Advanced output management systems (OMSes) can be an efficient way for IT teams to satisfy changing user needs.

Editor's note: This article introduces the white paper "Getting the Most from Your SAP Production Reports," which is available for free download from the MC Press White Paper Center.

Within each SAP module, there are hundreds of predefined production reports. Many of these are not used or are under-used because they are not available in the desired format, are poorly formatted, and cannot be easily broken into smaller reports and delivered to the appropriate users automatically. Converting them into the appropriate format based on users' needs has traditionally required the time and skill of an advanced business application programming (ABAP) or SapScript programmer. Consistently evolving requirements due to ongoing changes in corporate needs often creates a bottleneck within IT departments. Skilled IT resources tend to be scarce, and report modification often gets overlooked.

By providing the IT team with an efficient solution to cope with various reports, lists, forms, and their distribution, users' requests can be satisfied more efficiently, more frequently, and with a smaller drain on resources. This white paper is a guideline for improving the rendering and efficiency of the complete SAP production reporting system. It will discuss how to leverage the value of your existing production reports and how to deliver timely, properly formatted reports.

Employing an Output Management System

Output Management Systems (OMSes) not only burst and route output files to selected printers based on criteria, they also offer multiples ways to leverage their content and enhance their presentation. Often, you are better served delivering content electronically rather than printing it. In many cases, an OMS allows you to replace printing with PDF, Excel, or XML format, then use Email, SOAP, or publishing/archiving for delivery.

End-user technologies, such as SMS, the iPad, Office 2007, 2D BarCodes, etc. evolve faster than common business practices, such as purchase order procedures or customer balance reporting. Supporting these technologies from a centralized ERP structure that is not easily or often upgraded is a difficult, time-consuming effort. Good external Output Management Solutions that can be easily and often upgraded are better suited to interact with these ever-changing technologies and are often a better solution as long as they provide interoperability and traceability.

Want to Know More?

Download the free white paper "Getting the Most from Your SAP Production Reports" from the MC Press White Paper Center.