Issue

A key decision is required on when to deploy the new Consolidation tool.  Along with a multiphase ERP implementation comes options on when to deploy, whether in Phase 1, 2 or X.

Recommendation

The new Consolidation Tool to be deployed in the later Phase.  The exact phase will be concluded when the Deployment Approach is finalised (estimated to be August 2024).

Background & Context

BFC (Business Objects Financial Consolidation) is the current consolidations tool. This is an SAP system however it is not fully integrated with the SAP ERPs, rather data is loaded from the source SAP ECCs.  Data loads are via flat files that are produced with automation tools (RPA).

SAP is phasing out BFC and support will cease in 2030 (extended from 2027).

Syensqo existing license is until xxxxx. (to be confirmed - however peer review process can continue).

As-Is Systems Integration for Consolidations

Assumptions

Deployment:

• S4HANA will be Deployed over more than one Phase.  

Tools:

• Group Reporting is the current\latest SAP Consolidation Tool, and is on the SAP Roadmap for the future.

• With the Syensqo consolidations tool implementation occurring in a later Phase of the deployment comes additional time in the detailed design phase. The final decision on the Consolidation tool will not be made at this stage, and is not a key decision of this document.
• Simplification and synergies can be gained utilizing a fully integrated SAP Module, and it is assumed Group Reporting will be utilized unless there are major gaps in the business requirements.

Risk.

• As the organisations financial statements and financial\tax reports are produced from the Consolidations tool, risk will be a major consideration in the the decision making process. 

Constraints

BFC support ends in 2030.  It is assumed Consolidation will be deployed prior to this date.

Impacts

Below are the major impacts on the decision are on the following:

Integration impacts: Interfacing or data loading into the consolidation system. There is an impact whether data is flowing into BFC or new Consolidation tool. 

• Aligned with the deployment decision, loading data packages into BFC from the source system, being PF1, WP1, or S4HANA, will continue.

Data Conversion: Timing and complexity of data conversion. 

• Aligned with the deployment decision, historical data loads will occur in the later phase. Conversion will be a one off activity upon deployment. 

Reporting: Reports currently being produced from BFC.

• Aligned with the deployment decision, existing Reports will continue to be produced from BFC until the new Consolidation tool is implemented in the later phase.

Business Rules

• Existing BFC Rules will continue.

• S4HANA business rules relevant at this point in time will be largely governed by the Enterprise Structure Definition. More specific Consolidation Rules will come in detailed design.

Options considered

Option A: Deferred Deployment

Continue with BFC in the initial phase\s and deploy the new Consolidation tool in the later Phase

Orange Box and Arrows are new \ added, the rest remains as is.

Key Points:

• • System: BFC will stay in place until the last phase of the deployment.
  • IC Eliminations: All existing intercompany elimination, reporting and reconciliation processes remain.
  • Reporting: Existing Reports will continue from BFC.
  • Existing ECC entities: will continue to integrate with BCF in the same manner.
  • Entities transitioning to S4HANA: will transfer data in the same manner as the ECC system entities.  Data load output templates will remain largely the same, the data to fill the template will come from S4Hana.  Mapping of data will be required and tested. 

Option B: Upfront Deployment

Implement the new Consolidation Tool and discontinue BFC in Phase 1 of the Deployment.

Orange text Boxes show what will change with an upfront deployment.

Key Points:

• • System: BFC will be replaced by the new consolidation tool in the initial Deployment Phase. 
  • IC Eliminations: All existing intercompany elimination will be designed and build in the new tool.  Existing ECC entities will need to adopt the new rules.
  • Reporting: Reports from BFC will need to be replaced with new S4HANA equivalents. 
  • Existing ECC entities: will need to load data into the new consolidation tool, new templates and processes need to be developed.  Additional training also required for the interim.
  • Entities transition to S4HANA: Data from S4HANA will automatically be consumed by the new Consolidation tool. 

Evaluation

Preferred Option

Option A \ Deferred Deployment is the recommended approach. 

Option A is a lower risk option for reporting financial results for the organisation, along with an easier transitions period. Although the benefits coming from the new Consolidation system are deferred, they will still be realised, albeit at later date.

See also

Change log

Workflow history