SAP S/4HANA® Group Reporting Data Collection

The SAP Group Reporting Data Collection App (GRDC) is a cloud-based data collection and interface solution developed specifically to complement SAP S/4HANA Finance for Group Reporting. It is used to integrate non-automatically available data into the consolidation process – for example from: Other S/4HANA systems and SAP ECC systems Non-SAP companies Subsidiaries with local accounting Companies in Excel application Specific manual additional information such as note disclosures, ESG information, comments, plan values or KPIs GRDC is therefore the link between operational systems and the consolidation solution – ideal for hybrid and real-life group environments.

The close integration of the GRDC app with SAP Group Reporting offers a number of advantages:

• Seamless data processing: Manually recorded data from GRDC flows directly into the consolidation in ACDOCU.
• Template-based data entry: Entry via intuitive Excel-like web forms.
• Standardized upload processes: Templates for uploads from Excel or third-party sources can be standardized across the Group.
• Workflow functionalities: Data acquisition can be integrated into the data monitor
• High level of automation: direct posting to the consolidation module saves time and reduces manual interfaces.
• Process acceleration: Integration of the data release and the associated line item validation, net income calculation and balance validation can be carried out directly in the GRDC. This minimizes the need to constantly switch between systems.

Conclusion: GRDC extends SAP Group Reporting with a highly flexible and user-friendly component for data that is not automatically available from other SAP systems, non-SAP systems or manual entry.

GRDC improves data quality along several dimensions:

• Real-time data validation: rule-based checks (e.g. equality of totals, mandatory fields, plausibility) during upload or manual entry using the specifications from Group Reporting
• Versioning & logging: changes to data are fully tracked – stored in the database in an auditable and audit-proof manner
• Consistency through templates: Standardized input forms and structures prevent format errors or data gaps.
• Reduction of manual sources of error: No more media breaks between Excel, e-mail and SAP – entries are recorded directly on the web.
• Transparency in the consolidation process: those responsible for the process can see immediately whether companies have started delivering data.

For many companies, GRDC replaces the Excel packages previously used in consolidation with structured, audited and centrally managed data entry processes.

Yes, absolutely. The GRDC app is scalable and multi-client capable – it was developed precisely for use in international, diversified groups:

• Multilingual user interface: Supports international users with localized user guidance.
• Role and authorization control: Different companies can only see and edit their own data.
• Flexible period control: data can be entered according to local requirements (e.g. monthly, quarterly, ad-hoc).
• Recording of plan, actual and forecast: Ideal for companies that also carry out forecast consolidation.
• Use in heterogeneous ERP landscapes: Particularly valuable if not all companies use SAP S/4HANA.

International corporations benefit greatly from the ability to efficiently capture local data and embed it in a globally standardized consolidation process.

• The GRDC app contributes to efficiency and transparency in the closing process on several levels:
  • Predefined packages: The various input masks can be defined according to time, version and company. This means that the individual requirements of different subsidiaries can be taken into account.
  • Status monitoring: Process managers can immediately see which companies have already delivered, validated or have not yet reported anything.
  • Interactive comment functions: Context-related communication directly in the data record reduces coordination effort.
  • Real-time integration: No waiting time or manual exports – data is immediately available for consolidation activities.

  Result: The closing process becomes more structured, traceable and efficient – while at the same time reducing manual errors and effort.

The GRDC has a two-week release cycle. This means that new functions are provided on a regular basis. Some updates to the S/4 core are necessary for use with the private cloud.

Due to the new technical structure of Group Reporting, Excel reporting packages, for example, cannot be transferred 1:1. The GRDC forms designed by us are discussed in joint workshops in order to optimally integrate them into the new process.