Augmented Analytics Functions in the SAC

The SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) is a self-service tool that offers functionalities for business planning, data visualisation, augmented analytics and predictive analytics. With the help of the augmented analytics functions in SAC, new diagrams can be created quickly with just a few clicks using algorithms that have already been defined. For this purpose, further information can be added to diagrams that have already been created. Through these features, the SAC also enables quick and easy creation of a first report in the form of a story. For this, a model (or data set) is first created, which is the basis of each story. For this, a model (or data set) is first created, which is the basis of each story. The creation of a story with the help of the augmented analytics functions “Search to Insight”, “Smart Insights” and “Smart Discovery” is presented below. The first predictive analytics functions of the report element trend/time series are also discussed.

Search to Insight

Once the story has been created, an initial diagram can be quickly added based on predefined phrases by selecting the “Search to Insight” function in the top right of the menu bar. Phrases / diagrams are already suggested based on the data in the selected model. The user has the option to create and view different diagrams. After selecting a diagram for the report, it can be integrated directly into the story.

Adding a diagram via “Search to Insight”

Smart Insights

Using the “Smart Insights” function, additional information can be added to report elements that contain data. Smart Insights provides information about the biggest influencing factors on the data, enabling a quick and initial overview of the data. By selecting “Show more…” a more detailed description of the Smart Insights appears.

Adding “Smart Insights” to a diagram

Smart Discovery

“Smart Discovery” allows selected features of the model (or data sets) to be analysed in relation to a specific target variable (feature or key figure). The results are presented in the form of report elements on several story pages. These include, for example, an overview of the results and a presentation of the five biggest factors influencing the target value. These also include a presentation of the accuracy of the results as well as the possibility of taking a closer look at the largest influencing factors in the form of a sensitivity analysis.

Use of „Smart Discovery”

Report Item: Trend/Time Series

In the overview of the story pages of the “Smart Discovery”, the report element Trend/Time Series is also included. With this report element, which can also be created independently of the “Smart Discovery” function as a report element, there is the option to add a forecast. Here you can choose between “Automatic Forecast”, “Linear Regression” and “Triple Exponential Smoothing”.

Forecast function in the report item trend/time series

This feature makes it possible to apply “Predictive Analytics” already in the story and to support the user in his decision-making with little effort through advanced statistical analyses. The SAC also offers a separate function for this purpose in which forecast scenarios can be created on the basis of data sets. Here there is a choice between “Classification”, “Regression” and “Time Series Forecast”.

Conclusion

As a self-service tool, SAC thus offers the ability to create reports quickly and easily without in-depth IT knowledge and supplement them with information from the data analysis. This includes, in particular, information on the influence of individual indicators and characteristics on selected targets. The difficulty of a high-quality report therefore does not lie in the preparation of the report elements. The difficulty lies in their selection and arrangement, as well as the correct classification of the additional information generated. An important prerequisite for a high-quality report thus continues to be the creation of sensible fundamental data. With our expertise in business analysis as well as in data modelling and in dealing with SAP BW, we are happy to support and advise on the use of SAC in the company.

Written by Nadine Lermer

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