CDS views - plans and actuals from SAP Group Reporting

CDS views in SAP Group Reporting that combine both planned and actual data. This is crucial for analysis, forecasting, and performance monitoring within your group. While a definitive list is difficult for the reasons mentioned before, here's a breakdown of how to approach finding these views:

1. Understanding the Data Model:

• ACDOCP: This is a key table in S/4HANA for storing plan data, often integrated with SAC (as we discussed earlier). CDS views built on top of ACDOCP will likely be relevant for your needs.
• Actuals Tables: Actual financial data resides in various tables depending on your S/4HANA version and modules (e.g., ACDOCA for Universal Journal, BSEG for classic GL). CDS views combining these with plan data are what you're after.

2. CDS View Search Strategies:

• View Browser (SE16H):
  • Use SE16H and filter by descriptions containing "plan," "actual," "budget," or "forecast."
  • Look for views with names like I_ActualPlanComparison* or similar.
  • Pay attention to the data source tables in the view definition.
• SAP Help Portal: Search the S/4HANA Group Reporting documentation for "CDS views plan actual comparison" or related phrases.

3. Likely CDS View Candidates:

• Actual & Budget Comparison Views: These views often provide period-based or year-to-date comparisons between actuals and budget/plan data in group currency.
• Consolidated Financial Statement Views: Some consolidated financial statement views might include versions for both actuals and plans, allowing you to analyze them side-by-side.
• Custom CDS Views: If you can't find a perfect fit, consider building custom CDS views that join plan and actual data sources according to your requirements.

4. Key Considerations:

• Data Scope: Determine the specific plan data you need (e.g., budget, rolling forecast, long-term plan) and ensure the CDS view encompasses it.
• Consolidation Level: Consider whether you need views with data at the consolidation unit level, the group level, or both.
• Currency and Time: Ensure the views provide data in the desired currency (group currency or local) and time granularity (period, quarter, year).

Example:

Imagine a CDS view named I_GRPC_ActualPlanComparison_YTD that combines year-to-date actuals from ACDOCA and plan data from ACDOCP for a specific group, providing key figures like revenue, cost of goods sold, and operating profit. This view would be valuable for analyzing performance against the plan throughout the year.

By using a combination of these strategies and carefully examining the CDS view definitions, you can effectively find the views that meet your needs for analyzing plan and actual data in SAP Group Reporting.