A business data fabric is a data management architecture that provides an integrated, semantically rich data layer over underlying data landscapes. SAP Datasphere is the foundation for a business data fabric, providing seamless and scalable access to data without duplication. Every team and department has the information they need on demand, while IT avoids the cost and complexity of managing separate systems and data sources.

However, the greatest impact of adopting a business data fabric might be the effect on your organisational culture. That is because a business data fabric makes information and insights more accessible to people across the organisation, which helps foster a cultural shift towards data-driven decision-making.

This cultural shift empowers both IT and business users to deliver greater value to the organisation—from improving operational efficiencies to enabling a more agile response to market demands.

From data managers to data analysts

Data managers have traditionally spent most of their time maintaining the data infrastructure, from integrating different data sources to preparing data and reports for various business teams. A robust business data fabric architecture simplifies these tasks, so your data managers can focus on more analytical, collaborative, and strategic work.

In addition, by leveraging advanced analytical and machine learning (ML) tools such as the capabilities available in SAP Datasphere, data managers have a greater ability to derive and deliver insights. Alongside focused training, data managers can be even better prepared to improve processes and decision-making across the business.

Self-service access for IT and business users

A business data fabric enables IT and business users to understand and interact with enterprise-wide data in familiar, contextual terms they recognise. It preserves the business context of the data, making it possible for line-of-business users to access the data they need without relying on IT teams for support.

For example, SAP Datasphere brings data management and collaboration tools together in an intuitive, user-friendly interface. Your business users can create and manage complex data models, schemas, and data flows themselves. Your data managers can quickly connect, integrate, and unify data from SAP and non-SAP sources in the cloud or on-premises using pre-built connectors and an extensive API library.

Collaboration between departments

A business data fabric also fosters deeper collaboration across departments on large-scale initiatives such as supply chain optimisation, customer personalisation, or financial planning. With shared workspaces and reporting tools, data fabrics simplify the sharing of insights, and make data more accessible, comprehensible, and actionable for different departments.

In fact, SAP Datasphere’s integration with SAP Analytics Cloud enables business users to create richly detailed data visualisations more quickly using preconfigured dashboards and customisable reporting tools. They can build, share, and collaborate on new data models and performance metrics, further reinforcing the perception throughout the organisation of data as a strategic asset.

Key capabilities for data-driven decision-making

Business data fabric architectures enable IT and business teams to obtain the information they need for better decisions in daily operations as well as in planning and innovation activities.

When considering a data fabric solution or even a do-it-yourself approach, be sure to look for these key capabilities to help ensure success:

• A unified view of all business data that eliminates data silos, preserves business context, and builds trust

• Advanced analytics and AI that provide deeper insights and enable process automation across lines of business

• Customisable, intuitive data modelling to help each department and team meet their unique needs and opportunities

• Data integration and governance automation to simplify compliance and support more ambitious data utilisation projects

• Scalable performance so you can operate and innovate at scale as your business presence and data volumes grow

Investing in your people

Transitioning to a business data fabric architecture requires careful consideration, planning, and change management to fully harness the benefits of this modern approach to data management. Organisations that invest in their people as part of the transition—through training and upskilling, setting the appropriate staffing levels, and fostering a data-centric culture—are well placed to thrive in this new environment.

Get started with your own business data fabric

SAP Datasphere is a cost-effective solution that can help ease the transition. It simplifies system integration and preserves data context across different systems and sources. It also supports the flow of real-time, reliable information and insight across IT and business teams.

Read more