SAP Integrated Business Planning - Detailed Review
Fashion Tools
SAP Integrated Business Planning - Product Overview
Introduction to SAP Integrated Business Planning
SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) is a comprehensive cloud-based solution designed to streamline and optimize supply chain planning processes. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
SAP IBP integrates various critical components of supply chain planning, including sales and operations planning (S&OP), demand planning, supply planning, and inventory optimization. This integration enables businesses to align their supply chain operations with their overall business strategies, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and real-time visibility across the entire supply chain.
Target Audience
SAP IBP is used by a diverse range of organizations, particularly those with complex supply chains, multiple product lines, or global operations. The solution is beneficial for mid-sized companies to large multinational corporations. Key users include supply chain managers, demand planners, inventory managers, and executives responsible for strategic decision-making.
Key Features
- Integrated Planning: SAP IBP enables synchronized plans across different time horizons, business processes, and organizational boundaries. It orchestrates demand, sales, finance, and marketing functions to generate consensus demand plans quickly.
- Real-Time Visibility and Integration: The solution provides real-time integration with other SAP systems, such as SAP ECC or SAP S/4HANA, allowing for up-to-date planning data and immediate transfer of planning-relevant data changes.
- Advanced Analytics and AI: SAP IBP leverages advanced machine learning and AI algorithms to improve forecast accuracy, automate forecasting processes, and optimize supply chain operations. It also supports external forecasting algorithms if needed.
- Demand and Inventory Optimization: The solution includes multi-echelon inventory optimization, which coordinates inventories across all stages of the supply chain, eliminating double buffering and reducing inventory obsolescence and spoilage.
- Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP): SAP IBP delivers a cross-functional S&OP plan that balances the impact on inventory, service levels, and profitability. It supports both long-term strategic planning and short-term tactical planning.
- Collaboration and Single Source of Truth: The platform fosters collaboration across various business functions, providing a single, unified data model and a single source of truth for all planning data. This enhances user experience and increases efficiency by reducing the time spent on data mining from multiple systems.
- Scenario Planning and Response: SAP IBP allows users to quickly run ‘what if’ scenarios and respond to unexpected demand or supply disruptions with minimal latency, adjusting supply plans and fulfillment decisions accordingly.
By integrating these features, SAP IBP helps businesses make informed decisions, improve customer satisfaction, and increase overall efficiency across their supply chain networks.
SAP Integrated Business Planning - User Interface and Experience
User Interface
The user interface of SAP Integrated Business Planning (SAP IBP) is designed to be highly intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible even for those without extensive technical expertise. SAP IBP utilizes Excel as a front-end interface, which is familiar to many users. This integration allows users to perform various supply chain optimization tasks, such as demand forecasting, sales planning, inventory optimization, supply planning, and production planning, all within a familiar and comfortable environment.
Ease of Use
The system is known for its ease of use, with a user interface that is extremely easy to navigate. Users can download data from the tool into Excel spreadsheets, slice and dice the data, and create various reports and MIS reports by crunching the data. This ease of use has been consistently highlighted by feedback from various organizations.
User Experience
The overall user experience is enhanced by several key features:
- Intuitive Graphics and Real-Time Reporting: SAP IBP provides real-time performance information, embedded analysis tools, and intuitive graphics, which enable users to make informed business decisions quickly.
- Single Source of Truth: The platform offers a single, unified view of the business, connecting different functions such as finance, sales, marketing, and operations. This integration ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and working from the same data set.
- Advanced Functionality: Users can perform advanced planning tasks, including scenario planning, demand sensing, and what-if simulations, which help in assessing the impact of potential decisions before they are made.
- Real-Time Visibility: The system provides real-time visibility into the supply chain, enabling faster planning cycles and more accurate forecasts. This real-time integration allows for up-to-date planning data and immediate response to changes in the source systems.
Enhanced User Engagement
SAP IBP keeps planning and analysis within a single portal, which increases user engagement and makes data more reliable. The result is a faster time to value and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO).
In summary, SAP IBP offers a user-friendly interface, leveraging Excel for familiarity, and provides a seamless and intuitive user experience that enhances productivity and decision-making across various business functions.
SAP Integrated Business Planning - Key Features and Functionality
SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) is a comprehensive solution that integrates various business functions to optimize supply chain planning, and it can be significantly enhanced with AI technologies. Here are the main features and how they work, including the integration of AI:
Integrated Planning Process
SAP IBP enables a truly integrated planning process that engages stakeholders across the organization, including finance, sales, marketing, planning, and execution functions. This integration ensures that operational, tactical, and strategic plans are aligned and synchronized across different time horizons and business processes.
Real-Time Visibility and Simulation
IBP provides real-time visibility throughout the supply chain, allowing for real-time simulation and scenario planning. This feature enables planners to quickly run ‘what if’ scenarios across demand and supply processes, helping in proactive decision-making.
Demand Planning
IBP helps develop a consensus demand plan by integrating volume and value forecasts with insights from sales and marketing on new products, promotions, and sales plans. AI tools, such as those in SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP Leonardo, enhance demand forecasting by analyzing historical data and market trends to predict future demand more accurately.
Inventory Optimization
IBP optimizes inventory levels by coordinating inventories across all stages of the supply chain, eliminating double buffering and reducing inventory obsolescence and spoilage. AI-driven analytics help in predicting demand fluctuations, thus optimizing inventory levels and freeing up working capital.
Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
IBP delivers a cross-functional sales and operations plan that balances the impact on inventory, service levels, and profitability. AI tools facilitate scenario analysis, allowing planners to simulate different market conditions and assess their impact on supply chain performance.
Response & Supply
IBP allows for quick responses to unexpected demand or supply disruptions by adjusting supply plans and fulfillment decisions with minimal latency. AI-enhanced supply chain management tools, such as SAP Leonardo, use machine learning algorithms to optimize supply chain operations in real-time.
Control Tower
IBP includes a control tower feature that monitors, measures, and responds to supply chain alerts and metrics in real-time. This ensures continuous supply chain performance monitoring and immediate response to any disruptions.
AI Integration
AI tools significantly enhance SAP IBP by providing advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and automation.
SAP Analytics Cloud
Combines business intelligence, planning, and predictive analytics to visualize data and create interactive dashboards. It helps in demand forecasting and inventory optimization.
SAP Leonardo
Integrates machine learning and IoT technologies to enable real-time data processing and predictive analytics, crucial for effective supply chain management.
Predictive Modeling
AI models analyze consolidated data to identify patterns and trends, informing demand forecasting and inventory management strategies. These models continuously learn from new data inputs, improving their accuracy over time.
Scenario Planning
AI facilitates scenario analysis, allowing planners to simulate different market conditions and assess their impact on supply chain performance. This capability is essential for proactive decision-making.
Automation and Continuous Learning
AI automates repetitive tasks related to data entry and analysis, freeing up time for strategic initiatives. AI systems continuously learn from new data inputs, refining their models to improve accuracy and support better decision-making.
Data Consolidation and Integration
AI tools automate the process of gathering data from various sources, ensuring the data is clean and ready for analysis. This unified data model supports all planning activities, eliminating the need to mine data from multiple systems.
Conclusion
In summary, SAP IBP, enhanced with AI, offers a comprehensive platform for integrated supply chain planning, demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and real-time response to supply chain disruptions. The integration of AI tools such as SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP Leonardo significantly enhances the accuracy and speed of decision-making, making the supply chain more agile and responsive to market changes.
SAP Integrated Business Planning - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating the Performance and Accuracy of SAP Integrated Business Planning (SAP IBP)
Performance
SAP IBP is renowned for its ability to integrate various business functions, ensuring a cohesive and proactive approach to supply chain management. Here are some performance highlights:- Demand Forecasting: SAP IBP uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to predict market demand accurately. By analyzing historical data, market trends, and external factors, it enhances forecast precision, reducing the risk of overproduction or stockouts.
- Inventory Optimization: The system optimizes inventory levels by balancing costs such as holding, ordering, and stock-out costs. This helps in minimizing excess inventory while avoiding shortages, which is particularly beneficial in the fashion industry where trends and demand can be highly volatile.
- Supply Chain Monitoring: SAP IBP provides real-time visibility into supply chain performance, allowing businesses to monitor and respond quickly to changes in demand or supply conditions. This real-time visibility is crucial for managing the dynamic nature of fashion supply chains.
- Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP): The S&OP component bridges the gap between strategic planning and operational execution, ensuring that sales strategies align with production capabilities and inventory levels. This cross-departmental collaboration is essential for maintaining high service levels and on-time delivery in the fashion industry.
Accuracy
The accuracy of SAP IBP is significantly enhanced by its use of advanced analytics and machine learning:- Forecast Accuracy: Companies have reported improvements in forecast accuracy, with some achieving up to a 30% increase in forecast accuracy. This accuracy is critical for demand planning and reducing stock-outs or overstocking.
- Data Analytics: SAP IBP integrates and analyzes data in real-time, providing immediate insights into supply chain activities. This ensures that decisions are based on accurate and up-to-date information.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While SAP IBP offers numerous benefits, there are some challenges and areas that require attention:- Data Management: Ensuring data quality and integration from various sources is crucial. Poor data quality can significantly impact the accuracy of forecasts and other analytics.
- Skill Gap: Implementing SAP IBP requires a workforce with the necessary skills to operate the system effectively. Bridging the gap between current skill sets and the new technologies is essential for successful implementation.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting sensitive supply chain data against increasing cyber threats is a significant concern. Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations and safeguarding sensitive information is vital.
- Organizational Change: Transitioning to an integrated business planning system can face resistance due to siloed business cultures. Strong leadership and clear communication are necessary to manage this change effectively.
SAP Integrated Business Planning - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure of SAP Integrated Business Planning (SAP IBP)
When it comes to the pricing structure of SAP Integrated Business Planning (SAP IBP), the available resources do not provide specific details on the pricing tiers, features, or any free options. Here are some key points to consider:
Lack of Public Pricing Information
SAP typically does not publicly disclose detailed pricing information for its products, including SAP IBP. Pricing can vary widely based on factors such as the size of the organization, the number of users, the specific modules required, and the level of support needed.
Licensing and Subscription Models
SAP products, including SAP IBP, often follow a licensing or subscription model. This can include cloud-based subscriptions where costs are incurred on a monthly or annual basis, depending on the chosen plan and the features included.
Customized Pricing
Given the complexity and customization options available in SAP IBP, pricing is usually customized to fit the specific needs of each organization. This involves direct engagement with SAP sales representatives or authorized partners to get a quote.
No Free Options
There is no indication of any free versions or trials of SAP IBP in the available resources. However, SAP may offer demo versions or trial periods for prospective customers to evaluate the product before committing to a purchase.
Key Features and Modules
While the pricing structure is not detailed, the key features and modules of SAP IBP are well-documented. These include Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Inventory Optimization, Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), Response and Supply, and the Supply Chain Control Tower. Each of these modules offers advanced functionalities such as demand sensing, what-if simulations, and real-time analytics.
If you are interested in obtaining precise pricing information, it is recommended to contact SAP directly or consult with an authorized SAP partner.
SAP Integrated Business Planning - Integration and Compatibility
SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) is a comprehensive and versatile tool that integrates seamlessly with various other systems and tools, enhancing its compatibility and utility across different platforms and devices.
Integration with SAP Systems
SAP IBP is deeply integrated with the SAP S/4HANA ecosystem, allowing for a unified and consistent planning environment. It can transfer master data and transactional data from SAP ECC or SAP S/4HANA, ensuring real-time integration and up-to-date planning data. This integration enables planners to capture planning-relevant data changes in the source systems and send them immediately to SAP IBP, with results transferred back to the source systems using application jobs.
Cross-Functional Integration
SAP IBP integrates financial, demand, supply, and inventory plans, connecting all supply chain planning processes with financial planning. This integration allows for synchronized plans across different business functions such as demand, sales, finance, and marketing, facilitating consensus demand plans and efficient resource allocation.
External Data Sources
To enhance its demand forecasting capabilities, SAP IBP can be integrated with external data sources. For instance, integrating with Google Cloud Platform allows businesses to leverage external datasets such as Google Trends, weather data, and Google Ad tech data. This connected and contextual planning approach provides a more accurate and comprehensive view of the business environment, helping in better inventory management and forecasting outcomes.
Real-Time Visibility and Collaboration
SAP IBP offers real-time visibility throughout the supply chain, enabling stakeholders to collaborate effectively across different departments. The tool includes a supply chain control tower with alerts, dashboards, and predefined KPIs, making it easier for managers to analyze and manage their supply chain in real time. This collaborative environment supports global sales and operations planning (S&OP) processes, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned with both short-term operational and long-term strategic plans.
User Interface and Compatibility
The user interface of SAP IBP is user-friendly and accessible through various platforms. It offers a web interface for planning and integrates with Microsoft Excel for decision-making, ensuring that users can work comfortably within their preferred environment. This flexibility enhances user engagement and makes the data more reliable, leading to faster time-to-value and reduced turnaround times.
Cloud-Based Solution
As a cloud-based solution, SAP IBP ensures that it is accessible from any device with an internet connection, providing the flexibility and scalability needed for modern supply chain management. This cloud architecture supports the integration of various modules and applications, making it a versatile tool for managing complex supply chains.
Conclusion
In summary, SAP Integrated Business Planning is highly compatible with a range of systems and tools, both within the SAP ecosystem and with external data sources. Its ability to integrate seamlessly across different platforms and devices makes it a powerful tool for streamlining and optimizing supply chain operations.
SAP Integrated Business Planning - Customer Support and Resources
Implementing SAP Integrated Business Planning for Customer Service Improvement
When implementing and using SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) for customer service improvement, several customer support options and additional resources are available to ensure smooth operation and maximum benefit.
Training and Empowerment
SAP IBP places a strong emphasis on employee training and empowerment. To maximize the benefits of the platform, organizations should invest in regular training sessions for their customer service representatives. This training focuses on how to effectively use SAP IBP to access real-time information about inventory and orders, leading to increased employee confidence and improved customer interactions.
Real-Time Support and Visibility
SAP IBP provides real-time visibility into inventory levels, order status, and delivery timelines. This real-time data enables customer service representatives to offer precise and up-to-date information to customers, addressing their inquiries promptly and improving the overall customer experience.
Analytics and Reporting
The platform offers robust analytics and reporting capabilities that allow organizations to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to customer service. By analyzing customer feedback, order fulfillment rates, and response times, companies can identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions. This continuous monitoring and analysis help in maintaining high customer service standards.
Implementation Support
The implementation process of SAP IBP is well-structured and supported. It involves planning and preparation, configuration and customization, and ongoing support. During the implementation phase, businesses define the scope of the project, set clear objectives, and establish a robust project management framework. This structured approach ensures a smooth transition and effective use of the platform.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration
SAP IBP fosters cross-departmental collaboration, particularly through its Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) module. This module ensures that the sales strategy aligns with production capabilities and inventory levels, promoting a unified approach to customer service across different departments.
Customer-Centric Culture
To fully leverage SAP IBP, organizations are encouraged to build a customer-centric culture. This involves regular feedback sessions where employees share customer insights and suggestions for improvement. Such a culture empowers employees to take responsibility for service-related challenges and drives continuous improvement in customer service practices.
Professional Services and Partners
Companies like Korcomptenz and Acroplans offer professional services, including implementation support, comprehensive training, and ongoing support. These partners have extensive experience in SAP IBP implementation and can provide customized solutions to meet the unique needs of businesses, ensuring a seamless integration and maximum benefits from the platform.
By leveraging these support options and resources, businesses can ensure that their customer service operations are optimized, efficient, and aligned with the capabilities provided by SAP Integrated Business Planning.
SAP Integrated Business Planning - Pros and Cons
Advantages of SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
SAP IBP offers several significant advantages that can enhance your supply chain management and planning processes.Improved Forecast Accuracy and Collaboration
SAP IBP allows different teams to collaborate on refining forecasts, integrating input from various departments to create more accurate and realistic forecasts. This collaboration capability is particularly beneficial through the IBP for Demand component, which enables demand sensing and provides deep insights into order patterns, helping companies adapt to changing trends and optimize demand forecasts.End-to-End Supply Chain Management
IBP provides a single platform for end-to-end supply chain management, including sales and operations planning, demand planning, response and supply capacity planning, and inventory management. This integrated approach helps companies respond flexibly to market changes and achieve their business objectives.Real-Time Decision Making and Simulations
The system allows for real-time collaboration among stakeholders, speeding up the decision-making process. Users can create “what if” scenarios and perform simulations to assess the impact of different decisions and constraints, aiding in more informed decision-making.Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness
Being a cloud-based solution, SAP IBP offers scalability, allowing businesses to easily scale resources up or down based on demand. This reduces upfront costs and provides a more predictable budgeting structure, avoiding the high costs associated with on-premise infrastructure setup and maintenance.Advanced Analytics and AI
IBP leverages advanced technologies such as predictive analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to improve response capabilities and stay ahead of supply chain disruptions. It also provides alerts and other options to help manage supply chain risks effectively.User-Friendly Interface
The system offers a user-friendly interface through both Web UI and Excel UI, allowing different stakeholders to work comfortably based on their needs. This flexibility enhances the overall user experience and facilitates seamless collaboration across different locations.Sustainability and KPIs
IBP helps improve an organization’s sustainability by providing insights into the sustainability of goods acquisition plans, the impact of changing suppliers on the carbon footprint, and finding solutions to improve the current situation. It also allows for the tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure sustainable practices.Disadvantages of SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
While SAP IBP offers numerous benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.High Installation and Implementation Costs
Implementing SAP IBP can be costly, similar to other SAP products. The initial investment for setup and integration can be significant, which may be a barrier for some organizations.Learning Curve
There is a learning curve associated with adopting SAP IBP. It may take some time for users to get accustomed to the new system, which can temporarily affect productivity and efficiency.Dependence on Cloud Infrastructure
As a cloud-based solution, SAP IBP requires a reliable internet connection to function optimally. This can be a concern for organizations with unstable internet connectivity or those in areas with limited cloud infrastructure support.Quarterly Updates and Configuration
While the automatic quarterly updates ensure the system stays current with the latest features and security patches, these updates may require minimal configuration adjustments, which could be time-consuming for some users. In summary, SAP IBP is a powerful tool for supply chain planning that offers significant advantages in terms of forecast accuracy, collaboration, and scalability, but it also comes with some costs and a learning curve that need to be considered. SAP Integrated Business Planning - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of SAP IBP
- Integrated Planning: SAP IBP stands out for its ability to integrate demand, supply, financial, and marketing plans into a single, unified business plan. This integration enables real-time visibility and synchronization across various business functions, including sales, marketing, and finance.
- Advanced Analytics and AI: SAP IBP leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance forecasting accuracy, demand management, and supply chain optimization. It allows for real-time simulation and scenario planning, which is crucial for responding to demand and supply disruptions.
- End-to-End Visibility: The solution provides end-to-end visibility across the entire supply chain, enabling organizations to manage inventory, avoid double buffering, and optimize supply chain performance in real-time.
- Collaborative Planning: SAP IBP facilitates collaborative planning between different departments and external partners, such as contract manufacturers and raw material suppliers. This collaboration is essential for balancing demand and supply and ensuring lean supply chain operations.
Comparison with SAP Supply Chain Management
- While SAP Supply Chain Management has a broader customer base and higher market share, SAP IBP is more specialized in integrated business planning. SAP IBP focuses on the integration of various planning functions, whereas SAP Supply Chain Management covers a wider range of supply chain activities but may not offer the same level of integrated planning.
Alternatives
- FuturMaster: FuturMaster is another solution that competes in the supply chain management space. It offers features such as demand planning, inventory management, and sales and operations planning. However, FuturMaster may not have the same level of integration with SAP’s ERP systems like SAP S/4HANA, which is a significant advantage of SAP IBP.
- Aspen Supply Chain Planner: This is another alternative that provides advanced supply chain planning capabilities, including demand planning, inventory management, and supply chain optimization. However, it may lack the comprehensive integration and real-time visibility that SAP IBP offers.
Potential Limitations
- Some critics point out that SAP IBP has limitations regarding the number of dimensions and key figures it can model, which might restrict its flexibility in certain complex scenarios.
Conclusion
SAP IBP is a powerful tool for integrated business planning, particularly for organizations needing to synchronize their demand, supply, and financial plans in real-time. Its integration with SAP’s ERP systems and its use of AI and ML make it a strong choice for companies seeking to optimize their supply chain operations. However, it is important to consider the specific needs of your organization and whether SAP IBP’s features align with those needs, or if alternative solutions might be more suitable.
SAP Integrated Business Planning - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
What is SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP)?
SAP IBP is a cloud-based supply chain planning solution that integrates various planning processes, including demand planning, supply planning, inventory management, and response and supply optimization. It helps organizations achieve end-to-end visibility and synchronize plans across different business functions and time horizons.
How does SAP IBP enhance supply chain visibility?
SAP IBP provides real-time analytics and insights, allowing organizations to track and manage the flow of goods, information, and finances throughout the entire supply chain. This includes features like the Supply Chain Control Tower, which offers a centralized view of the supply chain, and shared dashboards that enable stakeholders to access real-time data.
What are the key benefits of using SAP IBP?
The key benefits include increased efficiency, enhanced user experience, and a single source of truth for all planning data. SAP IBP also enables real-time simulation, end-to-end visibility, advanced planning algorithms, faster planning cycles, and improved collaboration across different departments such as finance, sales, marketing, and operations.
How does SAP IBP use machine learning and predictive analytics?
SAP IBP incorporates machine learning and predictive analytics to enhance forecasting accuracy. These technologies help analyze historical data to identify trends and patterns, allowing businesses to predict demand fluctuations and optimize inventory levels. This is particularly useful in industries like fashion, where seasonal demand can be highly variable.
Can SAP IBP be integrated with other SAP solutions?
Yes, SAP IBP can be integrated with other SAP products such as SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA. It utilizes data from these systems to create its planning models and can also generate notifications and alerts based on events in other SAP solutions. This integration ensures seamless data flow and synchronized planning across different business processes.
What are the primary modules of SAP IBP?
The primary modules of SAP IBP include demand planning, supply planning, inventory planning, and response and supply optimization. These modules work together to ensure that all departments are aligned with the same data and insights, promoting collaboration and efficient supply chain management.
How does SAP IBP facilitate scenario planning?
SAP IBP allows organizations to model different scenarios based on varying market conditions. This feature helps businesses evaluate potential outcomes and risks associated with various supply chain decisions and develop strategic contingency plans. Scenario planning is crucial for anticipating and mitigating potential disruptions.
What are the advantages of using SAP IBP for inventory management?
SAP IBP helps in setting up optimal inventory targets, which enables organizations to maximize profits while ensuring customer service levels. It eliminates double buffering of inventory, reduces inventory obsolescence and spoilage, and improves forecast accuracy and shelf-life planning capabilities.
How does SAP IBP support sales and operations planning (S&OP)?
SAP IBP integrates S&OP processes to balance supply and demand, providing visibility into operational and strategic plans. It helps in evaluating actual performance against plans and monitoring for future misalignments between operational and strategic plans. This ensures that all departments work together effectively to achieve business goals.
What are the security features of SAP IBP?
SAP IBP offers various security features to maintain data security and safety. It adheres to high security standards and provides features such as context-aware social collaboration, alert definitions for exception-based planning, and secure data management. This ensures that the data is protected and accessible only to authorized users.
Are there any specific hardware requirements for running SAP IBP?
No, SAP IBP does not require specific hardware and can be run on standard hardware. However, it is resource-intensive in terms of the hardware needed for running the software and the personnel required for handling and maintaining the system.