Product Overview: SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC)
Introduction
SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) is a comprehensive, cloud-based business intelligence and analytics platform designed by SAP to integrate business intelligence, predictive analytics, and planning into a single, unified solution. Formerly known as BusinessObjects for Cloud, SAC is built on the SAP HANA-based BI platform, enabling users to analyze data from various sources, including databases, CRM systems, ERP solutions, and more.
Key Capabilities
Business Intelligence
SAC provides robust business intelligence capabilities, allowing users to compile data, perform data discovery, ad-hoc reporting, and analysis. This tool supports real-time analytics and BI insights, enabling the creation of data visualizations, dashboards, and interactive stories.
Predictive Analytics
The platform incorporates advanced predictive analytics, leveraging machine learning algorithms to predict future trends and developments. Features include automated content creation via smart discovery, identification of influential characteristics, and detection of off-trend records. Users can also utilize predictive modeling and simulation to anticipate future outcomes.
Planning
SAC integrates financial and operational planning, allowing users to combine both types of statements for a comprehensive view. It supports budget planning, version management, and “What If” scenario simulations, facilitating proactive decision-making. The planning section also includes automated data modeling and predictive forecasting tools.
Augmented Analytics
Augmented analytics is a key feature, enhancing data analysis with artificial intelligence. This includes automated data cleansing, natural language processing (NLP) for querying data, and the automatic detection of anomalies. The “Just Ask” or “Search to Insight” function enables users to formulate complex queries using natural language.
Key Features
Data Connectivity and Modeling
SAC supports a wide array of data sources, including on-premise and cloud databases, SAP systems (HANA, BW, BPC), and non-SAP applications. Users can import data from files, SAP systems, OData services, or SQL databases. The platform also offers data modeling capabilities, allowing users to prepare data by adding indicators, inserting formulas, and modifying values.
Data Visualization
The tool offers advanced visualization options, including charts, graphs, geospatial mapping, and other graphical components. This enables users to transform complex data into visually compelling and actionable insights.
Real-Time Collaboration
SAC fosters a collaborative environment with real-time collaboration features such as comments, chat, and calendar functions. Teams can work seamlessly on reports, dashboards, and planning scenarios, ensuring everyone is aligned and contributing to the decision-making process.
Mobile Accessibility
The platform is accessible on all devices, providing mobile extensions that allow users to connect with colleagues via iPhone or iPad, ensuring decision-makers are always connected and informed.
Security and Compliance
SAC prioritizes data security and compliance with robust features including role-based access controls, encryption, and auditing capabilities. This ensures sensitive data is protected and organizations comply with regulatory requirements.
Integration
The platform seamlessly integrates with other SAP solutions and third-party applications, providing a holistic approach to analytics within the broader organizational ecosystem.
Additional Functionality
- Version Management: Allows users to save and compare different versions of reports, dashboards, and planning scenarios, facilitating the tracking of changes and ensuring up-to-date data.
- Master Data Management: Enables the creation and management of user-defined master data models, ensuring data consistency and accuracy across all analyses and planning.
- Automated Data Cleansing: Automates the process of data cleansing, making it easier to prepare data for analysis.
- Custom Widgets and Applications Integration: Supports the use of custom widgets and integrates analytic applications into a unified boardroom view, allowing for multi-screen access to enterprise metrics.
Conclusion
SAP Analytics Cloud is a powerful, cloud-based solution that unifies business intelligence, predictive analytics, and planning. With its extensive range of features, including advanced visualization, real-time collaboration, and augmented analytics, SAC empowers businesses to make well-founded decisions by transforming raw data into meaningful insights. Its ease of use, scalability, and robust security features make it an indispensable tool for modern enterprises.