Introduction
Planning in SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) enables organizations to create budgets, forecasts, and strategic plans in a collaborative, data-driven environment. Unlike traditional reporting, which focuses on historical data, SAC’s planning features help you project future outcomes, test assumptions, and simulate scenarios—all in one platform.
Key Capabilities of Planning in SAC
SAP Analytics Cloud combines data modeling, versioning, manual input, automated calculations, and predictive forecasting into one cohesive experience:
- Manual Planning: Input values directly into tables to modify forecasts and budgets in real time.
- Version Control: Create, edit, and compare private or public versions of data without impacting the original dataset.
- Collaboration: Assign input tasks, leave comments, and share progress with teammates and stakeholders.
- Automations: Use planning tools like data actions and allocations to apply changes at scale.
- Visualization: Use value driver trees and charts to visualize how one change ripples through the rest of your business.
Why Use SAC for Planning?
Planning in SAC allows you to:
- Align departments on targets by using shared versions and centralized stories
- Customize planning workflows to match your organization’s structure and rules
- Simulate scenarios like best case, worst case, or what-if modeling
- Reduce risk by linking planning data directly with actual performance and KPIs
- Accelerate forecasting with predictive capabilities and advanced formulas
Planning Models vs. Analytic Models
In SAC, planning models are built to support planning operations. These differ from analytic models in key ways:
| Feature | Analytic Model | Planning Model |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Entry |
❌ Not Supported |
✅ Supported |
|
Versioning |
❌ Not Available |
✅Public & Private Versions |
|
Disaggregation |
❌ Not Available |
✅Automatic & manual |
|
Structured Planning (Data Actions, Allocations) |
❌ Not Available |
✅ Available |
Core Planning Roles
Planning Modelers: Set up models, rules, and workflows
Planning Reporters: Input data, analyze trends, and build forecasts
Planning Viewers: Review plans, run simulations, and view final outputs
