Key Capabilities of Planning in SAC
SAP Analytics Cloud combines data modeling, versioning, manual input, automated calculations, and predictive forecasting into one cohesive experience:
Version Management
- Public Versions: Shared across your team. Used for finalized or in-progress organizational plans (e.g. Actuals, Budget, Forecast).
- Private Versions: User-specific copies of public versions for testing or temporary work. Safe for experimentation before publishing changes.
- Version Panel: Allows users to switch between versions, enter edit mode, revert changes, and publish data.
Manual Data Entry in Tables
- Input data directly into SAC tables connected to a planning model.
- Enter values in both booked (existing) and unbooked (empty) cells.
Disaggregation and Planning Panel
- Input data directly into SAC tables connected to a planning model.
- Enter values in both booked (existing) and unbooked (empty) cells.
- Apply mathematical expressions directly into table cells (e.g. =PreviousYear * 1.1).
Value Driver Trees (VDT)
- Visualize dependencies between KPIs in a tree structure.
- Run “what-if” scenarios (e.g. reduce expenses by 10%) and see real-time impact down to net income.
- Supports both top-down and bottom-up adjustments.
Publishing and Reverting
- After editing, users can publish changes to a version or revert to the original state.
- Access publishing and version history through the Version Management panel.
Planning Roles in SAC
Successful planning involves different users with specific responsibilities:
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
|
Planning Modeler |
Sets up the planning model, dimensions, business logic, and automation rules. |
|
Planning Reporter |
Inputs data, runs simulations, and builds forecasts based on versioned models. |
|
Planning Viewer |
Reviews outputs, runs simulations, and monitors progress against targets. |
Note: A single user can perform multiple roles depending on their permissions and responsibilities.
