SAC's 2024 Q1 release brings enhanced predictive planning and enterprise planning (xP&A) features — deeper forecasting insight and greater flexibility in scenario modelling.
SAP Analytics Cloud integrates analytics and planning with connectivity to SAP applications and diverse data sources. The 2024.01 release, available to FastTrack customers, presents new enterprise-planning and predictive functionality.
What is enterprise planning?
SAC for planning supports extended planning and analysis (xP&A), empowering collaborative plan development across the business and enabling agile decision-making in an increasingly cloud-centric environment.
Predictive planning features
Advanced formulas — RESULTLOOKUP() and LINK() methods now define and read calculated members, eliminating complex formula scripts (SAP HANA Cloud tenants only). Variable member support — define variable members along the version dimension for temporary aggregation calculations. Data Actions enhancement — a toolbar toggle displays either IDs or Descriptions for dimension members, enhancing clarity and reducing unintended modifications.
Predictive features
Automation of what-if simulation — new 'train only' and 'apply only' actions allow step-by-step model training and application to different scenarios. Forecast interpretability — users can examine how each component of the forecasting model contributes to predictions, building trust and revealing what most impacts expenses.
Conclusion
The 2024 Q1 release combines time-series forecasting with user-friendly functionality, designed for business users to leverage predictions effectively in planning.
