Kuukausi: tammikuu 2025

1X2 betting on SAP S/4HANA analytics scenarios: How to make the right choice?

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With the ongoing wave of SAP S/4HANA implementations, many organizations are rethinking their data and analytics portfolios. At Etlia Data Engineering, we frequently help businesses navigate these decisions. When it comes to analytics with SAP S/4HANA, the choices often resemble a 1X2 football bet. Here’s a short practical breakdown of the choices:

1: All-in on SAP (Pure SAP)

Choosing ”1” means relying entirely on SAP’s built-in tools like Datasphere and SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC).

Pros: 

– Seamless integration across SAP systems with optimized performance 
– Real-time insights and SAP’s own functionalities (e.g. AI applications and planning) tied to business processes 
– Simplified vendor management with a single tech stack 

Cons: 

– Limited flexibility 
– Dependence on SAP’s offering and innovation timeline 
– Scarcity of SAP analytics experts 

This option is ideal for businesses prioritizing simplicity and full integration with SAP ERP.

X: The hybrid play 

The ”X” approach combines SAP tools with external platforms like Azure and Databricks, blending the best of both worlds. 

Pros: 

– Flexibility and scalability 
– Access to advanced AI and machine learning capabilities 
– Retains some SAP-native advantages 

Cons: 

– Risk of data silos and duplication 
– Complex governance and skill requirements 
– Higher operational complexity and TCO 

This hybrid model works best for organizations seeking flexibility while maintaining ties to SAP ERP. This is the most complex scenario with the highest total cost of ownership (TCO), so it’s essential to carefully assess the business case to justify the additional investment. Be sure to identify the specific reasons and value drivers that make this approach the right choice for your organization. 

 2: External Data Tools and Platforms (Non-SAP) 

Selecting ”2” involves moving all analytics to external platforms such as Azure, AWS, Snowflake, or Databricks. 

Pros: 

– Unmatched scalability, flexibility, and customization 
– Wide support for cutting-edge tools 
– Independence from SAP’s constraints 

Cons: 

– Greater difficulty integrating with SAP ERP 
– Higher management overhead for cross-platform data 
– Dependence on non-SAP experts 

This option suits organizations focused on top-tier analytics and innovation, even if it means operating outside the SAP ecosystem.

Key considerations for your analytics strategy on top of S/4 HANA 

1. Align analytics to business needs

– If seamless process integration and simplicity are priorities, SAP-native solutions are a strong starting point. 
– For advanced analytics or scalability, consider hybrid or external approaches. 

2. Evaluate SAP’s analytics offering  

For organizations already committed to SAP S/4HANA, it’s logical to start with SAP’s integrated tools like Datasphere and SAC. SAP is also investing heavily in developing advanced business AI capabilities that integrate seamlessly with SAP’s own tech stack. SAP data solutions are designed to function together with S/4HANA simplifying deployment and accelerating ROI.  

3. Don’t overlook Best-of-Breed solutions 

While SAP’s analytics tools are rapidly maturing, platforms like Microsoft (Azure, Fabric), AWS, Databricks, and Snowflake may provide more advanced AI and ML capabilities. Ensure you have a robust approach for any SAP data extraction e.g. by using SAP Datasphere and be aware of potential challenges and limitations when integrating non-SAP solutions with S/4HANA such as restricted external data extraction (e.g. SAP Note 3255746).  

The winning strategy for SAP S/4HANA analytics 

The choice between SAP-native, hybrid, and external solutions depends on your organization’s infrastructure, data strategy, and goals. Start by evaluating SAP’s analytics tools, as they’re optimized for S/4HANA. For advanced functionality or flexibility, explore hybrid or non-SAP options. 

Stay tuned for upcoming blogs, where we’ll dive deeper into each scenario to help you make informed decisions.

 Interested in learning more or discussing your specific needs? Book a meeting with us today! 

We’re looking for Senior Data Consultants & Data Engineers!

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Etlia is a fast-growing data engineering company and a technical forerunner, empowering customers to generate business value from data by utilizing major business process platforms and other data sources. With ambitious growth targets, we’re now seeking experienced Senior Data Consultants and Senior Data Engineers to join our team and support us on this journey.

Your role:

You’ll join a variety of customer projects where your mission is to deliver tailored, comprehensive solutions that meet each client’s unique needs. While your final responsibilities will align with your core competencies and interests, you’ll work both independently and collaboratively with clients and other stakeholders to ensure project success. Etlia’s services focus on Project Deliveries and Advisory Services, both of which will play a central role in your work.

You’ll assist customers with business-critical decisions by collecting, shaping, integrating, and storing data, which will be visualized in accessible, insightful reports. Projects are often long-term, ranging from a quarter to several years, and utilize modern technologies like Azure, AWS, Databricks, Snowflake, Matillion, Informatica, dbt, Power BI, SAP and more.

What we’re looking for:

If you have substantial experience in data fields such as data engineering, data architecture, BI-reporting, or project management, you may be the talent we’re looking for! Alongside technical skills, we value a customer-focused mindset and strong interpersonal abilities. Familiarity with managing customer projects and effective communication skills are essential, as is an analytical, proactive working style.

What Etlia offers:

  • Diverse roles in a fast-growing, financially stable company
  • Skilled and supportive colleagues with extensive IT project experience both locally and internationally
  • An inclusive work environment with modern office facilities in Keilaniemi, Espoo
  • Engaging client projects and cutting-edge technology
  • Opportunities for personal and career development through the Etlia Career and Training Path
  • Competitive salary, bonus structure, and employee share and partner programs
  • Flexible working hours and a hybrid work model
  • Range of benefits and perks such as extensive health and accident insurance, lunch, sports, culture and bike benefits

We hope you bring:

  • Experience working with data and good understanding of the data concepts e.g. data warehouse, BI, ETL and data lakes
  • Consulting experience and willingness to work in the customer interface
  • Proactive and independent working style
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Full working proficiency in English

Additional assets:

  • Knowledge of some of the following technologies: Azure, AWS, GCP, Databricks, Snowflake, Matillion, Informatica, dbt, Power BI, SQL, Python, SAP BTP etc.
  • Previous experience in data consulting
  • Finnish language skills

Etlia is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and warmly welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, ages, and perspectives.

At Etlia, people and growth are at the center of everything we do. Read more about our values or explore Career Radar, our unique approach to career coaching.

Interested? Submit your CV in PDF format and an optional cover letter by email. Please include your salary expectations and preferred start date.

For questions regarding the position or recruitment process, please contact our Marketing & Office Coordinator, Dina Pynssi (+358405256414), dina.pynssi@etlia.fi.

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