Welcome to my second update on Sustainability for the year 2023. This post will focus on key innovations with the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition 2308 with Sustainability. I will be covering the latest release of SAP Sustainability Footprint Management, and then the newest updates from other products like SAP Responsible Design and Production and SAP E-Mobility. For the last update, have a look at my previous blog post "Sustainability with SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition 2302".
Let's begin with a quick overview of the latest and greatest from Sustainability LoB. Watch my video below and lets get right into it.
Overview of Sustainability Innovations Delivered with SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition 2308
Table of Contents
This blog post covers the following topics:
SAP Cloud for Sustainable Enterprises - Brief Overview
SAP Sustainability Footprint Management
SAP Responsible Design and Production
SAP Cloud for Sustainable Enterprises - Brief Overview
As always, I will start the blog post with an overview of SAP Cloud for Sustainable Enterprises.
SAP Cloud for Sustainable Enterprises is a comprehensive cloud offer that integrates data and process to manage carbon footprint, reduce material waste, and achieve social sustainability. Supported with the power and expertise of a global ecosystem.
SAP Cloud for Sustainable Enterprises
SAP Cloud for Sustainable Enterprises brings together data and business process solutions to address:
- Holistic Steering and Reporting: Gain deep insights into sustainability performance to steer your business
- Zero Emissions with Climate Action: Reduce your carbon footprint and emissions across the value chain
- Zero Waste with Circular Economy: Shift to circular business models by reducing material waste and increasing reuse across your supply chain
- Zero Inequality with Social Responsibility: Drive ethical business across employees, suppliers, and communities
SAP Sustainability Footprint Management
SAP Sustainability Footprint Management was unveiled at SAP Sapphire in April 2023.
Calculate Corporate and product Footprints at Scale!
SAP's Sustainability Footprint Management offers a robust platform for the calculation of footprints, tailored to accommodate extensive cradle-to-gate scenarios. This comprehensive approach encompasses various stages within the value chain, spanning from product acquisition and production to transport. Additionally, the solution empowers users to readily assess their corporate CO2e balance through readily available analytical tools.
Navigating through the SAP Sustainability Footprint Management solution unveils three distinct tabs on the application launchpad. These dedicated tabs serve as gateways to effortlessly compute footprints for the diverse stages within the value chain. By utilizing these interfaces, businesses can streamline the calculation process and attain a comprehensive understanding of their sustainability metrics.
Corporate and Products tab:
Within this tab, a suite of applications enables the calculation of footprints for various Item Types, including production, electricity, purchased and sold products. This involves importing master data and emission factors and modeling energy flows for accurate energy footprint assessments. Subsequently, analytical applications facilitate the visualization of data, providing a comprehensive view of sustainability metrics across different operational dimensions.
Transport tab:
Enclosed within this tab are a series of applications designed for the computation of transport footprints. The process commences with data provisioning, followed by footprint calculations derived from shipment or stop data. Through the integrated analytical applications, users can detect, rectify errors, and subsequently observe outcomes, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of transportation footprints.
Classic Calculator - Products tab:
Within this tab, a suite of applications is available for the computation of footprints concerning both purchased products and items manufactured within your production line. By extracting pertinent business data, including master data and material movement information, from your SAP S/4HANA or SAP S/4HANA Cloud systems, and aligning them with emission factors, a comprehensive framework is established. This enables the execution of a mass calculation process, yielding accurate footprints for your range of products.
This is an introduction only for this product. For more detailed information, visit the SAP Help Page. Other useful resources include blog post "Introducing Carbon Accounting with SAP Sustainability Footprint Management" by nicowottke
SAP Responsible Design and Production
CONAI EPR Report for Italy “Form 6.2. For Filled Packaging” and Plastic Taxes for Spain
CONAI EPR Report for Italy
CONAI (Consorzio Nazionale Imballaggi), a non-profit private consortium based in Italy, plays a role in assisting packaging producers to attain the benchmarks outlined by European Union regulations concerning the recycling and recovery of packaging materials.
An integral component of the broader extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiative is the the CONAI Form 6.2: Import of Filled Packaging.This crucial program is designed to encourage the reduction, reuse, and recycling of packaging waste. Specifically targeted at producers of filled packaging for Italy, this regulatory requirement serves as a mechanism to document details such as the quantity and types of packaging being brought into the country. By adhering to these stipulations, producers contribute significantly to Italy's overarching sustainability objectives, fostering a more circular and eco-conscious economy.
Producers are required to provide the following information, accurate and complete.
- Company information: The name, address, and contact information of the producer importing the filled packaging.
- Packaging information: The weight, quantity, and type of packaging imported, including the material type (for example, plastic, glass, metal).
- Declaration: A declaration confirming that the provided information is accurate and complete.
- Supporting documentation: Documentation that verifies the information provided in the report. Producers are required to maintain it for a minimum of three years.
More information can be found on SAP Help Page for CONAI EPR Report, prerequisites and rules for reporting.
Plastic Taxes for Spain
To facilitate a comprehensive overview of the plastics-tax report for Spain, the system is designed to enable the inclusion of all pertinent components, ensuring an accurate and comprehensive representation of the tax landscape. Additionally, the system adeptly manages deductions that subsequently undergoes re-exportation from Spain, a process outlined in the "Form 592". This report calculates the tax liability towards the tax agency that is caused by single-use plastic containers that are domestically delivered or provisioned after production and single-use plastic containers that are acquired within the EU. The amount in kg of non-recycled plastic packaging is subject to tax for your company .This feature streamlines the tax management process, offering clarity and efficiency in dealing with complex cross-border transactions involving plastics. Moreover, the system seamlessly handles the first sale subsequent to the production phase. This pertains specifically to invoices and form 592, effectively catering to scenarios involving packaging that is either partially sourced or partially produced. More information, including prerequisites and detailed procedure, can be found on the SAP Help Page for Form 592.
A noteworthy component of the system's functionality is its capacity to generate "Form A22", a crucial document entitled "Excise Tax on Non-Reusable Plastic Packaging - Refund Application".This report enables companies that import or purchase single-use plastic packaging but are not classified as taxpayers to request a tax refund before the 20th day after reporting period. The refund claim is optional and can be submitted quarterly. More information, including prerequisites and detailed procedure, can be found on the SAP Help Page for Form A22.
A dedicated EU acquisition inventory book further enriches the system's capabilities. This feature acts as a repository for comprehensively documenting and tracking EU acquisitions, ensuring robust record-keeping and aiding in regulatory compliance.
Furthermore, the system's analytical prowess comes to the fore as it effectively processes and interprets the wealth of data generated in the context of reports pertaining to plastics sustainability. This analytical facet provides businesses with invaluable insights into their sustainability efforts, empowering informed decision-making and promoting a proactive approach toward addressing ecological concerns.
Note: The following Demo is for both; CONAI EPR Report Italy and Plastic Taxes for Spain.
https://sapvideoa35699dc5.hana.ondemand.com/?entry_id=1_ihrkb9kg
Demo: CONAI EPR Report and Plastic Taxes for Spain
SAP E-Mobility
Remote Firmware Update
The system offers the capability to remotely perform firmware updates on electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), streamlining the process and enhancing the overall functionality of these units. Users can conveniently toggle the option to initiate firmware updates, enabling efficient management of the EVSE's software.
A user-friendly interface allows for the easy selection of the charging station requiring the update, utilizing attributes such as the current firmware version to pinpoint the specific unit in question. This attribute-based selection process enhances precision and expedites the update procedure.
To facilitate the update, users are prompted to provide the relevant URL sourced from the hardware vendor. This URL serves as the repository for the maintained firmware versions, ensuring that the most up-to-date software is utilised for the update process.
SAP E-Mobility: Perform remote firmware update on EVSE
A real-time feedback mechanism plays a pivotal role in this process. Users receive immediate confirmation regarding the success or failure of the firmware update, providing essential information for further action or troubleshooting. This instant feedback loop contributes to efficient decision-making and maintenance.
Additionally, the system ensures the seamless transmission of information about the outcome of the update. This communication channel promptly relays details about whether the update was successful or encountered any issues, allowing stakeholders to remain informed about the state of their EVSE units.
Moreover, the system maintains a comprehensive record of firmware versions, enabling users to conveniently track and select specific versions for future updates. This tracking mechanism enhances accountability and provides a valuable reference point for ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
In essence, this system offers a holistic approach to managing firmware updates for electric vehicle supply equipment, empowering users with a suite of features that streamline the process, provide real-time feedback, and facilitate effective decision-making.
Charging Authorization Groups
In the area of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) management, define the parameters governing driver access. This is accomplished through the establishment of a setup that designates which drivers, identified by their badges, are authorized to access specific EVSE units. This approach not only ensures security but also streamlines the allocation of resources.
A key organizational facet of the system revolves around the creation of distinct groups, each composed of one or multiple badges. This grouping strategy harmonizes driver permissions and facilitates efficient administration. Moreover, similar group dynamics extend to the EVSE units themselves, allowing the system to categorize them based on one or multiple attributes.
SAP E-Mobility: Configure groups and badges
The connections between these groups contributes to a robust framework of access management. This interconnectedness ensures that drivers, EVSE units, and their corresponding permissions are aligned.
https://sapvideoa35699dc5.hana.ondemand.com/?entry_id=1_58zzl975
Demo: SAP E-Mobility - Charging Authorisation Groups
Prior to implementation, the system accommodates the formulation of comprehensive test cases. These test cases serve as a simulated assessment mechanism, enabling stakeholders to gauge whether the newly devised setup meets their expectations. This pre-implementation evaluation bolsters confidence in the proposed configuration.
A key element in this process is the support of versioning, a capability that promotes flexibility and adaptability. Stakeholders can configure an "offline" version, thereby segregating changes from the live environment. Once an adequate testing phase has transpired, the transition to the live environment can be initiated, ensuring a seamless integration of the updated setup.
To enhance transparency and accountability, the system ensures the meticulous archiving of past versions. This archival function not only maintains a historical record but also fosters a robust audit trail, enabling stakeholders to review and analyze previous iterations.
In essence, this system embodies a comprehensive approach to EVSE management, encompassing access definition, group dynamics, connection orchestration, rigorous testing, version support, and archival transparency. Through these functionalities, the system ensures optimal EVSE utilization while adhering to strict security and operational standards.
Watch the Replays of Our SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition 2308 Early Release Series!
This July, we hosted a series of compelling live sessions from the heart of the SAP S/4HANA Engineering organization. Missed the live sessions? Watch our replays on demand!
Here, you can find the recording and a presentation for Sustainability as well as 19 other topics as part of the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition 2308 release. For more information on the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition Early Release Series and how to sign up for it, check out this blog post.
Inside SAP S/4HANA Podcast
As always, I would like to encourage you to subscribe to our podcast “Inside SAP S/4HANA”. This podcast leverages the unique knowledge and expertise of SAP S/4HANA product experts, partners and customers to address objects of interest by sharing product insights and project best practice. There is no customer success without product success and project success; we share all ingredients with you to get to the next level and make your SAP S/4HANA project a success. Subscribe now and benefit from the shared knowledge!
openSAP microlearnings for SAP S/4HANA
Our openSAP microlearnings for SAP S/4HANA offer an exciting new learning opportunity. What began with a small batch of 20 videos, has now become a channel with more than 50 microlearnings that have generated over 20,000 views since then. Today we cover multiple lines of business such as finance, manufacturing, and supply chain, and key technology topics like Master Data Management, key user extensibility, SAP User Experience, and upgrade management. We are continuously adding new microlearnings to the SAP S/4HANA channel, so make sure you check them out.
Your Voice Matters!
If you want to learn more and actively engage with SAP subject matter experts on SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition, join our SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition community–now fully integrated with SAP Community. The community brings together customers, partners, and SAP experts and has a clear mission: deliver an interactive community to engage with one another about best practices and product solutions. We invite you to explore the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition community ‘one-stop shop’ as the central place for all resources, tools, content questions, answers and connect with experts to guide you through your journey to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition.
Other SAP S/4HANA Cloud and SAP S/4HANA Enablement Assets
SAP S/4HANA is the foundation of the intelligent enterprise and is an innovative, robust, and scalable ERP. We at Cloud ERP Product Success and Cloud Co-Innovation offer a service as versatile as our product itself. Check out the numerous offerings our Enablement team has created for you below:
Further Information:
- Highlights of the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition 2308 release here
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition release info here
- Product videos for SAP S/4HANA Cloud and SAP S/4HANA
- SAP S/4HANA PSCC Digital Enablement Wheel here
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition Early Release Series here
- Inside SAP S/4HANA Podcast here
- openSAP microlearnings for SAP S/4HANA here
- Best practices for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition here
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud, public edition community: here
- Feature Scope Description here
- What’s New here
- Help Portal Product Page here
Feel free to ask your questions on SAP Community here. Follow the SAP S/4HANA Cloud tag and the PSCC_Enablement tag to stay up to date with the latest blog posts.
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