Dimensions define how data is structured and analyzed in your planning model. Whether you’re segmenting data by product, region, or cost center, setting up dimensions correctly is essential for accurate planning. In SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), dimensions can be either public or private, each serving a different purpose in your planning workflow.Â
What Is a Dimension?
A dimension is a category used to organize data in your model. Common examples include:Â
- Account (e.g., Revenue, Expense)Â
- Time (e.g., Month, Quarter, Year)Â
- Version (e.g., Actual, Budget, Forecast)Â
- Generic (e.g., Product, Cost Center, etc)Â
Dimensions allow you to filter, group, and roll up your data within stories and planning models.Â
Public vs. Private Dimensions
| Feature | Public Dimension | Private Dimension |
|---|---|---|
|
Reusability |
Can be used across multiple models |
Available only within the specific model |
|
Maintenance |
Centralized (admin-level changes) |
Maintained locally in the model |
|
Best for |
Shared business dimensions (e.g. Product) |
Quick setups, testing, or one-off planning use |
|
Hierarchy Support |
Full support |
Limited to the model context |
Best Practices
- Use public dimensions for consistency across enterprise models.Â
- Use private dimensions during prototyping or for model-specific planning needs.Â
- Always define unique IDs and descriptions for clarity and integration.Â
- Maintain clean hierarchies to support aggregation and disaggregation in planning.Â
