SAP finance and accounting software
Financial accounting and closing processes are key to a company's success. Our experts and writers share strategy and advice on SAP finance and accounting software, including which SAP finance systems can help enable better insights, compliance and control, and how to improve financial operations with the technologies you purchase.
Top Stories
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Feature
07 Mar 2022
SAP Business ByDesign vs. SAP S/4HANA: A comparison
After years of evolution, Business ByDesign has found a sweet spot in SaaS ERP for SMBs and the public sector compared with S/4HANA's strengths in larger enterprise deployments. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2022
9 top SAP S/4HANA benefits for businesses
For today's highly nimble business models, SAP S/4HANA can provide speed, flexibility, simplicity, faster analytics, lower costs and the strength of HANA's in-memory database. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jan 2018
How does SAP Payroll Control Center improve efficiency?
The SAP SuccessFactors payroll front end can vastly improve efficiency and accuracy. It can also save time -- and your sanity -- by eliminating crunch-time surprises. Here's how. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jan 2018
What does a smooth, post-acquisition ERP transition entail?
Continuing to use existing ERP systems and enlisting ERP services support are just two key areas that CIOs must focus on after a company is acquired. Here's more. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2018
SAP indirect access issue needs clarity for users, experts say
The indirect licensing access issue is confusing to many SAP customers, and the company's efforts to explain it have not been fully successful, according to industry analysts. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2018
SAP HANA database drives analytics for ARI's fleet management
Telematics and IoT have made advanced analytics available in new ways, and for fleet management company ARI, SAP HANA proved to be the best way to manage and process all the data. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Jan 2018
What is the best way to upgrade to SAP Process Orchestration?
Upgrading from SAP Process Integration to SAP Process Orchestration is possible, but learn why many companies are opting for a side-by-side migration from PI to PO and some of the steps involved. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2018
SAP S/4HANA Cloud and indirect access will dominate 2018
Industry experts say SAP S/4HANA Cloud migrations, Leonardo and Cloud Platform are the technology issues for SAP in 2018; on the business side, the top issue is indirect access. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Jan 2018
What can employees do with the SuccessFactors mobile app?
Self-service SuccessFactors features for employees and managers are numerous, and learning tools, including online course downloading, will run on some Android and iOS devices. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Dec 2017
What are the most important features of SAP SRM-MDM Catalog?
SAP Supplier Relationship Management-Master Data Management Catalog offers a number of features to help simplify cataloging tasks required to excel in today's complicated supply chains. Here's a look at six of them. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Nov 2017
What KPIs can assess demand-driven MRP when using SAP ERP?
Setting up demand-driven metrics and using analytics to monitor them can provide benefits such as helping to reduce working capital commitments and improving service levels. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Nov 2017
How is the recurring inspection process in SAP QM activated?
The recurring inspection functionality available in the SAP Quality Management component can help effectively maintain materials that are managed in batches and have expiration dates. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Sep 2017
What's the best way to write an SAP support ticket?
Try other avenues first, but then prepare an SAP support ticket that will clearly describe and recreate your incident, so SAP can assign it to the right experts. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Sep 2017
Start preparing infrastructure now for SAP S/4HANA migration
SAP has set 2025 as the date it will no longer support its Business Suite ERP system, and some infrastructure service providers believe customers should begin to plan now. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Sep 2017
SAP S/4HANA public cloud infrastructure options increase
An SAP systems integrator goes on the public cloud to deploy S/4HANA to help its clients and improve its financial reporting, gaining a world-class accounting system quickly. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Sep 2017
What kitting process functionalities does SAP EWM offer?
The kitting process can be triggered either from SAP ECC or SAP EWM in kit-to-stock and kit-to-order business scenarios, and reverse kitting is available in EWM. Here's a look. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Aug 2017
What features does the SAP Sourcing component of SRM offer?
The Sourcing component in SAP Supplier Relationship Management is meant to offer end-to-end procurement for globalized and complex procurement processes. Here's what to know. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Aug 2017
What inventory valuation methods does SAP's MM offer?
Here's a look at five SAP inventory valuation reporting methods, how they can boost your inventory management efforts and why the financial account team should be involved. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Aug 2017
What are the core components of SAP IBP?
SAP IBP is a meant to ensure strategic, tactical and operational planning, provide comprehensive analytics and ensure complete business controls, all in an integrated environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2017
Adita Technologies harnesses S/4HANA Cloud to handle growth
Adita Technologies, a young professional services firm, implemented SAP S/4HANA Cloud in 10 weeks to consolidate financial systems and plan for growth. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Jul 2017
What inventory KPIs are available in SAP MRP Monitor?
MRP Monitor fills the inventory reporting and analyses gap that exists in SAP ECC, with analyses that enable materials planning success. Here's a look. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Jul 2017
Will SAP EWM-QM integration improve the quality inspection process?
Integrating SAP Extended Warehouse Management and Quality Management requires taking the time to allocate resources to carry out a successful project. Here are four areas on which to focus. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jul 2017
New report says users aren't eager for SAP S/4HANA migration
A survey from Rimini Street says that almost 90% of SAP users have no plans for an S/4HANA migration, in part due to satisfaction with their existing SAP ERP. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Jul 2017
What core components are included in an SAP APO overview?
SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization enables companies to better sense market demand, quickly react with timely supply, and meet and maintain higher service levels. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Jun 2017
What core components does the SAP ERP system include?
The SAP ERP system -- also known as ECC -- is the foundation for many companies' ERP implementations. Here's a look at its core components and what each one does. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 May 2017
How can you reduce the bullwhip effect with demand-driven MRP?
Reducing the bullwhip effect requires a fundamental and strategic shift from supply-focused materials planning to demand-focused materials replenishment. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 May 2017
How does ECC handle SAP Vendor Evaluation for services?
In SAP ECC, Vendor Evaluation gives you an easy way to evaluate vendor performance for services such as equipment maintenance or building maintenance. Here's a look. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2017
Choose the implementation order of SAP SuccessFactors modules
Once you have your core HR and talent management priorities straight, you can figure out which SuccessFactors modules will deliver on those goals. Here are some common scenarios. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Apr 2017
How can SAP CTM in SAP ATO improve supply chain management?
Capable-to-Match is a subcomponent of SAP APO that enables better demand and supply controls by balancing production constraints, supplier lead time and transportation lead time. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Apr 2017
What are the inventory KPIs that can be measured in SAP ECC?
Being able to measure inventory performance through regular monitoring provides the necessary visibility to improve them. Here's what you should know. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Apr 2017
How does intent-based navigation work in SAP Fiori Launchpad?
Read these tips to understand the underlying architecture and programming rules for customizing the SAP Fiori Launchpad for specific users and their roles. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Feb 2017
What is the difference between SAP components, modules and applications?
The SAP landscape can be a confusing one, with the numerous acquisitions and constant rebranding of products. To clear up some confusion, here are the differences among three foundational areas. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Feb 2017
Which SAP Activate tools can I use for an S/4HANA Cloud implementation?
SAP Activate's implementation tools for S/4HANA Cloud, such as Self-Service Configuration, Expert Configuration, Solution Builder and Solution Manager, can help guide you to success. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jan 2017
What can a materials planner do to better manage inventory?
Creating material groupings, assigning replenishment strategies and ensuring timely monitoring for changes are some important keys to effective materials planning. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Oct 2016
How does SAP Pool Asset Management improve the use of shared assets?
The Pool Asset Management tool enables easier scheduling and cost allocation of resources that employees share, such as vehicles. Here's a look at how it works. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2016
Use Fiori Elements and smart controls for custom Fiori apps
Fiori Elements can save development time and provide a consistent user experience across SAP Fiori apps, if you know a bit about what's under the hood. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Sep 2016
How can project planners decide between SAP PPM and SAP PS?
Web-based Project and Portfolio Management gives teams a way to pitch ideas and manage projects, but on-premises Project System still fits into the project landscape. Here's how. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2016
Quick copy/cut & paste tip using SAP Ctrl+Y
With the SAP Ctrl+Y feature, you can quickly copy text in SAP by simply highlighting it with your mouse. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Sep 2016
How can SAP Quality Notification help improve product quality?
SAP Quality Notification can help handle customer complaints for defective products, defective products produced in-house and defective materials supplied by a vendor. Here's a look at how it works. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2016
S/4HANA leads Sabre's digital business transformation
Sabre Corp. selected SAP S/4HANA as the platform for changing the very nature of its business. Here are some lessons from the vice president who led the transition. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Aug 2016
What are key features in discrete manufacturing production type?
Discrete manufacturers reap greater business benefits when they ensure planning, procurement, inventory, capacity and quality management are integral parts of their SAP ECC implementation. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2016
Must-know modularization basics from ABAP programming tutorial
So you want to learn ABAP? This excerpt from SAP Press' 'Getting Started with ABAP' gives you a taste of just that, with a focus on why modularization is critical. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jul 2016
What business benefits does SAP S/4HANA Finance offer CFOs?
SAP S/4HANA Finance's intuitive interface, coupled with real-time information, is answering the needs of enterprise CFOs. Here's a look at seven of its features. Continue Reading
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News
27 May 2016
Panelists say S/4HANA is core of digital business transformation
In a panel at the SAP Sapphire conference, early adopters shared ideas about how S/4HANA forms the core of their digital business transformation. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2016
S/4HANA Finance brings data consolidation to major insurer
A finance leader at New York Life explains how S/4HANA Finance helps manage and analyze data on $528 billion in assets, and the key role of change management in a successful project. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2016
Building data visualization with SAP Fiori tools
Some BI developers will get by fine with features such as the Fiori Launchpad and Overview pages. Here's what's built into Fiori now, and what's on the horizon. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2016
Prerequisites to SAP Fiori analytical app implementation
SAP consultant Anil Bavaraju shares an overview on configuring two analytical app types in Fiori in this excerpt from the book 'SAP Fiori Implementation and Development.' Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Mar 2016
What does S/4HANA Supply Chain offer production planning?
The line of business Enterprise Management product S/4HANA Supply Chain offers a production-planning component that features materials planning tools and intuitive dashboards. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2016
Implementing modern practices in an ABAP development shop
You don't have to wait for SAP to provide modern tools for automated testing, continuous integration and other key processes. Try these five steps first. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2015
Is SAP NetWeaver 7.5 a new foundation for an old brand?
SAP's venerable NetWeaver seems to be fading out of sight, but it forms the basis of the HANA Cloud Platform and a new version, SAP NetWeaver 7.5, indicates that it's here to stay. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Nov 2015
How can I use Git and GitHub for SAP software development?
Assembla, Bitbucket, GitHub, Mercurial and Subversion are some of the open-source version-control and collaboration platforms available for managing SAP development projects. Continue Reading
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News
11 Sep 2015
How to decide when to move to SAP S/4HANA
In part one of a two-part Q&A, Shaun Syvertsen of Convergent IS says that SAP S/4HANA can be transformative -- if your organization has the right mindset. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Jun 2015
How can SAP Missing Parts improve the production planning process?
The SAP Missing Parts Information System can help prevent production or maintenance disruptions by alerting planners to impending material or component shortages. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Jun 2015
What are the benefits of using SAP capacity requirements planning?
An expert explains how companies can integrate SAP's capacity requirements planning functionality to optimize production when demand for products exceeds supply. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Jun 2015
How does Batch Information Cockpit support batch traceability?
An expert explains how SAP ERP Batch Information Cockpit traces material batches to help planners more efficiently manage defective materials and products. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 May 2015
Book excerpt: How the SAP HANA platform stores data
This excerpt from 'Implementing SAP HANA, 2nd Edition,' explains the ins and outs of row and column storage, and how SAP HANA's approach to data storage can improve compression and performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Apr 2015
How does SAP ERP handle free goods procurement processes?
Learn how to handle business processes involving free samples or goods with no commercial value in SAP ERP. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Feb 2015
What are the benefits of using Release Strategy in SAP MM?
Making SAP MM's Release Strategy feature part of procurement processes can provide better business controls and reduce typical procurement headaches. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2015
Use SAP MRP to effectively plan production and procurement
SAP material requirements planning brings efficiency and optimization to production and procurement plans. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2015
How does SAP ERP forecasting help predict material consumption?
To help you prepare realistic sales, production and procurement plans, try leveraging SAP ERP forecasting to calculate your materials needs. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Nov 2014
How does SAP MM stock transport order help track goods shipment?
Stock transport order in SAP MM helps you transfer, track and monitor goods movement between supplying and receiving plants. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2014
What is the SAP HANA XS Engine and how does it work?
Ethan Jewett explains how the SAP HANA XS Engine is used to run lightweight applications on the SAP in-memory database platform. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Sep 2014
How does SAP Planned Delivery Time help with procurement?
SAP Planned Delivery Time can help cut inventory carrying costs, writes expert Jawad Akhtar. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Aug 2014
Create SuccessFactors Metadata Framework objects, rules with ease
Looking at extending SuccessFactors software? Consultant Luke Marson lays out best practices for using the SuccessFactors Metadata Framework to make it happen. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2014
SAP Simple Finance shows HANA's potential for 'disruptive innovation'
An industry analyst assesses SAP's "run simple" theme and what the new finance apps on HANA Enterprise Cloud could mean for the Business Suite. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Jun 2014
Do you need an SAP data mart, or an SAP data warehouse?
Do you need an SAP data mart, or a data warehouse? It depends if you need to deploy data across an enterprise, or need something more focused. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jun 2014
Free SAP Fiori excitement tempered by questions about true cost
SAP Fiori UI and apps are now free, but enthusiastic attendees at Sapphire Now were unsure how much development work is involved. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Jun 2014
Why The Charmer Sunbelt Group Is Sticking with SAP WM
Although alcohol wholesaler The Charmer Sunbelt Group has considered some parts of EWM, find out why it feels EWM isn't a good fit for its industry. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Jun 2014
The case for a phased SAP HANA implementation
Installing SAP HANA is no easy task. Read about why Scotts Miracle-Gro decided on a phased rollout of its HANA implementation. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Jun 2014
The business case for integrating Hadoop with SAP HANA
Adobe tracks everything its users do and dumps the data into Hadoop. How did the company make the business case for integration with SAP HANA? Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2014
SAP Sapphire Now 2014 product round-up, Day 1
HP, SGI, Delphix and Hitachi all made announcements early this week at SAP Sapphire Now 2014. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2014
SAP says 'run simple,' users retort: 'back at ya'
SAP's new mantra is "run simple." Can the behemoth software company follow its own advice? Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2014
SAP announces program to develop industry-focused cloud apps
SAP says its plan to build industry-focused cloud apps will give customers new options for meeting business-specific needs in this news roundup. Continue Reading
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Guide
29 May 2014
SAP Sapphire Now 2014: Special conference coverage
News and analysis from the SAP Sapphire Now 2014 conference in Orlando. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 May 2014
SAP and Ariba find synergies in mobility, analytics
It's less than two years since Ariba joined SAP, but users will soon see benefits: HANA analytics, social UIs and expanded supply chain data. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 May 2014
Beer maker dishes on challenges, advantages of SAP BW on HANA
Molson Coors' trek to running SAP BW on HANA began with a frustrated finance department. Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2014
Vishal Sikka's exit at SAP stuns, but does it matter?
It seems few anticipated the departure of Vishal Sikka, the very public face of SAP's technical vision. But how much does it matter to SAP users? Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Mar 2014
What's the difference between SAP ABAP and SAP Basis?
Confused by the difference between SAP ABAP and SAP Basis? Developer Ethan Jewett explains how to tell them apart. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Mar 2014
SAP Fiori: Putting a price tag on usability?
Fiori applications represent SAP's most serious attempt yet to improve the user experience of Business Suite, but some customers are unhappy about the costs. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Mar 2014
What's the difference between different SAP production types?
In this tip, expert Jawad Akhtar outlines how to differentiate between discrete, process and repetitive production types and how SAP ERP supports them. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Feb 2014
Attach documents to an SAP object without having to use SAP DMS
With SAP Services for Object, users can attach information to an SAP object without using the SAP Document Management System, writes Jawad Akhtar. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Feb 2014
Five critical factors to integrating SAP SuccessFactors with SAP HCM
There are five critical aspects to integrating SAP SuccessFactors with SAP HCM software or other technologies, writes HCM expert Luke Marson. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jan 2014
Book excerpt: Production Planning and Control with SAP ERP
Read a chapter from a book by Jawad Akhtar that provides a step-by-step approach to creating different production types in SAP ERP. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Dec 2013
Quick fixes for the most common post go-live SAP error messages
There are a number of SAP error messages that can occur post ERP go-live, writes Jawad Akhtar. Here's how to knock them out. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2013
Use SAP Backflush functionality to automate production processes
Companies save themselves headaches by automating production processes using SAP Backflush and Automatic Goods Receipt functions, writes Jawad Akhtar. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Oct 2013
SAP NLS app, new HANA updates changing the data management equation
Developments including an SAP Near Line Storage application and new SAP HANA features are helping solve big data bottlenecks, writes Ethan Jewett. Continue Reading
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Guide
09 Sep 2013
Business Objects or HANA? A guide to SAP analytics environments
SAP analytics tools have a strong showing in BusinessObjects and HANA, but which is right for your company? Find out in this SAP analytics guide. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Aug 2013
Cut inspection costs with the SAP QM module's DMR functionality
Save time and money inspecting the quality of procured or produced materials with the SAP Dynamic Modification Rule (DMR), writes expert Jawad Akhtar. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2013
SAP announces new policy change to ease cloud migration
SAP announces a policy change to make it easier for companies to move portions of their on-premises environments to SAP cloud applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jun 2013
Integration between SAP Data Services, Business Warehouse on the rise
SAP Data Services plus SAP Business Warehouse and other ERP apps make a powerful combination but be aware of potential pitfalls, says Ethan Jewett. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2013
Keep up with SAP Watch
A SearchSAP.com blog - your source for SAP ERP software trends and insights. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2013
Could in-memory, biometrics have saved Stringer?
At Tuesday’s SapphireNow conference, SAP’s big message was about how the confluence of big data, in-memory technology and software is changing the face of sports. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2013
SAP Sapphire Now 2013: Special conference coverage
Daily news and analysis from the SAP Sapphire Now Conference, May 13-16 in Orlando. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2013
Medical device company looks to SAP Afaria
Hurst, the director of business systems applications for NuVasive, said the company had seen a sharp increase in its roughly 1,500 employees wanting to work on their smartphones. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Apr 2013
Tips for creating an SAP Business Blueprint for Solution Manager deployment
In this second part on building an SAP Solution Manager roadmap, expert Tony de Thomasis looks at creating a Business Blueprint. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2013
A guide to SAP, its competition and its ecosystem
This guide tracks news and developments regarding SAP, the SAP ecosystem, as well as the third-party vendors that SAP competes with, and compiles them here to help companies learn more about their options and get the most out of their IT landscape. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jan 2013
How SAP BW and HANA will merge over time -- and why it matters
The differences between SAP HANA and Business Warehouse will melt away, says expert Ethan Jewett in this second of a two-part series. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2012
HANA or Business Warehouse? Choice depends on SAP data management needs
Do companies need SAP Business Warehouse or HANA? It depends on SAP data management needs, says expert Ethan Jewett in this first of a two-part series. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2012
SAP announces CRM on HANA
SAP announced the SAP 360 Customer package, a hyped-up version of SAP CRM that runs on SAP HANA, at the combined TechEd/Sapphire Now conference in Madrid. Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2012
SAP TechEd 2012 Conference Coverage
News and analysis from the SAP TechEd Conference in Las Vegas Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2012
SAP opens a new front on mobility design, education
SAP has announced the opening of its new SAP Mobility Design Center, aimed at helping its customers build custom mobile applications. Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 Aug 2012
Integrate SAP Quality Management for a more efficient supply chain
Applying SAP Quality Management to supply chain management saves time and money by cutting down on wasted stock. Consultant Jawad Akhtar explains how. Continue Reading