Optimized vs. classic mode in the SAP Analytics Cloud
- SAP Analytics Cloud
- ClassicMode, OptimizedMode, sac
- 8 min reading time
Onur Celik
The SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) currently offers users two main modes for creating and using stories: Classic Mode and Optimized Mode. As the Classic Mode will soon be discontinued, SAP is driving forward the optimization of the platform and setting clear deadlines for the migration to the Optimized Mode. For this reason, we recommend that you no longer use Classic Mode. This article provides a detailed overview of the differences, highlights the advantages of the new mode and guides you through the step-by-step conversion from Classic to Optimized Stories.
Table of contents
1. introduction to the modes: Classic vs. Optimized
1.1 What is Classic Mode?
Classic Mode has long been the standard for story creation in the SAP Analytics Cloud. It offers a wide range of functions and full flexibility when creating dashboards. However, this mode has some disadvantages, particularly in terms of performance and expandability.
Disadvantages in Classic Mode:
- Slow loading times: Complex stories often take longer to load completely, especially with large amounts of data or multiple data sources.
- Limited scalability: With the growing number of users and data points, Classic Mode is reaching its limits.
- Complex debugging: Errors or problems are difficult to identify and rectify as the debugging tools are limited.
- Outdated architecture: The story in classic mode does not support JavaScript functions, which limits flexibility in customization. Many functions are no longer up to date and are not supported in new updates, which can lead to incompatibilities.
1.2 What is the Optimized Mode?
The Optimized Mode in the SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) represents a significant further development of the Classic Mode, with the aim of both increasing performance and improving user-friendliness. Since its introduction with the Q2 release 2023, the Optimized Mode has already proven itself successfully. By integrating features from Stories, the Analytics Designer and custom widgets with advanced scripting capabilities, Optimized Mode enables the creation of complex dashboards that meet specific requirements.
Advantages of Optimized Mode:
- Modernized architecture: The Optimized Mode combines the functionalities of stories and analytical applications, which facilitates the development of dynamic and appealing visualizations. This enables full support for future SAP functions such as composite widgets, extended filter options and improved visualizations.
- Improved performance: By using an optimized stack, loading times are significantly reduced, even for large and complex stories. This leads to a smoother and more efficient user experience.
- User-friendliness: The Optimized Story Experience offers an intuitive design for end users and optimized navigation. New functions such as the extended responsive layout enable a flexible and user-friendly presentation of content.
- Scalability: Optimized Mode supports larger data volumes and complex structures, enabling the creation of versatile dashboards and analytical applications in one central location. This facilitates collaboration between developers and story designers and saves time and resources.
Note: Optimized Mode combines the strengths of Classic Mode and Application Mode to provide a more modern and efficient environment for creating and using stories.
2. direct comparison between Classic mode and Optimized mode
Feature | Classic mode | Optimized mode |
Performance | Standard performance without the latest optimizations. | Improved performance with faster loading times and smoother interactions. |
Functionality | Offers basic functions; no more new features. | Includes advanced features and is a prerequisite for future story enhancements such as the integration of analytics design functions and digital boardroom features. |
User experience | Traditional user interface without the latest usability improvements. | Consistent and improved user experience across all devices. |
Future security | No longer being developed; no new updates or innovations. | Access to all future updates and innovations; becomes the new standard. |
Expandability through scripting | This feature is not available. Functions or options that are provided in Optimized mode are missing. | Enables the integration of analytics design functions and the creation of user-defined interactions via JavaScript |
Availability of features | Some functions such as Explorer and Grid Pages are available, but are no longer supported. | The Explorer and Grid Pages are not available. Alternatively: Data Analyzer (for Explorer) and optimized presentation tables (for Grid Pages). |
Migration | Stories must be converted from classic mode to optimized mode manually or with the help of tools. | No migration necessary, as the story is already in Optimized mode. |
Support for planning models | Supports planning models, but without the latest optimizations. | Improved support for planning models with extended functions and better performance. |
Availability of containers | Limited or no support for container widgets. | Introduction of container widgets such as Tab Strip and Page Book for improved content organization |
Availability of Input Controls | Basic input controls available. | Enhanced input controls, including checkboxes, drop-down menus and sliders, for improved user interaction. |
Limitations | No new functions; existing features will not be developed further. | Some functions are not yet available |
Support | No support, as the focus is on Optimized mode. | Full support with regular updates and new functions. |
Application mode | Separate from Stories and offers limited options for complex customizations. | Stories and Analytic Applications are integrated. Allows complex customizations, scripting, debugging and CSS adjustments. |
3. SAP deadlines and requirements
3.1 Deadlines for migration
SAP has set the following deadlines for the migration of Stories and Analytic Applications to Optimized Mode:
- From Q4 2024: New clients can no longer create classic stories or analytic applications
- From Q2 2025: It will no longer be possible to create new classic stories or analytic applications. New canvas or responsive pages are automatically created as optimized stories. Existing content can still be displayed, edited and shared.
- From 2026: Access to classic stories and analytic applications will be completely deactivated. Migration of content to Optimized Mode is required before this date.
Why is this deadline important?
- Ensuring functionality: Stories in Classic Mode could be faulty or incompatible after the deadline.
- Long-term optimization: Optimized Mode is the basis for future developments in the SAP Analytics Cloud.
3.2 Effects for companies
- In the short term: Companies must provide resources to migrate existing stories. This includes both the technical conversion and the training of end users.
- Long-term: Higher performance, lower maintenance costs and simplified access to new functions make migration an investment in the future.
4. conversion from Classic Mode to Optimized Mode
The transition from classic stories to the Optimized Design Experience in the SAP Analytics Cloud can present challenges. Below you will find proven methods and tools to help you make the transition efficiently.
4.1 Standard conversion
To convert a classic story into the Optimized Design Experience, proceed as follows:
1. open the classic story: Navigate to your classic story and open it in edit mode (Edit).
2. start conversion: Click on File in the menu bar and select Save. Then select Convert to Optimized Design Experience:
3. save: Enter a new name for the converted story and click Save to complete the process.
4.2 Bulk migration mode
SAP offers a bulk migration tool for the efficient conversion of several classic stories. This tool is available in the Stories module under the "Story Conversion" tab and enables the simultaneous conversion of up to 50 stories.
After selecting the stories to be converted, the tool performs a conversion check and displays the status:
- Ready to Convert: No restrictions; the conversion can be carried out directly.
- Feature Limitation: Unsupported functions have been identified; adjustments are required.
- Blocked: Conversion is not possible due to blockers; further measures are necessary.
This tool makes the migration process considerably easier and saves time.
Once all the necessary steps have been taken, the story can be converted and a storage location specified. You have the choice of either creating a copy or overwriting the existing classic story.
You will then receive an overview of the successfully converted stories:
4.3 Tips and tricks for conversion
There are the following tips and tricks for conversion:
- Tables: In the Optimized Design Experience, tables must be updated manually. Select the table, go to the Designer/Builder and activate the "Optimized Presentation" option. After this adjustment, the conversion should be possible without any problems.
- Smart Insights: If your charts contain Smart Insights, these must be removed. Double-click on the Smart Insight text in the chart and delete it. Then save the story to apply the changes. Please note that in some charts the Smart Insight text is not visible; in such cases the chart should be recreated.
- Geo widgets - Point of Interest Layer: As the Point of Interest Layer is not supported, you should switch to another layer type such as the Bubble Layer. Alternatively, you can upload custom shapes for the layer, whereby the use of Custom Choropleth Shape Hierarchies for SAP HANA and SAP BW is recommended.
- Forecasts: Deactivate all time series with activated forecasts before performing the conversion. To do this, click on the corresponding chart, select "Add" > "Forecast" and switch off the automatic forecast. After the migration, you can reactivate the forecast function in the Optimized Design Experience, as it is now supported.
- Groupings: If there are groupings between charts, texts or icons, these can block the conversion. If you cannot identify the groupings, ignore the warning message and carry out the conversion anyway. Then check whether all charts are displayed correctly.
- Grid pages: Grid pages are not supported in the Optimized Design Experience. Therefore, delete all grid pages before the conversion and recreate the content on canvas or responsive pages.
By following these tips and using the bulk migration tool, you can make the transition to the Optimized Design Experience efficiently and benefit from the improved functionality and performance.( Source: Tips and Tricks for Converting your Classic Story ... - SAP Community )
5. excursus: Lite Viewer in Optimized Mode
The Lite Viewer is a function of the SAP Analytics Cloud that was specially developed in Optimized Mode to improve performance when displaying stories. It offers a resource-saving, user-friendly alternative to the Designer interface, ideal for end users.
Features and benefits
- Reduced effort: Up to 75% less client load thanks to clear separation of designer and viewer roles. This noticeably speeds up loading times.
- Focus on the essentials: The Lite Viewer concentrates on viewing reports and dispenses with advanced functions that are not required.
- Automatic activation: Stories in Optimized Mode without complex functions open directly in the Lite Viewer, which minimizes administrative effort.
New functions
- Geovisualizations: Support for geographical analyses, e.g. bubble layers with color dimensions.
- Faster loading: Removes unnecessary designer functions for faster loading times.
- Embed mode: Automatic activation for embedded reports via URL.
Limitations
- No advanced BI or planning functions.
- No export of stories.
- Limited interactivity (e.g. filtering and navigation possible, but no in-depth analyses).
Best Practices
- Ideal for large user groups to reduce server load and loading times.
- Continue to use stories with complex scripts in full Optimized Mode.
- Embedding in external applications to optimize performance.
The Lite Viewer improves the user experience with fast loading times and an optimized interface. It is particularly suitable for large user groups and embedded reports, but remains limited to basic functions. Restrictions should be taken into account during planning. (Sources: Usage Restrictions for the Lite Viewer | SAP Help Portal, Initial Release of the Lite Viewer for SAP Analyti... - SAP Community )
6 Conclusion and recommendations
Migration to Optimized Mode is not only necessary, but also brings clear benefits in terms of performance, user-friendliness and future-proofing. Companies should approach the migration strategically in order to make the most of the benefits.
Recommendations:
- Start analyzing and migrating at an early stage.
- Train your end users comprehensively to promote acceptance of the new mode.
- Rely on the expertise of the consultants at s-peers AG to successfully implement the migration together.
Act now to secure the future of your data analyses! Please contact us here for the migration to Optimized Mode.
