Module 23: BW/4HANA & Planning (BW/4HANA 2.0)
Planning in BW/4HANA enables write-back, simulations, and forecasting directly on enterprise data.
While BW Integrated Planning (BW-IP) remains powerful, SAP's strategy increasingly includes SAC planning.
This module covers:
- BW Integrated Planning (BW-IP)
- Planning aDSOs
- Planning functions
- FOX vs AMDP planning
- BW planning vs SAC planning
1. BW Integrated Planning (BW-IP)
1.1 What is BW-IP?
BW Integrated Planning (BW-IP):
- Enables write-back to BW data models
- Supports planning, forecasting, and simulation
- Fully integrated with BW objects
BW Query → Planning Input → aDSO Write-back
1.2 Key Capabilities
- Data entry via queries
- Versioning
- Locking
- Aggregations
- Planning functions
BW-IP is enterprise-grade and highly scalable.
2. Planning aDSOs
2.1 What is a Planning aDSO?
A Planning aDSO:
- Supports write-back
- Allows delta tracking
- Integrates with planning functions
2.2 Characteristics
| Feature | Planning aDSO |
|---|---|
| Write-back | Yes |
| Change log | Yes |
| Versioning | Yes |
| Aggregation | Supported |
2.3 Best Practices
Separate plan vs actual data
Use clear version concepts
Control write-back carefully
3. Planning Functions
3.1 What are Planning Functions?
Planning functions apply business logic to planning data.
Examples:
- Copy
- Repost
- Distribute
- Delete
- Formula calculations
3.2 Execution Methods
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| FOX | ABAP-based |
| AMDP | HANA-based |
4. FOX vs AMDP Planning (Very Important)
4.1 FOX (Formula Extension)
- ABAP-based planning language
- Row-by-row execution
- Legacy approach
4.2 AMDP-Based Planning
- SQLScript-based
- HANA pushdown
- Mass data processing
4.3 Comparison
| Aspect | FOX | AMDP |
|---|---|---|
| Execution | App Server | HANA |
| Performance | Medium | Very High |
| Scalability | Limited | Excellent |
| Future | Maintenance | Strategic |
FOX is functional; AMDP is scalable.
5. BW Planning vs SAC Planning (Strategic Comparison)
5.1 BW Planning Strengths
- Complex enterprise logic
- Tight BW integration
- Large data volumes
- Central governance
5.2 SAC Planning Strengths
- Modern UI
- Collaboration
- Predictive planning
- Cloud-based
5.3 Comparison Table
| Aspect | BW-IP | SAC Planning |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | On-prem / Private | Cloud |
| UI | Query-based | Modern |
| Performance | High | High |
| Collaboration | Limited | Strong |
| Future focus | Stable | Strategic |
BW-IP remains relevant, but SAC is the strategic planning front end.
6. Hybrid Planning Architecture (Real Projects)
BW/4HANA (Actuals + Planning aDSO)
↓
BW-IP Logic (AMDP)
↓
SAC Planning UI
7. Common Planning Mistakes
Heavy FOX logic
Mixing actuals and plan data
Poor version management
Ignoring locking concepts
8. Interview-Grade Questions
Q1. Why prefer AMDP over FOX in planning?
Answer: AMDP executes planning logic in HANA, providing better performance and scalability for large datasets.
Q2. Is BW planning obsolete due to SAC?
Answer: No. BW planning remains strong for complex, large-scale scenarios, while SAC provides a modern UI and collaborative features.
9. Summary
- BW-IP enables enterprise planning
- Planning aDSOs support write-back
- AMDP planning is strategic
- FOX is legacy
- Hybrid BW + SAC planning is common
10. What's Next?
➡️ Module 24: Transport Management & Lifecycle
Planning success depends more on data model design than UI.