SAP SEM-BCS vs BFC and BPC – Focus on consolidation

The SEM-BCS (Business Consolidation System) application is considered as one of the most structured   and mature solutions, offering a high level of automation for the consolidation process. From its first release in 2002 (for the BW-based version), it has benefited from the major enhancements and will still be supported until 2025 (at least). However, the new SAP BusinessObjects consolidation solutions should now be BFC and BPC. These products were acquired by SAP in 2007 to challenge Oracle Corporation and develop a leading position in the BI Analytics area. They are presented as core components of SAP long-term strategy and best-in-class solutions, capable of covering large organizations and complex consolidation requirements. For my part, I have been working on the SEM-BCS solution for many years, and to be honest, it was quite difficult to accept that two new SAP consolidation solutions could replace an existing efficient one. That is why I wanted through this document to draw an objective comparison between SEM-BCS, BPC and BFC on a few consolidation features, and thus show what was the logic and added value of each application.