Subject: SAP-Analytics-Cloud
In today’s data-driven enterprises, seamless integration between planning solutions and various source systems is essential for real-time insights, accurate forecasting, and informed decision-making. SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) offers a robust and flexible platform for integrating data from a range of planning systems, enabling unified, collaborative enterprise planning.
This article explores how organizations can plan and execute effective data integration strategies for SAC, particularly when connecting to other planning systems like SAP S/4HANA, SAP BPC, and third-party applications.
Planning data integration ensures that planning models are:
- Accurate – reflecting the latest actuals and master data.
- Consistent – eliminating data silos across departments.
- Automated – reducing manual input and the risk of errors.
- Timely – enabling real-time or near real-time planning and forecasting.
A strong integration strategy is the foundation for enterprise-wide planning, where finance, operations, sales, and HR are aligned on a single version of the truth.
SAP Analytics Cloud supports integration with multiple systems, including:
- SAP S/4HANA: Real-time operational data for planning.
- SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC): Financial and consolidation data synchronization.
- SAP Data Warehouse Cloud: Advanced modeling and data federation.
- Non-SAP systems (e.g., Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server): Via connectors and APIs.
- Flat Files and Excel: Manual data uploads where needed.
- Direct, real-time access to backend systems (e.g., S/4HANA, BW/4HANA).
- Data remains in the source; SAC queries it on demand.
- Ideal for up-to-date reporting and operational planning.
- Data is extracted and loaded into SAC models.
- Enables data transformation and offline planning.
- Supports scheduled refresh and manipulation.
The choice between live and import depends on the planning scenario, data sensitivity, and system performance considerations.
- Determine the planning use case and data requirements.
- Decide on the optimal connection type based on latency and data volumes.
- Establish data ownership and governance.
¶ b. Use Standard Connectors and APIs
- Leverage SAP-provided connectors (e.g., BPC live/integration, S/4HANA live).
- Use SAP Cloud Connector for secure on-premise access.
- Utilize OData and REST APIs for custom and third-party integrations.
- Align data structures between source systems and SAC planning models.
- Use Data Wrangling and Data Actions in SAC for transformations.
- Ensure data consistency through validations and version management.
¶ d. Automate and Monitor Data Loads
- Set up scheduling for regular data refreshes.
- Monitor data integration jobs and resolve failures promptly.
- Document integration workflows for transparency and troubleshooting.
- Implement role-based access controls to protect sensitive planning data.
- Optimize queries and minimize large-volume data transfers for better performance.
- Regularly audit and clean up unused models and connections.
| Planning Scenario |
Source System |
Integration Type |
Purpose |
| Financial Planning |
SAP BPC |
Import Connection |
Data synchronization for forecasts |
| Sales Planning |
SAP S/4HANA |
Live Connection |
Real-time planning based on sales orders |
| HR Planning |
Flat Files |
Import Connection |
Manual uploads of headcount data |
| Operational Planning |
SAP DWC |
Import or Live |
Unified planning from multiple sources |
Effective planning data integration in SAP Analytics Cloud empowers organizations to build reliable, scalable, and collaborative planning environments. By carefully planning connections to key systems, using the right tools and methodologies, and adhering to best practices, enterprises can ensure high data quality, streamlined processes, and real-time insights—delivering tangible business value through smarter planning.