscription in a Workspace, and then select a custom alert generated for this subscription, the context of the alert (the version and scenario, time period, and calculation level attributes of the alert) is passed to the workbook filter. Previous versions of Planner Workspaces only supported the alert highlighting inside the planning view.

Depending on the alert definition the following context will be passed:

Aggregate Alerts over Time HorizonTime periods are not being passed on. Only the calculation level is being used as filter.

Minimum Consecutive PeriodsPeriod range is being passed on and will be considered as filter.

Individual AlertsTime period is being passed on and will be considered as filter.

Please update your alert definitions to achieve the required behavior as displayed above.

As an administrator, you can use job definitions to simplify job scheduling for planners when they use the Planner Workspaces app. Job definitions are used to predefine job steps that require fewer fields to be displayed or changed. This allows them to focus on fewer job definitions that are assigned to them, which are mainly preset with parameter values relevant for their tasks.

Job Definitions unfold the following capabilities:

• Offer a possibility for planners to define more parameters than just version, scenario, and planning filter.
• Group parameters of the same type across job steps, so the same value is used for all of them.
• Show only the fields that you need and make them mandatory, visible, and read-only.
• Customize the scheduling view the planner sees by defining UI sections and UI configuration, and their order of appearance.
• Assign job definitions to users and user groups to have ultimate control, which user can see which job.
• Decide in which apps the job is available (Monitor Application Jobs or Planner Workspaces).
• Cluster jobs by using categories.

Further details on how to create job definitions can be found here: SAP Help Portal: Job Definitions

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/feae3cea3cc549aaa9d9de7d363a83e6/f179270858f54fee87062aaff14d92f1.html?locale=en-US&state=DRAFT

When opening the Alerts tab inside the navigation menu, a list of alert subscriptions is being displayed. Subsequently you can select an alert subscription to see the related alerts. Due to this change, it is not possible to display or select alerts of different alert subscriptions.

In Planner Workspaces as of release 2302, filters are also applied to alerts as alerts were a component (like analytics charts or planning views), therefore the list of alerts might be reduced due to the Workspace filters (example: instead of 100 alerts you see only 50 alerts). 

In Planner Workspaces as of release 2305, the Workspace filter will become a workbook filter and hence only applies to the components displayed. The workbook filter is not applied to the navigation menu, in which custom alerts are placed. As a consequence more alerts could be displayed when accessing Planner Workspaces.

You can filter alerts in Planner Workspace by doing the following:

• Use the search bar placed inside the alerts tab
• Use the ad-hoc filter placed inside the alerts tab
• Update the filter defined in the alert subscription

When you're in planning mode but not in simulation mode, you can select the checkbox for an alert and snooze it for you, for all users, indefinitely, until a specific date, or until data changes. You can also add comments and choose to remove obsolete snoozed alerts. For more information about the different options, see Snoozing Alerts.

You can select the checkbox for an alert that is snoozed for you and activate it for you again. You can select the checkbox for an alert that is snoozed for all users and activate it for you or for all users.

You can also choose to display:

• Active Alerts
• Snoozed Alerts
• All Alerts

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/abee3923ad4d4722b6f10b0fe6cf4cef/df0e68579552346ae10000000a4450e5.html?locale=en-US&state=DRAFT

Inside the action menu you can also find the following actions:

Sort and Group By: Can be used to adjust the standard sorting and grouping. This definition can be stored.

Settings: Can be used to define which details of the alert should be displayed. This definition can be stored.

Export to Spreadsheet: Can be used to export the list of alerts to a spreadsheet.

Once you run the simulation, the simulation status is being displayed inside the Alerts tab. The status indicates whether an alert is unchanged, changed, solved or new. This way you can easily check whether your changes improved the situation.

You can also see information about the simulation, when you go back to the alert subscription level. The first number indicates how many alerts are active, while the number in parentheses tells you whether the situation has been improved (-2 alerts), or the situation got worse (+3 alerts).

The navigation menu provides quick access to workbooks variants or custom alerts and enables users to efficiently navigate to the planning data that really matters.

Once you hover over the workbook and variants, an action menu will be displayed. There are different actions depending on the selection made. Below you can find some actions, which might not be obvious at first sight.

Create Variant: Can be used to store filter definitions as a new variant. The workbook definition, meaning the displayed components remains the same. 

Add Variant: A workbook can have multiple variants. There's no need to display all variants inside the navigation menu. By using this action you can add existing variants.

Save As: In case you change your workbook or variant, you can choose to save the changes as a new workbook or variant. This way you don't impact the existing definition.

Share Variant: In case you want to share workbooks with other users, you always need to share a variant. Receiving users can add workbook variants to their Planner Workspace and can create their own variants.

You can resize the navigation menu easily by dragging the splitter. Depending on the width of the navigation menu, actions initially placed in the action menu, will become visible. 

In case you want to focus on your planning tasks, you can either hide the navigation menu, by double-clicking on the splitter or by displaying a component in full-screen mode.

You can perform simulations across workbooks and variants. To do so, you simply change a key figure value and select simulate. Afterwards you can select another variant or even another workbook. Once you are done with reviewing the data, you can either save the data or refresh the Planner Workspaces to discard the simulation.

Previously, all side panel actions were displayed on the same page.

As of release 2305, there are new tabs (Filter and Filter Options) which offer new capabilities and provide a clearer structure.

The Discard feature is now directly accessible. The feature will revert the component definition back to the saved state.

Inside the action menu you can find the following capabilities:

Create: Can be used to create a new planning view. Please note that the creation of analytics chart is not yet supported in Planner Workspaces.

Copy: Can be used to copy the current definition. The definition must not be saved yet.

Rename: Can be used to rename a planning view or analytics chart.

Manage Workspace Content: Takes you to the Manage Workspace Content feature and passes the currently selected content to the filter.

As of release 2305, the following options can be adjusted right from the Planner Workspaces app:

• Define Group By, e.g. change displayed attributes or time levels
• Define Group By as Series
• Select Key Figures being displayed
• Select conversions such as unit of measure or currency

The Filter and Filter Options tab is also accessible from the analytics charts side panel.

There's a new layout, which allows you to display components in a row-based layout. Hence, you can view an analytics chart component on top and a planning view below. By using the row-based layout you can consume the component across the complete width of the Planner Workspace. 

The tabbed mode is supported in the row-based layout as well.

As an administrator, you can use job definitions to simplify job scheduling for planners when they use the Planner Workspaces app. Job definitions are used to predefine job steps that require fewer fields to be displayed or changed. This allows them to focus on fewer job definitions that are assigned to them, which are mainly preset with parameter values relevant for their tasks.

Job Definitions unfold the following capabilities:

• Offer a possibility for planners to define more parameters than just version, scenario, and planning filter.
• Group parameters of the same type across job steps, so the same value is used for all of them.
• Show only the fields that you need and make them mandatory, visible, and read-only.
• Customize the scheduling view the planner sees by defining UI sections and UI configuration, and their order of appearance.
• Assign job definitions to users and user groups to have ultimate control, which user can see which job.
• Decide in which apps the job is available (Monitor Application Jobs or Planner Workspaces).
• Cluster jobs by using categories.

Further details on how to create job definitions can be found here: SAP Help Portal: Job Definitions

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/feae3cea3cc549aaa9d9de7d363a83e6/f179270858f54fee87062aaff14d92f1.html?locale=en-US&state=DRAFT

Two filter modes: Apply Workspace FiltersIgnore Workspace Filters

Version / Scenario: Workspace filter wins

Time Period: Workspace filter wins. In case planning views includes flex time the Workspace filter is being ignored.

Attributes: Filters on different attributes are merged. In case there are filters defined for the same attribute, the workspace filter wins.

Example:Workspace filter: Product ID = Phone 100Component filter: Product ID = Laptop 8000→ Workspace filter wins

Version / Scenario: Workbook: Consider Workspace selection, fall back to component filter in case workspace selection is emptyComponent: Consider component filter onlyMerge: All selected versions are merged together

Time Period: Workbook: Consider Workbook filter, fall back to component filter in case workbook filter is emptyComponent: Consider component filter onlyMerge: Not applicable

Side note: In case flex time is used within planning views, the workbook selection is being ignored

Attributes: Workbook: Consider workbook filter onlyComponent: Consider component filter onlyMerge: Merge workbook and component filter, also in case of filters defined for the same attribute

Please note that filter options are only applied for the selected workbook. In case you place the component in another workbook, the default filter options will be applied. 

Once the upgrade to release 2305 has been deployed to your tenants, the filter options will be defined as indicated below.

As of release 2305, planning filter conditions will be exposed in Planner Workspaces. In previous releases planning filters could be selected by using a dropdown. The included conditions weren't displayed, so that users needed to know their planning filter definitions. The new planning filter control also displays planning filter groups created in the SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft Excel or the Planning Filters app.

The planning filter handling is identical to the handling available in the SAP IBP, add-in for Microsoft Excel. Once you update the filter, the relation to the planning filter will be reverted and the filter will be considered as an ad-hoc filter. The attribute values from the planning filter will overwrite any existing attribute values of the workbook variant.

The exact same filter control is also available in the side panel for planning views and analytics charts. So now you can assign a planning filter also to components directly.

The new value help for filters is easier to use and it also supports not equal to conditions.

The Clear features removes all the defined conditions. The Adapt Filters (x) can be used to add attributes to the side panel. It's also possible to define conditions for attributes but hide them from the side panel. 

Planner Workspaces using planning filters and ad-hoc filters

In previous releases it was possible to assign a planning filter and individual filter conditions to a Planner Workspace. As the planning filter conditions are now exposed on the UI, it's no longer possible to have a relation to a planning filter and use ad-hoc filters at the same time. In case your Planner Workspace was assigned to a planning filter and had ad-hoc filter at the same time, we removed the relation to the planning filter. Please select (and update) the planning filter again and save the Planner Workspace. 

Example:

Planner Workspace (2302): Workspace "A": Planning Filter A (CUST_001, PRD_001) and Attribute-based Filters (CUST_002, LOC_001)

Planner Workspace (2305): Workspace "A": Attribute-based Filters (CUST_001, CUST_002, PRD_001, LOC_001). The Workspace loses the direct relation to the Planning Filter A, as the Planning Filter doesn't include all conditions.

In case you want to review which filters are being applied to a component, there's a new option called Show Applied Filters. In the related dialog you can easily review, which filters are maintained and whether they come from the workbook or the component filter.

In case you want to review other planning data temporarily, there's a new option called Change Applied Filters. In the related dialog you can easily adjust the filters. Afterwards an indicator is being displayed that an ad hoc filter is being applied. You can easily revert to the previous filter definition, by selecting the X. The ad hoc filter also gets reverted in case you apply the workbook filter again or you apply any changes performed in the side panel. 

Please note that the ad hoc filter is not being stored.

In case you want to review the component filter, you can use Show Component Filters action. Once you select it, the side panel will be opened, and the Filter tab is displayed right away.

As an administrator, you can use job definitions to simplify job scheduling for planners when they use the Planner Workspaces app. Job definitions are used to predefine job steps that require fewer fields to be displayed or changed. This allows them to focus on fewer job definitions that are assigned to them, which are mainly preset with parameter values relevant for their tasks.

Job Definitions unfold the following capabilities:

• Offer a possibility for planners to define more parameters than just version, scenario, and planning filter.
• Group parameters of the same type across job steps, so the same value is used for all of them.
• Show only the fields that you need and make them mandatory, visible, and read-only.
• Customize the scheduling view the planner sees by defining UI sections and UI configuration, and their order of appearance.
• Assign job definitions to users and user groups to have ultimate control, which user can see which job.
• Decide in which apps the job is available (Monitor Application Jobs or Planner Workspaces).
• Cluster jobs by using categories.

Further details on how to create job definitions can be found here: SAP Help Portal: Job Definitions

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/feae3cea3cc549aaa9d9de7d363a83e6/f179270858f54fee87062aaff14d92f1.html?locale=en-US&state=DRAFT

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/8406377c59674f7bbcb3ec2d183957b9/ae2a39ee14314b248bab04426f6683f5.html?locale=en-US&version=2211

Planner Workspaces and the related components support sharing with write access. Using this capability, one user can still own the entities, but others can contribute to them as they can save the changes. In case you share entities without write access, others can perform changes, but they can't save the changes.

When performing any changes in the Planner Workspaces, a dirty indicator (*) is being displayed next to the Workspace name and/or the workbook variant name. The dirty indicator is informing you about unsaved changes. In case you want to persist your changes, you can use the Workspace save (you don't need to switch to the design mode to save your changes). Once your changes have been stored, the dirty indicator vanishes.

Changes which activate the dirty indicator (among others) are:

• Changes in the workbook filter
• Adding/removing components
• Updating planning view or analytics chart definition
• Moving the component splitter
• Changing the layout in the Design mode
• Changes performed in the Workspace settings, like sharing a Workspace
• …

You can continue to define and apply appearance objects to your Workspace. However, with 2305 the order in which the rules are applied has changed and they are now applied in the following order: 

1. Repeating Attribute Value | Attribute Value | Data Value | Outside of Data Set
2. Key Figure Rules
3. First Row of Combination
4. Last Row of Combination
5. Read-Only Data
6. Absolute Period Rule
7. Relative Period Rule
8. Changed Data

The planning view filter has been further improved. You can select values from the value help without selecting a condition.

The attribute linkage is considered in the value help as well.

Per default planning data is sorted in an alphabetical order. Users can influence the sort sequence by clicking on the appropriate column header.

In the shown planning view the Customer Region is sorted in descending order (Z to A).

The sort sequence keeps alive when simulation or saving data. The sequence gets for instance discarded once you hit the "Go" button or apply any changes to the planning view.

You can transport your Planner Workspaces from one system (e.g. test system) to another system (e.g. production system) using Export Software Collection (on the source system) and Import Collection (on the target system) apps.   

On the source system, run the Export Software Collection app. 

First you need to create a collection, then add items by selecting which Planner Workspaces you would like to transport. 

The dependent content is not added automatically, therefore, you need to add them manually by selecting add missing items

• Workbooks
• Analytics charts
• Planning views
• Custom alert definitions, including their subscriptions
• Procedure playbooks assigned to custom alert definitions

Note that Planning filters will not be available under the missing items, you will have to add them separately to your collection. 

However, transportation load building components are included automatically in the export of the Planner Workspace. 

Before export, use the check to validate the software collection and then select Export.

On the target system, run the Import Collection app. 

Use the filter bar to find the collection you exported. 

Use the manual import to import the Planner Workspaces and all the dependent objects.

Note that you need to manually add the planning filters to the workbook variants and Workspace components as the links to the planning filters are not transported.

Final step is to assign the relevant users to the Planner Workspaces using the Content Administration app. That's required as business user IDs are not identical across systems.  

The "Save as Tile" feature is handy in case you use a handful of Planner Workspaces on a frequent basis. With the new workbook variant concept you can even select which variant should be opened when you launch the created tile.

Procedure:

1. Open the Workspace for which you want to create a tile
2. Select the workbook variant or alert subscription, which should be opened per default
3. Select the share icon in the upper right section and choose Save as Tile.

Global Configuration: MAX_FILTER_VALUES

The global configuration parameter MAX_FILTER_VALUES can be used to limit the number of attribute values that can be selected as attribute-based filter criteria when creating or editing planning views inside the Planner Workspaces app. Using a lot of individual filter conditions can have a negative impact on the performance. Hence, it's better to define filter on aggregated levels, for example, by using Product Group instead of Product ID. 

Further information can be found here:

SAP Help Portal: Setting Up the Planner Workspaces App

SAP Help Portal: Global Configuration

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/abee3923ad4d4722b6f10b0fe6cf4cef/ae2a39ee14314b248bab04426f6683f5.html?locale=en-US&version=LATEST

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/bf99e931b8d44aafb4e306ec3602cbdd/b5210a550e38eb14e10000000a4450e5.html?locale=en-US&version=LATEST

Global Configuration: SNOOZE_NUM_OF_DAYS

The SNOOZE_NUM_OF_DAYS global configuration parameter can now be used to limit the number of days a custom alert is snoozed.

Further information can be found here:

SAP Help Portal: Setting Up the Planner Workspaces App

SAP Help Portal: Global Configuration

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/abee3923ad4d4722b6f10b0fe6cf4cef/ae2a39ee14314b248bab04426f6683f5.html?locale=en-US&version=LATEST

https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_INTEGRATED_BUSINESS_PLANNING/bf99e931b8d44aafb4e306ec3602cbdd/b5210a550e38eb14e10000000a4450e5.html?locale=en-US&version=LATEST

Planner Workspaces already offers more capabilities than Web-Based Planning. Planning views created in Web-Based Planning can be easily consumed in Planner Workspaces.

What is required to transition to Planner Workspaces?

1. Assign the Planner Workspaces catalog (SAP_IBP_BC_PWSPACES_PC) to the business role
2. Create a new Planner Workspace
3. Create a new Workbook and a Workbook Variant
4. Drag the planning view component into the canvas, select the planning view created in Web-Based Planning and save the Planner Workspace
5. (Optional) Share the Planner Workspace created with other users or user groups
6. Remove the Web-Based Planning catalogs from the business role

You can now copy process steps to create new process steps more quickly. We've added this new function to the step list table in the creation and editing views of the Manage Process Templates app. Once you've copied a step, you can give it a new name and adjust its parameters as required.

In the step details of a process step in a process template, we've also added the priority of each task to the display. 

You can delete more than one process at a time by selecting the required processes and clicking the Delete button.

In the process list view, you can filter the processes according to process owner and status. Once the list is filtered, you can save your own variants.

In the step details of a process step in a process, you can see the priority of each task. 

In the view settings for the Tasks Assigned to Me and Tasks Assigned by Me tabs, you can now group your tasks by process or priority. On the Tasks Assigned to Me tab, you can now also group tasks by status.

You can set up notifications on the Notifications tab when you create a template in the Manage Process Templates app.

You can specify that process owners, step owners, step participants, task assignees, or a combination of these receive notifications when a process, step, or task becomes due. You can choose to have the notifications sent up to 30 days in advance, and to have them sent as a daily reminder.

If you wish, you can make individual settings for notification of due tasks by navigating to a process step and selecting the corresponding checkbox to override the settings of the process template. The app then displays the notification settings dialog in the step where you can specify how many days before the end of the process step the reminder should be sent. You can enter a number between 1 and 30. The default value is 0, which means that no reminder notification is sent.

You can now save your data multiple times while creating or editing an analytics story. This allows you to save the story without returning to display mode. You can do this by selecting Create or Save. You can save the story while editing by pressing Save. By choosing Finish you will save the story and view it in display mode.

You can now view key figures configured as percentages in the Planning Areas app when you're using them as measures in the charts and tables in your analytics stories

The key figures be displayed as percentages and formatted accordingly

You can now create calculated input controls for restricted measures for charts and tables. This allows you to choose the members of the dimension that will be used as a filter for that measure.

The colors used for the variances can be selected (positive, neutral, and negative), instead of the fixed green and red colors

• You can now show or hide totals in stacked visualizations
• There is a new toggle in the Styling Panel to show Net Totals (aggregation of positive and negative values) for stacked visualizations