Future-Proof Project Management: Emixa Prefab for SAP S/4HANA

Emixa has developed specialized SAP add-ons designed for project-based organizations, with a strong focus on the construction and installation industries. Although our Prefab SAP solution was introduced decades ago, it remains highly relevant today, especially with several exciting new developments on the horizon.

In this blog, we’ll explore these advancements and discuss the ongoing importance of Prefab SAP on today's evolving landscape.

Prefab SAP and S/4HANA

SAP has been investing significantly in a clean core ERP solution integrated with the (public) Cloud, making it smarter and future-ready. This investment spans technology improvements like AI and robotics, along with a refined foundation that enhances adaptability to future technologies. To achieve this, SAP has sometimes opted to remove certain functionalities to create a unified data structure and architecture. This approach is essential for maintaining ease of use and accelerating cycles of innovation—a bold and strategic choice.

While SAP’s primary focus remains the development of core ERP capabilities on the BTP (Business Technology Platform), they explicitly rely on partners to develop specialized industry solutions. As an SAP Build Partner —we’re well-positioned to support this vision, with over 20 years of experience developing SAP add-ons.

Our Prefab add-on is designed to fill a whitespace within SAP S/4HANA. This refers to processes or steps where SAP does not offer built-in functionality and has no plans to include it on their roadmap. Because of this strategic alignment, SAP approved our solution as an official partner in the SAP store. By continually investing in future-proofing our Prefab solutions, we’re committed to keeping alignment with SAP’s evolving ecosystem.

Below is an overview of our latest key developments:

Integration with the Universal Journal 

One of the most significant advancements in S/4HANA is the simplified table structure powered by the HANA database, exemplified by the universal journal. Since the 2023 S/4 release, our Prefab solution has leveraged this universal journal, offering state-of-the-art Fiori apps that deliver real-time financial insights from our Prefab solution data.

With this integration, project managers gain real-time visibility into financial performance at any point in the project lifecycle. For instance, a manager overseeing a multi-phase construction project can instantly view and compare allocated budgets, in-progress costs, and anticipated expenses—all in one place. This seamless financial visibility allows teams to make timely budget adjustments as needed, reducing delays and improving profitability.

For more background on the implementations of the new HANA database, explore our blog post on Preventing SAP S/4HANA Implementation Errors.

Earned Value Analysis and Time-Based Cost Planning

Emixa Prefab now includes expanded functionality for distributing costs over time, enabling comprehensive earned value analysis. With the ability to separate cost plan versions, users can easily track baseline costs, earned value (or allowable costs based on project progress), and actual costs over time.

Imagine a project where material costs are mostly incurred upfront, while personnel costs are distributed more evenly over time. Emixa Prefab enables users to account for these variations by setting up flexible cost distribution rules. This means that project teams can accurately track earned value based on real project progress, rather than relying on static cost assumptions. By integrating these features into project planning, Prefab supports realistic budget allocation across time, even when detailed project plans are still evolving. This level of dynamic tracking helps avoid financial surprises and maintains tighter control over project finances.

The estimation interface for importing detailed cost estimations. 

Copy to Multiple Versions 

The Prefab add-on utilizes different plan versions to facilitate budget-neutral changes within controlled budget maintenance (CBM). This functionality allows users to define copy settings that enable the duplication of data across multiple versions simultaneously.

For example, when transferring a budget from an additional or reduced work version, users can now seamlessly move this data to both the current budget and the forecast budget in one action. This process not only saves time but also enhances accuracy by ensuring that all relevant versions reflect the same budgetary adjustments. By reducing manual steps, project managers can maintain better control over financial planning and reporting, leading to more informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

Dashboard overview of the SAP Control Budget Maintenance. 

Enhanced Budget-Based Purchasing Management

Prefab now supports more effective purchasing management directly from work budgets. With this update, additional budget information can be transferred to purchasing processes, further increasing the zero-touch automation of purchasing documents.

For a project manager, this means that once a work budget is finalized, the relevant purchasing data automatically populates purchase requisitions, reducing the need for manual entry. By automating purchasing directly from the work budget, Prefab minimizes administrative overhead and ensures that purchasing aligns closely with budgetary goals. This added functionality significantly enhances procurement efficiency and keeps purchasing within approved budget limits.

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