Home Reporting The favorite features of SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC): Heide's Top 10

The favorite features of SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC): Heide's Top 10

In a new wiki article, our consultant Heide Horrmeyer provides an exclusive insight into her favorite SAC functions. Find out how Heide takes data analysis to the next level with features such as data actions, cascading filters, automated planning functions and much more. From calculations at the touch of a button to augmented analytics – read, be inspired and optimize your next SAC use!

Table of contents

Introduction

SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) is a powerful cloud-based solution for business intelligence, planning, and analysis. It offers companies the opportunity to comprehensively analyze data and make informed decisions. In this article, we will introduce the best features of SAC and show how they can be used effectively.

 

The most important SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) Features

SAC offers a variety of functions that make it an indispensable tool for modern companies.

 

Feature 1: Calculations at the push of a button (Data Actions and Multi Actions)

With Data Actions or Multi Actions, you can apply complex calculations and transformations to your data without having to resort to external tools or scripts. This feature allows you to manipulate and analyze data directly in the SAC. By easily applying calculations, users can quickly and efficiently gain in-depth insights.

 

Feature 2: The cascading filter

Cascading filters are a great way to make reports and dashboards interactive. They adapt dynamically as users select more filters. This makes data exploration easier and allows users to customize views to their specific needs. This allows different data perspectives to be viewed quickly and easily.

 

Feature 3: Calendar process and automated planning functions

SAC allows users to define calendar processes to control automated planning tasks. You can set schedules for data updates, report publications, and other recurring tasks. In addition, you can use automated planning functions to create budgets, forecasts, and scenarios. This simplifies the management and optimization of business processes.

 

Feature 4: Creation of master data

Master data is crucial for analysis and planning. In SAC, you can create and manage custom master data models that are stored in the cloud. This ensures easy updating and use of master data, improving data consistency and accuracy across all analyses and plans.

 

Feature 5: Version management

Version management allows you to save and compare different versions of reports, dashboards, and planning scenarios. This feature makes it easier to track changes and ensures that you are always working with current data. This allows users to better understand and document different scenarios and developments.

 

Feature 6: Diverse visualization options

SAC offers a wide range of visualization options, including various chart types (bar, line, pie charts, etc.), GeoMaps for the geographical representation of data, and table views. Users can select the appropriate visualization for their data to present complex information clearly and understandably.

 

Feature 7: Collaboration options with comments and chats

In SAC, users can add comments to reports and dashboards, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team. The integrated chat allows users to communicate and conduct discussions directly within the application, facilitating teamwork and decision-making.

 

Feature 8: Authorization concept (partially automated)

The authorization concept in SAC allows administrators to control access to reports, models, and data. It is based on roles, user groups, and hierarchies. Some authorizations can be assigned automatically to reduce administrative effort. This ensures that only authorized users have access to sensitive data.

 

Feature 9: Bookmarks

In SAC, users can create bookmarks to save specific views, filter settings, and visualizations. These bookmarks allow you to quickly return to relevant reports or dashboards without having to manually adjust the filters each time. You can also share bookmarks with other users to share common views.

 

Feature 10: Augmented Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The integration of AI into the SAP Analytics Cloud is revolutionizing data analysis and opening up new possibilities for companies.

  • Predictive Analytics: Machine learning algorithms enable analyses to predict future trends and developments. Companies can react proactively and make informed decisions.
  • Automated data modeling: AI technologies automatically create and optimize data models by recognizing patterns in the data and suggesting the best models for specific requirements.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP): Through the integration of NLP, users can use natural language to formulate complex queries and gain insights from the data. This function is known as "Just Ask" or "Search to Insight".
  • Automatic anomaly detection: AI algorithms automatically identify anomalies in the data that indicate unexpected patterns or deviations.
 

 Conclusion

SAP Analytics Cloud offers numerous powerful features that support companies in making data-driven decisions and optimizing their business processes. From calculations at the touch of a button and cascading filters to extensive visualization options and collaboration functions, SAC offers companies an effective way to analyze data and plan.

Published by:

Heide Horrmeyer

Professional Analytics consultant

author

How did you like the article?

How helpful was this post?

Click on a star to rate!

Average rating 4 / 5.
Number of ratings: 8

No votes so far! Be the first person to rate this post!

INFORMATION

More information

IT Change Management

IT Change Management: Definition, Process, and Best Practices

Companies realize less than one-third of the expected benefits from digital transformations, not because the technology fails, but because...

What Is FP&A? Definition, Core Processes, and the Future of Corporate Management

Companies aren't managed by reports—they're managed by better decisions. FP&A, or Financial Planning & Analysis, is the strategic...

Mission Lakehouse – All Wikis at a Glance

Our Lakehouse mission is complete. In a series of 10...

How to Build a Code-Based AI Agent in SAP: A Step-by-Step Guide Using Python & AI Core

The wiki is intended for developers and technically savvy SAP consultants who are creating a code-based AI agent using Python for the first time,...

FinOps: The Art of Maximizing Cost-Value in the Cloud

How does this work in data sharing with SAP and Databricks? The strategic partnership between SAP and Databricks enables...
Mosaic AI

Databricks Mosaic AI: AI agents that truly master your SAP business logic

Data access does not equate to mastery of logic. An AI agent only “masters” SAP when it operates at the semantic level—working with key performance indicator definitions, organizational structures...
Your guide to successful SAC migration

SAC Migration by Q2 2026: The Guide to Transitioning to the Optimized Story Experience

The time for the conversion of SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC)...