SAP BEx Tools to Sunset: Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 End of Support

SAP's BEx tools, which rely on Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019, will be sunsetted in October 2025. Microsoft will end support for these versions of Office in the same month. Customers can choose to adopt SAP BW/4HANA on premise, SAP Business Data Cloud, or SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office to replace BEx tools. SAP Analytics Cloud stories and Excel Add-in are also options, but the right tool depends on factors such as report complexity and user needs. APOS Publisher for Cloud provides advanced scheduling for AfO workbooks and SAC stories.

As of October 2025, SAP's Business Explorer (BEx) tools, which rely on Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019, will be sunsetted. This coincides with Microsoft ending support for these Office versions. For customers looking to replace BEx tools, several options are available, each with its unique benefits and considerations.

Options for Replacement:

1. SAP BW/4HANA On-Premise: This option allows businesses to maintain their existing on-premise infrastructure while leveraging the advanced analytics capabilities of SAP BW/4HANA. It is suitable for organizations with complex reporting needs and those that require tight integration with their current systems.

2. SAP Business Data Cloud: This cloud-based solution offers flexibility and scalability. It is ideal for businesses that prefer a cloud-native approach and want to avoid the complexities of on-premise solutions. SAP Business Data Cloud provides real-time data integration and analytics, making it a strong contender for modern BI needs.

3. SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office: This tool integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office and provides advanced analytics capabilities. It is a good fit for users who are already familiar with Microsoft Office and want to continue using it for their reporting needs.

4. SAP Analytics Cloud Stories and Excel Add-in: These tools offer robust analytics and visualization capabilities. SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) provides an end-to-end BI platform that supports various data sources, including SAP and non-SAP systems. The Excel Add-in allows users to perform advanced analytics directly within Excel, making it a convenient option for users who prefer the Excel environment.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Tool:

The choice of replacement tool depends on several factors, including report complexity, user needs, and the organization's existing infrastructure. For instance, businesses with highly complex reporting requirements may prefer the advanced analytics capabilities of SAP BW/4HANA or SAP Business Data Cloud. On the other hand, users who are comfortable with Microsoft Office may find SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office or the SAP Analytics Cloud Excel Add-in more suitable.

APOS Publisher for Cloud:

APOS Publisher for Cloud provides advanced scheduling for SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) stories and AfO workbooks. This tool enhances the capabilities of SAP Analytics Cloud by offering features such as automated report distribution and scheduling. It is particularly useful for organizations that need to distribute reports to a wide audience and ensure timely delivery.

Conclusion:

The sunset of SAP's BEx tools presents an opportunity for businesses to adopt more modern and advanced analytics solutions. The availability of SAP BW/4HANA, SAP Business Data Cloud, SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office, SAP Analytics Cloud, and APOS Publisher for Cloud provides a range of options to meet diverse business needs. The right choice depends on the specific requirements and existing infrastructure of the organization.

References:

[1] https://www.cubeserv.com/en/solutions/sap-analytics-products/sap-analytics-cloud-page/