Enhance your E-commerce Potential with SAP Commerce Cloud’s Headless Architecture Features

The world of e-commerce is experiencing exponential growth, with a projected market value of $27.15 trillion by 2027, boasting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.7%. The widespread adoption of online browsing and purchasing, especially through mobile devices, has fueled this remarkable expansion, and recent events, such as the global pandemic, have further accelerated this phenomenon.

Among the myriad factors driving the remarkable growth of e-commerce, the delivery of exceptional user experiences and top-notch customer experiences (CX) stands out. This is particularly true in the retail industry, where establishing an omnichannel presence and providing a unified experience for customers are crucial for success.

In the face of such complexity, the need for Headless Commerce architecture becomes increasingly apparent. This architecture enables businesses to implement efficient CX strategies that cater to users across multiple channels, devices, and interfaces, all without compromising backend functionality.

However, in the realm of headless commerce, there isn’t a single centralized platform to manage it all. Instead, there is a multitude of disparate sources that must be unified to ensure a seamless customer experience. It is here that the power of SAP Commerce Cloud Composable Storefront (also known as Spartacus) truly shines.

Also Read: Dynatrace for SAP Hybris – The Arrival of the Commerce Cloud Monitoring Age

In this blog, we will explore the headless e-commerce architecture in SAP Commerce Cloud. We will delve into the features, benefits, and functionalities of this architecture, highlighting how SAP Commerce Cloud leverages headless principles to enable businesses to create outstanding e-commerce experiences. Let’s dive in and discover how headless architecture and SAP Commerce Cloud combine to provide a robust foundation for modern e-commerce success.

What is Headless e-commerce architecture?

Headless e-commerce architecture, at its core, involves the separation of the frontend from the backend. Unlike traditional monolithic architectures, where the presentation layer is tightly coupled with the underlying system, headless architecture allows businesses to break free from the limitations of predetermined frontends. With headless architecture, companies gain the freedom to design and tailor their desired front-end experiences to meet their unique brand identity and customer needs.

What sets headless architecture apart is its lack of rigid guidelines for content presentation. Unlike traditional architectures that prescribe specific rendering methods, headless architecture provides flexibility by decoupling content delivery from its presentation. Instead, it relies on APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to connect the frontend and backend, enabling content to be delivered to any device, anywhere, while ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience.

APIs serve as the bridge between the front end and backend, facilitating smooth communication and data exchange. By utilizing APIs, businesses can leverage the vast array of possibilities offered by headless architecture. They can tap into the power of SAP Commerce Cloud’s backend capabilities while crafting captivating frontends that resonate with their target audience. This dynamic approach empowers businesses to adapt to changing market demands swiftly and deliver personalized experiences that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Key Features of Headless Architecture

  • Use APIs to Connect Frontend and Backend

By leveraging APIs, the headless architecture enables seamless communication between the frontend and backend systems. This allows for flexible and modular development, where different components can be developed independently and integrated using APIs.

  • Multi-Channel Experience

With headless architecture, businesses can create and manage digital experiences across multiple channels, such as websites, mobile apps, social media platforms, IoT devices, and more. This ensures a consistent and engaging user experience across various touchpoints.

  • Easy Integration with Open-Source, Custom-Built Technologies, and Third-Party Systems

You’re not limited to a specific set of tools anymore. Headless architecture lets you easily integrate open-source, custom-built, and third-party systems. It’s like having a toolkit that adapts to your needs. Choose the best tools available and build the ultimate e-commerce machine!

Also Read: FedEx Integration in SAP Hybris eCommerce – Everything you need to know about it.

  • Support for Multiple Frameworks and Languages

Headless architecture is framework-agnostic, meaning it supports multiple frontend frameworks and programming languages. This provides developers with the freedom to choose the most suitable tools and technologies for their specific requirements and expertise.

  • Content Creation, Editing, and Management for Marketers and Creators

Headless architecture makes it a breeze to create, edit, and manage composable content. Imagine building content like Lego blocks, where you can easily assemble and personalize it across various channels. Let your creativity flow!

  • Composable Commerce

Flexibility is the name of the game. Headless architecture supports composable commerce, allowing you to customize your e-commerce experience to meet your unique business goals. Mix and match different commerce capabilities like product catalogs, shopping carts, and payments.

With its flexible, scalable, and future-proof nature, headless architecture is the secret sauce for building remarkable e-commerce experiences that captivate your customers.

Headless Commerce Benefits

  • Headless architecture allows developers to utilize the frontend framework of their choice, empowering them to build highly customized digital experiences.
  • By decoupling the frontend and backend, headless implementation adds an extra layer of security, protecting platforms from potential malicious attacks.
  • Headless architectures often receive regular updates, reducing potential risks and vulnerabilities compared to traditional CMS platforms.
  • Brands have complete ownership and control over their site architecture with headless commerce.
  • Improved conversion rates and lower customer acquisition costs are possible with optimized user experiences in headless commerce.
  • Enables businesses to achieve infinite scalability in hosting resources, allowing them to handle increased traffic without incurring substantial costs.

The SAP Commerce Cloud Advantage

SAP Commerce Cloud offers several key benefits that make it an exceptional e-commerce solution:

  • Leveraging Frontend Frameworks:

SAP Commerce Cloud as a headless e-commerce solution allows developers to leverage their preferred frontend frameworks. This flexibility enables them to utilize modern frontend technologies, such as React, Angular, or Vue.js, to create highly interactive and visually appealing user interfaces.

  • Extensibility:

It offers extensive extensibility features, allowing businesses to customize and tailor their e-commerce experience. It enables users to configure and customize pages and components, adjust configurations, create custom themes, and utilize dependency injection to customize business logic.

Also Read: SAP Hybris Migration to Commerce Cloud Version 2 — The Process, Advantages, Cons and more…

  • Upgradability and Regular Updates:

It is designed to be upgradable, providing template-based code generators and scripts to handle upgrade tasks efficiently. This ensures that businesses can stay up to date with the latest enhancements and fixes without the hassle of extensive manual adjustments.

  • Performance:

SAP Commerce Cloud prioritizes performance optimization to deliver fast and responsive websites. It incorporates mechanisms like above-the-fold loading, server-side rendering, deferred loading, lazy loading techniques, and caching to enhance speed, improve user experience, and boost search engine rankings.

  • Decoupled Architecture:

SAP Commerce Cloud follows a decoupled architecture, allowing frontend and backend teams to work separately and independently. This separation enables increased productivity, scalability, and specialization by leveraging separate deployment and release cycles. It also offers flexibility to connect with other systems through connectors.

Conclusion

Adopting a headless e-commerce architecture with SAP Commerce Cloud brings numerous benefits, including extensibility, upgradability, performance optimization, and a decoupled architecture. However, to fully leverage the potential of SAP Commerce Cloud, partnering with a trusted SAP Commerce Cloud Services Provider like Stridely Solutions can enhance the implementation process and maximize the benefits.

As a leading SAP Commerce Cloud Services Provider, Stridely Solutions offers expertise in designing, developing, and managing SAP Commerce Cloud solutions tailored to businesses’ unique requirements. With our in-depth knowledge and experience, we can assist you in leveraging the extensibility and customization features of SAP Commerce Cloud, ensuring a seamless integration with existing systems and third-party technologies.

ELT – The Future of Data Integration!

In a data-driven world, an efficient process for moving and transforming data for analysis is critical to business growth and innovation. Many enterprises struggle to establish a successful analytics program due to high amount of data volumes across the organization. They struggle to accustom data from numerous unpredictable sources, but automated ELT offers a solution.

Also Read: Effective and Viable Data Strategy – The Key to Business Success in Modern Times

What is ELT?

Extract, load, and transformation (ELT) is a newer method where data is extracted from sources, loaded into the target data warehouse, and transformed in place.

Unlike ETL, ELT does not require data transformation to take place before the loading process.

With ELT, data cleansing, enrichment and transformation all occur in data warehouse storage itself. These storage systems can store unstructured data as well as execute large-scale data transformation.

How ELT Works?

ELT (Extract, Load, and Transformation) reorders the equation by shifting the transformation step at the end of the data pipeline. Let’s understand how each step is performed.

Extract — This step works similarly in both ETL and ELT data management approaches. Raw streams of data from virtual infrastructure, software, and applications are ingested either in their entirety or according to predefined rules.

Load — Here is where ELT branches off from its nemesis, ETL. Rather than deliver the mass of raw data and load it to an interim processing server for transformation, ELT delivers it directly to the target storage location. This shortens the cycle between extraction and delivery.

Transform — The database or data warehouse sorts and normalizes the data, keeping part or all of it on hand and accessible for customized reporting. The overhead for storing this many data is higher, but it offers more opportunities to mine it for relevant business intelligence in real-time.

Also Read: SAP DWC: The Future of Data Warehousing

Difference Between ETL and ELT

The primary difference between ETL and ELT is where the data is transformed and how data warehouses retain the data.

ETL and ELT differ in two primary ways. One difference is where the data is transformed, and the other difference is how data warehouses retain data.

Watch Webinar: Why Data Analytics For Business?

The choice of ETL vs. ELT for a data management use-case is essentially determined by three factors: core storage technologies, your data storage architecture, and the use of a data warehouse for your organization.

To help you pick between the two, let’s look at the differences between ETL and ELT one by one, outlining the benefits and cons of each data integration architecture.

ETL vs ELT: Side-by-Side Comparison

Point of DifferenceETLELT
ProcessData is transformed at staging server and then transferred to data warehouseData remains in the database of data warehouse
TransformationTransformations are performed in staging areaAll Transformations are performed in the target system.
LoadTransformed data is loaded into a target systemRaw data is loaded directly into target system
Time to loadHere data is first loaded into staging area and later into target system making the process time intensiveMuch faster as data is loaded directly into target system.
Time for TransformationNeed to wait for transformation to complete. As data size grows, transformation time increases.Transformation time is never dependent on the size of data.
Storage TypeIt can be used for both on-premises and cloud storage.It is only optimized for cloud data warehouses.
Storage RequirementAs only transformed data is stored. Storage requirement is lowHigh. As raw data is also needed to be stored.
Compatibility with Data LakeIt is not compatible with data lakeCompatible with data lake
Data outputStructured dataStructured, semi-structured and unstructured
Data SizeBest Suited for smaller amounts of dataSuited for larger amounts of data
MaintenanceHigh maintenance due to secondary processing server and due to the need to select data to load and transformLow maintenance with fewer system and as data is also always available.
CostHigh costs due to separate servers.Comparatively lower in cost as simplified data stacks cost less.

 

Benefits of ELT

With ELT, enterprises could unlock the analytical firepower and efficiency of big data. It also reduces waste, improves speed, and streamlines process by removing bottlenecks. ELT offers several advantages, including:

  • Flexibility in data

When put together with data lake ELT can ingest data in any format be it – structured, semi-structured or unstructured making it easy to integrate new and different data sources into the process.

  • High Scalability

ELT can easily adapt and quickly expand your storage in cloud whenever the amount of data use increases. Unlike in ETL, where you might have to redefine the process when it comes to manage data ingestion at large scale.

  • Speed

There is no waiting involved in the ELT process because transformation happens at the end loading the data faster and providing immediate access to information.

  •  Low Cost

ELT can result in lower cost of ownership as it can easily automate the processing of onboarding data. Also, there is no requirement of upfront investment in hardware as it is cloud-based.

  • Faster Implementation

As transformation occurs after load function, it prevents the migration slowdown and enables faster implementation.

When should you use ELT instead of ETL?

Now that we know the difference between ETL and ELT, let us some cases where you can use ELT instead of ETL

If your organization has large amount of data that need to be loaded and analyzed, you will benefit from ETL. Business with large transaction volumes also can go for ELT as its process allows for quicker transfers of source data.

If you are in large scale business, where delays in day-to-day process can have adverse effects. Also, where you need to generate and use large amount of data in real-time, ELT will be more effective as it can provide real-time access for business intelligence

The Right Kind of Assistance Is By Your Side

Both ETL and ELT will improve data quality and integrity. Choosing the best solution will depend upon the various factors we discussed above.

It wouldn’t be wrong to call ELT the new monarch in data management, gradually superseding the ETL process.

To fully utilize the capabilities of ELT you need to have sources with deep knowledge, with extensive data modelling and analytics expertise. In all, a vendor who know how to build robust software systems.

Fortunately, if you choose the right vendor, you don’t need to worry about it.

Stridely Solutions have earned the unmatched competency and expertise in data integration. We can guarantee for 100% satisfaction and customized implementation when you bring us on board.

AI/ML in Healthcare – How it is Turning Out to be the Great Savior?

Healthcare sector is considered as the living god on earth. And during the last 2 years of pandemic, it was proven again. How can we forget the time when the healthcare sector single-handedly took the load, to save millions of lives, on themselves? Their hard work and continuous efforts were commendable.

However, it is not all well for the healthcare industry. Problems like lack of man force, lack of availability of medicines in spite of having constant attempts of full capacity of medicine productions keep on making to the news. Also, due to continuous closeness with the infected ones, many healthcare persons lost their lives. It feels disheartened to experience such environment around us.

Download Guide: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence & AI Builder

In this modern era of technology, healthcare sector has though seen a lot of technological advancements but with the time coming ahead it still has the opportunity to see more advancement.

See how this sector can leverage (or, is leveraging) the advantages that Artificial Intelligence brings to the table.

AI/ML and Healthcare – The Connection that will bring Benefits for all

In last few years, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning has seen a great rise and are one of the tech-future of many industries with its smart and efficient working pattern and easy to integrate capability in various sectors. One such sector amongst it is Healthcare where AI and ML is growing its legs with latest trends and great understanding of human health, better medical procedures and detecting the accurate chronic diseases.

Also Read: Predictive Analytics in Healthcare

Machine Learning has a wide range of healthcare applications to offer, ranging from simple accurate case management to accurate disease detection to an accurate operation of patient body with the use of robotic arms.

With having a capacity of handling a large amount of data precisely, machine learning algorithms are very useful to help doctors with the monitoring the patient health with past history to even suggest the proper medicine for each patient.

Let us see few of the most useful applications of Machine Learning in the healthcare sector.

6 AI/ML Applications of Machine Learning in Healthcare

1) Handling Medical Data

Machine learning is revolutionizing the health-care sector by incorporating cognitive technology to uncoil a large number of medical records and to do any power diagnosis. Machine learning aids in predicting a user’s purpose.

By incorporating machine learning into an organization’s workflow, it is possible to create a tailored user experience that allows the company to make better decisions and take better actions that benefit the patients. As a result, machine learning aids in the storage, collection, and reform of data.

Also Read: Transforming BI with AI and ML

2) Support in medical Imaging and Diagnostics

AI is getting much better with understanding the medical images and scans. This helps in identifying important features and insights from the films and scans prioritizing the critical cases needing some immediate attentions for radiologists or cardiologists. This reduces the potential faults or human error in understanding health condition and help precise diagnosis in less time.

A huge amount of image data can be used for screening which can be a stressed work. AI algorithms holds the capability to scan, read and identify this large amount of data in quick time and also compare it with other studies to generate any unusual change or unseen pattern for each patient. This helps professional to analyze critical information quickly.

3) Reduce cost of new medicines under development

For development of any new medicine, a lot of research is needed and hard work is needed to understand the molecular structure of any new disease. Thanks to supercomputers which are very useful in understanding such research, molecular structure from the stored database to predict which medicinal drug can be useful for a particular disease.

Also Read: Natural Language Processing for Manufacturing Industry 

With the help of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), a medicinal algorithm named as AtomNet was developed. This algorithm predicts the binding of small molecules to proteins after rigorous calculations. It analyzes data prepared by reading thousands of protein structures and millions of experimental measurements for this purpose.

This system also enabled the use of CNN to detect accurate and effective drug from the database, reducing the cost of medicinal drug development. This method was very successful while the development of Ebola virus drug in 2015.

4) Providing the Medical Assistance with accurate prescribed medicines

Recently medical chatbots are having a lot of demand with providing medical assistance to needy ones in emergency and also for those who are not easily reachable. Medical chatbots uses the several ml algorithms depending on the capability and use. Basic chatbots which use Natural Language Processing are useful for detecting the disease based on symptoms told to them and prescribing the accurate medicines for the disease.

Business Solution: Smart Product Recommendation System

Advanced medical chatbots also come with the feature of uploading the medical reports, live 24×7 doctor consultations, appointments booking for tests and also reminder function for the patients to remind them for the tests to be carried out on time. Such chatbots also analyze the medical reports and finds out the important information of the patient and sends the data to the concerned doctor which helps the doctor to attend the patients in early stage of disease and also with all important conditions in front of him from past as well.

5) Machine Learning in Accurate Decision making

It is very tough to make any decision during emergencies but AI has also shown its capability in decision making power during any medical emergency. One of the best examples of decision-making capability of AI are Surgical Robots that are capable of reducing the errors during the critical surgeries and helping the surgeons with the quick action during emergency. Surgical Robots have shown in several scenarios where the critical surgeries have been performed very smoothly very minimal mortality rate. They are beneficial in complex surgeries with better accuracy than any others.

6) Detecting Early stage Diseases (as Critical as Cancer)

With the help of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, smart wearable devises have been developed which can be attached to human body and analyze the human body condition very accurately reducing the chances of mortality with the detection of diseases at an early stage.

One such example is smartwatch with the features to analyze the hearth rate, blood pressure, oxygen level and detect the human condition to warn from a possible cardiac arrest or reduction of blood pressure or oxygen level. Such devices also have features of sleep hours calculation, activity control, breathe control, water alarm and many more which can be recorded 24×7.

Recently AI is being developed with the most critical disease of Cancer Detection with its severity and accurate diagnosis which will be useful in reducing the Mortality rate from Cancer. The Deep Learning algorithms are working with the large image datasets to understand and detection of the possible cancer cells warning the patients with the severity of it and accurate diagnostics. Also, Machine Learning algorithms are being used to classify the accurate cancer type with the data provided or by analyzing the patient condition and medical reports.

The Final Word

Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning have many more applications to offer in Healthcare sector and with the use of these technologies healthcare sector can be supported with various hands in less to no time.

With the advancements in Artificial Intelligence techniques and machine learning modelling, soon AI will become the very close friend of Doctors helping them in almost all aspects of the medical sector allowing them to do new researches for betterment of mankind.

Stridely Solutions work closely with healthcare pioneers from around the world to help them realize and utilize the power of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Looking for a reliable service provider in this sector? Consult with us to understand how we can help your medical/healthcare business. Contact today.

 

 

Odoo ERP Integration in your eCommerce Platform: Why is it advantageous?

It’s overwhelming to manage a company’s eCommerce website. Have you felt that too? Undoubtedly, this could be a severe burden for the executives. The leading task to update the stock details and products manually could sum up endless working hours along with the configuration of the numerous location-oriented characteristics for every product.

The eCommerce facilities are the leading time trends, and the vast number of consumers who once loved to haul the shops is slumping. Here comes the necessity of using Odoo ERP! It provides immense support for the integration and various operational management involved in eCommerce implementation.

Also Read: What Makes Odoo ERP the Best Pick for SMEs?

Are you willing to know how Odoo ERP integration benefits your eCommerce platform? Let’s get started!

Why opt for Odoo ERP?

Before starting with Odoo ERP integration, let’s understand why choosing Odoo is the best-in-class solution for your eCommerce platform. However, it’s better to go for ERP, which can ensure comprehensive support for your business promotion. The open-source platform of Odoo provides support for the management and integration of diverse operations included in the eCommerce implementation.

On the other hand, it gives numerous integration support for your eCommerce business. It enables the usage of marketing supports, an effective website, and the introduction of blogs for your business promotion.

Benefits of Odoo ERP Integration for eCommerce Business

  • Represent eye-catching product pages

The longer and eye-straining descriptions with feeble pages have already become outdated. You need to have top-notch product pages for your eCommerce website in order to attract maximum traction. Therefore, an Odoo eCommerce module allows you to create enticing product pages consisting of numerous elements, which are cautiously placed utilizing the “drag and drop” feature. You can customize your online store’s layout, look, theme, and color.

Moreover, Odoo ERP lets you make last-minute changes to fulfill your customer’s expectations. Enhancements and changes can be done at daily intervals to incorporate maximum features into your online store.

  • It’s a one-stop solution

Oddo ERP integration for your eCommerce works as a one-stop solution for managing products, sales orders, customer relations, e-learning, product categories, inventory management, blogs, and forums. It’s a beneficial solution for your eCommerce business as the Odoo software controls from one platform to every activity of the organization, including the following:

  1. Shipping details
  2. Movements
  3. Inventory levels
  4. Status
  5. Details are based on the sales, which can be tracked from the eCommerce website’s user portal.
  • Manage every customer’s information

Odoo ERP solution helps you keep track of your customer’s purchase and search history and manage an effective customer database. With the ERP supports, you can quickly detect the details with the help of buying history, wishlist, and other details. With Odoo, you can send alerts to your customer about a product of their choice and combine the customer segments for marketing campaigns.

  • Faster ROI and profitability

Do you know what your business pain point is? Well, it’s getting rapid returns! But with Odoo ERP integration, your eCommerce business helps you acquire faster ROI and maximized profitability by executing an accurate assessment of your inventory and sales through automatic stock adjustments and reports.

The ERP lets you stay scheduled with upgraded customer details by tracking claims and orders. Apart from that, your customers can see or download their invoices and track their pending shipments, order status, and deliveries.

  • Lower operational costs of your eCommerce business

Odoo ERP helps reduce the operational charges as the order details are updated to its database in real-time. Also, the valid and lost details never exist on the Odoo platform. It will lower the technological and human errors which have been engendered. The customers are often showcased with the different orders and their shipping details to give them the information and evaluate them as per their requirements.

  • Facilitates multistore management

The Odoo ERP platform enables users to manage countless stores at numerous locations with the help of a single platform. Those multiple stores’ inventory operations can be managed and assessed through the similar Odoo platform.

Moreover, the installation of point of sales methodology manages the inventory and multistore operations at numerous company stores. Hence, your company’s inventory management can be carried out by controlling various warehouses and systematizing its operations according to the user’s needs.

  • Payment Gateway Integrations

Every business has different payment options as it’s cumbersome to find a one-size-fits-all solution for your eCommerce business. Customers should be offered various payment options for their convenience.

Here comes Odoo ERP integration and extensions, which help businesses customize and integrate various payment modules, such as Credit/Debit cards, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, wallets, and many more.

  • The quick and hassle-free checkout process

If you have been dealing with the issue of cart abandonment in huge numbers, it’s not a positive move for an online market. It could be the postponed checkout process, which might compel the customers to end the purchase midway.

You need to make sure they have a hassle-free checkout method using Odoo. Its immediate purchase, e-payment gateways, and invoice generation assist the business in reducing abandoned carts.

  • Shatters data silos to boost visibility throughout your business

Siloed data is the biggest challenge, which stands in the eCommerce businesses’ way. It impedes you from getting an integrated view of your experience and operational data necessary to accelerate your marketing growth and strategy.

Before Odoo ERP integration emerges, we can’t look into the different departments for data, and also, we don’t need to feed data into the system manually.

But nowadays, we can check that the eCommerce application contains all the relevant data, such as product information, shipping information, customer feedback, and inventory levels. Therefore, by de-characterizing data from diverse systems, Odoo ERP considerably protects your efforts and time.

  • Complete customer satisfaction

The survey option of Odoo lets the end-user combine customer feedback and product options on account of the sales executed and strategizing sales options as required. Information will be given to the clients by assessing features and order details showcased on the customer dashboard of your eCommerce website. The elements or availability of product returns and delivery will also donate to customer fidelity and contentment in return.

The Odoo platform allows its users to control and manage every operation of your eCommerce website if unified with the software. This, in turn, will be the most advantageous for the organization and customers.

  • Quick report generation

Countless analytical reports will be authorized to be produced in terms of eCommerce services and sales of products by the Odoo ERP platform. This software lets the users produce balance sheets, analytical reports, profit-loss statements, and other organization financial reports. All these reports can be filtered, personalized, sorted, and grouped according to users’ needs.

Conclusion

Well, that’s all for now, but Odoo is still growing. For an eCommerce business to succeed, you must appraise significant aspects, such as streamlined navigation, enticing store appearance, safeguarded eCommerce transactions, hassle-free checkout process, etc.

Odoo ERP integration offers supreme advantages to your customers while allowing businesses to automate and streamline their business procedures. You can discover endless possibilities with Odoo due to its easy-to-integrate sales management and robust inventory features. In brief, Odoo is the best contender for every business that wants to step up in eCommerce.

Interesting in Stridely’s Odoo ERP Integration services? Let’s discuss things further.

 

 

Operational Data Provisioning – Fully-Explained

Data, created for business purposes, is known as operational data and covers configurational data, master data, transaction data, and any other data. To make most of this data for further processing, data provisioning is done.

SAP offers a dedicated framework for this function that is known as ODP or Operational Data Provisioning. A part of the SAP ABAP application, ODP is capable to provide end-to-end support in workflows such as data extraction and replication.

Operational Data Provisioning – Meaning and Overview

ODP or Operational Data Provisioning is the technical infrastructure used widely to support two distinct applications in a way that data extraction and data analysis becomes a smooth task. The two used applications in ODP are Operational Analytics and data extraction and replication.

Also Read: Understanding the Know-How of Statistical Analysis of the SAP BW4HANA Infrastructure

Operational Analytics is the application used for OLAP analysis implementation on application data. The analyses will only be done locally in the application system. Usage of Operational analytics demands BW configuration in the application system and can work without a pre-configured Data Warehouse. It also works without the BW system data duplication and makes direct data accessibility possible.

Data Extraction and Replication refers to the data offering to multiple external consumers like SAP BusinessObjects Data Services.

Also Read: SAP DWC: The Future of Data Warehousing

It’s a part of the SAP ABAP application system and plays a crucial role in the delta mechanism in these two application scenarios. When the delta procedure takes place, the ODP-provided data is automatically written in the delta queue with the help of an update process. Or else, it’s passed to the delta queue using the extractor interface.

Once this process is done, the targeted applications or ODQ/ODP customer comes into action to retrieve the delta data for further continuation.

ODP is functional in SAP BW/4HANA and SAP BW. Alongside, it’s highly useful to proffer data to other SAP services such as SAP Data Services or SAP HANA Smart Data Integration.

Also Read: Stay Ahead of the Competition with SAP HANA Smart Data Integration: Here’s How

ODP Framework Advantages

ODP brings multiple advantages. The top one is the immediate and direct data delivery to multiple end-users at a time that accelerates the data analysis process. Such sort of data delivery is not possible with a traditional delta queue.

Its usages also permit the end-user to directly load the data into the BW InfoProviders and bypass the Persistent Staging Area or PSA layer.

When clubbed with delta queues, ODP takes over the essential workflows like data service monitoring and saves a huge deal of time and effort.

Delta queue store the operational data in a compressed form that make data processing easier and quicker than before.

The requested or recommended data changes in a delta queue can be accessed by multiple target systems that increase the data reach.

Delta queue retains the data for a specific time and supports the data recovery as a backup is created. So, even if a cyber-attack happens on your operational data, you’ve got a recovery strategy in place.

Pre-requisites for Operational Data Provisioning

There are two aspects of Operational Data Provisioning, the ODP provider and the ODP consumer. Both these aspects should be equipped with certain minimum operational requirements, which are presented as below.

  • Pre-requisites for ODP Provider

ODP providers include SAP applications featuring ODP functionality such as SAP Business Suite, SLT, and many others. To ensure effective delivery of ODP, these ODP providers should be equipped with certain SAP ABAP Application package components like SAP_Basic<730- SAP Notes 1521883 ODP Replication API 1.0 and SAP_Basic>=730- SAP Notes 1931427 ODP Replication API 2.0

  • Pre-requisites for ODP Consumers

ODP consumers are the applications using ODP for data extraction such as SAP BW/4HANA or SAP BW. Such ODP consumers should be running on BW 7.40 SP5 and support all the databases to use ODP functionalities.

In case ODP consumers want to create and use ODP Source System in SAP

BW 7.3x target systems need to adhere to certain SAP Notes requirements.

Key Use Cases of ODP

The most common use cases of ODP are as mentioned below.

  • ODP Provider (Source System) that includes SAP DataSources (Extractors), ABAP CDS Views, SAP BW or SAP BW/4HANA systems, SAP Source System via SAP SLT, and SAP HANA Information Views in SAP ABAP based Sources
  • ODP Consumer (Target Systems) consists of applications like SAP BW, SAP BW/4HANA, and SAP SD.

Understanding Operational Delta Queue (ODQ)

Operational Delta Queue or ODQ is the key component of ODP and plays a crucial role to transfer data between the ODP source and ODP consumer so that the data extraction and replication process can start off. Basically, ODQ is the physical queue offered in the source system and is the replacement of RSA7. It features many additional functionalities that can access via tcode ODQMON.

The data stored in ODQ is in highly compressed form and is retained for a while, as a part of the backup strategy.

ODP consumers have the freedom to decide for how long the ODQ will retain the data. By default, it is retained for 24 hours.

There is three retention priority awarded to the end-users. Here is what we meant.

  • Recover a canceled delta process
  • Recover data having low relevancy
  • Recover data having medium relevance

Because of this functionality, it’s easy for ODP subscribers to re-load the data anytime and anywhere. In ODQ, multiple data request capabilities are offered. For instance, subscribers can request multiple data types from the source.

Additionally, subscribers are allowed to ask for a snapshot or full copy of data. This functionality is enabled in ODQ, integrated with all the BW DataSource, and doesn’t ask for any activation or added subscription.

In case one tries to change the data or make a delta request, delta initialization is required. This functionality is supported by the leading BW DataSource and can be activated by a Push or Pull mechanism.

Delta Types for ODQ

The two key types of delta types used in ODQ are as mentioned below.

  1. Delta Type ‘D’ – It refers to the delta records, written by SAP application directly into ODQ PUSH. This delta data type is either stored in ODQ distinctively or is written in delta data records groups. In every situation, delta data records are present in ODQ for easy accessibility by the SAP source system.
  2. Delta Type ‘E’ – Delta type E is the second delta type and refers to the data that ODQ extractors offer on request or demand. The term is applicable to the data record that is placed in ODQ by the extractor and then further transferred to the SAP target from there. This delta record establishes the fact that there is no relationship between ODQ and corresponding subscriptions.

When Delta type D or Push mechanism is into action, there will be direct data writing from the application into the delta queue. From here onwards, data will be accessible by the subscriber. The real-time example of this process is All Logistic DataSources.

When Delta type E or Pull mechanism is into action, ODP will analyze or extract the delta records using extractor on request. All FI data sources are what work in this manner.

ODQ Tables

ODQ uses three kinds of tables to store the delta requests or data. The first kind of table is ODQDATA_C which contains compressed initial request data.

ODQDATA_F is the second table type table that features compressed full request data. Lastly, we have an ODQDATA table that consists of compressed delta request data.

The Right Kind of Assistance Is By Your Side

Stridely Solutions  have earned the unmatched competency and expertise in SAP HANA databases and SAP HANA Cloud Platform. We can guarantee for 100% satisfaction and customized implementation when you bring us on board.

 

A Guide to ADSO Functions in SAP BW4HANA

SAP BW/4HANA users must be aware of ADSO Functions as this is the core of the data modeling, storage, and consolidation. Having diverse implementation and utilities makes this tool a must-have for perfected data analysis seekers.

This post throws light on the meaning, implementation, and utilities related to ADSO Functions so that one can make most of it.

Also Read: The Write Interface enabled ADSO Ability for SAP BW/4HANA

ADSO Functions – Meaning and Overview

ADSO stands for Advanced DataStore Object and refers to the primary and pre-integrate persistent object, offered with SAP BW/4HANA solution. The object is used widely in the data modeling, data storage, and data consolidation-related tasks in the SAP BW/4HANA system and is suitable to use in multiple workflows as per the selected properties.

Recently, SAP BW/4HANA has got the updated request management functionality. As per this recent update, ADSO is now equipped to handle the frequent loading and huge databases. When compared with InfoProviders, ADSO functions are more efficient as they can modify their functions while causing no damage to the data integrity. Also, table content can be modified seamlessly in case the data type is altered.

Also Read:  Your Modern Data warehouse for Elevated Needs

The feature is only available for BW 7.40 SP8 or above. Other than this, its seamless implementation demands starting with at least 7.40 with SP9 or SP10.

What makes this feature gain an edge over other functions is the advanced and modeling user interface. BW/4HANA users are no longer required to use customary SAP GUI to get started with ADSO as it’smodeled in the Eclipse environment.

ADSO Tables

Now that the meaning of ADSO functions is clear, it’s time to understand the ADSO structure.

Structurally, there are three core tables that construct the ADSO function. The three key tables are:

  • The inbound table where data is loaded at the beginning of data modeling
  • Changelog table is used to carry the 0RECORDMODE value that is used to trace the single record history.
  • Active data table- Once the end-user makes a request and it gets activated, the inbound table data is copied to the active data table. The data is then added up together as per the grouped behavior.

All these tables are constructed in the background while using ADSO. BW/4HANA system makes use of these tables automatically as per the pre-defined properties. It’s crucial to understand that all these three tables are generated by all means as they are essential for seamless data model alteration when the huge database is handled.

Also Read:  SAP DWC: The Future of Data Warehousing

ADSO tables don’t exist alone as few views are created in the background automatically. These views are views for extraction, views for reporting, and views for external access.

Along with the fundamental tables, validity and reference point tables for inventory data are also created in ADSO functions.

ADSO Modelling Properties

Under the Standard DataStore Object, there are three core modeling properties.

  • Write Changelog

This property leads to the auto-save of delta (any updated, erased, and altered record) in the changelog that is further used to extract delta.

  • Snapshot Support

This modeling property is used when Data Source distributes the present dataset as “Full”. Activation of Snapshot support leads to auto-identification and update of the deleted data record. Also, this modeling property allows BW/4HANA system to identify the active data table content while load request is not taken into consideration. In the changelog, Snapshot support is written/recorded as a reverse image.

  • Unique Data Records

This modeling property is required when load unique records are stored in the ADSO. Activation of this property makes BW/4HANA system inspect whether or not unique records exist. In case of the prior existence of a unique record, this property will be canceled with an error.

Staging DataStore Object

Multiple ways, based upon its properties, are there for staging ADSO.

  • Inbound Queue Only

This type of ADSO features no changelog and full or delta extraction will lead to an Inbound table. This ADSO function is not suitable for reporting and analysis purposes.

  • Compress Data

By default, data is written in the inbound table, and the selection of Compress Data will make data to be written in active data table after it reaches the inbound table. The data aggregation and active data table writing are decided by the semantic key.

Also, this function displays only the activated data. One can’t make request-based data deletion in this function. Only selective data selection is possible.

  • Reporting Enabled

Activation of this feature will lead to continuing the presence of data in the inbound table when the data loss request is active. In case when trying to continue with data-target loading, data will be always extracted from the inbound table. When a query is executed, the active table will be accessed automatically.

Data Mart DataStore object

This function is mainly used for analysis and reporting and features auto data loading in the inbound table. Data gets copied from the active data table when it’s activated and is then coupled as per the aggregation behavior. After this stage, data will be deleted from the inbound table and the changelog remains empty.

Data required for any further data-target update will be fetched from the active data table to support the early and exclusive extraction. Upon query execution, active table data can be accessed that makes only the previously activated data visible.

DataStore Object for Direct Update

This function makes the direct data loading into the data active table and supports full data extraction and is readable from the table of active data. Data present in the active table is available for reporting soon after the loading.

ADSO Special Properties

All the above-stated options and their settings decide the activation of three special ASDO properties.

  • Inventory-Enabled

Enabling this table will lead to the creation of two additional ADSO tables, validity and reference point table.

A validity table is used to log the time interval against which the non-cumulative values are loaded into InfoProvider.

The reference point table is automatically updated when inventory-enabled ADSO data is activated.

  • Planning-Enabled

This setting enables the writing back feature in connected planning applications such as Office and Lumira dashboard. End-users are permitted to move back and forth between plan and load mode while performing essential actions.

  • DataStore Object with Write Interface

Data stored in the ADSO function is equipped to move to an inbound table with the help of tools like Data Services. The data moving happens using SAP Cloud Platform Integration via PUSH. The DataStore writing API is open for third-party and external tools while the feature lacks a certification process.

The property is applicable on all the standard DataStore and staging objects. However, it’s not compatible with Inventor enables or Planning enabled function.

Ending Notes

Data modeling in BW/4HANA is no longer rocket science. It’s a child’s play because of ADSO functions. Using them diligently and adequately leads to huge time and efforts savings in data modeling tasks while enjoying unmatched simplification and ease.

ADSO functions and its offering have made SAP BW/4HANA stand out from the crowd as a dependable data warehousing solution. With attributes like 100% accuracy in the transactions and analytics, using it is certainly the best bet to make.

With this solution, it’s easy to modify and leverage the current outdated landscape and embark on an impressive data warehousing journey. However, having professional and verified assistance to install, monitor, and manage SAP BW/4HANA matters the most.

At Stridely Solutions, one has the facility to ensure assiduous utilization of SAP BW/4HANA as there are seasoned SAP experts by your side. The entire data modeling journey become effortless than before.

 

 

 

What Makes Odoo ERP the Best Pick for SMEs?

SMEs (small to medium-sized businesses) sector is one of the famous models operating globally. The entrepreneurs from this fastest-moving world contribute to cutting-edge technical revolutions. To develop and keep pace with the digital transformations, SMEs adopt Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP solutions massively.

The most commendable thing about using an ERP for SMEs is that all assigned tasks and operations are accomplished through a single dashboard control with data sharing options and built-in analytics.

Here comes the Odoo ERP. It’s the best-in-class and all-inclusive system, offering many features and business applications for hassle-free enterprise management. So, apart from these glimpses, you must know more about what makes Odoo ERP the best choice for SMEs. Then only will you be able to utilize it right.

Let’s dive right into it.

What is Odoo ERP software?

Odoo ERP is open-source software, previously well-known as OpenERP. It covers a broad array of modules and apps, for example, sales, project management, development, CRM, management of HR, etc.

The formation and execution of Odoo ERP let you select from numerous models available in the store. The official Odoo ERP solution offers you premium end-to-end services, for example, integration, personalization, deployment & implementation, and support for practical training.

In brief, Odoo ERP Development and Implementation will allow you to boost your company’s productivity and processes.

Stridely is Odoo Partner

Why choose Odoo ERP for SMEs?

Odoo has already become the preferable ERP solution for every SME, providing intuitive and powerful features. This is how the SMEs can now be used to manage various business verticals, such as trading, manufacturing, retailing, etc.

Also, with Odoo ERP, companies don’t need to pay a licence fee, making it a complete cost-efficient solution for SMEs. Let’s see more compelling reasons.

1.  Customization-friendly themes and apps

As Odoo ERP is customization-friendly, it can be quickly integrated according to business requirements. Also, a customized Odoo ERP with integrated ERPs can be installed expeditiously without any professional’s help. The Odoo developers assist the businesses in installing the Odoo ERP applications with various offers, such as customized apps, 24/7 approach, and so on.

2. Scaling of your business

Odoo ERP was created with the notion that SMEs have diverse requirements at specific times as they thrive. Countless factors, such as the scope of operation, business size, and resources, affect the most apt system.

Fortunately, Odoo is formed with the modularity concept, implying the smartphone applications, which allow you to customize your device. The biggest functionality of this management software arrives from a wide series of closely integrated apps. Those can be rapidly combined to create an instance attuned to the specific needs of your business.

Indeed, the functionality range for small and medium businesses are pretty huge, but the piece of great news is the models can be implemented as wanted, and those can stand independently.

3. Odoo ERP is economical

The Odoo platform’s implementation is deeply affected by the category of SME’s economic tools as it can be acquired on a subscription basis, advantageous for SMEs. Also, as far as the operations costs are concerned, it’s on the lower side than the available ERP solutions, making it an effective and abundant choice for SMEs. Therefore, Odoo ERP offers all the capabilities at a much moderate to lower rate without jeopardizing the company’s budgets.

4. One-in-all application

As every business needs gear to develop, Odoo ERP solution can provide almost everything to jump out on revenue! From hassle-free buying, production, and inventory to delivery, Odoo ERP helps SMEs grow. The section which should be managed is enormous for any business, and for every section to be controlled by the company must have various software apps, such as CRM, Fleet management software, and HR software.

The small organizations are unable to handle the huge cost of various software management. Here, Odoo ERP comes into play to safeguard those companies by bringing every practical and controlling department under a single platform. Small, medium and large corporations can pick up their preferred software from the Odoo app store at a very nominal budget.

5. Streamlined User Interface

With Odoo ERP, navigation becomes quick and hassle-free due to the captivating laid out and streamlined interface. In contrast to other ERP solutions, which are cluttered and challenging, Odoo stands out from the crowd because of its simple UI that allows hassle-free execution of a function.

6. Odoo provides comprehensive solutions

Odoo ERP, as a business, can be availed by various sectors of enterprises. Being an open-source ERP software, Odoo is mainly built for SMEs with modules accessible to specific industries’ manufacturing and trade services.

On the other hand, the biggest benefit of using the Odoo ERP solution is that it’s a straightforward web-based ERP application where you can update and modify information from anywhere. Some other enticing features that the companies can use are:

  • Integration with eCommerce
  • Inventory management and assessment
  • Reporting management
  • Point of sales
7. Maintains transparency

Odoo ERP maintains transparency by lowering the need to re-enter or export data, causing lesser errors and glitches and leading to seamless business performance. Also, Odoo ERP increases productivity, which is a crucial aspect of every SME. It drastically reduces the huge investment in HR; this is how automating every business operation simultaneously.

8. Surpass collaboration and improve communication

Implementing Odoo ERP for SMEs can bring numerous changes in the collaboration sector. Lack of collaboration and poor communication generated from the employee not having data whenever required. However, Odoo assists in outstripping collaboration when every employee has quick data access throughout all the departments. This is how it facilitates the collaboration process.

Integrating Odoo ERP for SMEs can result in drastic changes as far as communication between various work departments is considered. Poor communication and collaboration offer inaccessibility and unavailability of the data. As no thriving business would want such a mishap, that’s why choosing Odoo ERP for SMEs become highly significant.

9. Availability ease

Deploying an ERP for any company is a cinch if Odoo ERP is used. This software can quickly be downloaded in a jiffy through the internet. Anyone with access to the internet could go for the Odoo ERP’s requirement check and features to fulfil the desired business needs.

10. Seamless connection with other tools

The third-party applications can be linked with the Odoo ERP software because of its quick integration capabilities. It will be significantly advantageous for the SMEs to utilize the committed operational tools that can cater to every aspect of SME’s business operations with particular tools and the management aspects of Odoo with the guidance of third-party applications and tools.

Conclusion

Odoo ERP was launched as a small ERP in 2005, which has paved its way to the leading success journey. In the shortest span of 15 years, Odoo ERP successfully rolled out its Odoo Version 14 in September 2020. Therefore, it’s proven that all businesses can obtain maximum benefits from Odoo ERP implementation.

From lowering work charges to maximizing productivity to advancing business flow, countless benefits of adding this premium business management software are there into your lucrative business. However, with the well-defined operation controls and exclusive operation methodology, the Odoo ERP platform is an authentic business suite for SMEs for effective and reliable business operations management.

 

 

 

How IoT is Disrupting Various Areas and Industries: A Quick Insider

IoT – Internet of Things, is currently disrupting every sector. If we talk about the market size, IoT is expected to grow at a rate of 25.4% in the next 7 years (2021-2028). Yup, this is massive!

In 2022, you may expect the technology to drive significant revolutionary changes in how we do things and how we perform business operations. Industries, from Oil & Gas to metallurgy, all challenging sectors are benefitting from the improvement in related technological implementations, caused by IoT.

Business Solution: Unified IoT Platform

Growth of IoT: Major Areas of Disruption

IoT is evolving very rapidly. To under its current usage scope, we can begin our discussion by pondering over the areas that are fully transformed since IoT’s arrival. Here is our list:

  • Sensing (or Sensors)

IoT sensors can replace humans in the field, facing harsh conditions, just to get a few readings. Besides taking the reading, the delivery of captured data need not be noted down manually in computer systems today.

Be the humidity, temperature, pressure, velocity, proximity, acceleration, deviations, or fluid levels, IoT sensing endpoints can capture all details and send the data to monitoring systems in real-time. Not just that, these sensors can also figure out the composition of components in various mixtures. So, the healthcare, chemical, mechanical and other industries can also utilize sensors to operate more efficiently.

Major Highlight about IoT Sensor Technology Disruption

IoT laid the foundation of the Industry 4.0 revolution and smart (fully-automated) companies. When combined with smartphones, wearables, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, sensors can serve a huge number of purposes. The best part is, IoT sensors are pocket-friendly and can reduce the total cost of ownership for ventures.

Success Case: IoT Framework For Retail Industries: Entering Into The World Of Connectivity

We can expect that next-gen sensors will be more precise, fast, and varied.

  • Device Communication

IoT network comprises ‘Things’. These things are interconnected and perform various actions through communication via the internet. IoT communication-enabler components form the core of IoT infrastructure, connecting devices, clouds, sensors, and people using gateways, routers, and related platforms.

As per Gartner, the market of enterprise IoT connections and automation due to these connections – alone –  is expected to grow by 20%. The reasons behind this trend are speed, experience, and utility of wireless interconnection between IoT components alongside the benefits these aspects, all combined, result in.

Major Highlight about IoT Communication Disruption

Considering this demand chart, innovations related to IoT communication are also on the rise.  WiFi 6.0, Bluetooth 5.2, and other communication protocols are being updated to match the needs of IIoT (Industrial IoT sector).

Success Case: Asset Monitoring Web Portal With Azure And IoT

  • Security

The use of personal and professional devices and various other lockdown challenges surround us every day. There is a huge surge in the number of cyberattacks, threats, and compromises this year. The 2 reasons why conventional security-related technological solutions do not fit their current deployment scenario anymore are:

  1. Implementation of IoT
  2. Remote working culture that COVID (almost) forced upon us

Major Highlight about IoT Security Disruption

IoT promotes hyperconnectivity for users. With the always-connected approach and the variety of devices come cybersecurity challenges that are essential to be addressed. This fact has made enterprises upgrade their security strategies.

Also Read: Enable your Legacy device to Modern IoT Cloud through TCP Connection

Security automation, changes in security standards, AI-based security implementation, threat intelligence, and ML-enabled (machine learning) security tools are the trends that IoT’s industrial adoption has initiated.

  • Data-sharing and Analytics

IoT sensors and other devices can communicate in real-time and deliver data at a very fast pace. The amount of this data is too huge to be processed manually.

Also, as the data is arriving in real-time and is available for immediate decision-making, businesses look forward to automating the analysis process. This practice enables them to curate Big Data faster and gather insights that are trustable.

Major Highlight about IoT Analysis and searching Disruption

IoT sensors and communication mechanisms suit the best for training the AI models. Predictive analytics and analytics of live streams are the two disruptive trends based on this IoT function.

As the driving force of business intelligence, IoT is (indirectly) also capable of luring enterprises and other businesses to shift to the cloud and perform necessary analytics in real-time.

To ensure security in such a fast-paced environment, blockchain can ensure secure and encrypted communication. So, IoT is also promoting the use of blockchain technology to some extent.

Internet of Things + Artificial Intelligence

IoT provides reliable means for gathering the data and transmitting it faster. It connects networks in a truly hyperconnected manner. The technology can keep generating a huge heap of data with or without human interaction.

Download Guide: AI Builder

On the contrary, Artificial Intelligence requires a huge amount of data for model training and precise operations. This dataset can help the technology take better, and more human-like, decisions while improving the actions it triggers.

This makes IoT and AI a perfect match. The duo can change the facet of various industries and can transform the way of doing industrial operations.

A Few Transformations Driven by IoT

  • Healthcare equipment like health monitoring systems and wearable devices utilize IoT.
  • Weather monitoring systems and crop health monitoring sensors help the agriculture sector in boosting productivity and preventing/reducing losses.
  • GPS, fleet monitoring systems, and traffic monitoring sensors have transformed the way we travel or transit goods.
  • Sensor-enabled doors, lifts, train/bus gates, and escalators have made it simpler for us to navigate through places and within our homes/offices.
  • Heavy Field jobs, like finding oil reservoirs by digging, are transformed. Now, various sensors are used to confirm the presence of reserves in an area. With this, multiple laborious tasks are removed from the process.
  • IoT forms the fundamental component of smart cities, smart factories, smart homes, self-driven cars, and other intelligent solutions.

The Final Word

The Internet of Things is an important technology. It has changed the common method of performing various operations. The hyperconnected mechanism of IoT ensures real-time operations, faster processing, higher productivity, less human involvement in the process, and cost-effectiveness. However, it might demand more security and storage space alongside the migration of your business to the Cloud, to begin with.

Hire Stridely professionals for IoT solution development or digital transformation through migration to the Cloud. It will transform your ROI (Return on Investment) and TCO (total cost of ownership) statistics in a positive manner. We also have BI experts to help you out with full enterprise business process transformation

 

 

Effective and Viable Data Strategy – The Key to Business Success in Modern Times

Establishing and running a business demands many things and a viable data strategy tops the chart. This is no longer a hidden fact that quality data and its effective utilization is what places a business way ahead in the competition. The fate of data is decided by implemented data strategy. The efficacious strategy is, lucrative are the outcomes.

Starting from improving the data quality to providing deeper insights to the organization, a smartly designed data strategy can do wonders. The post educates businesses and enterprises about the significance of data strategy, its key components, challenges, and viable way to fix them.

Also Read: SAP Master Data Governance – Streamlining Business Processes

Data Strategy – Meaning and Significance

By definition, a data strategy is a plan designed to manage the business data in a way that it brings out the maximum outcomes and support business growth. By making most of the offered data, data strategy empower businesses to be future-ready and churn out better ROI. Implementation of data strategy allows businesses to:

  • Define and explain the utility of data in a given scenario;
  • Decide how and where data should be used;
  • Depict the changes that organization must make in the operation to drive maximum value from the data activities;
  • Create a timeline for every data utilization activity;
  • Define the financial outcome for the data set and create plans to turn them into reality.

Why Data Strategy Is Important?

Data strategy can be called a pillar of success for the organization, but why? Scroll down to figure out this.

  • Allowing unleashing the full power of data

Today, data is the gold for businesses, provided it’s interrupted and consumed the right way. This can only be done with the help of a data strategy. A well-designed data strategy can answer questions like ‘What is big data, ‘Where should this data be used’, ‘what to expect from certain data-set, and ‘how employees can make most of the offered data’.

Download Guide: Open Data Initiative

Having these questions resolved allows organizations can easily explore the full power of data and utilize it for maximum fruition.

  • Zero data wastage

Data volume is increasing with each passing day and organizations are having a tough time managing this asset. The expanded data volume tends to do cause huge data wastage, which no organization can offer. With data strategy, one can juice the data up to a maximum extent and reduce the data wastage.

  • Better data management in the least possible efforts

Data management is a very tedious job. Despite that, one can’t turn a blind eye towards this action as data, with is not effectively managed, is not good for the organization’s well-being.

Data-related issues should be fixed in the infancy stage and organizations must define data access and usage criteria. Generating a company-wide data strategy addresses all these data issues effectively and allows each department to work towards the same cause.

  • Proficient use of resources

The absence of a data strategy will force different departments to use data as per their needs. This separate data handling is time-consuming. Data strategy offers a standard data utilization format across the organization. With this pre-defined data usage strategy, organizations are allowed to speed up the data utilization process while keeping resource wastage as little as possible.

Key Components of Viable Data Strategy

Now that you’re aware of the utility of data strategy and the wonders it can do to an organization, it’s time to get familiar with the elements shaping a high-end data strategy.

Component #1 – Data

Of course, data is the prime part of a data strategy. A strategy should feature the strategic value of data, validating its quality, integrating processes, and policies governing its key usage. Additionally, enterprise data catalog should be a part of data strategy as this component allows organizations to make data available for usage and explain to the team where data resides.

Component #2 – Data tools

Data analysis is not something that humans can handle alone. They need the help of high-end tools to automate the menial jobs and expect the best-possible accuracy. A doable data strategy should feature key data tools to use and, if possible, their utility process.

Data tools are of all kinds and types. Some are easy while few are complex. One must make a choice as per the need of the hour. Make sure that data visualization, dashboard, and reporting tools are included in the data strategy.

Component #3 – Analytics techniques

Just like data tools, there are ample analytics techniques offered. For instance, there are data visualization, text analytics, predictive analytics, and so on. When demanded oversight is offered, analytics techniques provide the best value of a data strategy. Based on the team’s understanding and capacity, organizations must define analytics techniques in the data strategy.

Component #4 – Collaboration

To make sure the data strategy is implemented effectively, collaboration should be of a higher grade. Starting from data preparation to data governance, collaboration is essential. The use of collaborative tools makes discussion and debating easy and allows organizations to figure out the utility of the strategy.

Component #5 – Documentation and auditing

Data strategy should be well documented and audited to figure out what’s approved, what’s appropriate, what’s the purpose, and what’s the governance policy, and answers to many other questions. A good documentation and auditing technique allows providing a good explanation of data strategy and fundamental data architecture.

Component #6 – People

As your team and included people are going to use the data strategy, it should revolve around the people. Also, make sure that the right people are a part of it. For instance, data scientists, in-house or outsourced, should handle the data strategy.

Also, enough IT and data management resources should be in place. The right kind of people will make better availability, instant disaster recovery, and better adherence with service-level agreements possible.

Challenges to Face

Despite acknowledging the power of data strategy, many organizations don’t bring it into action. The reason being is its tedious nature. It takes a lot of design and implementation of a data strategy. Have a look at them.

  • Businesses have a tough time figuring out the aim of data strategy. They know they have data and they know that they have certain issues to address. But, they don’t know how to make data work for those tasks. Defining the aim of a data strategy needs someone having deeper organizational and data-related understanding. Big enterprises can hire professionals for this job. The real hurdle is for start-ups and small businesses as the surged expenses involved in this task are beyond their capacity.
  • In a team, it’s obvious to have different skills level and this dissimilarity is a major hindrance for organizations.
  • Don’t consider your job done once you have a data strategy in place. One has to monitor its utility continuously. This adds an extra burden for organizations. Some even got tired of this ongoing task.

The Possible Solution

While one expects maximum outcome from data strategy, addressing these and many other hidden challenges is imperative. As not every organization can afford to have a dedicated team of Data developers or Data scientists, it’s wise to outsource data analysis services.

Success Case: Deploying Next-Gen Business Intelligence Solution For Telecommunications Industry

Many leading service providers, like Stridely Solutions, lend a helping hand to small businesses and start-ups in designing, implementing, and monitoring data strategies. Having such professional help ensure the best possible outcome from the at-work data strategy.

Ending Notes

Data, when used effectively, can change the fate of a struggling business. The practicable data usage can only be achieved from a diligently-designed data strategy. One must not shrug it aside just because it’s tedious and taxing. Taking the professional help of Stridely Solutions is the easiest way to have a worthwhile data strategy by your side while investing the least possible efforts.

 

Next-Generation SAP Managed Services: What All Your Enterprise Can Avail?

SAP never disappoints its users and endows them with inventive and updated solutions. This is why it’s one of the most preferred and dependable ERP solutions in the market, holding a 24% share. The tools have become a crucial operational aspect for all sorts of businesses, regardless of the industry type and business size.

While using SAP resolves many operational hurdles, its effective implementation is what reaps all these benefits. SAP Managed services is a feasible way to make this happen.

Also Check: Run Enterprise Applications with SAP Solution Manager Solutions

By taking off the burden of upright and optimized implementation and management of SAP solutions from businesses’ shoulders, SAP Managed services warrants for better ROI and conversed focus on business-critical operations.

SAP Managed Services: A Sure-shot Way to Leverage the Most from your Existing SAP Implementation

Depending upon the needs, SAP implementation can be of various kinds and complexities. The SAP ecosystem is a bit complex as tons of applications and solutions are deployed on the cloud and need to be managed effectively.

S/4HANA migration comes with its own set of struggles. With SAP Managed services, businesses are allowed to enjoy only the perks of SAP and ditch the complexities involved in the implementation and management.

Success Case: SAP S/4 HANA Implementation On Cloud: Machinery Manufacturing Company 

This is enough reason for businesses to adopt SAP-managed services. In fact, many of them have already done this as market predictions indicated that the SAP managed service market is likely to hit the mark of $282 billion as we reach towards the end of 2023.

The operations that customary SAP manages services handle are:

  • Application support and testing
  • Resource optimization and upgrade
  • SAP solution advisory and consulting
  • Application stabilization
  • Remote monitoring of SAP solutions
  • Fully managed to host
  • Service delivery management
  • SAP solution maintenance

With cutting-edge and ultra-modern SAP managed services, one can experience certain exceptional facilities that were absent in the customary SAP managed services.

Here is a crisp overview of them:

  • Exceptional Transparency At Operational and Performance Front 

With next-gen SAP managed services, CIOs and the IT teams of an organization are likely to have ultimate peace of mind as they will be able to find out whether or not the deployed SAP solutions are in their pink health. The task can only be achieved by keeping an eye on the SAP systems’ performance and health over time, which was beyond the capabilities of traditional SAP-managed services.

Their operational areas were limited to deploying SAP solutions, providing updates, and customizing the features. The offered periodical performance reports, by old-fashioned SAP, managed services, weren’t enough to adhere to SLA compliance and knowing the overall SAP system’s health.

The ultra-modern SAP managed services are free to form this loophole and are able to provide continual and comprehensive SAP system health reports. The ongoing performance monitoring is a great way to spot any future complications in their infancy stage and create a viable remedial solution.

  • Automation of SAP Landscape In Performance-based Cloud and Hybrid Ecosystem 

SAP managed services of today’s era goes a step ahead when it comes to maintaining the SAP solutions deployed on cloud and hybrid ecosystem. Cloud and hybrid-based deployment have gained commendable popularity in recent times as it grants facilities like reduced operational cost, enhanced productivity, and leveraged resource accessibility.

SAP managed services offering SAP cloud migration and performance-driven cloud scaling endows enterprises to manage the hybrid landscape and switch between on-cloud and on-premise solutions easily while saving huge operational costs.

Success Case: SAP S/4 HANA Migration : Utilities Gain Flexibility And Optimization With Operational Excellence

Along with the landscape management, modern SAP managed services are able to grant in-depth visibility to the SAP system’s performance while the SAP landscape modifies automatically as per the enterprise’s needs.

This was not the case with earlier SAP managed services and end-users didn’t grant any visibility to the behind-the-curtain operations. This lack of visibility failed enterprises to spot the resource scaling requirements and continue with the lacked SAP capabilities. It was a sheer wastage of resources and caused the unknowing shutting down of crucial activities.

The facility of hybrid and cloud automation, offered by next-gen SAP managed services, empowered enterprises to scale the SAP solution in real-time and optimize the performance accordingly.

Read More: The Right Time to Migrate to SAP S/4 HANA

  • Real-time Forecasting and Predictive Analysis  

Enterprises, using cutting-edge SAP managed services, are bestowed with high-end forecasting and predictive analysis abilities. Using this ability, organizations of all sorts can do better budget planning and resource optimization.

Such improved SAP managed services delve deep into the past resource utilization and figure out the viability of a hired SAP solution in the real world. This detailed analysis will allow end-users to decide which solution is bringing the best outcome for enterprises.

Based upon the analysis details, enterprises can predict the future SAP solutions needs and make an informed decision. It’s a viable way to keep the operational costs under control as only useful resources are purchased this time.

Additionally, the analysis is useful to plan the work schedule of the hired resources and receive timely updates. This is the game-changer ability for organizations having multiple serves and they can schedule the server updates as per the needs of the hour or based upon the utility rate.

Using such detailed SAP managed services ensures that the money is invested visibility and only those SAP solutions that will bring the best ROI.

  • Continual Monitoring and Management of Business Processes 

Enterprises will get benefitted greatly from modern SAP managed services offering process monitoring and management. With such inventive SAP managed services, manufacturing industry-related enterprises are allowed to monitor the business processes in real-time and spot the hidden business process abnormalities.

This ability allows manufacturing enterprises can reduce the impact of business process damages without hampering the actual productivity. Here is a real-world example of this ability:

Suppose a manufacturing enterprise has a business process attached with the label printers and facing issues. Today’s advanced SAP managed service provider will act proactively and spot the issue in infancy stag, reset the printer, and will automatically fix the trouble. 

This high-end automation at business process anomaly detection wasn’t experienced before. Nonetheless, it’s here to assist enterprises today and allow them to expect improved cost optimization and enhanced business processes.

  • Promptness at Operational Audits 

Auditing is a crucial part of every enterprise and can’t be ignored at any cost. Audit deals with various aspects; the key ones are ensuring implementation of market security’s best practice and their continual operability.

Traditional SAP managed services didn’t realize the worth of audits and failed to offer audit readiness to the enterprises. The best assistance offered, related to audits, with old-school SAP managed services is collecting the data for audits. That’s it. Nothing added efforts are made for completing the audits process.

Also Read: A full SAP Security Checklist for your Enterprise

With advanced SAP managed services, the audit can be handled at each stage. They go beyond collecting the data. They can monitor all the audit points and create detailed reports automatically.

Creating an audit report is a time-consuming task and when next-gen SAP managed services can take care of this task then enterprises enjoy ultimate peace of mind and are allowed to focus on key business processes.

Also, timely and data-driven audit reports ensure that enterprises are adhering to the best security and compliances practices.

Choose the Right SAP Managed Service Provider 

Seeing the sheer volume of benefits that SAP-managed servicer brings, it’s hard to maintain a safe distance for them. While you think of availing of SAP managed services, selecting the dependable managed service provider is a tough task as there are many key players in the market.

Only a forward-thinking MSP or managed service provider holds the ability to bring these perks to enterprises. Here is what one should keep in mind while selecting the SAP managed service provider:

  • Make sure that the selected SAP managed service provider offers all the SAP managed services. Doing so saves a huge deal of time, effort, and money invested in SAP solution management and one subscription can take care of all the needs. The key SAP services to watch out for are SAP Cloud Services, SAP Hosting Services, SAP Application Management Services, SAP Business Suites – SAP ECC, SAP HANA Operations Services, and SAP S/4 HANA migrations and implementation.
  • Opt for an SAP managed service provider who has in-house SAP experts with a proven record of accomplishment. The more experience managed service provider has in the industry and domain, the better service experience an enterprise is likely to encounter. With in-house experts, immediate assistance is a sure thing.
  • Quality assurance should be done based on the SAPCenter of Excellence (SAP CoE). There shouldn’t be any other criteria for determining the quality offered by MSP as it’s a globally recognized quality standard. SAP is a huge landscape and ensuring quality is a tedious task. If the picked SAP managed service provider is SAP CoE certified then no further research is needed.

The Final Say

SAP is a highly powerful ERP solution allowing enterprises to introduce the greatest productivity, optimized performance, and better cost utilization at every front. However, one can expect all these privileges only when SAP solutions are need-based, optimized, and managed continuously.

This is where SAP-managed services by Stridely Solutions come to the rescue. Present day’s expert SAP solution managers go a step beyond and grants facilities like performance monitoring, audit readiness, continual business process monitoring, and many others. Having such advanced SAP managed services allows enterprises to improve productivity and ROI of hired SAP solutions.