The challenges :
Group Controlling at Dräger regularly performed an 18‑month liquidity forecast using an Excel‑based solution. However, this approach offered little transparency regarding the drivers of the cash flow. In addition, the balance sheet forecast at group level was not integrated into the Excel solution. To improve this situation, a rolling indirect cash flow and balance sheet forecast was introduced in SAP Analytics Cloud.
Our approach :
Based on a functional design, Horváth and Dräger jointly implemented a solution for indirect cash flow planning using SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC). This included planning stories, planning functions, interfaces for importing actual and planning data from SAP BW/BPC, and a highly parameterized data model. The functionalities were developed and tested iteratively and in an agile setup to enable rapid user feedback. At the same time, through a coaching‑oriented approach, the customer’s project team was trained in the SAC solution. The SAC planning application also includes administration and documentation functionalities. As a result, Dräger’s Group Controlling now has both an administration story and a planning story that enable transparent and efficient cash flow and balance sheet planning.
The solution :
The implemented solution provides Dräger Group Controlling with significant benefits. The automated cash flow and balance sheet planning model greatly increased the efficiency of the planning processes. Manual tasks were reduced, and planning is now faster and more accurate.
Another major advantage is the increased transparency of the cash flow. With driver‑based calculation and simulation capabilities, the controlling team can better understand key influencing factors and make well‑founded decisions. The ability to simulate different scenarios also enables proactive liquidity management.
Furthermore, the coaching approach empowered the Dräger team to operate and maintain the SAC planning solution independently. This strengthens organizational independence and ensures that the solution can be used effectively in the long term.
The new SAC cash flow forecasting solution gives us better insights into our liquidity development and significantly simplifies the monthly update. Horváth was the right partner for us due to their project approach, the combination of functional and technical expertise, and their highly customeroriented style of collaboration.
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Tino Eichler