- Planning, S4/HANA, SAP Analytics Cloud, SAP Datasphere
- Integration, Planning process, Seamless Planning
- 4 min reading time
Cathrin Böhmler
This wiki describes Seamless Planning, the seamless integration between SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) and SAP Datasphere (DSP). This connection optimizes, automates, and accelerates planning processes. Transactional and master data can be persisted directly in the SAP Datasphere, eliminating manual exports and ensuring automatic data synchronization for consistent real-time information. Future extensions promise even deeper integration and optimized workflows.
Table of contents
1. The perfect connection between SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP Datasphere
In this day and age, it is extremely important to react flexibly and quickly to changes and to make well-founded, data-supported decisions. A central data platform and close cooperation between the departments are the keys to success. Seamless Planning optimizes the connection between SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) and SAP Datasphere (DSP). This not only simplifies planning processes, but also speeds them up.
2. What is Seamless Planning?
Seamless Planning refers to the Seamless integration of SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) and SAP Datasphere (DSP). The integration enables SAP Analytics Cloud Models and their data (transactional and master data) directly to persist in the SAP Datasphere, without having to load them separately. If activated, the SAP Analytics Cloud model (and its dimensions) can also be used in Datasphere, e.g. in Transformation Flows or Analytic Models, as a basis for reporting.
The integration greatly simplifies both the efficient linking and use of data between SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP Datasphere.
The following features are supported with the first release:
- Deployment of new SAP Analytics Cloud models in SAP Datasphere Spaces
- Persistence of transaction and master data in SAP Datasphere
- Facts and public dimensions (excluding account dimensions) can be used in Datasphere workflows (e.g., transformation flows).
- Full use of SAP Analytics Cloud functions, such as Excel Add-In, possible
3. Advantages of Seamless Planning
4. Prerequisites for Use
To use Seamless Planning, some requirements must be met:
- SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP Datasphere run on the same Data Center, only Non-SAP Data Centers
- SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP Datasphere Tenant are connected in a 1:1 relationship
- SAP Analytics Cloud has migrated to HANA Cloud – Information about the migration can be found in this blog post from SAP
5. Current limitations of the functionality
With the current release, there are still some limitations in the functionality of Seamless Planning that need to be considered. These include the following aspects:
- Currently, hierarchies in SAP Analytics Cloud models are not automatically created in SAP Datasphere and must be manually rebuilt there.
- Using public dimensions and currency conversion tables in different models requires storing the models and dimensions in the same Datasphere Space
- Cross-model activities, such as data actions with copy steps across models, are only permitted if the models involved have the same data persistence. This means they must both reside either in SAP Analytics Cloud or in SAP Datasphere. Furthermore, cross-model activities in Datasphere must be in the same space.
6. Outlook: Roadmap Features
In the future, the integration between SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP Datasphere will be further optimized and expanded. Additional features are planned to make the use and exchange of data even easier and more efficient.
According to SAP, the following features are planned:
• Option to migrate existing SAP Analytics Cloud models to Seamless Planning (change of persistence)
• Reuse of SAP Datasphere dimensions
• Cross-application workflow management between SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP Datasphere with Multi Actions and task chains (Task Chains)
7. Conclusion
Seamless Planning already offers an innovative solution for the seamless integration of planning processes between SAP Analytics Cloud and SAP Datasphere. By directly storing and using data in both systems, the efficiency and accuracy of planning processes is significantly improved. The automatic data synchronization and expanded usage options facilitate well-founded, data-driven decisions and can optimize collaboration between departments.
Reporting is also positively influenced by Seamless Planning. Within the Datasphere, plan data can be merged with actual data and then used for live reporting in the SAP Analytics Cloud.
Even if there are still some limitations: The roadmap shows promising extensions that will further improve integration and expand application possibilities.
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