Many construction businesses install and employ SAP systems, and SAP BTP is the core service group that maximizes their value. This article provides a full explanation of SAP BTP, including its features and services for improving business processes in the construction industry.
SAP BTP: What is it?
The SAP offers a cloud-based “business technology platform” called SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform). It is a low-code or no-code platform based on cutting-edge technology capable of extending and integrating commercial applications.
Many functions, including application development, execution, and integration, database and data administration, data analysis, automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, are provided by SAP BTP and cannot be handled by separate systems. There will be more than 90 functions offered as of November 2023.
Released in 2013, the SAP HANA Cloud Platform (SCP) is the initial version of the sap business technology platform. After that, in 2017 it became SAP Cloud Platform (SAP CP), and in 2021 it became SAP BTP. Formerly known as an application development and integration platform until SAP CP, SAP BTP was positioned as a true “business technology platform” that went beyond simply being a technology platform. However, it now encompasses a wider variety of “business” activities.
The difference between “BTP” and “CP” in SAP
As previously stated, SAP HANA Cloud Platform (SCP) is the source of SAP BTP, and it has developed through SAP Cloud Platform (SAP CP) to its current state. While it is true that BTP has undergone constant rebranding and development, SAP presents a slightly different picture of BTP if you view it as merely an improved version of SAP CP.
SAP BTP is a general term for SAP’s technology layer services that incorporate the functions of SAP CP in the categories of application development and automation, integration, and AI (intelligence technology), as well as other functions provided by SAP, such as expansion planning, analysis, and data and analytics. The services provided by SAP consist of the business process layer “SAP Signavio (formerly Business Process Intelligence)” and the application layer “Intelligence Suite” and “Industry Cloud,” of which SAP BTP occupies the widest area and can be safely considered the core of SAP’s services. SAP states that “SAP BTP is a brand of business technology platform for DX.”
Typical Functions of SAP Business Technology Platform Services in the Construction Industry
The expert sap business technology platform services provide comprehensive functions to solve the complex business problems that companies face. Below, we will introduce the representative functions (services) according to the five categories classified by SAP.
Application Development and Automation
Application development and process automation are among the major features of SAP BTP, which customers can use to build business sites and develop applications. In particular, “SAP Build” is a low-code development service that enables application development with simple drag-and-drop operations, making development faster and easier.
On the other hand, for more serious development, the highly customizable and extensible “SAP Business Application Studio (BAS)” is suitable. For process automation, “SAP Build Process Automation” provides functions to streamline complicated workflows. These services use SAP solutions for a side-by-side approach, allowing new functions to be added without interfering with existing systems.
Expansion Planning and Analysis
Extended planning and analysis to support corporate decision-making is also one of the important functions provided by SAP BTP. To assist strategic planning and facilitate business operations including financial planning, supply chain planning, and sales planning, the sap business technology platform offers data-driven analysis and evaluation. For instance, “SAP Integrated Business Planning for Supply Chain” enables supply chain planning, and “SAP Profitability and Performance Management” supports performance analysis such as corporate profitability.
Integration
SAP BTP smoothly integrates different applications and optimizes business processes. Low-code/no-code development is possible, so anyone can easily develop and extend functions. By utilizing SAP BTP, it is possible to link various applications and data within an organization and significantly improve business efficiency.
Data and Analytics
Data management and analysis are also core features of SAP BTP. “SAP Datasphere” provides seamless access to business data within an organization and comprehensive data management services. “SAP Analytics Cloud” automatically creates forecasts and plans through data analysis, providing strong support for companies in making data-driven decisions.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an important pillar of sap business technology platform solutions, with “SAP AI Business Services” automating business document processing, “SAP AI Core” creating and integrating AI models, and “SAP Conversational AI” offering a multilingual chatbot system to enhance and automate customer support. These offerings within SAP’s AI category may enhance corporate operations and automate repetitive work by employing these AI technologies.
To sum up
SAP BTP provides construction companies with an extensive range of tools for AI, data management, connection, and application development. Businesses may improve decision-making, increase productivity, and expedite processes by utilizing its cutting-edge capabilities, setting themselves up for long-term success in a cutthroat sector.