In today’s data-driven world, dashboards serve as powerful tools that transform raw data into visual stories, enabling faster and more informed decision-making. SAP Data Warehouse Cloud (SAP DWC) offers a robust platform for building dashboards by leveraging integrated data models and seamless connectivity with analytics tools.
This article explores the step-by-step process of creating effective dashboards in SAP DWC and highlights best practices to maximize the value of your data.
¶ Understanding SAP DWC’s Dashboard Ecosystem
SAP DWC itself focuses primarily on data modeling, governance, and integration. For dashboard creation and rich visual analytics, SAP DWC is tightly integrated with SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), which acts as the primary visualization layer.
- SAP DWC provides clean, semantic data models.
- SAP Analytics Cloud consumes these models to create interactive dashboards.
- Native live connections allow real-time insights without data replication.
¶ Steps to Create Dashboards Using SAP DWC and SAP Analytics Cloud
- Use the Data Builder in SAP DWC to create a semantic model.
- Model your data with business-friendly names, define measures, dimensions, and hierarchies.
- Validate your model by previewing the data and ensuring relationships and calculations are correct.
- In SAP Analytics Cloud, establish a live connection to your SAP DWC space.
- This live connection ensures dashboards always reflect the most current data without duplication.
- Ensure appropriate user permissions are set up in both systems.
- In SAC, open the Stories section and create a new story.
- Select your SAP DWC model as the data source.
- Use the drag-and-drop canvas to add charts, tables, filters, and input controls.
- Choose from multiple chart types such as bar, line, pie, heat maps, and geo maps.
- Use filters and linked visualizations to allow users to drill down and explore data interactively.
- Incorporate calculated measures or dynamic variables as needed for advanced analytics.
- Add text widgets and images for better context.
- Use input controls like dropdowns or sliders for interactive filtering.
- Design the layout for clarity, prioritizing key metrics at the top or center.
¶ 6. Share and Collaborate
- Share dashboards with stakeholders directly via SAC.
- Use comments and annotations for collaboration.
- Schedule periodic email distribution of reports if needed.
- Real-Time Data: Live data access ensures decisions are based on the latest available information.
- Single Source of Truth: Centralized data modeling prevents discrepancies.
- Scalability: Easily scale models and dashboards as business needs evolve.
- User-Friendly: Business users can create and explore dashboards without heavy IT involvement.
- Secure and Governed: SAP DWC’s role-based access controls maintain data security and compliance.
- Focus on Key Metrics: Identify and display the most critical KPIs upfront.
- Use Consistent Visuals: Maintain color schemes and formats to avoid confusion.
- Optimize Performance: Keep models lean and avoid overly complex calculations on the fly.
- Enable Interaction: Filters and drill-downs empower users to explore data rather than just consume static reports.
- Test with End Users: Gather feedback to ensure dashboards meet business needs and are easy to use.
Creating dashboards in SAP Data Warehouse Cloud involves a combination of strategic data modeling and leveraging powerful visualization capabilities via SAP Analytics Cloud. This integrated approach enables organizations to build dynamic, real-time dashboards that facilitate better insight, collaboration, and decision-making.
By following the steps outlined and adhering to best practices, SAP users can unlock the full potential of their data to drive business success.