Data analytics, which basically refers to AI-powered techniques of analyzing data, has grown into a more complex process over the course of time. It involves several strategies and approaches that are leveraged to spot particular patterns, trends, or behavior in data. Businesses can then interpret this data and form novel insights to improve their service delivery or operations. Ultimately, it is the precise and organized presentation of data which is crucial for providing value to the business. 


SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) might experience a few issues especially if they are new to the tool. However, luckily for them, there are some tried and tested strategies to overcome these methods. In this write-up, we will go through some of the finest practices to use SAP Analytics Cloud. Exploring the below-mentioned recommendations, you can start to perceive your present processes quite differently and fully harness the potential of SAP Analytics Cloud for your organization. 


Best practices for SAP Analytics Cloud


To get the most out of your investment with SAP Analytics Cloud Planning, you must adhere to the following best practices:


Begin with a clear goal in mind


  • Establish clear goals for your analysis

  • Determine the KPIs and important metrics to focus on

  • Identify the report's audience and their requirements

It's crucial to know exactly what you want to achieve when you start a project with SAP Analytics Cloud. Set up well-defined objectives for the analysis right from the start. The goals can be anything like resolving business problems, recognizing trends, and finding opportunities. 


After that, choose which Key Performance Indicators and other important metrics can aid you in getting a clearer picture of your progress as you work toward your objectives. Assess the target audience whom you have to show this report and the relevant information you will have to give to help them make sound decisions. By factoring in all these aspects, your strategies in SAP Analytics Cloud will meet your overall business goals and you will be in a better position to achieve those goals. 


Prepare and clean your data


  • Eliminate duplicate records

  • Deal with missing values properly

  • Ensure sure that the name and formatting styles are uniform

Reliable analysis and accurate outcomes depend on high-quality data. Spend some time cleaning and preparing data before importing it into SAP Analytics Cloud. Eliminate duplicate records, deal with missing values properly (e.g., by substituting medians or averages), and make sure that formatting and naming conventions are consistent. You will then create the right foundation for further analysis. 


Use version control


  • Save multiple versions of your work

  • Compare multiple versions side by side

  • If necessary, go back to previous versions

When using SAP Analytics Cloud to develop models and generate reports, it's easy to get confused over time. Make sure to use version control to prevent confusion.


As you work on your project, save several versions of it so you can quickly go back to a previous version if needed. You can consider leveraging platforms like “model comparison” to undergo comparison between various versions. This can help you determine which modifications have had the most significant impact on your outcome. 


Keep things simple and easy


  • Use basic chart types

  • Reduce the quantity of data series displayed

  • Make use of labels and titles that are descriptive

Even though SAP Analytics Cloud has a lot of advanced features, sometimes simpler is better. Use basic chart types, such as pie charts, line charts, and bar charts, for creating graphs and charts. To avoid overwhelming viewers, just a small number of data series should be displayed.


Additionally, describe what each piece represents with labels and titles that are descriptive.If you keep clarity, accuracy, and simplicity on priority, you can make your data reports understandable for a broad audience. 


Use the built-in visualizations and templates


  • Choose from an array of pre-made templates

  • Customize layouts, fonts, and colors

  • Incorporate interactive features like drill-down capability and filters

With the support of SAP Analytics Cloud's wide range of pre-built templates and visualizations, you can quickly and simply produce reports that look professional. Whenever possible, use these resources instead of attempting to create everything from scratch. Include specific brand elements by customizing colors, fonts, and layouts to make your report more personalized to your brand. In addition, to ensure a deeper study of data, focus on including interactive elements like filters and drill-down features. 


Collaborate with others


  • Share reports and dashboards with coworkers

  • Allow feedback and comments

  • Manage approvals and assign tasks

Data analysis often involves tight collaboration with colleagues from many departments within your company. Make use of SAP Analytics Cloud's collaboration features like sharing dashboards and posting comments on charts directly.These resources can support teamwork and communication. Additionally, to increase productivity and streamline processes, assign tasks and handle approvals within the platform. 


Regularly monitor performance


  • Check the response times for queries

  • Streamline calculations and models

  • Reduce data volumes whenever you can

Even well-designed reports and models can eventually start showing delays because of factors like complex calculations or increasing data volumes. Make sure you regularly monitor performance to ensure everything is functioning properly. Verify query response times, streamline calculations and models, and, if at all possible, reduce data volumes. You can maintain a positive user experience and make sure your analytics are still actionable by taking proactive measures to resolve performance concerns. 


Stay updated on the latest releases


  • Evaluate the documentation and release notes

  • Attend training sessions and webinars

  • Participate in communities and user groups

The field of business intelligence is always changing as new tools and methods are developed on a regular basis. Staying updated with the latest upgrades and releases of SAP Analytics Cloud is also essential to be on top of trends and explore all the new features. 


Review the documentation and release notes, take part in user groups and communities, and attend webinars and training events. It can help you share ideas with others, gain knowledge from experienced and skilled professionals, and improve proficiency with the platform. By interacting with the larger community, you can find out overlooked features and new ways of improving your reports.  


Conclusion


By implementing these finest practices, you can rest assured that you are leveraging the data to its maximum potential and fully utilizing your SAP Analytics Cloud. Essentially, you must try to be mindful about your objectives, keep simplicity on priority, ensure collaboration with others, and regularly keep track of your performance. By implementing these strategies to good use, you can be on the right path to reap the complete benefits of this platform.


Accely is a credible partner that integrates sophisticated technology with business data to render creative, secure, and scalable analytics solutions. Our customer-oriented approach keeps you assured that you get the maximum returns out of your SAP investment by ensuring that each implementation is aligned with your particular company goals. 


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