SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) empowers organizations with advanced analytics, planning, and predictive capabilities. To extend SAC’s functionalities beyond the standard offerings, SAP provides the SAP Analytics Cloud Software Development Kit (SAC SDK)—a powerful toolkit that enables developers to build custom applications embedded within the SAC environment.
This article introduces the SAC SDK, its benefits, and how to develop custom applications to tailor analytics solutions precisely to your business needs.
The SAC SDK is a collection of APIs, libraries, and development tools that allow developers to create custom, interactive applications that integrate seamlessly with SAP Analytics Cloud. These applications can complement SAC’s out-of-the-box capabilities by providing specialized visualizations, workflows, or user experiences.
The SDK supports modern web technologies like JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS, enabling developers to leverage their existing skills to extend SAC.
- Integration with SAC Data Models: Access live SAC data and metadata to build dynamic apps.
- Custom Widgets and Controls: Create interactive charts, forms, and dashboards tailored to specific use cases.
- Event Handling: Implement user-driven actions and respond to system events for enhanced interactivity.
- Security and Authentication: Utilize SAC’s existing user authentication and authorization.
- Embedding and Navigation: Embed custom apps directly within SAC stories or launch them from the SAC menu.
- Tailored User Experience: Design interfaces specific to user roles or business processes.
- Extend SAC Capabilities: Add features not available in standard SAC tools.
- Reusability: Build modular components that can be reused across projects.
- Improved Collaboration: Enable tighter integration with other SAP and third-party systems.
- Accelerated Development: Leverage web standards and existing developer knowledge.
- Install necessary tools like Node.js, npm, and a code editor (e.g., Visual Studio Code).
- Download and configure the SAC SDK from the SAP Help Portal.
- Use SAC SDK templates or the CLI tools to scaffold your application.
- Define the app structure and integrate required SAC services.
- Use the SDK’s APIs to authenticate and fetch data from SAC models.
- Implement data binding to update UI elements dynamically.
- Build interactive visualizations using JavaScript frameworks or native SDK widgets.
- Handle user input and system events to create responsive apps.
¶ 5. Testing and Debugging
- Use local development servers and SAC sandbox environments to test your app.
- Debug using browser developer tools and SAC logs.
¶ 6. Deploy and Register
- Deploy the app to the SAC tenant.
- Register and assign access rights to users or teams.
- Industry-Specific Dashboards: Tailor analytics views for sectors like manufacturing, retail, or finance.
- Custom Planning Interfaces: Create bespoke planning workflows aligned with organizational processes.
- Enhanced Visualizations: Build complex charts or maps beyond SAC’s default offerings.
- Data Entry Forms: Simplify data capture and validation integrated with SAC planning models.
- Process Automation: Embed guided workflows and approval mechanisms.
- Follow SAP Security Guidelines: Ensure your app complies with SAC’s security model.
- Optimize Performance: Minimize data requests and optimize UI rendering.
- Maintain Code Quality: Use modular design, version control, and documentation.
- Leverage SAC Features: Use built-in SAC capabilities for authentication, data caching, and integration.
- Engage Business Users Early: Incorporate feedback to align with user expectations.
The SAP Analytics Cloud SDK opens a world of possibilities for organizations seeking to customize and enhance their analytics experience. By developing custom applications, businesses can address unique requirements, improve user engagement, and fully leverage the power of SAC’s platform.
Whether building custom dashboards, planning interfaces, or specialized workflows, the SAC SDK provides a flexible and robust foundation for innovation in enterprise analytics.