New potential of SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC)

Greater agility for departments with SAC

The demands placed on data analysis and business planning are growing rapidly: departments want quick answers, flexible planning options, and access to reliable data. The previous SAP approach, with its complex, rigid data models and long development cycles, slowed down this momentum.

SAP is responding to this with a shift in strategy toward an open, cloud-based platform—and SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) is playing a key role in this. But before we look at the new possibilities in this article, it's worth taking a look back: Why is the previous concept reaching its limits ?

Why the old approach based on SAP BW is no longer sufficient

For many years, SAP BW was the core component for reporting and planning in the SAP environment. However, the requirements for modern analytics solutions have changed fundamentally: Today, departments expect fast results, flexible customization, and the ability to create analyses independently—without months of IT projects.  

However, traditional solutions were highly technical and closely tied to SAP BW. This led to a number of challenges:

• High complexity and limited flexibility
• Long development times for new reports and planning scenarios
• Data copies and silos that caused inconsistencies
• Limited AI capabilities ‍
• High dependence on SAP systems

The result was delays, lack of transparency, and frustration—both for IT and users. Not only does the discontinuation of SAP BW make it clear that this approach has reached its limits, but the increasing dynamics of the market also require new approaches. This is precisely where SAP's new strategy comes in: an open, cloud-based data and analytics platform that prioritizes flexibility and speed.

The new approach with SAP BDC

With Business Data Cloud (BDC) and Datasphere, as well as the integration of external platforms such as Databricks , SAP is creating a unified database that takes analysis and planning to a whole new level.

The advantages of this approach are clear:

• Uniform database for all tools
• Openness for non-SAP data and cloud environments
• Zero-copy/federated access instead of redundant data copies
• ModernAI and ML features out-of-the-box
• Real-time analytics for faster decisions
• Self-service for departments – less dependence on IT, lower costs

This creates the foundation for supporting departments not only faster, but also more intelligently. And this is exactly where SAP Analytics Cloud comes in —as the central front end for analysis and planning.

SAP Analytics Cloud as a game changer for business departments

SAP Analytics Cloud is no longer just a reporting tool—it is an enabler for data-driven, fast, and flexible departmental management. Users from controlling, finance, sales, or HR can create analyses independently without having to wait for lengthy IT processes. This means greater agility, less Excel chaos, and significantly higher acceptance.

The most important advantages of SAC at a glance:

• Self-service reporting: Departments can create analyses independently
• Integrated planning: OPEX, CAPEX, and more—without Excel chaos
• Deep integration into SAP environments and access to external data sources
• AI-supported forecasts for better planning

The result: shorter waiting times, greater transparency, and reliable results—without the need for large-scale IT projects. This makes SAC the central tool for the new SAP strategy and gives companies the opportunity to modernize their analysis and planning processes in a sustainable manner.

Conclusion: Seize the opportunity now

The new SAP strategy is more than just a technical upgrade—it is a paradigm shift. The combination of Business Data Cloud, Datasphere, and SAP Analytics Cloud creates a platform that enables business units to act faster, more flexibly, and more intelligently.

The advantages are obvious:

• Less dependence on IT thanks to self-service
• Reliable database for all analysis and planning scenarios
• AI-powered forecasts for better decisions
• Integration of external data sources for a complete picture

Those who act now will not only secure competitive advantages, but also lay the foundation for modern, data-driven corporate management.

Would you like to know how this works in practice? You can gain initial insights in our on-demand webinars:

• OPEX and CAPEX planning with SAC ‍
• How to connect sales, SCM, and finance with SAC and SAP IBP ‍
• AI and planning for controlling with SAC

Or contact us directly —we will be happy to guide you through the transformation process and show you how to make the switch pragmatically and efficiently.