Understanding SAP S/4HANA Embedded Analytics
SAP S/4HANA runs on the SAP HANA platform and leverages the in-memory data platform's capability to handle both transactions and analysis within a single system, delivering outstanding performance. This system design allows the use of transaction data for real-time decision-making, courtesy of advanced built-in analytics, and eliminates the need for extraction, replication, and loading (ETL) of data. The analytics within SAP S/4HANA are delivered by way of Embedded Analytics.
SAP has created a powerful virtual data model, using ABAP Core Data Services (CDS) views, specifically for SAP S/4HANA to support operational reporting. This model is employed across all cloud-based editions of S/4HANA (public/managed) as well as the on-premises edition. CDS views facilitate data extraction from databases. SAP provides a vast array of ready-made Core Data Services (CDS) views, which serve as the data sources for SAP S/4HANA embedded analytics applications.
Analytical Apps for Returns Management
Applications designed for customer returns management enable users to track returns by searching for return orders, using various filters as well as data sorting and grouping options. These applications facilitate searches for and categorization of their open return orders by customer, identification of any logistical bottlenecks in the processing of return orders, and tracking refund statuses. Users can monitor the entire processing of customer returns by inspecting various statuses such as release, approval, and refunding. Such effective tracking helps ensure customer returns progress as expected, and facilitates quick resolution of arising difficulties.
Moreover, the progress of a customer return can also be tracked using the process flow feature. This tool offers a graphical overview of the chain of interconnected process steps along with related business documents. Users can access each document directly from the process flow, thus offering a clear view of return order statuses and subsequent documentation.
Users are encouraged to use the following monitoring and analytical applications to gain valuable insights into ongoing customer returns. These applications provide various analytical key figures pertinent to the management of customer returns.
Customer Returns - Flexible Analysis
- With this app, you can analyze the monthly rolling trend of your customer returns based on flexible combinations of dimensions.
- You can analyze aggregated values and quantities according to product hierarchy levels.
- You can analyze aggregated values and quantities according to customer hierarchy levels.
- This app uses the C_CustomerReturnItemQry_2 CDS view as the data source.
- Analyze the following customer-return-related key performance indicators (KPIs) in multi-dimensional reports:
| KPI | Description |
|---|---|
| Customer Returns | Net amount of customer return items that are relevant for billing or delivery |
| Return Item Quantity | Quantity of customer return items that are relevant for delivery or billing |
| No. of Return Items | Number of customer return items that are relevant for delivery or billing |
Customer Returns - Return Rate
- With this app, you can analyze the return rate of your incoming sales orders according to various dimensions.
- Display the monthly rolling trend of the return rate. For further investigation, drill down by a range of dimensions such as sales organization, sold-to party, and return reason
- Drill down to a list of customer return items with more details.
- The app uses the C_CustomerReturnRateQry CDS view as the data source.
- Analyze the following customer-return-related key performance indicators (KPIs):
| KPI | Description |
|---|---|
| Return Rate (Value-Based) | The percentage of the net value of customer return items based on the net value of incoming sales order items |
| Return Rate (Quantity-Based) | The percentage of the quantity of customer return items based on the quantity of incoming sales order items |
| Customer Returns | Net amount of customer return items that are relevant for billing or delivery |
| Return Item Quantity | Quantity of customer return items that are relevant for delivery or billing |
| No. of Return Items | Number of customer return items that are relevant for delivery or billing |
| Incoming Orders | Net amount of sales order items that are relevant for billing or delivery |
| Incoming Orders Qty | Quantity of sales order items that are relevant for billing or delivery |
| Ref. Doc.Net Amount | Net amount of sales order items that are referenced by customer returns |
| Reference Item Quantity | Quantity of sales order items that are referenced by customer returns |