SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) is SAP's cloud-native SaaS platform for business intelligence, planning, and predictive analytics, combining data visualization, enterprise planning, and augmented analytics in a unified environment. As the strategic analytics solution for the Intelligent Enterprise, SAC connects to SAP BW, S/4HANA, HANA, and third-party sources through live and import connections. The Q1 2026 release introduced Fact Deletion steps, area and Pareto charts, story versioning, and enhanced Compass simulation—critical for maintaining governed, audit-ready planning processes while enabling self-service exploration and AI-driven insights. Understanding the distinction between Stories (presentation-focused dashboards) and Analytic Applications (scripting-enabled interactive apps) is fundamental, as the Classic Experience reaches end-of-life in Q2 2026, making migration to the Optimized Story Experience essential.
What This Cheat Sheet Covers
This topic spans 16 focused tables and 90 indexed concepts. Below is a complete table-by-table outline of this topic, spanning foundational concepts through advanced details.
Table 1: Content Types and Use Cases
The first decision in any SAC project is which kind of artifact you're building, because each one trades flexibility for effort differently. Stories are the quick presentation-focused dashboards, Analytic Applications open the door to full scripting, planning models add write-back, and supporting pieces like Data Actions, Composites, and Calendar Processes round out the toolkit — knowing when to reach for which saves a lot of rework.
| Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
Create → Story → Add Chart/TableOptimized Design Experience | • Dashboard for data visualization and exploration • supports Responsive and Canvas page layouts, supports limited scripting through button actions and input controls • ideal for executive dashboards and operational reports. | |
Create → Analytic ApplicationAnalytics Designer scripting | • Fully scriptable interactive app built with Analytics Designer • enables custom widgets, event-driven logic, data action triggers, and complex navigation flows • ideal for planning user interfaces and scenario analysis tools. | |
Create → Model → PlanningDefine Dimensions/Measures | • Write-enabled data model supporting version management, data actions, and allocation processes • uses Account dimension for financial planning or Measure-based for operational scenarios • supports multi-user collaboration with public/private versions | |
Create → Data ActionAdd Copy/Allocation/Advanced Formula | • Automation workflow for planning operations • contains copy steps, allocation steps, Fact Deletion steps (Q1 2026), and advanced formula scripts • orchestrated by Multi Actions for cross-model workflows • supports synchronous and asynchronous execution modes |