A business data fabric is a data management architecture that delivers 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 disparate systems and data sources.

But the biggest impact of adopting a business data fabric might be the impact on your organizational culture. That’s because a business data fabric makes information and insights more accessible to people across the organization, which helps foster a cultural shift towards data-driven decision making.

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

From data managers to data analysts

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

In addition, by leveraging advanced analytical and machine learning (ML) tools like the capabilities available in SAP Datasphere, data managers have a greater ability to derive and deliver on insights. Along with 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 understand. 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 on their own. 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 around large-scale initiatives like supply chain optimization, customer personalization, or financial planning. With shared workspaces and reporting tools, data fabrics simplify the sharing of insights, and make data more accessible, understandable, and actionable for different departments.

In fact, SAP Datasphere’s integration with SAP Analytics Cloud lets business users create richly detailed data visualizations more quickly using preconfigured dashboards and customizable reporting tools. They can build, share, and collaborate on new data models and performance metrics, further cementing the view across the organization of data as a strategic asset.

Key capabilities for data-driven decision-making

Business data fabric architectures enable IT and business teams to get 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, make 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 delivers deeper insights and enables process automation across lines of business

• Customizable, intuitive data modeling 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 utilization projects

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

Investing in your people

Transitioning to a business data fabric architecture requires careful consideration, planning, and change management to fully leverage the benefits of this modern approach to data management. Organizations that invest in their people as part of the transition—through training and upskilling, setting the right staffing levels, and fostering a data-centric culture—are well-positioned 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, trustworthy information and insight across IT and business teams.

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