SAP IBP Sneak preview of 2511 release is out now. Unlike some of the previous updates, 2511 brings a refreshing set of enhancements across multiple functional areas. There are several noticeable improvements in area of Order Based Planning, Integration, AI etc.
Integration Developments :
Real-Time Integration: Integration of Contract Data
It is now possible to integrate contract data from connected S4 system to IBP in form of transportation lanes. Why is this feature important, its important because it brings S4 execution closer to planning. Most of the customers had to do custom developments in order to create transportation lanes using contract data or else rely on purchase info records which in most of the companies not used.
Real-Time Integration: Incremental Data Transfer for Product
SAP IBP now allows you to integrate the data that is dependent on a material (which is Product in SAP IBP) even when the integration of the material master fails.
It does not completely solves the problem during integration however allows you to save part of the data in SAP IBP. Ex – an integration model is generated for material, assuming material-location data has got some errors the entire integration model would fail and even the material would not get created on IBP side. By enabling this customizing the run would allow creation of Product on IBP side, afterwards master data issue can be solved and Location Product can be integrated.
IBP Foundation :
Model Configuration : enhancements to the IBP_ADD_TIME_DIMENSION function
SAP has now enhanced IBP_ADD_TIME_DIMENSION function to support another use case which is to copy data of a time dependent key figure into another time dependent key figure of a finer granularity. Although the usage is limited but it can help simplify the configuration in some cases ex – copy safety days value from month to week
Model Configuration : New Application Job Template: Adapt Planning Data from Master Data with Attribute as Key Figure
SAP has now provided a new application job to adjust your planning (key figure data) which is derived from AAKF (Attribute as a key figure), these kind of inconsistencies often happen when new AAKF are added to planning area with pre-existing master data records. In the past consultants had to re-load the master data in order to reconcile the planning data with master data.
Cross Applications : Integration of Microsoft Teams Features in SAP Integrated Business Planning
Its now possible to integrate Microsoft teams with SAP IBP, this would allow IBP applications to send messages to teams ex – if a job has failed, finished etc. We don’t think that this feature is that useful at this stage but is definitely a step in right direction.
Order Based Planning Developments :
Order Based Planning : Consideration of Existing Planned Receipts When Creating Planned Receipts from Key Figures
You can now define if you want to factor in existing planned receipts during creation of new receipts, previously the Create Planned receipts application job always used to create new receipts. I think this is a very welcoming feature and would help save the configuration effort required.
AI Developments :
Demand Planning : AI-Assisted Forecast Explanations in Planning UIs
SAP has now released the AI-assisted forecast explanation feature for all customers, this feature was released in 2508 but for limited customers. However, customers would need to have license for Joule Premium – Supply chain management.
Inventory Optimization : AI-Assisted Inventory Analysis
Similar to Demand Planning, SAP has now released the AI-assisted Inventory analysis for all customers, this feature was released in 2508 but for limited customers.
WalkMe-Based Alternative User Experience for In-App Help
SAP acquired WalkMe in 2024, this AI enabled tool helps in creating guidance and automation with overall purpose of boosting system adoption. The first fiori app where it would be introduced is Projected Stock with some limited usage ex – Show me around, Create a Planned order etc
In future we expect WalkMe features to be integrated into more FIORI apps.
For more information on SAP IBP Sneak Preview 2511 use link.
If you want to start your IBP journey or are willing to explore more in SAP IBP space, then please do reach out to us on info@smartcons.nl