Solution improvements SAP MDG S/4 HANA 2022
Welcome to our annual update on the latest iteration of SAP's Master Data Governance solution! This time, we're thrilled to introduce SAP MDG S/4 HANA 2022. This release is particularly exciting as it incorporates 20 innovative features designed in alignment with feedback and priorities from our valued customers and partners, gathered through the SAP Customer Connection program of this year.
Each of these enhancements directly addresses improvement requests from users, marking SAP MDG S/4 HANA 2022 as our most customer-centric release to date. This responsive approach ensures that our solutions not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of our users in the realm of data management.
As we did in last year's blog, we urge our customers to engage with this year's Customer Connection program. By participating, you can submit new feature suggestions or upvote existing proposals, thereby directly influencing the continuous improvement of our solutions for 2023 and beyond. If you need any assistance navigating this process, our dedicated team of experts is readily available to assist you.
Join us as we explore the new capabilities of SAP MDG S/4 HANA 2022. Dive into our comprehensive overview and see how these advancements can enhance your master data management strategy, helping to streamline operations and foster business growth. Let’s delve into the specifics and discover how these new features can transform your data governance landscape for the better!
SAP Master Data Governance - overview
SAP Master Data Governance is the cornerstone solution from SAP for enterprise master data management. This powerful tool helps streamline your master data processes and significantly boosts the quality of data across your organization. Let’s delve into a detailed overview of the key components of SAP MDG that have seen substantial enhancements in 2022:
Central Governance: This component is designed to simplify the creation and management of master data. It employs centralized workflows that enable users to create, modify, and validate master data adhering to specific business rules and the expertise of domain specialists. After a record is approved within the workflow, it is ready to be replicated throughout the enterprise, ensuring consistency and compliance.
Consolidation & Mass processing: These functions are integral for optimizing data management across large enterprises. Consolidation allows for the identification and merging of duplicate data entries, ensuring the use of the most accurate records for business operations and analytics. Meanwhile, Mass processing facilitates the handling and updating of large volumes of data in bulk, significantly improving efficiency and consistency in data maintenance and governance activities. Together, these features streamline data management processes, reduce errors, and enhance overall data quality.
Data Quality Management: This functionality empowers you to proactively monitor and manage the quality of your master data. With tools integrated directly within the application, you can identify and rectify data quality issues, ensuring that the data your organization relies on is both accurate and trustworthy.
More general information about SAP MDG can be found here.
General MDG framework improvements
The following general innovations are implemented in the SAP MDG S/4 HANA 2022.
| Feature | Note/SP/Release | Lowest release | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enable download functionality of all error messages in Excel file | SAP Notes 3194967, 3129191, 3146760 | As of S/4HANA 1809 and MDG 9.2 | 1 |
| File down and upload with Excel files | SAP Notes 3194967, 3155366, 3137753 | As of S/4HANA 1809 SP04 and MDG 9.2 | 2 |
| Enable convenience API with option to create change request by reference | SAP Notes 3199378, 3208250 | As of S/4HANA 1809 and MDG 9.2 | 3 |
| Perform duplicate check on demand | SAP Notes 3194967, 3156812 | As of S/4HANA 1809 and MDG 9.2 | 4 |
| Number of records/entries functionality in MDG NWBC | SAP Notes 3194967, 3196973, 3216162 | As of S/4HANA 1809 and MDG 9.2 | 5 |
| MDG Enhancement of custom columns in Standard Layout of the result list of found duplicates | Online Help | All | 6 |
| Workflow tracker improvements for parallel workflows | SAP Notes 3094459, 3168316, 3203982 | As of S/4HANA 1511 and MDG 8.0 | 7 |
| Search operator 'Contains' should not be case sensitive | SAP Notes 3216762 | As of S/4HANA 1809 | 8 |
Below some of the most interesting improvements in the general MDG framework are illustrated.
1. Enable download functionality of all error messages in excel file
As a master data steward, it’s very conveniant to download all error messages generated during file uploads in the Office Open XML format (XLSX). This capability enables to generate a comprehensive list of errors and distribute the resolution tasks among several team members efficiently.
An 'Export Errors' button has been added to facilitate the downloading of all error messages in the Office Open XML file (XLSX) format. This feature streamlines the process of error management and distribution.
2. File down and upload with Excel files
To improve user experience and increase compatibility with commonly used file formats, the applications "File Upload" and "File Download" now support the processing of XLSX format files. This allows users to easily upload and download their data in a familiar format, without the need for additional file conversions.
See this link for a demo of this functionality.
3. Enable convenience API with option to create change request by reference
For developers utilizing SAP Master Data Governance, there's an important update in the extension of Class CL_USMD_MODEL_EXT, which now includes a new method named CREATE_FOLLOW_UP_CREQUEST. This addition allows for the creation of follow-up change requests, enhancing control and flexibility within the data management process. Furthermore, updates have been made to the MDG API Guide and the enhancement implementation MDG_BS_MAT_CREATE_SUCCESSOR_CR to incorporate this change. These updates provide developers with the essential resources and tools needed to effectively implement and leverage this new functionality in their projects.
4. Perform duplicate check on demand
SAP Master Data Governance on SAP S/4HANA 2022 enhances user flexibility by allowing on-demand duplicate checks without any prerequisites. This feature enables you to verify potential duplicates at your convenience, irrespective of whether a check was conducted previously or if any data modifications have occurred since. With this capability, you can maintain data accuracy and prevent possible errors or inconsistencies at any time.
A demo video of this improvement can be found here.
7. CR-Tracker Improved for Parallel Workflow Steps
The Change Request Tracker in SAP Master Data Governance has been updated to include happy flow information for parallel change request work items. This enhancement allows end-users to conveniently monitor the progress of multiple concurrent steps within a change request, facilitating better tracking and management of workflows.
Solution:
Display step 00 only once for clarity.
Show the optimal path for the branch currently assigned.
Emphasize the step corresponding to the work item that is actively open on the screen.
Present the status of all steps within the parallel workflows to provide a comprehensive view.
A demo video of this improvement can be found here.
Central Governance – Financial
The following MDG Financial innovations are implemented in the SAP MDG S/4 HANA 2022.
| Feature | Note/SP/Release | Lowest releases | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhancement of New Copy Function for Company Code G/L Accounts | SAP Notes 3194967, 3139101 | As of S/4HANA 1809 and MDG 9.2 | 1 |
| Harmonisation of S/4 HANA and MDG-F groups & hierarchies | SAP Notes 3170182 | As of S/4HANA 2020 | 2 |
Below the most interesting improvement in MDG-F is illustrated.
1. Improvements of Copy Function for G/L Accounts Company Code Data
Companies can now easily copy G/L accounts from an existing company code to a newly introduced one in MDG Financials S/4 HANA 2022, saving a significant amount of time and effort. This streamlined process eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of errors.
2. Cost Element Hierarchy Data visible in “Manage Global Hierarchies”
As a master data expert or steward, you want the ability to replicate data for Cost Element Hierarchies not only into the SET*-tables but also into the relevant HRRP* tables for Global Hierarchies, in the same manner as it is done for SOA inbound services for profit center and cost center data. The changes in the Cost Element Hierarchy from the MDG-F application are now visible in the S/4 FIORI app "Manage Global Hierarchies." This visibility requires no switch or business function, just a S/4CORE note and two new entries in the maintenance view FINS_HIER_CONF. This enhanced functionality allows for a more streamlined and efficient cost management process by providing real-time visibility into cost element hierarchy changes.
Central Governance – Business Partners, Customers, and Vendors
The following MDG Business Partner innovations are implemented in the SAP MDG S/4 HANA 2022.
| Feature | Note/SP/Release | Lowest release | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missing standard fields in the MDG data model | Release | as of S/4HANA 2022 | 1 |
| Enabling end-users to add valid-from / valid to dates to both addresses and address usages | Release | as of S/4HANA 2022 | 2 |
| Using Derivation Scenarios for BP/Customer/Supplier | Release | as of S/4HANA 2022 | 3 |
1. Business partner data model aligned with SOAP service
For master data specialists there is now the capability to maintain business partners and replicate the data to other systems using the SOAP service. The BP data model now contains all relevant fields of the SOAP service to prevent data loss during replication. In addition, for attributes of Retail and Fashion Management, the business function "ISR_RETAILSYSTEM" must be active for new UIBBs.
The following entities have been enhanced:
See also SAP Note 2221398 - MDG-BP/C/S/CA: (Un-)Supported Fields in Data Model BP
A demo video of this improvement can be found here.
2. Validity dates for Business Partner specific data
As a master data specialist, it’s convenient to maintain valid from and valid to dates for addresses and address usages. You need this option to maintain addresses with a restricted validity period (e.g., ship to or bill to addresses). You also want to maintain validity periods for bank accounts, identification numbers, and roles without having to adjust the user interface beforehand.
The solution is delivered with this improvement. Validity periods for addresses and address usages, bank accounts, identification numbers, and roles are available in the BP data model. Valid to and valid from date fields have been added to Business Partner specific data like Roles, Address, Address Usages, Bank Accounts, Identification numbers and Communication information (telephone, email, websites etc).
The standard UIs do not display the validity until the customizing is activated according to central BP customizing (IMG > Cross-Application Components > SAP Business Partner >Activation Switch for Functions).
A demo video of this improvement can be found here.
3. Using Derivation Scenarios for BP/Customer/Supplier
As a master data steward, you want to derive values of single or multiple fields, create or update dependent entities, and maintain an overview of your derivations to achieve a high degree of automation in your governance processes.
This solution integrates MDG Data Quality Management Derivation Scenarios into MDG Central Governance and is based on a background step in the rule-based workflow, a custom BAdI implementation, a new API (CL_MDG_MDQ_RBWF_DERIVE), and corresponding customizing. Derivation scenarios offer rules for deriving values of single or multiple fields, and for creating or updating dependent entities. These scenarios consolidate derivation rules into executable and manageable units that include lifecycle management, configuration, and data maintenance by business users.
Central Governance – Materials
The following MDG Material innovations are implemented in the SAP MDG S/4 HANA 2022.
| Feature | Note/SP/Release | Lowest releases | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDG Material Remote Client Key Search - Support "Business System" Field Dropdown | SAP Notes 3194967 and 3117530 | As of S/4HANA1809 and MDG 9.2 | 1 |
| Using Derivation Scenarios for Product Data | Release | As of S/4HANA 2022 | 2 |
1. Business System Field Value Help for Remote Client Key Search
As a master data specialist, you want to select the Business System using a value help in the material Remote Client Key Search to enhance usability. This feature is already available in the MDG-BP/C/S search, where value help is provided on the Business System field. This feature is now also available for materials.
2. Using Derivation Scenarios for Product Data
As a master data steward, you aim to derive values from single or multiple fields, create or update dependent entities, and maintain an overview of your derivations to achieve a high degree of automation in your governance processes. This is facilitated through the integration of MDG Data Quality Management Derivation Scenarios into MDG Central Governance. This integration involves a background step in the rule-based workflow, a custom BAdI implementation, and a new API (CL_MDG_MDQ_RBWF_DERIVE), along with necessary customizations. Derivation scenarios provide rules for deriving values and updating dependent entities, consolidating these rules into manageable units that include lifecycle management, configuration, and maintenance by business users.
Data Quality Management
The following MDG Data Quality Management innovations are implemented in the SAP MDG S/4 HANA 2022.
| Feature | Note/SP/Release | Lowest Releases | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simulate Validation Rules | Release | As of S/4HANA 2022 | 1 |
| Custom Fields Enabled for Data Quality Management | Release | As of S/4HANA 2022 | 2 |
| Export and Import Derivation Scenarios | Release | As of S/4HANA 2022 | 3 |
1. Validation rule simulation test functionality
This improvement includes a test function for rule implementation before it goes live, allowing for the simulation of both active and inactive versions of validation rule implementations. The enabled domains for this functionality are Product and Business Partner, including Customer and Supplier. The benefits and business value of these features include verifying the correctness of rule implementation, reducing the risk of unexpected rule changes by comparing simulation results between inactive and active versions, and providing a preview of rule results to assess potential impacts on data quality.
2. Custom Fields Data Quality Management
This improvement includes enabling custom fields across all MDG Data Quality Management processes and apps, which becomes effective once they are published from the Custom Field app. The enabled domains for this feature are Product and Business Partner, including both Customer and Supplier. The benefits and business value derived from these features are the ease of managing custom fields within MDG data quality management and a reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) associated with working with custom fields.
3. Export/Import Derivation Scenarios
This improvement includes include the ability to download and upload derivation scenarios and their rules, and a unified app for managing both Products and Business Partners. The benefits and business value of these features include a faster setup of system landscapes and the reuse of derivation scenarios across different systems.
Consolidation & Mass Processing
The following new capabilities in Consolidation and Mass processing have become available with SAP MDG S/4 HANA 2022.
| Feature | Note/SP/Release | Lowest Releases | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export records with messages in validation step | Release | Lowest Releases | 1 |
| Export active records in activation step | Release | Lowest Releases | 2 |
| Mass deletion of business partner relationships | Release | Lowest Releases | 3 |
| Schedule consolidation runs for consolidation of active records | Release | Lowest Releases | 4 |
| Remove unchanged data for mass processing (product) | Release | Lowest Releases | 5 |
1. Export capability for records in the validation step with messages
This new feature enables an export capability for records in the validation step, useful in processes such as Consolidation (Initial Check) and Mass Processing (Validation). The key feature is the ability to export data in a spreadsheet format, which includes all related messages in an additional tab. This data can then be corrected directly in the spreadsheet and re-imported. Additionally, this functionality is integrated into the Export Master Data app.
The benefits and business value of this setup include an improved process for handling errors through file uploads and enhanced visibility of issues in mass processing tasks, streamlining the error resolution and data management processes.
2. Export active records in the activation step
To increase documentation capabilities for changed and created records during mass processing & consolidation you can now export all activated records after the activation step of the process.
This can be done either inside the activation step of the process or by opening the “Export Master Data” app. Inside the app, a new export function “By Process ID” has been added.
3. Mass deletion of business partner relationships
This feature includes a mass deletion process for business partner relationships, which is now integrated into the app "Manage Mass Processes for Business Partner Relationships." This new process, called "Mass Deletion," allows for the selection of relationships to be deleted via a selection step or file upload. A summary of changes is provided in the activation step to display a list of the deleted relationships.
The benefits and business value include a new and effective process for conducting mass deletions of business partner relationships, streamlining operations and enhancing data management capabilities.
4. Schedule consolidation runs for consolidation of active records
This feature includes the ability to schedule consolidation runs for the consolidation of active records, utilizing reports specific to business partners and products (MDC_SCHED_CNSLDT_ACTV_147 and MDC_SCHED_CNSLDT_ACTV_194 respectively). The system supports dynamic date selection for recurring runs and allows users to choose from a predefined set of selection criteria and a process template to determine the records to be considered. The behavior of these scheduled runs mimics that of manual runs.
The benefits and business value include improved data quality through regular detection of duplicates, enhancing overall data management and integrity.
5. Remove unchanged Material data during the mass process (Product)
This feature includes a new step designed to remove unchanged data from mass processing workflows for products, significantly improving performance in the validation and activation steps. This step specifically targets and removes unchanged records completely from the process, focusing on data from specific tables such as Plant Data (MARC), Storage Location (MARD), Warehouse (MLGN), and Sales Data (MVKE). This functionality is available for product (OTC: 194) and supports the process goals of Mass Processing and Consolidation of Active Records.
The main benefit and business value of implementing this feature is the enhanced performance during validation and activation steps, ensuring a more efficient processing workflow.
Conclusion
SAP values the opinions of its customers and partners highly, and as a result, we can expect ongoing improvements to the Master Data Governance (MDG) solution and the broader master data management strategy. The latest 2022 release of MDG for S/4HANA, which integrates customer feedback, shows SAP's dedication to refining the solution's capabilities and enhancing the user experience annually.
Looking ahead, SAP plans to build on the existing features of MDG while integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to boost the solution's data quality and management capabilities. This could include innovations such as duplicate detection or process automation. Currently, the solution includes features like data profiling, validation rules, and quality dashboards as part of SAP's progressive efforts in this area.
As the significance of data governance and master data management gains wider recognition across industries, more businesses are likely to adopt solutions like MDG to enhance data accuracy, consistency, and reliability. SAP's emphasis on incorporating customer feedback and its commitment to continuous enhancement help ensure that the solution remains relevant and valuable to businesses, potentially broadening its applicability to companies of various sizes and sectors.
In summary, the recent updates in MDG for S/4HANA 2022 underscore SAP's dedication to delivering innovative, customer-focused solutions that improve master data management practices. As data governance and management become more critical for businesses, MDG and SAP’s master data management strategy will play an essential role in helping organizations achieve their data management objectives.
Source list
What’s new with Central Governance in SAP Master Data Governance on S/4HANA 2022
What’s new with Data Quality Management in SAP Master Data Governance on S/4HANA 2022
What’s new with Consolidation and Mass Processing in SAP Master Data Governance on S/4HANA 2022
More information
Product release highlights can be found here. What’s New Viewer for SAP S/4HANA can be found here (search for term MDG). For further questions or information on this topic or for other questions in the area of SAP Workflow, Fiori or SAP Invoice Management, please contact Sander van der Wijngaart.
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