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Home Analysis for Office SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office vs. SAP Analytics Cloud Excel Add-In: Features and Differences

SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office vs. SAP Analytics Cloud Excel Add-In: Features and Differences

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Philipp May

Head of reporting workshop
Cover image: Wiki SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office vs. SAP Analytics Cloud Excel Add-In

This article compares the features and applications of SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office (AfO) and the SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) Excel Add-In. 

Table of contents

Introduction

The world of data analysis and reporting is dynamic and constantly changing. Two tools that play an important role in this area are SAP Analysis for Office and the SAP Analytics Cloud Excel Add-In. Both offer unique functions and advantages, but it is important to understand their differences in order to make the right choice for your company's needs. 

What is SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office (AfO)?

Overview SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office (AfO)

SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office is an add-in for Microsoft Excel specifically designed for analyzing SAP data sources. It allows users to create, edit, and share complex reports by directly accessing data from SAP Business Warehouse (BW), SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC), and SAP S/4HANA. There is also a special edition for SAP Analytics Cloud that enables multidimensional analysis of data sources in Microsoft Excel and the design of Excel workbook applications.

Key features of SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office (AfO)

1.
Integration with SAP data sources

 Direct access to SAP BW, SAP BPC, SAP HANA and SAP Analytics Cloud models. 

2.
Advanced analysis functions

Support for pivot tables, charts, conditional formatting, filters, prompts, calculations, and display structures.

3.
Design panel

Analyze data and customize the view by simply dragging and dropping dimensions and measures. Option to pause the update to apply changes collectively. 

4.
Chart-Integration

Adding charts to the analysis. 

5.
Saving navigation states

Saving analysis views that can be reused by other users.

6.
Advanced Excel functions

Access data and metadata from connected systems through special functions in Excel. Use API functions in the Visual Basic Editor for data filtering and variable setting.

7.
Planning functions

Entering plan data manually or automatically using planning functions and sequences from SAP BW Integrated Planning. 

8.
Offline capabilities

Ability to download data and edit reports offline.

9.
Available versions

Supports Office 365, Microsoft Office 2021, 2019 and 2016 (Excel in each case).

10.
Installation requirements

Must be installed locally and enables connection to systems directly or via platforms such as the SAP BusinessObjects BI platform and SAP BW/SAP BW/4HANA for storing and sharing workbooks.

What is the SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) Excel Add-In?

Overview SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) Excel-Add-In

SAP Analytics Cloud, add-in for Microsoft Excel, allows you to leverage the strengths of Microsoft Excel to gain deeper insights into your SAP Analytics Cloud data. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office and allows you to format, analyze, and enrich data based on the latest content from the SAP Analytics Cloud platform.

Key features of SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) Excel Add-In

1.
Live Data Connection

Real-time access to data from SAP Datasphere and S/4HANA

2.
Cloud-based collaboration

Sharing and editing reports in real time. 

3.
User-friendly interface

Intuitive operation and seamless integration with Office 365.

4.
Data integration

Brings data from spreadsheets, on-premise databases, and the cloud into Microsoft Excel.

5.
Availability

Add-in can be downloaded from the Microsoft Office Store (SAP Analytics Cloud license required).

6.
Data analysis

Analysis of SAP Analytics Cloud Analytic and Planning Models based on Import Data connections. Planning data can be added and saved back to the cloud.

7.
Broad support

Analysis of SAP Datasphere Analytic Models, SAP S/4HANA Cloud Queries, SAP S/4HANA Queries, and SAP BW Queries.

8.
Multi-table support

Insert one or more tables, each based on a model, into a workbook. Add or remove dimensions and key figures to analyze the data.

9.
Filters and hierarchies

Creating filters for all dimensions and key figures, as well as adding totals in rows and columns of the table. Using dimensions with applied hierarchies to structure the analysis. 

10.
Updatability

During the analysis and planning phase, the table can be updated at any time with the latest data from SAP Analytics Cloud.

How do the two tools differ from each other?

While SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office focuses on integration with traditional SAP data sources and offers robust offline functions, the SAC Excel Add-In aims for a closer connection with SAP Analytics Cloud and leverages the advantages of cloud technology for improved collaboration and user experience. 

Integration

SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office offers deep integration with SAP BW and BPC, making it particularly attractive for users of these systems. In contrast, the SAC Excel Add-In focuses on integration with SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP Datasphere, making it ideal for cloud-based analysis.

Usage

SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office enables extensive offline work, whereas the SAC Excel Add-In focuses on real-time collaboration and cloud integration. This makes the SAC Add-In ideal for teams that need current data and collaborative work.

User experience

The SAC Excel Add-In offers a more modern, user-friendly interface, while SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office enhances traditional Excel functions. Both approaches provide intuitive user guidance and diverse analysis options.

Update management

The SAP Analytics Cloud Excel Add-In benefits from automatic updates that regularly introduce new functions and security improvements. These updates ensure seamless integration, compatibility with the latest versions, and reduce administrative effort.

Conclusion: What have I learned?

 The choice between SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office and the SAC Excel Add-In depends on the specific requirements of your company. If you need deep integration with traditional SAP data sources and want to work offline, SAP Analysis for Microsoft Office might be the better choice. However, if you want to take advantage of cloud technology and collaborate with teams in real time, the SAC Excel Add-In offers modern solutions that can revolutionize the way you work. 

Published by:

Philipp May

Head of reporting workshop

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Image of Philipp May

Philipp May

Head of reporting workshop

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