JMA Transforms Business Analytics to Empower DoD Customer’s SAP ERP Reporting and Data Integration Efforts
Challenge
DoD Command Overcomes SAP ERP Reporting Challenges for Timely and Cost-Effective Results
A major DoD command with a complex SAP ERP system faced significant challenges in obtaining and maintaining integrated reports in a timely manner The data tables for the reporting system were built in a non-data centric manner and changes to one data field could take weeks to months to modify or add new elements. The process was costly, time-consuming, and inflexible, hindering efficient report development and dissemination to the client.
Solution
Revolutionizing reporting and data integration using a data centric modeling approach for building SAP ERP data
JMA devised a comprehensive strategy to address the agency’s reporting and data integration hurdles. The chosen solution, Business Analytics for SAP ERP Data, leveraged IBM hardware, including Pure Data for Analytics (migrated later to a Yellowbrick data warehouse and SAP’s Business Objects (BOBJ) reporting application), Internet Information Services (IIS) management software (migrated later to Qlik Replicate), and ELT Maestro from Boston Common Analytics. The architecture facilitated near real-time data replication from ERP to an enterprise data warehouse (EDW), enabling the integration of external data and allowed for a more responsive end-to-end reporting. With the construct of data centricity, JMA built data tables that could be updated in one area (i.e. in the backend environment) as opposed to multiple tables within a reporting application or presentation layer. This transformation allowed commands to request and see changes within weeks or even days.
Impact
Transforming Reporting, Integration, and Data Governance for Improved Decision-making
Transforming Reporting, Integration, and Data Governance for Improved Decision-making.
The implementation of Business Analytics for SAP ERP Data led to transformative outcomes for the DoD customer:
Enhanced Reporting Efficiency
Reporting lag was significantly reduced, because of the data centric modeling approach, enabling quicker access to data for timely decision-making. Costs associated with report development and modifications were substantially lowered from months to weeks.
Integrated Data Ecosystem
The EDW modifications facilitated seamless integration of SAP and non-SAP data, enabling comprehensive end-to-end reporting viewing and development, leading to a timely, holistic view of logistical operations.
Cost Savings and Streamlined Operations
Multiple Datamarts were consolidated into the Netezza and Yellowbrick EDWs, resulting in reduced maintenance and licensing costs.
Data Governance and Data Lineage
The solution provided a clear data lineage and standardization of data elements, ensuring increased data integrity and improved traceability, thereby fostering trust in the reporting tools’ accuracy.
Adaptability and Future-Proofing
The EDW’s data centric philosophy and architecture allowed for seamless integration with existing reporting tools and future platforms, ensuring long-term viability and adaptability.
Operational Impact
The solution enabled our naval customer to effectively identify the key top logistic’s degraders for the warfighters, leading to improved mission readiness.
