SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Suite Review

PROS: The platform can be used even without the knowledge or understanding of the SQL query language. The process of extracting and exporting data is quite straightforward and easy.

CONS: I had difficulties figuring out how to operate the system and generate all reports at first. But I got a hang of it after using it multiple times.

PROS: SAP BI delivers reusable reports way faster than our internal manual queries. Learning the basics of the software is easy. It is possible to run queries in the background (does not slow down the computer or interfere with current tasks) Can easily share queries to other users.

CONS: Understanding how objects or queries works, how to use them, and determining which data to pull may be impossible or at least will take a significant amount of time or effort without guidance from the experts.

PROS: I’ve bid goodbye to the long and tedious process of extracting data and generating reports. With BI, I’ve been able to allocate precious time to other tasks because it runs easily in the background.

CONS: I agree with the other reviews, the learning curve is quite steep with this one. However, if you dedicate the time to learning the ins and outs, you’ll save yourself time in the long run too.

PROS: I like the ability to get all the information I need in a breeze. I am working in pharmaceuticals and this platform perfectly fits our niche’s need and requirements.

CONS: I was overwhelmed by the number of available tools and information the first time I used the software. It’s a bit hard to figure out what you’re going to click next to be able to get a certain data but I eventually got a hang of it.

PROS: I use SAP BO daily to collect client reporting. What I like best is the speed of acquiring results. Also, I can easily export and share the information acquired with my sales partners and customers. It has been a very helpful tool, easy to understand and use.

CONS: I cannot customize some reporting until they are exported. Aside from that, not all reports run fast. Some take time to process.

PROS: I love how properly classified each of the universes are for different functions/teams in the company. One team can have their environment where they operate--here they are given control over special functionalities. And the best part? You can secure each division by only granting access to those with roles on said universes. Reports can be extracted on platforms other than the local server too, freeing up plenty of space for other files.

CONS: This is not exactly for beginners. You’d have to either set aside hours to get to know this tool, or you should have prior knowledge on the tool. Extracting reports off the server is easier said than done. A lot of my teammates have not fully embraced this aspect of the work yet simply because it’s difficult to do.

PROS: It is easy to use and provides tools for customizations of reports; can be a great tool not only for reporting but also for administration. The ability to access it via the web or set it up in a desktop is also helpful.

CONS: They rarely release their patches as well as fixes for bugs on time.

PROS: The recently rolled-out version of BI has truly reinvented this tool. Now, we have a plethora of reporting “templates” to choose from. I love how there seems to be one for every aspect of our business. For example, if we want to churn out a report that has the best resolution for printed copies, there’s always the Crystal option. There’s a choice that assists you in interpreting data too. The list goes on and on. . .

CONS: The features are, admittedly, quite overwhelming. With so many options, it would be better if BI would up its support team game. Or at least produce a more thorough training manual so we are not left out on the cold in trying to figure out the dashboard. Lastly, reports can take quite some time to be extracted too.

PROS: I like how SAP gives me the flexibility to arrange the data in my reports in any way I like. This is useful in both my recurring reports and other tasks I have to run on a day-to-day basis. So far, I haven’t run into any issues with this. It’s simple and straightforward. I love that it offers a mix of intuitiveness and value for money.

CONS: The dashboard could use a spruce up, I think. Right now, it looks outdated. I’ve been having problems with the program itself too because it’s not too reliable. It lags and/or crashes intermittently. When I reach out to their customer reps for support, the call doesn’t always go through also.

PROS: Designing custom reports is very easy. Distribution of the reports is automated. Generally, this platform has saved us as well as our data recipients a lot of time.

CONS: You will need extensive knowledge and experience using BO to be able to build custom variables.

PROS: This is a pretty robust tool. I handle data by the volume, and BO has been the only program that has kept up with the sheer number of tasks and info that I work with.

CONS: The learning curve is quite steep with BO.

PROS: SAP BOBI has the level of quality and service you’d expect from a SAP product. It offers functionalities and tools that will help you discover as well as share insights with so much ease. The tools are constantly updated so we’re never left behind. Apart from the quality and range of functionalities, we’re also able to get quality and reliable support. Their support team remains adept and responsive.

CONS: Keeping track of the tools you own can be quite tricky and challenging since the vendor frequently rebrands the products.

PROS: I mostly use this tool for generating a timetable for my students after they have enrolled. So far, I haven’t had any headaches in doing so. It was easy to learn and up-to-date, it continues to be easy to use too. I also like that I’m not stuck with a templated output. I can spruce up the design any way I like.

CONS: Extracting reports (in my case schedules) comes easy with SAP. I don’t think there is anything that I want to change this program.

PROS: It’s fairly easy to get to know this tool. Right off the bat, you will have everything you need on the dashboard. It was built to anticipate the needs of its users, which I love and appreciate. If by chance, you find yourself having a hard time navigating this tool, you don’t have to worry--there is no shortage of resources on using SAP online. It’s also great how you can easily connect it to most apps too. This way, you can transfer data to and from different platforms.

CONS: I feel like an update is now necessary, but admittedly, I keep putting this off because I know how tedious this process can be. Not to mention, I know I’ll be left to my own devices because the support team isn’t responsive to users’ needs. Also, the reports are pretty flexible, but once you download them, you can no longer edit the elements.

PROS: I don’t have in-depth knowledge when it comes to business intelligence and uses the platform for basic purposes only. So far, it’s good. I like the ease of navigation. It has a good user interface and each tool is labeled so there’s no need to guess their functions. I think advanced users will be able to get more out of this product.

CONS: I think some of the tools are a bit outdated or probably I’m just using an older version of the product.

PROS: We evaluated the current leaders in the Business Intelligence technology and SAP BO came out to be the best, bringing a balanced capability of ad hoc reporting and dimensional analysis. The platform is easy to implement and works flawlessly with ETL tools.

CONS: We didn’t find any cons using the platform.

PROS: Extracting the data elements we need is a breeze using this platform. No need for SQL query language knowledge. The process is simple: connect to the data tables, make a quick query, save the query and drop the data into a formatted text file or a report. Afterward, we can already analyze the data using other software. Setting up routine delivery extracts to servers is also automated so we don’t always have to call for I.S. personnel assistance.

CONS: Learning how to design reports can be quite challenging and takes some time. But it is not a deal breaker and I believe it is a normal thing when using new software.