Apportionment & allocation in SAP made easy

Cycles makes visualization, analysis & configuration of SAP cycles with Microsoft Excel possible

Customizing SAP cycles and segments using Excel

There are often a few hurdles to overcome with periodic overhead cost allocation in Controlling: For example, the data from the SAP allocation cycles or the operating settlement sheet has to be transferred between Microsoft Excel and SAP in a very time-consuming process. The reason for this is that the allocations are entered manually. This requires an immense amount of time, which also increases the susceptibility to errors and may lead to the data not being up to date. In addition, controllers and data analysts often find it difficult to generate an efficient structure for SAP allocations or distributions in the Excel spreadsheet due to the lack of clarity.

What if you had a user-friendly and automated interface between Excel and SAP for overhead costs?

Excel provides the familiar and proven formulas and functions. As the leading ERP system, SAP is the ideal solution for overhead cost and internal activity allocation. So what could be more obvious than combining the two? Cycles does just that. 

User-friendly

With Cycles, data is exchanged between SAP and Microsoft Excel in real time via an intuitive front end. All existing SAP authorizations are taken into account. Before the changed data is imported back into SAP, our software carries out the strictest checks. The formal cycle check is fully integrated. If the data is correct, you can export it back to SAP at the click of a mouse.

Efficient and flexible

There is a collective editing function in Cycles. You can edit the settings for several cycles simultaneously using the filter, search, replace, copy or import and export functions. Documentation is also automated in connection with the export function. To track the history of changes, the version history in Cycles offers you a unique view into the history of the data.

SAP-compliant

Virtual Forge has once again confirmed compliance with the security guidelines of our SAP software extension Cycles. This assures our customers that we always comply with the latest quality standards in terms of security and compliance when developing and programming our software solutions. This means that Cycles can be used under both SAP R3 HANA and SAP S/4HANA.

Functions for Excel-based processing of SAP cycles

With Cycles, you can bundle and process numerous SAP transactions for allocation, distribution and indirect activity allocation and increase their data quality - using Microsoft Excel. This allows you to maintain an overview of the allocation structures and analyze and process SAP cycles with the familiar ease and flexibility of the Office standard.

  • Update reference values using Excel on-board tools
  • Exchange allocation cost types using search & replace
  • Move segments from cycle to cycle
  • Create & change planning scenarios with little effort
  • Set up cycles for different business areas according to the same pattern (step ladder method)
  • Adjust sender or receiver for reorganization measures
  • Cross-system uploads if cycles are not transferred via the transportation system

Get to know Cycles in a live demo

Are you interested in a live demo? Then please make an appointment with us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Cycles package options

Cycles is delivered in a basic version (basic package), which experience has shown can be put into operation within one project day (standard installation). In addition, Cycles also allows individual adaptations (process package), such as the expansion of the CO-PA or New-GL interface with customer-specific features.

Scope of the Cycles functions in the basic and process package
Scope of the Cycles functions in the basic and process package

Basic package

The basic package contains all the important program functions you need for the visualization, analysis and processing of SAP cycles.
 

Process package

The special process packages are equipped with numerous special functions for cost or profit and loss accounting and the new general ledger.

Technical data - System requirements

Server

  • Operating system: platform-independent
  • Database: Oracle™ Database or Microsoft SQL Server™

Client

  • Operating system: Windows
  • Interface: SAP GUI

SAP

  • Release: from ECC 6.0
  • Interfaces: Standard interfaces supplemented by a separate function module in compliance with the SAP security standard (certified by Virtual Forge)

What is your benefit from Cycles?

Our globally unique Cycles controlling software enables you to perform efficient periodic cost center accounting:

  • Master and bundle SAP cycles even with complex organizational structures and thereby create transparency in cost analysis.
  • Maintain an overview of your SAP CO allocation structures (such as SAP allocation, distribution or internal activity allocation for cost centers, internal orders, WBS elements, profit centers, Profitability Analysis (CO-PA) or the New General Ledger) and analyze and process your cycles with the familiar ease and flexibility of the Office standard.
  • Thanks to Cycles' interface technology, you can always work in compliance with SAP and thus ensure very high data quality.
  • Use Cycles as a single or multi-user application and flexibly license one to many users. Integration into SAP CO-PA with customer-specific features is also possible.
  • Save up to 75% of your time thanks to the automated data transfer between Microsoft Excel and SAP and the clear presentation in Microsoft Excel.
  • Whether industry, healthcare, the financial sector or energy suppliers - use Cycles across all sectors.

Personal consulting?

Do you have any questions or would you like more information about our Cycles controlling software? Then write us a message or give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you.

Christian Bieber, Chief Operation Officer

Christian Bieber

You can reach our sales team at