From spreadsheets to strategy: Dentsu’s step-by-step success with SAP Analytics Cloud
As one of the world’s biggest marketing and communications networks, Dentsu Group knows how to shape narratives and convince audiences. But when it came to finance planning at Dentsu International, winning hearts and minds for SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) proved a tough campaign. By taking a step-by-step approach instead of a big-bang move from SAP BPC to SAC, they turned cautious Excel users into confident planners.
Ambition meets reality: from BPC to SAC Planning
SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (SAP BPC) had been Dentsu International’s backbone for consolidation and forecasting since 2013. Running on SAP BW/4HANA, BPC was stable, reliable and up-to-date, with guaranteed support until 2040. But as the media organization grew, so did its ambitions. Users wanted stronger reporting, planning that connects finance with business operations, and AI-powered forecasting, with greater flexibility and speed. SAC could deliver on these ambitions.
Start small, then scale
Still, while users were enthusiastic about better capabilities, they were also sceptical about swapping their familiar Excel for a new web-based solution. So, instead of switching to SAC with a big bang, Dentsu chose a step-by-step approach:
- Step 1 – Prove value fast, with a Proof of Concept (PoC): just one high-level monthly forecast cycle in SAC. The standardized approach worked and built momentum.
- Step 2 – Raise confidence by pragmatically rebuilding the BPC interface within SAC. The familiar look and feel created instant confidence and SAC quickly proved it could meet the organization’s planning needs.
- Step 3 – Standardize the system globally, integrating SAC with Salesforce, Workday, and the wider ecosystem.
Reshaping finance into a strategic driver
Flexso guided the migration, bringing expertise and best practices to the roll-out. Combined with internal training tools, a team of super users and a strong internal support function, this approach smoothed the switch from Excel to SAC. Today, more than 600 users plan in SAC and benefit from:
- Speed: The large dataset no longer creates bottlenecks, speeding up planning cycles.
- Ease of use: As SAC bundles analytics and forecasting in one environment, users no longer have to switch between tools.
- Seamless collaboration: Shared models, comments and tasks work smoothly, even across time zones.
- Strategic impact, as:
- multi-dimensional planning links operations and finance;
- forecasting now includes more detailed drivers, like people cost planning, which makes forecasts more accurate;
- built-in, predictive capabilities powered by AI enable time-series forecasting and smart insights.
"You can't convert a large user base by shocking them with change. You win them over by making the new feel surprisingly familiar."
Building sustainable change with SAP Analytics Cloud
The organization is now proceeding to the next phase: building market-specific SAC models for both Dentsu International and Dentsu Group markets.
In addition, they are evaluating group reporting for consolidation and SAP Datasphere as a solid data foundation, as well as advanced AI forecasting. Their change management lesson remains the same: adopt only what creates real business value, and take it step by step to win people over.
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