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Author's profile photo Venkata Raghu Banda

Embedding Machine Learning into SAP S/4HANA

Part 6 of the blog series:

A podcast on this topic is also available here.

A blog series is in works around the topic of the ISLM framework and how it is leveraged for building machine learning scenarios!

Continuing our blog series after a brief interruption due to the unprecedented pandemic times, let us now dive into the details of how you can build machine learning and predictive analytics into SAP S/4HANA. In the earlier blog, we discussed briefly the various use cases around embedding and consuming machine learning services with SAP S/4HANA by explaining the way these use cases are organized. Let us now look into the mechanics of how this functionality is embedded into SAP S/4HANA.

In the blog series earlier, while discussing the architecture and the different approaches of doing predictive analytics and machine learning with SAP S/4HANA, we explained the concept of the Predictive Analytics Integrator (PAi) and the key role it plays while embedding this machine learning functionality. Now we are releasing the second version of the PAi which is called Intelligent Scenario Lifecycle Management (ISLM) in Q3 2020. While PAi was focused on embedding HANA’s APL library directly without coding, the HANA PAL algorithms could be embedded using generic coding methodology into SAP S4HANA. Now with ISLM technology, you could embed HANA PAL and HANA APL without any coding into the SAP S/4HANA business applications. The lifecycle management of ISLM handles this approach beautifully. Furthermore, you could also leverage the ISLM technology to leverage the other machine learning algorithms from R programming, Tensor Flow, Python libraries etc., using the side-by-side approach which we shall discuss in the next blog – “Expanding the digital core with SAP Business Technology Platform“.

Typically the need here is to handle the embedding of machine learning functionality with minimal or no movement of data. These algorithms used in embedded ML are very performance intensive as high volumes of data are handled and processed. As explained earlier with SAP HANA you have the Predictive Analysis Library (PAL) and Automated Predictive Library (APL) application libraries that provide statistical and mining algorithms. While the SAP HANA APL has built-in operations like feature engineering and detection of adequate algorithms, the SAP HANA PAL library provides more than 100 different flavors of ML algorithms. The purpose of PAi aka ISLM is to provide a common interface for the consumption of the ML models independent of the underlying predictive engine to provide predictions and results. This modeling and administrative tool is hugely helpful in managing the complete lifecycle of the model creation, model training, model adoption and model application into the SAP S/4HANA business processes.

The following pictures gives a quick overview of how ISLM can help to articulate in creating the ML models and embed into the SAP S/4HANA applications. Here we are using the PAL (also called HEMI – HANA Embedded Machine Language Interface) or APL libraries in creating the these ML models.

Step 1: Use the Intelligent Scenario Management app

Step 2: Select Embedded modeling

Step 3: Select APL or HEMI (HANA PAL)

As seen above you can start creating an embedded predictive model or use an existing predictive model into your SAP S/4HANA apps.

Currently the following is available for the customers/partners:

  • All the old scenarios developed using PAi are migrated to ISLM
  • New SAP S/4HANA intelligent scenarios integrated into S/4 are available based on the HANA ML (APL and PAL algorithms)
  • Custom developed scenarios are possible based on embedded SAP HANA ML (APL and PAL algorithms) – these can be developed by the customers and partners

For the audience to understand the concepts of how to leverage the ISLM technology to embed machine learning into SAP S/4HANA business processes, we have come up with a best practices package. The best practices package provides a step-by-step guide on the different aspects of machine learning with SAP S/4HANA, explains the different approaches of doing machine learning with SAP S/4HANA and finally provides access to all the different use cases along with the scope items corresponding to them. We have a created 2 different scope items or documentation that explains how to use ISLM while embedding in the SAP S/4HANA Cloud as well as embedding the the SAP S/4HANA On-premise.

Additionally an SAP CAL appliance image is available for customers and partners to try out some of the example ISLM scenarios. You can find more information here about the SAP CAL appliance.

In the next blog let us discuss the mechanics behind creating an ML scenario using the side-by-side methodology.

Here are some quick links to the blogs in this series to give you a complete understanding of how Predictive Intelligence is infused into SAP S/4HANA.

Happy predicting the future!!

 

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      18 Comments
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      Author's profile photo N. Pot
      N. Pot

      Just a simple question: I'm looking for the "Intelligent Scenario"-tiles in our S/4HANA Cloud Demo-system, but I cannot find them.

      I do have the role BR_ANALYTICS_SPECIALIST assigned to my user, but apparantly I miss either a role or an activated scope item.

      Do you have a suggestion where to look?

      Thanks in advance, Nic

      Author's profile photo Declan Kearney
      Declan Kearney

      The SAP_BR_ANALYTICS_SPECIALIST role as per S/4HANA 2011 should contain necessary auths for both ISLM tiles : Intelligent Scenario / Intelligent Scenario Management.

      Can you verify what release you are on ?

      Is the BR_ANALYTICS_SPECIALIST role template you mention a custom creation ?

      Author's profile photo N. Pot
      N. Pot

      Thanks for your reply, Declan.

      I'm on SAP S/4HANA CLOUD 2102.

      So I'm convinced that I missed something, but just cannot figure out what.

      Author's profile photo Venkata Raghu Banda
      Venkata Raghu Banda
      Blog Post Author

      Hello Nic,

      I hope your question is clarified.

      Thanks Declan for responding to the question. Prior to 2011, you would be having the "Predictive models" tiles. This is the older version which is based on the "Predictive Analytics Integrator". Starting 2011, you have the newer version of "Intelligent Scenario Lifecycle management". Please refer to the blog which talks about migration of the PAi scenarios to ISLM and the roadmap etc.

      best regards,

      Raghu.

       

      Author's profile photo N. Pot
      N. Pot

      Hi Raghu,
      Thanks for your reply. I also replied Declan.
      I'm on SAP S/4HANA CLOUD 2102, so I don't have much to change, but somehow I do miss something.

      Author's profile photo Declan Kearney
      Declan Kearney

      Hi Nic,

      If you are on S/4HANA CE2102, and not seeing the tiles then I would suspect issue is with role you are using.

      As mentioned, SAP template role is SAP_BR_ANALYTICS_SPECIALIST. If you are using a different role template that it likely the reason you are not seeing the ISLM tiles.

      Please check role assignment, and if no obvious problem is seen raise a Ticket, we can then investigate issue further and connect to system etc.

      Bye

      Declan

       

       

      Author's profile photo Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah
      Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah

      Hi Raghu,

      Thank you for the Blog. I have a quick question on the AI/ML/Predictive Analytics used in

      SAP (  IAM)  Intelligent Asset Management. could you please help/confirm when you have a moment.

      1. The SAP IAM has lot of Predictive Capabilities, is this considered to be the Side by Side Scenario.
      2. The Complete IAM is built inside the SAP BTP
      3. The ISLM frame work is only inside the  S/4 or it will it be Part of the the SAP IAM.
      4. How the AI/ML inside S/4 is different from SAP IAM. 

       

      Regards

      Ram

       

      Author's profile photo Venkata Raghu Banda
      Venkata Raghu Banda
      Blog Post Author

      Hello Ram,

      Yes, as you rightly pointed out the SAP IAM is considered to be a side-by-side scenario since the ML capabilities are built on the SAP BTP and leveraged in the SAP IAM. Though ISLM framework resides in the basis layer in SAP S/4HANA, the framework helps to utilize intelligent scenarios in the embedded approach or the side-by-side approach. While talking about the side-by-side approach, the ISLM framework is utilized to leverage the ML models built on SAP DI or SAP AI Business Services that are integrated with SAP S/4HANA so that the model management and operations are harmonized. You can check the ISLM blog series and the ISLM community page for more detailed understanding of the same. You could also listen in a podcast with an expert from our ISLM community here.

      Another example of how to embed custom ML in SAP S/4HANA with the help of ISLM is discussed here.

      best regards and stay safe,

      Raghu.

       

      Author's profile photo Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah
      Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah

      Thank you very much Raghu for the quick update. It is very helpful.

       

      Regards

      Ram

      Author's profile photo Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah
      Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah

      Hi Raghu,

      Sorry to check again. Could you please help when you have a moment, I have couple of questions.

      1. Can we use the ISML frame work in the Side Car HANA scenario - It is not side by side, it is  HANA DB as side Car. We used to do when it is ECC or Suite on HANA and move the data from ECC or suite on HANA before for real time reporting.
      2. I believe the the ISML frame work is in the Application (S/4)  and the HANA side care is just the HANA DB, a different system. How can we consume the the ISML frame work in the Side Car HANA DB. Is this possible. I have not seen any document which talks about his.
      3. Consuming the ISML frame work (Scenarios)  from S/4 in to HANA DB as side car, do I need to move the data or access virtually. Is this possible. In general SAP says to have the ML algorithms closer to source, if I am consuming the data from S/4 in to HANA  Side car, will it have any impact on the performance.
      4. Are there any standard content  (Like BI Content  ) Available for utilities - Truck management
      5. More importantly - The AI/ML , is available in Multiple software components - I am interested to understand in 2 - 1) ISML inside S/4 2) Also inside IAM - Which is on BTP) . How is AI /ML different in these scenarios and can we consume the ISML frame work inside the IAM/BTP?

      Thank you very much.

       

      Regards

      Ram

       

      Author's profile photo Venkata Raghu Banda
      Venkata Raghu Banda
      Blog Post Author

      Hello Ram,

      I will keep you updated after discussing internally with our ISLM team, I would be updating the blog accordingly.

      best regards and stay safe,

      Raghu.

       

      Author's profile photo Jerry Janda
      Jerry Janda

      Please note that the inclusion of a personal email address publicly violates our rules of engagement (https://community.sap.com/resources/rules-of-engagement). I've edited the comment to remove.

      Venkata Raghu Banda Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah If you'd like to get in touch with each other outside of the comments here, please follow each other's profiles (if you don't already): Venkata Raghu Banda and Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah. Then you can exchange private messages via the community, and if you wish, you can share email information privately that way.

      Kind regards,

      --Jerry
      Moderation Lead

      Author's profile photo Venkata Raghu Banda
      Venkata Raghu Banda
      Blog Post Author

      Hello Ram,

      I was able to verify a few things with our ISLM teams internally and here are my detailed responses.

      • ISLM resides in the SAP S/4HANA and hence the side-car approach of leveraging the HANA DB is not yet possible. I don't have the external roadmap for the same. The side car approach for HANA DB with ISLM is not yet possible since it requires a new level of abstraction that is not compatible with the CDS views etc. In future this might be possible when the set-up had to be done something similar to the side-by-side approach with remote access etc. - but the short answer is currently the side-car approach for ISLM is not possible.
      • There is definitely a lot of standard content that is already available in the form of embedded scenarios as well as side-by-side scenarios with out-of-box configured content with S/4. Please refer to our help.com and best practices content for the same. This blog and the other  blog about  also discuss the same.

      If you still have questions, you can reach out to me and I can explain in detail.

      Author's profile photo Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah
      Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah

      Thank you for the update Raghu. This input is really helpful to make the decision. Really Appreciate.

      But question is we wanted to Integrate the S/4 Data with IOT sensor Data. I believe, In general SAP may not recommend bringing IOT data to S/4 . So if I want to Integrate the Sensor Data, what are my options

      1. BTP i.e IAM module inside PdMS and or DI .
      2. Any other thought on this can integrated?

      I will check the link. Thank you very much.

       

      Regards

      Ram

      Author's profile photo Venkata Raghu Banda
      Venkata Raghu Banda
      Blog Post Author

      Currently the option 1 of BTP would be the best.

      Author's profile photo Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah
      Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah

      Sure. Thank you Raghu.

       

      Regards

      Ram

      Author's profile photo Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah
      Ramakrishnan Ramanathaiah

      Thank yo very much Raghu. Really appreciate.

       

      Regards

      Ram

      Author's profile photo Venkata Raghu Banda
      Venkata Raghu Banda
      Blog Post Author

      Hello Ram,

      I have reached out to our internal ISLM colleagues and hence confirming the same:

      • Currently ISLM doesn't support the side-car HANA DB approach. ISLM resides in SAP S/4HANA and hence that is the only embedded scenario that is supported. For the side-by-side scenario, the ISLM still resides in S/4 but the data is pushed onto the BTP where the ML services reside. This is explained in the other side-by-side blog.
      • A new level of abstraction is needed for ISLM to support the side-car HANA DB which is not compatible with the CDS views currently. In future it might support the side-car HANA DB approach but I am not aware of the external roadmap for the same. The side-car HANA DB would need remote access that needs to be handled and the set-up in future might be something similar to the current side-by-side approach. But we don't have any timelines for the same.
      • With regard to standard content, there are a lot of scenarios that are already available as embedded or side-by-side and you can refer our help.com or best practices content for more details. While this blog details about the embedded scenarios, the other blog discusses about the side-by-side scenarios.

      If you still have questions that need to be clarified, you can reach out to me.

      best regards and stay safe,

      Raghu.