SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) Cheat Sheet

Back to Business IntelligenceUpdated 2026-05-15

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 CasesTable 2: Data Connection TypesTable 3: Model Design and DimensionsTable 4: Planning FeaturesTable 5: Smart Features (AI and Augmented Analytics)Table 6: Visualization and Chart TypesTable 7: Analytics Designer ScriptingTable 8: Administration and SecurityTable 9: Performance OptimizationTable 10: Data Blending and JoiningTable 11: Advanced Planning TechniquesTable 12: Responsive Design and MobileTable 13: Integration and ExtensibilityTable 14: Scheduled OperationsTable 15: Formulas and CalculationsTable 16: Q1 2026 New Features Summary

Table 1: Content Types and Use Cases

Type	Example	Description
Story	`Create → Story → Add Chart/Table` `Optimized 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.
Analytic Application	`Create → Analytic Application` `Analytics 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.
Planning Model	`Create → Model → Planning` `Define 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.
Data Action	`Create → Data Action` `Add 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.

Table 1: Content Types and Use Cases

Type	Example	Description
Story	`Create → Story → Add Chart/Table` `Optimized 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.
Analytic Application	`Create → Analytic Application` `Analytics 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.
Planning Model	`Create → Model → Planning` `Define 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.
Data Action	`Create → Data Action` `Add 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.