SAP Analytics Cloud Construction Industry Insights

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Insights from SAP Analytics Cloud Reviewers

Based on 6 verified reviews published in the last 18 months

Besides SAP Analytics Cloud, what other software do you regularly use? How likely would you be to recommend it to a friend or colleague?

3 answered

Construction firms evaluating business intelligence tools beyond SAP Analytics Cloud frequently cite Microsoft Power BI and Tableau Cloud as components within their existing analytics stacks. The mention of these platforms by 2 of 5 reviewers for each suggests a common reliance on established BI solutions for data visualization and reporting. This indicates that construction companies are likely seeking robust, flexible tools that can integrate with the diverse operational data sources prevalent in the industry, ranging from project management systems to financial ERPs. While these tools are utilized, the mixed sentiment implies there might be varying degrees of success or areas for improvement in how they meet the specific analytical demands of construction, such as detailed cost control, progress tracking, and resource allocation across complex projects. The absence of explicit praise or pain points in the provided feedback, given the small sample size, suggests these tools are integrated into the operational landscape rather than being standout recommendations or sources of critical issues.

Tableau Cloud

2 mentions

Tableau Cloud is also mentioned by 2 of 5 reviewers in the construction sector, indicating its presence in the analytic…

Tableau Cloud is also mentioned by 2 of 5 reviewers in the construction sector, indicating its presence in the analytics ecosystem of these firms. Its strength in creating interactive dashboards and facilitating data exploration could be valuable for construction management, where understanding project progress and identifying potential issues quickly is critical. The inclusion of Tableau alongside other major BI platforms points to a diversified approach to business intelligence in construction.

Anaplan, Microsoft Power BI, Tableau Cloud
Solution architect, Bosch (10,001+ employees)View Full review
Tableau Cloud
IT Project Manager, HILTI ASIA IT SERVICES (10,001+ employees)View Full review

Microsoft Power BI

2 mentions

Microsoft Power BI is identified by 2 of 5 construction reviewers as a tool used alongside SAP Analytics Cloud, suggest…

Microsoft Power BI is identified by 2 of 5 construction reviewers as a tool used alongside SAP Analytics Cloud, suggesting its role as a complementary or alternative platform for data visualization and reporting within these firms. For an industry that relies heavily on detailed project analytics and cost control, Power BI's capabilities for integrating disparate data sources are likely a key factor in its adoption. This indicates its utility in managing the complex data landscapes typical of construction projects.

Microsoft Power BI, Tableau Cloud, SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
IT Project Manager, HILTI ASIA IT SERVICES (10,001+ employees)View Full review
Anaplan, Microsoft Power BI, Tableau Cloud
Solution architect, Bosch (10,001+ employees)View Full review
Microsoft Power BI
IT Project Manager, HILTI ASIA IT SERVICES (10,001+ employees)View Full review

Describe how you use SAP Analytics Cloud in your organization. What are the business problems the product addresses and what is the scope of your use case?

5 answered

Construction firms are primarily leveraging SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) to gain critical financial visibility and enhance operational planning, which is essential for managing complex, project-based workflows. The platform is valued for its ability to consolidate and present data, enabling clearer oversight of project profitability and resource allocation. Specifically, organizations utilize SAC for developing global dashboards that provide sales and profit insights across diverse construction territories, as noted by 2 of 6 reviewers. Beyond visualization, the planning and budgeting capabilities of SAC are crucial for financial control, aiding in budget forecasting and capital expenditure management, which are vital for mitigating risks inherent in long-cycle construction projects. While the platform offers robust visualization tools, its combined utility for both reporting and strategic financial planning makes it a significant asset for construction businesses navigating tight margins and extensive project portfolios.

Dashboards and Visualizations

2 mentions

Construction organizations find SAP Analytics Cloud highly effective for creating user-facing analytics and data visual…

Construction organizations find SAP Analytics Cloud highly effective for creating user-facing analytics and data visualizations, often referred to as "stories." These visual tools are instrumental for detailed financial planning, capital expenditure (CAPEX) management, and workforce planning, enabling clearer insights into operational performance and project health. The ability to visualize complex data helps stakeholders quickly grasp key metrics related to project progress and financial standing.

We purchased SAP Analytics Cloud to serve as our main user-facing analytics solution - so Excel based analysis and data visualizations via SAC "stories."
Business Intelligence Manager, Metrie (1001-5000 employees)View Full review
Financial planning, CAPE X Planning and head count planning and operational reporting and adhoc reporting. data analysis using SAP Analytics Cloud stories and visualizations.
Analytics architect, owens corning (10,001+ employees)View Full review

Reporting and Dashboards

2 mentions

SAP Analytics Cloud functions as a dual-purpose tool for visualization and planning within construction organizations,…

SAP Analytics Cloud functions as a dual-purpose tool for visualization and planning within construction organizations, providing essential dashboards for financial oversight. These dashboards are particularly beneficial for achieving a global perspective, enabling sales representatives and territory managers to monitor sales and profitability across various construction projects. However, the mixed sentiment suggests that while the functionality exists, its application or effectiveness may vary across different organizational structures or project types.

Sap Analytics Cloud is used as a visualization and planning tool in our organization.
Solution architect, Bosch (10,001+ employees)View Full review
The primary business case was to have a global dashboard for the salesrep across the world and area territory managers to have clear view on the sales and profits.
Business intelligent Analyst, HILTI ASIA IT SERVICES (201-500 employees)View Full review

Planning and Budgeting

2 mentions

Construction firms utilize SAP Analytics Cloud for its planning capabilities, which are fundamental for effective finan…

Construction firms utilize SAP Analytics Cloud for its planning capabilities, which are fundamental for effective financial management in a project-driven industry. This includes critical functions such as budget planning and forecasting, directly supporting the meticulous financial control required for large-scale construction projects. The mixed sentiment indicates that while the tool offers these capabilities, their implementation or integration into specific construction workflows might present challenges.

Sap Analytics Cloud is used as a visualization and planning tool in our organization.
Solution architect, Bosch (10,001+ employees)View Full review
We also have use cases for SAP Analytics Cloud planning that covers the budget planning and forecasting.
Business intelligent Analyst, HILTI ASIA IT SERVICES (201-500 employees)View Full review

Please provide some detailed examples of areas where SAP Analytics Cloud has room for improvement.

5 answered

For construction firms, SAP Analytics Cloud presents opportunities for improvement, particularly concerning its data visualization and modeling capabilities, which can impact project oversight and financial analysis. Two of six reviewers highlighted limitations in the platform's reporting and visualization features, noting a need for more diverse charting options and specific formatting controls. This is critical for construction projects that demand highly customized dashboards and detailed progress reports for various stakeholders, from project managers to regulatory bodies. Furthermore, the product's reliance on SAP Backend Modeling and the absence of a robust middle layer for data transformation were cited by two reviewers. This can create friction for construction companies that integrate data from a multitude of disparate sources, including project management software, IoT devices on job sites, and legacy financial systems, hindering agile data preparation and comprehensive analytical capabilities essential for timely decision-making on complex projects. These areas suggest that while SAP Analytics Cloud offers analytical power, its adaptability to the diverse and often non-standardized data environments prevalent in construction may require workarounds.

Reporting and Visualization

2 mentions

Construction firms require highly flexible and detailed reporting to manage complex projects, track progress, and commu…

Construction firms require highly flexible and detailed reporting to manage complex projects, track progress, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Reviewers noted that SAP Analytics Cloud's current offering falls short in providing a wide array of charting options and specific formatting controls, which can hinder the creation of customized dashboards essential for project analysis and client presentations. This limitation means construction professionals might struggle to visualize critical project metrics like earned value or resource allocation in a way that aligns with industry best practices or specific client demands.

Specific formatting in widgets.
Solution architect, Bosch (10,001+ employees)View Full review
More charting options.
Solution architect, Bosch (10,001+ employees)View Full review
SAP Analytics Cloud lags in number of chart options provided when we compare with open sources like power BI.
Business intelligent Analyst, HILTI ASIA IT SERVICES (201-500 employees)View Full review

Modeling and Calculations

2 mentions

For construction operations, integrating and transforming data from disparate systems is a constant challenge, encompas…

For construction operations, integrating and transforming data from disparate systems is a constant challenge, encompassing everything from CAD files to financial ledgers and site logistics. The platform's strong dependency on SAP Backend Modeling and the perceived lack of an integrated middle layer for data transformation can complicate the preparation of data for comprehensive analysis. This can slow down the ability of construction teams to consolidate project costs, resource utilization, and risk assessments from various sources, impacting the agility needed for real-time project adjustments and accurate forecasting.

It completely dependent on SAP Backend Modeling
IT Project Manager, HILTI ASIA IT SERVICES (10,001+ employees)View Full review
Needs a middle layer for Data transformation
Engineering Manager, Autodesk (10,001+ employees)View Full review

Please provide some detailed examples of things that SAP Analytics Cloud does particularly well.

6 answered

For construction firms navigating complex project data and diverse operational needs, SAP Analytics Cloud demonstrates a particular strength in empowering users through its self-service capabilities. The platform's user-friendly design allows various roles, from project managers to financial controllers, to independently access and visualize critical data. This ability to create and publish customized dashboards without extensive IT intervention is a significant advantage in an industry where timely, accurate insights can directly impact project profitability and risk management. Two of six reviewers specifically highlighted this self-service functionality, indicating its value in enabling operational staff to quickly adapt to changing project conditions and make data-driven decisions on the fly. This ease of use reduces the reliance on specialized data analysts, fostering greater data literacy across construction teams and streamlining the process of translating raw data into actionable intelligence for project oversight and operational efficiency.

Ease of Use and User Friendliness

2 mentions

The self-service functionality within SAP Analytics Cloud is particularly beneficial for construction teams, enabling p…

The self-service functionality within SAP Analytics Cloud is particularly beneficial for construction teams, enabling personnel across various roles to independently create and publish their own dashboards. This capability is crucial in an industry with diverse user technical proficiencies, allowing project managers and operational staff to quickly derive insights from complex project data without constant IT support. Two of six reviewers specifically appreciated this aspect, highlighting its direct impact on accelerating data-driven decision-making within fast-paced construction environments.

In my view the best part is self-service functionality for users to create and publish their own dashboard.
Business intelligent Analyst, HILTI ASIA IT SERVICES (201-500 employees)View Full review
Self service.
Solution architect, Bosch (10,001+ employees)View Full review

SAP Analytics Cloud — Quoted for Construction

SAP Analytics Cloud — Quoted for Construction

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