SACS21 EN Col34 v1

SACS21
SAP Analytics Cloud: Story Design
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PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING
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Course Version: 34
Course Duration: 3 Day(s)
Material Number: 50161747
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Contents
vii Course Overview
1 Unit 1: Getting started with stories
3 Lesson: Introducing story design

5 Lesson: Choosing between optimized and classic design modes
9 Lesson: Selecting a data source
17 Unit 2: Building stories
19 Lesson: Explaining optimized stories

21 Lesson: Building stories from a template
23 Lesson: Building stories using files as data sources
31 Unit 3: Configuring story elements
33 Lesson: Configuring tables

39 Lesson: Configuring charts
43 Lesson: Configuring geo maps
47 Lesson: Applying conditional formatting
49 Lesson: Configuring other widgets
53 Lesson: Applying preferences in a story
55 Lesson: Using comments
65 Unit 4: Manipulating data in stories
67 Lesson: Sorting data in stories

71 Lesson: Filtering data in optimized design mode
81 Lesson: Filtering data in classic design mode
83 Lesson: Blending data in models
87 Lesson: Calculating data in stories
103 Unit 5: Applying best practices and guidelines
105 Lesson: Setting formatting standards

109 Lesson: Following best practices
115 Unit 6: Presenting stories
117 Lesson: Presenting data on mobile devices

121 Lesson: Creating an SAP Digital Boardroom
© Copyright. All rights reserved. v

vi © Copyright. All rights reserved.
Course Overview
TARGET AUDIENCE
This course is intended for the following audiences:
© Copyright. All rights reserved. vii

viii © Copyright. All rights reserved.
UNIT 1 Getting started with stories
Lesson 1
Introducing story design 3
Lesson 2
Choosing between optimized and classic design modes 5
Lesson 3
Selecting a data source 9
UNIT OBJECTIVES
● Describe the basics concepts of story design in SAP Analytics Cloud

● Explain the function of the modes and know when to use them
● Describe data sources
© Copyright. All rights reserved. 1

Unit 1: Getting started with stories
2 © Copyright. All rights reserved.

Unit 1
Lesson 1
Introducing story design
LESSON OBJECTIVES
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
Story design basics

A SAP Analytics Cloud story is a presentation-style document that uses charts, visualizations,
text, images, and pictograms to describe data. Many customers refer to stories as reports or
dashboards. Either term is accurate because a story can reflect detailed information in a table
format or high-level information in charts and other visualizations. Once you create or open a
story in Edit mode, you can add and edit pages, sections, and elements as you like.
Because stories are browser-based, when a user views your story you may want to encourage
them to maximize their browser and select full screen in the story's tool bar to get a better
view. If individual widgets are too small, viewers can also select full screen mode from each
widget.
Finally, when designing your stories, keep them as simple as possible. In general, it is easier
for users to consume story content if it is present in smaller bits rather than have a few large
stories with many pages to navigate. Your current reporting and dashboard standards will
suffice for SAP Analytics Cloud stories. And if you do not have reporting or dashboard
standards, this is the perfect time to create them. After completing this course, you will be
exposed to the majority of story-building capabilities in SAP Analytics Cloud, and you can use
your knowledge to develop reporting and dashboard standards to apply throughout your
organization.
LESSON SUMMARY
You should now be able to:


Unit 1
Lesson 2
Choosing between optimized and classic
design modes
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Classic design and optimized design modes

When you create a story, you are prompted to choose Classic Design Experience or Optimized
Design Experience mode:
Figure 1: Classic Design Experience Or Optimized Design Experience
SAP encourages you to use Optimized Design Experience mode whenever possible. The
Optimized Design Experience includes many usability and performance improvements and is
the prerequisite for future story enhancements like the integration of analytics design
capabilities and digital boardroom features into the story. There are a set of features that may
not be available at this time as SAP continues to enhance the Optimized Design Experience
mode; however, these and other new features are being added with each quarterly release
and will be made available only in the Optimized Story Experience. Furthermore, it will be the
new default experience in future releases.
The benefits of using the Optimized Design Experience include:
● Ghost Loading Indicators
● Navigation of Large Hierarchies
● Improved Tooltip Interactions
● More with each quarterly update

The Classic Design Experience will still be available and provide access to features developed
prior to Q2 2022. However, it will not receive any performance, functionality, or usability
enhancements. There are also elements that will not be available at all in the Optimized Design
Experience because there are more suitable substitutes. These elements include:
● Explorer - Replaced by Data Analyzer as the new exploration tool
● Grid Pages - Replaced by the Optimized Presentation table option within Responsive and
Canvas Pages
● Old HANA and BW Versions - Always use the latest BW and HANA version to ensure that
you have the latest performance and feature functionality in SAP Analytics Cloud.
Note:
For the most current information on what features are available with each design
experience mode, always refer to the SAC help in your current SAC tenant.
Converting a story to optimized design mode (optional)

If your organization has been using SAP Analytics Cloud since 2021, you probably have
classically designed stories. Over time, you will want to convert these stories to Optimized
design. Currently, there is no conversion tool to convert all stories at one time, but the
conversion process is very simple.
In View mode of a story, select Convert to Optimized Design Experience from the File menu. In
Edit mode of a story, select Convert to Optimized Design Experience from the Save options.
Enable Optimized View Mode only adds optimized enhancement while viewing a story but no
design enhancements.
Figure 2: Convert to Optimized Design
If you story contains any elements that are not yet supported in Optimized Design, you will
receive a warning with information about what you must change in your story. You can either
make the changes and convert, or delay the conversion until Optimized Design supports the
elements. Certain elements are deprecated for Optimized Design, so you must substitute that
element with the optimized equivalent widget or functionality.

Lesson: Choosing between optimized and classic design modes
Note:
Grid pages will not be supported at all in Optimized Design. You must copy the
table on the Grid page to either a new Responsive or Canvas page and delete the
Grid page.
The figure Sample Optimized Design Warning shows an example of the warning message
displayed for a specific story.
Figure 3: Sample Optimized Design Warning
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 1
Lesson 3
Selecting a data source
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Types of data sources

Data for a story can come from a file, a SAP Analytics Cloud model or dataset, or an outside
data source.
Figure 4: Story Data Sources
Note:
If using data from SAP Datasphere, you directly access an SAP Datasphere
dataset located in a specific space defined in SAP Datasphere.
If you import data from a file or on outside data source, you create a dataset within the story.
SAP Analytics Cloud has two types of datasets:
● Embedded - Embedded datasets are embedded into a story and are unique to that story.
They cannot be shared outside the story or refreshed.

● Public - Public datasets are standalone datasets and can be shared among different
stories.
Neither dataset can be scheduled for a refresh, but you can manually re-import updated data.
In addition, both datasets can be secured to allow users access to the dataset or not. Specific
column-based or property security, however, is not supported for any datasets.
A limitation to a public dataset is that you cannot change its datasource. For example, if your
public dataset was originally created from a flat file but you now want to use a BW query, you
have no option to make that change. Embedded datasets, on the other hand, do allow you to
change the data source via the Add New Data option.
You can also convert an embedded dataset into a model, but any transformations you made
to the dataset are lost and must be recreated in the model.
Note:
A public dataset cannot be converted to a model.
You can manipulate, or "wrangle," the data to meet your story needs in the Data Preparation
area. Here you can change the data, including adding transformations using either a simple or
more robust transformation editor.
Figure 5: Data Preparation
Note:
Data preparation is only possible with imported data. If you choose SAP
Datasphere as your outside data source, you cannot manipulate the data because
it is live, not imported.
Where the data comes from

Data for SAP Analytics Cloud stories can come from many different data sources, both SAP
and non-SAP. Your SAP Analytics Cloud administrator must create connections to any source
that contains data you need. These connections can be used to create models in SAP
Analytics Cloud, or you can use them to access or import data directly into your story.
SAP Analytics Cloud models are able to access the most data sources. A model can access a
live data source directly, or it can import data from a source database or system. The figure
Data Sources shows a small sample of the data sources available for stories.

Lesson: Selecting a data source
Figure 6: Data Sources
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 1
Learning Assessment
1. SAP Analytics Cloud stories are browser-based.

Determine whether this statement is true or false.
X True
X False
2. What is a benefit of Optimized Design Experience?

Choose the correct answer.
X A It has better formatting.
X B It has improved Tooltip Interactions.
X C It refreshes all charts refresh when opening stories.
X D It has a new builder panel for tables.
3. What are the three possible data sources for a story in SAP Analytics Cloud?
Choose the correct answers.
X A File
X B SAP BW InfoCube
X C SAP Analytics Cloud Model
X D Outside data source
4. You use a flat file as a data source for your story. What is one option you have?
X A Use the Data Preparation area to manipulate the data.
X B Schedule the file to upload new data to your story.
X C Define security based on a property.

Unit 1: Learning Assessment
5. You can use data from a non-SAP system in your story.

X True
X False

Unit 1
Learning Assessment - Answers
1. SAP Analytics Cloud stories are browser-based.

X True
X False
Correct. SAP Analytics Cloud stories are browser-based.
2. What is a benefit of Optimized Design Experience?

X A It has better formatting.
X B It has improved Tooltip Interactions.
X C It refreshes all charts refresh when opening stories.
X D It has a new builder panel for tables.
Correct. Optimized Design Experience has improved Tooltip Interactions.
3. What are the three possible data sources for a story in SAP Analytics Cloud?
X A File
X B SAP BW InfoCube
X C SAP Analytics Cloud Model
X D Outside data source
Correct. Data for a story can come from a file, a SAP Analytics Cloud model or dataset, or
an outside data source.

Unit 1: Learning Assessment - Answers
4. You use a flat file as a data source for your story. What is one option you have?
X A Use the Data Preparation area to manipulate the data.
X B Schedule the file to upload new data to your story.
X C Define security based on a property.
Correct. You can use the Data Preparation area to manipulate the data.
5. You can use data from a non-SAP system in your story.

X True
X False
Correct. Data for SAP Analytics Cloud stories can come from both SAP and non-SAP data
sources.

UNIT 2 Building stories
Lesson 1
Explaining optimized stories 19
Lesson 2
Building stories from a template 21
Lesson 3
Building stories using files as data sources 23
UNIT OBJECTIVES
● Describe the key features in optimized stories

● Build stories from a template
● Build stories from files

Unit 2: Building stories

Unit 2
Lesson 1
Explaining optimized stories
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Get started with optimized story design

A simple way to create a story is to use the Navigation bar and select Stories. From there
choose either a Responsive or Canvas page to display your data. No matter which page type
you select, you are prompted to use either Optimized Design Experience or Classic Design
Experience. As previously discussed, SAP encourages you to use Optimized Design
Experience as much as possible since it will eventually be the only design option.
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 2
Lesson 2
Building stories from a template
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Use a template to build a story

Another option when starting a new story is to use a template, which provides predefined
layouts and placeholders for objects to help you build a story. You can also apply a template
to an existing story by selecting Layouts in the main toolbar.
There are three categories of templates to choose from, depending on the type of story you
are trying to create:
● Monitor - These layouts can help you create a story ideal for monitoring your data or
create a boardroom monitor. The layouts combine tiles such as maps, content, and
keyfigures.
● Report - These layouts can help you create a story ideal for reporting. The layouts combine
tiles such as charts, tables, and annotations.
● Present - These layouts can help you create a story ideal for presentations. The layouts
provide the formatting and elements necessary to create a slide deck.
You can also create your own templates by saving a story as a Template. Saving the story as a
template removes all data and converts charts, tables, maps, input controls, and value driver
trees into empty placeholders. All custom formatting is removed.
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 2
Lesson 3
Building stories using files as data sources
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Build a story from a file

You can use a file as the data source for your story. While a model is the most common data
source to use, having the option to use a file can help enhance your story with specific data
that may be unique to your business unit, cost center, customers, etc.
When building a story using a file as the data source, you automatically create an embedded
dataset. In the Data Preparation area you can make changes directly to the data:
●
Modify the name of the dataset: Select Edit to the right of the current dataset name in
the Dataset Overview pane on the right side of the interface.
● Resolve warnings regarding the data quality in your dataset: Typically, these data quality
issues involve missing data, measures containing non-numeric characters, or dimensions
assigned a mismatched data type. Issues are displayed as links within the impacted
column entries. Select the links to view more detailed information listed under Validation in
the Navigate to Details panel of the Dataset Overview pane.
● Manage measures and dimensions: You may need to delete or rename entities, add geo-
enriched data, define level-based hierarchies, change the data type, set up the default
aggregation type for your measures, etc. You use the Navigate to Details pane for these
manipulations.
● Define transforms in cells, rows or columns: You may need to filter or replace values, or
concatenate or split columns.
You can use one of two transformation options to manipulate the data:
●
Transform Bar
●
Custom Expression Editor
The Transform Bar lists suggested transformations to apply to the column, such as replacing
the value in a cell with a suggested value. You can also select Create a Transform and choose
from the options listed under the transformation bar displayed above the grid.
The Custom Expression Editor accesses the Wrangling Expression Language (WEL) scripting
editor to define your own transformations using predefined functions for specific wrangling

capabilities. The figure Data Preparation Options shows examples of the wrangling options
you have.
Figure 7: Data Preparation Options
Build a story by dragging and dropping a file

You can create a dataset with simple drag-and-drop on the Home page. Simply drag a file
onto the Home page, and you are presented with two options:
● I'm Feeling Lucky - Automatically creates an embedded dataset and a Classic Design
Experience story with a Responsive Page based on that dataset. You are taken to the data
Explorer.
● Prepare Dataset - Automatically creates an embedded dataset and a Classic Design
Experience story with a Responsive Page based on that dataset. You are taken to the Grid
View of the data Explorer.
Note:
The Explorer will be deprecated in an upcoming release. However, you will still be
able to use a file as a data source, and wrangle the data as needed.

Lesson: Building stories using files as data sources
Figure 8: Options for Drag and Drop Story Creation
You can start creating a story for your data by experimenting with filters and charts in the
explorer.
In the explorer, you see a faceted view of your data, which you can manipulate to generate
charts for your story pages. When you select measures and dimensions in the upper-pane,
the visualization in the lower-pane updates in real time. You can filter dimensions by selecting
individual members, and the visualization changes immediately to show you the filtered
result.
Initially, the visualization type is chosen automatically based on the selected data, but you can
change it to any of the types supported for your data.
Note:
Some actions specific to tables in planning models are not supported in the
explorer; for example, allocation, version management, and forecasting.
Figure 9: Explorer

If you create another view of a chart, you can copy it into the same page and replace the
original version.
LESSON SUMMARY

Unit 2
Learning Assessment
1. SAP encourages you to use Classic Design Experience when creating stories.
X True
X False
2. How can you describe a story template? Note: there are two correct answers for this
question.
X A Templates contain widgets with data sources.
X B Templates contain widgets that are empty placeholders.
X C Templates reduce the cost of development.
X D Templates are built from scratch.
3. When using explorer, you can change a visualization that is created automatically.
X True
X False
4. You need to transform data for your story. What are the two transformation options for
manipulating data?
X A ABAP editor
X B Transform Bar
X C JavaScript editor
X D Custom Expression Editor

Unit 2
1. SAP encourages you to use Classic Design Experience when creating stories.
X True
X False
Correct. SAP encourages you to use Optimized Design Experience as much as possible.
2. How can you describe a story template? Note: there are two correct answers for this
question.
X A Templates contain widgets with data sources.
X B Templates contain widgets that are empty placeholders.
X C Templates reduce the cost of development.
X D Templates are built from scratch.
Correct. Templates contain widgets that are empty placeholders and reduce the cost of
development.
3. When using explorer, you can change a visualization that is created automatically.
X True
X False
Correct. When using the explorer, when visualizations are created automatically, you can
change them.

4. You need to transform data for your story. What are the two transformation options for
manipulating data?
X A ABAP editor
X B Transform Bar
X C JavaScript editor
X D Custom Expression Editor
Correct. The two transformation options are the Transform Bar and the Custom
Expression Editor.


UNIT 3 Configuring story elements
Lesson 1
Configuring tables 33
Lesson 2
Configuring charts 39
Lesson 3
Configuring geo maps 43
Lesson 4
Applying conditional formatting 47
Lesson 5
Configuring other widgets 49
Lesson 6
Applying preferences in a story 53
Lesson 7
Using comments 55
UNIT OBJECTIVES
● Build and configure tables for viewing and analyzing data

● Build and format charts
● Build and format geo maps
● Apply conditional formatting on single or multiple table cells
● Configure text, image and R visualization widgets
● Selecting and applying preferences in a story
● Inserting a comment

Unit 3: Configuring story elements

Unit 3
Lesson 1
Configuring tables
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Build tables
Tables can be used to view and analyze data. Tables are added to either responsive or canvas
pages in stories.
For tables that are based on models, the set of features and options available depends on the
model type (planning, analytics, or a model based on a remote SAP HANA system). Only the
features and options that are supported by the model type are visible. For example, tables
based on planning models allow users to make changes to the model data using version
management, data entry, and allocations; but tables based on analytic models are read-only.
When you add a table to a story, a data grid is created with the basic dimensions and
categories of the model aligned along the axes of the grid. You can change this basic layout
using the following designer tools:
● Use the Builder pane to select the measures and dimensions to include in the rows and
columns of your table.
● Use the Styling tools to format the presentation.
You can add multiple measures and multiple dimensions to your table. When measures or
dimensions are part of a hierarchy or when a dimension has attributes, you can expand them
and select their level, or expand a dimension and select its attributes. You can also apply
filters to your measures and dimensions. The table is updated as you make your choices in
the builder.

Table Configuration
Figure 10: The Table Builder
The Auto-size and Page Table Vertically setting can be used to scroll through the rows of a
long table In View mode,
You can display a bar chart in your table cells so that you have both a visual and a numeric
view of your data. In the table, right-click a column or row header containing a measure or
member of an account dimension, and then select In-Cell Chart.
Figure 11: In Cell Charts
Format tables
There are several options to adjust the formatting of the table in the Styling panel:
● Change the fonts for table regions (title cell, header, data).
● Switch to a different template.

Lesson: Configuring tables
● Create styles to apply to each region.

● Create styling rules to apply to members.
Table Templates
When you create a table widget, the system applies the default template with built-in styles.
Figure 12: Table Templates
Table Styles
You can select a specific table region or cell(s) and change the font, style, and lines manually.
However, if you want to apply the same style to multiple regions, you can create a new
(reusable) style. You can apply a style to any table region.
Note:
Styles are available for any table in the story from any data source.

Figure 13: Table Styles
Styling Rules
If you want to control the style based on what the cells contain, you can create a styling rule.
Note:
Styles and Styling Rules can be given user-defined names,
When creating a styling rule, the content is based on where your cursor is in the table. After
you determine the context, you can apply an existing style or create a new one in the Styling
Rule dialog.
In SAP Analytics Cloud, styling rules allow you to make text style changes along a hierarchy,
changing styles for sibling, descendant, or child members. Styling changes that you make to
the hierarchy are also applied to new members in the hierarchy. The level options include:
● Self: only apply the style to the member itself. Example: If you select 2024, the style only
applies to 2024 but not to half year, quarters, or months in 2024.
● Self and Children: apply the style to the member and its children (not grand-children).
Example: If you select 2024, the style applies to 2024 and to its half years, but not its
quarters and not its months.
● Self and Descendants: apply the style to the member and its children and grand-children,
etc.). Example: If you select 2024, the style applies to 2024 and to its half years, its
quarters and its months.
● Self and Siblings: apply the style to the member and its brothers and sisters). Example: If
you select 2024, the style applies to 2024, 2025, and 2026 but not to their half years,
quarters and months.
After you apply the styling rule any data in the table with the same context will inherit the
same style. See the example in the figure Table Styling Rules: United Sates Entity / Plan &
Actual Versions for the Operating Income Account and its children.

Lesson: Configuring tables
Figure 14: Table Styling Rules
You can change the order of the rules to determine the precedence if there is a conflict.
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 3
Lesson 2
Configuring charts
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Charts
Create charts in a story to display your data graphically. As shown in the figure Introduction to
SAP Analytics Cloud Charts you can select a chart type from the builder and then pick the
measures and dimensions to show in your chart. Once you have defined the structure of your
chart, you can add reference lines or filters to it. You can also customize color palettes.
Figure 15: Introduction to SAP Analytics Cloud Charts
Chart Scaling
Chart scaling ensures that you have a meaningful display of values across multiple charts. By
default, charts are not scaled. However, this behavior can lead to incorrect data analysis,
particularly if users are not paying attention to the actual values displayed in the chart.
In the figure Chart Scaling, without chart scaling, the columns for Quantity Sold and for Sales
Revenue are same height; however, the numbers are very different. A user who only looks at
the columns may conclude that there is a one-to-one relationship between Sales Revenue and
Quantity Sold, which is incorrect.

But with Chart Scaling defined for Quantity Sold and Sales Revenue, the columns in each chart
are clearly very different, indicating an approximate three-to-one relationship between Sales
Revenue and Quantity Sold, which is accurate.
Figure 16: Chart Scaling
You can also use Chart Scaling to ensure that you have a consistent display of values across
multiple charts when they display the same measure value(s).
Note:
● Chart scaling is applied to all of the pages in a story, but the scaling may be
different for the same measure on different pages, because the scaling factor is
calculated separately for each page.
● You can exclude charts from the scaling. For example, if a chart contains data
that is much larger than the data in other charts, the other charts look smaller
than they should and could be misleading to the viewer.
Variances in Charts
Variances in your charts let you show the difference between different measures in a chart,
different versions of a measure, or the difference between time periods for a measure.

Lesson: Configuring charts
Figure 17: Example of a Chart with a Variance
As illustrated in the figure Example of a Chart with a Variance, you can use the variance chart
add-on for any two measures, even if the measures do not appear in your base chart. You can
create variances that do not include the versions for the measures, as well as variances that
do include time periods.
You can also create a dynamic variance, a variance that is based on the measures in the chart
context. If you change the measures in the chart, the variance automatically updates.
Note:
To include time in your variance, you must have the Date dimension in your chart.
For some chart types (numeric point, for example), when the variance uses a Time
Range filter, the range must be set to only one interval (year, quarter, or period).
When using models from live data connections, you must include version
information with your measures, and your measures must be in your base chart.
Trellis Add-On
A trellis add-on creates the same chart for the members of the trellis dimension.

Figure 18: Trellis Add-On (example in a classic story)
Note:
Trellis charts are supported for both classic and optimized stories.
Restore a deleted widget

If you delete a widget in your story, you can restore it, but how you restore it depends on
which design mode you are using – Optimized Design or Classic Design.
Optimized Design
To restore a widget you have deleted, use the Undo button in the main toolbar. Undo
reverts any previous action, from adding/deleting widgets to configuring them.
Classic Design
To restore a widget you have deleted, you must immediately choose the Restore link in the
message at the bottom of the screen:
Note:
This message appears for only a few seconds and then disappears. Once it
disappears, you can no longer restore your deleted widget.
LESSON SUMMARY

Unit 3
Lesson 3
Configuring geo maps
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Geo maps
In SAP Analytics Cloud, geo maps offer the visualization of data on a world map. You can
choose from a variety of geographical mapping options to display your regional data, trends,
flow, and so much more.
Figure 19: Geo Map Examples
The figure Geo Map Navigation shows the geo map navigation options.

Figure 20: Geo Map Navigation
To use the map, enhance a data model with geo dimensions.

The following geo models are supported:
● Import models using a manual upload.
● Live models using SAP HANA as a datasource.
Map Layers
You can use map layers and various layer types to define geo maps in your stories.
Figure 21: Map Layers
The following layer types are available:
Bubble Layer
Shows data as points on the map where you can control the color, opacity, and size of the
bubbles.

Lesson: Configuring geo maps
Heat Map Layer

Uses color to visualize the data density of the selected measure.
Choropleth/Drill Layer
Applies blocks of shading to different geographical locations.
Points of Interest Layer
Points of interest are sets of geographical data that can be added to a geo map and
analyzed with reference to business data from a model.
Feature Layer
Uses external data from valid service URLs. This data is layered on top of your existing
geo map to provide additional context.
Flow Layer
Shows the connection between two locations, such as shipping routes or flight paths.
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 3
Lesson 4
Applying conditional formatting
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Conditional formatting
You can apply conditional formatting by defining thresholds in a story, or you can apply the
formatting to all stories based on a model by defining thresholds in that model. For example,
in your model you could define a threshold for revenue at $1,000,000, so that all stories
based on the model can use the pre-defined revenue threshold of $1,000,000. When defining
thresholds in a model, the definition is done only once. But thresholds at the story level must
be defined in every story.
Note:
Thresholds can be applied to account dimension members and measures.
Figure 22: Story Design: Conditional Formatting

Note:
Threshold styles in the story are the same as in an Analytic Application.
Define Thresholds in a Story
To define thresholds in a story, choose Conditional Formatting from the main toolbar (or
the More menu). From there, simply define your criteria for the formatting, including the
colors and display options. Once the conditional formatting is defined, you can apply it to
charts or tables on your story pages.
Apply to a Chart
You can apply conditional formatting to either a measure in a chart or to the Color definition
for a chart in the Builder pane.
Apply to a Table
You can apply conditional formatting to a measure in a table in the Builder pane. You can also
define a new threshold, just as you would from the main toolbar.
Thresholds on single or multiple table cells

If you have multiple measures/accounts displayed in a table, you can create and apply
thresholds for each measure. You can also create multiple thresholds for a particular
measure, but you can apply only one threshold at a time.
Figure 23: Multiple Threshold Options
LESSON SUMMARY

Unit 3
Lesson 5
Configuring other widgets
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Text widgets
You can add static or dynamic text using the text widget. Dynamic text automatically updates
the text based on what dynamic text elements you choose.
Figure 24: Text Widget
Note:
Symbols can be pasted into the text widgets.
The hyperlink option for the widget can be used to navigate between pages in the story, to a
new story, or to any website. In the text widget, manually type the text you want for the
hyperlink, such as Go to Page [X]. Using the Styling pane, format the text in the familiar
blue, underlined hyperlink format. Finally, either right-click the widget or use the More Actions
button, choose Add → Hyperlink and define the link.

Figure 25: Add a Hyperlink
Image widgets
You can use the image widget to include any image in your story, such as your corporate logo.
You can also add a hyperlink in the same way you add one to a text widget.
R visualization
R is an open-source programming language that can enable you to create custom charts and
graphs. If the chart options in SAP Analytics Cloud do not meet your needs, the R
Visualization widget may provide a solution for you. The figure Static and Interactive R
Visualizations illustrates how native R visualization support enables you to visualize and
analyze data without limits.
Figure 26: Static and Interactive R Visualizations
The R server runtime environment provided by SAP allows you to access interactive R
visualizations with an automatically configured R server.

Lesson: Configuring other widgets
Support for R Server Run time Environment

● R server deployed by SAP Analytics Cloud is provided for the following data centers: AP1,
AP10, AP11, AP12, BR1, BR10, CA1, CA10, EU1, EU2, EU10, JP1, JP10, US1, US2, US3 and
US10.
● Running R version 3.3.2 (Rserve 1.7.3) with a comprehensive list of pre-installed packages.
R Visualization Widget
You use the R Visualization widget to create and edit visualizations based on R scripts. By
setting the relevant properties, you can change the size and style of the widget.
Figure 27: The R Visualization Widget
The R visualization widget is used in both stories and analytic applications.

The steps to add a word cloud chart in the training system are as follows:
● Insert an R visualization widget
● Assign the HANA Pacifica Order Finance model
● Use Product and Sales Revenue for input data
● Use this code:
# load package
library(wordcloud)
# get words
words <- PACIFICA_ORDER_FINANCE$Product
# get frequency
frequency <- PACIFICA_ORDER_FINANCE$`Sales Revenue`
# generate word cloud
wordcloud(words, frequency, scale = c(3, 1), rot.per=0.2,
colors=brewer.pal(8, "Dark2"))

Note:
You may need to re-load the SAP Analytics Cloud tenant for this to work (in the
training landscape).
Related Resources
Connect to an R Environment
LESSON SUMMARY

Unit 3
Lesson 6
Applying preferences in a story
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Story Preferences
Set your story preferences to specify default formatting options in a story, such as the page
size and background color. Setting preferences for the story allows you to define formatting
for various story elements once, rather than defining them for each story element on each
page of your story. These preferences also help increase consistency in the formatting of all
your stories, so they all have the same corporate look.
Figure 28: Story Preferences
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 3
Lesson 7
Using comments
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Data point comments

In addition to adding meta-data comments to a widget, you can also comment on a specific
data point in a table (and in a comment widget). A comment on a data point is similar to
commenting on a single cell in Microsoft Excel. In order to add data point comments, you first
must enable the Allow Data Point Comments option in the Properties section of the builder
panel for the table.
Figure 29: Allow Data Point Comments
Once the table allows data point comments, you can add one as follows:
1. Select the data cell to which you want to add a comment.
2. Right-click and then select Add Data Point Comment.
3. Enter your comment in the displayed dialog and select Add Comment to submit the
comment. The comment is posted as part of a thread, and a colored wedge shape is
displayed at the top right of the cell.

Figure 30: Column comment in a table
Comments in tables can either be in cells with the data or in separate columns. To add a
column for comments, right click on a column header → Add calculation → Comment →
Repeating. As a result, existing comments will be displayed in the column and users can
double clock cells to add additional comments.
Figure 31: Comment widget
Comment widgets are used to display existing data point comments for a data region or add
new comments. All comments for a specific data region are listed.
View comments
You can view data point comments either directly in the table (a colored tag in the cell) or by
using the Comment Widget.

Lesson: Using comments
Figure 32: View Data Point Comments
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 3
Learning Assessment
1. When using a model in a story, all table features are available, regardless of the model
type.
X True
X False
2. You can apply a style to only the table header.

X True
X False
3. You want to create a style rule that changes the format for only the year members of the
Date dimension, but not any other members in the hierarchy (quarter, month, etc.). Which
level option should you choose for the Date dimension?
X A Self and Children
X B Self and Siblings
X C Self and Descendants
4. What is a benefit of chart scaling?

X A It is applied by default.
X B It ensures that you have a consistent display of values across multiple charts.
X C It applies only to column charts.

5. To include time in a chart variance, you must have a data dimension in the chart.
X True
X False
6. You want to create a story in SAP Analytics Cloud and present the data of storage
locations in the Geo Map widget. What are the two models you can use for the map?
X A Import models manually uploaded
X B Planning models
X C Live models on SAP HANA data
7. How do you alter the colors on charts based on thresholds?

X A Styling rules
X B Scale Format
X C Templates
X D Conditional formatting
8. What programming language enables you to create custom charts and graphs?
X A HTML
X B R
X C C
X D Javascript

9. What can story preferences be used for? Note: there are two correct answers to this
question.
X A Format new responsive pages
X B Set the number of decimals for charts
X C Format existing responsive pages
X D Set the number of decimals for tables
10. You cannot enter a data point comment on a single cell in a table, but you can make a
comment on the entire table. What is the problem?
X A The table is based on an Analytic model.
X B The Allow Data Point Comments setting for the table is not enabled.
X C The Comment widget must be added to the story page.

Unit 3
1. When using a model in a story, all table features are available, regardless of the model
type.
X True
X False
Correct. When using a model in a story, the available table features such as calculations
and automatic time determination depend on the type of model.
2. You can apply a style to only the table header.

X True
X False
Correct. You can apply a style to any table region.
3. You want to create a style rule that changes the format for only the year members of the
Date dimension, but not any other members in the hierarchy (quarter, month, etc.). Which
level option should you choose for the Date dimension?
X A Self and Children
X B Self and Siblings
X C Self and Descendants
Correct. The level option to choose is Self and Siblings.

4. What is a benefit of chart scaling?

X A It is applied by default.
X B It ensures that you have a consistent display of values across multiple charts.
X C It applies only to column charts.
Correct. Chart scaling ensures that you have a consistent display of values across multiple
charts.
5. To include time in a chart variance, you must have a data dimension in the chart.
X True
X False
Correct. To include time in your variance, you must have the Date dimension in your chart.
6. You want to create a story in SAP Analytics Cloud and present the data of storage
locations in the Geo Map widget. What are the two models you can use for the map?
X A Import models manually uploaded
X B Planning models
X C Live models on SAP HANA data
Correct. Import models using a manual upload and live models using SAP HANA as a
datasource are the two geo models.
7. How do you alter the colors on charts based on thresholds?

X A Styling rules
X B Scale Format
X C Templates
X D Conditional formatting
Correct. Conditional formatting alters the colors on charts based on thresholds.

8. What programming language enables you to create custom charts and graphs?
X A HTML
X B R
X C C
X D Javascript
Correct. R is the programming language that enables you to create custom charts and
graphs.
9. What can story preferences be used for? Note: there are two correct answers to this
question.
X A Format new responsive pages
X B Set the number of decimals for charts
X C Format existing responsive pages
X D Set the number of decimals for tables
Correct. Story preferences can be used to format existing and new responsive pages. The
number of decimals for charts and tables are in their styles.
10. You cannot enter a data point comment on a single cell in a table, but you can make a
comment on the entire table. What is the problem?
X A The table is based on an Analytic model.
X B The Allow Data Point Comments setting for the table is not enabled.
X C The Comment widget must be added to the story page.
Correct. In order to add data point comments, you first must enable the Allow Data Point
Comments option in the Properties section of the builder panel for the table.

UNIT 4 Manipulating data in stories
Lesson 1
Sorting data in stories 67
Lesson 2
Filtering data in optimized design mode 71
Lesson 3
Filtering data in classic design mode 81
Lesson 4
Blending data in models 83
Lesson 5
Calculating data in stories 87
UNIT OBJECTIVES
● Apply advanced, custom, and value sorting to stories

● Filter data in optimized design mode
● Filter data in classic design mode
● Use blending for creating stories with data from multiple models and datasets
● Calculate data in stories using the calculation editor

Unit 4: Manipulating data in stories

Unit 4
Lesson 1
Sorting data in stories
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Custom and advanced sorting

You can sort measures and dimensions in tables and charts in ascending or descending order,
or you can set your own custom order for dimensions. You can sort on multiple dimensions
within the chart, but you can not sort on dimensions and measures together, and you can only
sort on one measure at a time.
Note:
When you have multiple dimensions in your chart, you can apply ranking to one
dimension and sorting to another.
Figure 33: Sorting
Break Grouping
Use Break Grouping when there are multiple dimensions in your chart. If Break Grouping is
enabled, the sort will be applied to the selected data on the outer dimension only; inner
dimensions will not remain in their original groupings. If Break Grouping is not enabled, the
sort is performed on the outer dimension first and then inner dimensions.

Figure 34: Break Grouping
In the figure Break Grouping the chart on the left literally sorts the Gross Margin number, not
keeping them in their respective Region groupings. But the chart on the right has turned off
Break Grouping, so the Gross Margin values are sorted within their Region groupings.
Value sorting
Value sorting is simply sorting on numeric values in a table (such as measures or account
values) rather than non-numeric values (such as Product names).
Figure 35: Value Sorting

Lesson: Sorting data in stories
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 4
Lesson 2
Filtering data in optimized design mode
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Story and page filters

Use story and page filters to narrow the scope of your analysis. Story filters allow you to apply
filters for all charts in a story that are based on the same model. They are used for specific
dimensions or measures and can apply to all components of a story. Page filters are the same
as story filters, but apply to only one page in a story.
Figure 36: Story Filters
Note:
Page and story filters are enabled only after you have added at least one data
source to your story.
Widget Filters
While defining a widget in the Builder pane, you can pre-filter the data that the widget displays
in the Filter area.

Figure 37: Builder Pane Filter
Prompts/Variables
A data source for a chart or table may prompt you to select members before data can be
displayed. If the data source you select to create a chart or table has prompts or variables to
be set, a prompt will appear when you create the first chart or table that uses the data source.
After the responses to the prompts/variables are set, the information you provide will be used
by all tables and charts that use the same data source.
Input controls
As you create your story, you may want certain information to be readily accessible to users.
Input controls allow you to do just this. They allow users to filter data, compare figures, and
explore relationships directly from a story page in View mode.
Figure 38: Input Controls

Lesson: Filtering data in optimized design mode
Note:
When selecting All in an input control, this will only select dimension members that
have values in the underlying model by default. The default in an input control is to
not show unbooked members. In other words, All does not necessarily select all
dimension members by default.
Note:
You can filter by measure value in an input control as well as page filter.
You can also use input controls to allow users to change what specific dimensions and/or
measure are displayed in a table or chart.
Figure 39: Dimension Input Control
There are two ways to change how members are displayed in a dimension input control:
1. From the Builder pane, set all dimensions to use the same display settings.
2. From the Dimension Input Control, set each dimension to use a different display setting.
The steps to create either a dimension or a measure input control are quite similar. One
difference is that measure input controls can be used with multiple cross calculations.

Figure 40: Measure Input Control
When using an input control for time, the ranges can be fixed or dynamic. For example, you
could choose the fixed range January 2019 to December 2019. If this story is opened in 2020,
the story will still show 2019 data.
Figure 41: Input Control for the Time Dimension

Figure 42: Dynamic Input Controls for the Time Dimension
Dynamic date selections are based on the current date. They offer dynamic options such as
current year, current quarter, and current month, and you can offset the range from the
current date with the Previous and Next options.
Component filters
Component filters are used to filter data visualized in a component, and can be a single filter
or a predefined filter like a ranking.
Figure 43: Component Filter
Note:
You can right-click on a bar in a chart or a row in a table and choose Filter to
limit the data.
Filter by hyperlinks
In filtering by hyperlinks, you have the option to add new tabs and to set filters to jump from
one page to another, to a different story, or to an external website. For example, as shown in

the figure Chart Component Hyperlink Filter, you can set a filter to jump to a detailed report
for West US from a summary report.
If you select Apply Selected dimension as filter, your selected cell is passed as a filter value to
the Link to specifications.
Figure 44: Chart Component Hyperlink Filter
Note:
In order for the hyperlink to act as a filter, you must check the box Apply selected
dimension as a filter. If you do not, the hyperlink is a standard hyperlink that simply
navigates to the point you define.
Time series chart filter options

The Time Series chart has a built-in time filtering mechanism allowing users to change the
time frame display in the chart.
In your Time Series chart, you can show the absolute value of a measure for any given data
point, or you can show the relative percentage difference over time.

Figure 45: Time Series Chart with Input Controls
In addition, the relative difference can calculated from the first visible data point to all other
visible data points. When the time frame is adjusted (moved, shrunk, or stretched), the
relative differences are updated.
Advanced filters
Advanced filtering allows you to create story and page filters based on multiple dimensions by
defining a set of logical conditions.
The dimensions used in advanced filtering can be filtered by using AND or OR conditions.
These conditions can be set to include or exclude the data that satisfies the filter conditions.
The figure Advanced Filtering Example illustrates advanced filters defined to return United
States data for all years and overseas data only for 2018.
Figure 46: Advanced Filtering Example
For more information on advanced filtering, see: https://help.sap.com/doc/

00f68c2e08b941f081002fd3691d86a7/2021.2/en-US/
5ba5cf10288d4d3f881a7a613d30ce22.html?css=https://
sapeducfq02.eu10.hcs.cloud.sap/sap/fpa/services/rest/epm/feature/css?tenant=A

Linked analysis
Linked Analysis is similar to filtering by hyperlinking in that you can use one widget to filter
others. The primary difference is that this functionality filters only the story where Linked
Analysis is defined. In other words, you cannot link to another story or external web site.
Figure 47: Linked Analysis - One Widget Filters Another Widget
Note:
Linked Analysis is available when working on multiple widgets and a single model.
Linked analysis can also be used for widgets from different models as long as the
models are blended. Blending is covered in an upcoming lesson.
Linked Analysis
Linked analysis is carried out using the following steps:
1. Select a table or chart and choose Linked Analysis from the More Options button.
2. Choose the appropriate interaction option.

The Linked Analysis widget acts as the source and destination.
3. Choose Apply to set the option.
Cascading filters
Changes you make to a story or page filter affect related filters in the same story or page. For
example, if you have both Country and Region filters on a page, and you change the Country
filter value from All to Sweden, the Region filter updates to show only regions within Sweden.
All other region names are hidden.
This cascading filter effect is applied by default. You can turn it off in the More Actions options
for a specific filter or input control.

Figure 48: Cascading Filters
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 4
Lesson 3
Filtering data in classic design mode
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Filter controls
As shown in the figure Filter Controls, the Controls button hides or displays a summary of any
filters that are in effect in the story, page, or a specific widget.
Figure 49: Filter Controls
Canvas sections
Sections are like containers for your story. Essentially, they allow you to split page information
into smaller, more comprehensible and manageable parts. Once you have chosen a
dimension as a section filter, the members are displayed in the section heading. The widgets
in the section are filtered on that member.
Note:
Sections are available only on Canvas pages.

Figure 50: Canvas Sections
LESSON SUMMARY

Unit 4
Lesson 4
Blending data in models
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Add new data

You can create a story with visualizations using data from multiple models and datasets. For
example, one page could contain visualizations on data from a Sales model, and another
page, visualizations on data from a Customer model. Or, visualizations on data from both
models can be placed on a single page.
Figure 51: Data from Multiple Models on One Story Page
Blend data
Blending enables you to join a primary data source with secondary data sources that contain
common linked dimensions in a single story. For example, you can blend data from a
corporate data source with data from a local spreadsheet, or blend data from a public model
with data from a private dataset that has been added to the story. Blending can be done
within individual tables and charts.
The figure Blending Result illustrates the blending of data from two table.

Figure 52: Blending Result
After blending, you can create calculations that use measures from multiple datasources.
Note:
A new model is not created when you blend models, and the original models are
not modified. Links between models that are blended only occur within a story.
Some common uses for blending are as follows:

● Comparing data of actuals from a corporate SAP source with plans stored from a non-SAP
source.
● Comparing sales results against market benchmarks, or marketing campaign results
available in .csv files, or data provided by a third party consulting firm.
● Creating custom calculations based on key performance indicators from different data
models, such as public census data.
● Using smart predict to output predictions in a dataset, and blend these predictions with
other data sources, in the context of a story.
Linked Dimensions
You create links between dimensions to define the common data in multiple models. You can
then use the linked dimensions to create blended charts or tables that display data from
multiple models. Linked dimensions also allow you to create filters that simultaneously
update all charts that include linked data. Filters on linked dimensions can be used at the
story, page, and linked analysis levels.

Lesson: Blending data in models
Figure 53: Blending Setup
Note:
When creating linked dimensions for SAP BW data sources, you can choose to link
on matching hierarchies.
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 4
Lesson 5
Calculating data in stories
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Create calculated measures

Calculation Editor
In a story, the calculation editor allows you to create calculations for a chart or table. In a
table, you apply calculations either to the account dimension or to measures. For each type of
calculation, a new calculated or restricted member is created for the dimension that you used
to create it. You can also use dimension attributes as part of a calculation.
In a chart the following calculation types are supported:
Calculated Measure
Perform a mathematical calculation on one or more members of either the account
dimension or the measure.
Restricted Measure
Restrict the data from a member of the account dimension or a measure so that it
excludes certain members of one or more dimensions. For the date dimension, you can
pick dynamic values, such as year-to-date or previous quarter.
Difference From
Find the difference in a value between two dates.
Currency Conversion
For models with currency conversion enabled, calculate a value based on a currency
exchange rate.
Note:
BW/Universe live models do not support dimension type calculations and there
are only three options when adding measure-based calculations in the story:
● Calculated Measure
● Restricted Measure
● Aggregation
(Live models based on HANA calculation views have all of the options.)

Note:
With the introduction of the new model, there are even more options when it
comes to calculations:
● You can create calculated measures in the model in cases where they need to
be shared across stories.
Note:
Since the new model can contain an account dimension as well as measures, it
does not support (or need) cross calculations. Cross calculations are still available
for classic models, but SAP recommends using the new model for all models. For
this reason, cross calculations are not emphasized in the training material.
How to Create a Calculated Measure

Create a calculated measure in the Builder pane. When setting up your calculation, you apply
the typical formula functions, conditions, and operators to the data contained in your model.
Calculated measures allow you to perform mathematical and Boolean operations on your
data.
Figure 54: Create a Calculated Measure
For example, you can use a calculated measure to multiply the sales measure by 20%.

Lesson: Calculating data in stories
Figure 55: Example: Calculate Gross Margin %
You can add preset functions, conditions, and operators by selecting options in the Formula
Functions list. You can use IF conditional functions, and you can display a list of possible
formulas for the function by pressing Ctrl + Space Bar.
Note:
Calculated measures that are used to calculate ratios such as gross margin % will
display a "-" when the denominator is null or zero.
Figure 56: Example: Restricted Measure

Figure 57: Example: Difference From
Simple Calculations
You can also add simple calculations simply by selecting two measures in a widget, right-click,
choose Add calculation, and choose the calculation you want.
Figure 58: Simple Calculations
Repeating vs. Single

When you add a calculation (or column/row) to a table, you are given the option to add it
either as a Repeating or Single column/row. This option is only applicable if you have more
than one dimension in a row/column. In the figure Simple Calculations there is only one
dimension in the rows, so it does not matter if Repeating or Single is selected.

However, in the figure Repeating vs. Single there is a dimension in the columns, along with the
two measures. Choosing Repeating adds the calculation to every dimension member column.
Choosing Single adds it only to the dimension member whose columns you right-click.
Figure 59: Repeat vs. Single
Create calculated dimensions

You can create calculations on dimensions to manipulate non-numeric data; for example, to
concatenate dimensions together, group dimensions, etc.
Figure 60: Create Calculated Dimensions

Figure 61: Calculated Dimension Example
When you are working with a high number of dimension members, it may be useful to group
them based on a certain measure. For example, in a sales workflow you want to group sales
managers based on how much revenue they are bringing in. Measure-based Dimensions allow
you to easily create a new calculated dimension and define the criteria for the dimension
members.
Figure 62: Example: Create an Income Level Dimension
Note:
In the example, the product does not have a hierarchy.
Moreover, as your data gets updated, the Measure-based Dimension members will be
updated accordingly.
Table formulas
You can use table formulas to perform on-the-fly, excel-like calculations. The figure Example:
Table Formula illustrates calculating the percentage of sales. You can use a table formula
where a cell is locked via $; for example, $D$5.

Figure 63: Example: Table Formula
Note:
The row number and column letters are not displayed in the table, but they can be
used in table formulas.
For more information regarding table formulas, follow this link: https://help.sap.com/viewer/
00f68c2e08b941f081002fd3691d86a7/release/en-US/
bca2f2f59a0247c09c81d95cc849f2ce.html
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 4
Learning Assessment
1. In what order can data be sorted? Note: there are three correct answers for this question.
X A Ascending
X B Descending
X C Specialized
X D Custom
2. In your story you use one chart and one table, which are based on the same data source
with a prompt. Your colleague says that the response on the prompt will automatically
filter the data of the chart and the table. Is the statement of your colleague true or false?
X True
X False
3. When using an input control for time, the time ranges must be fixed.
X True
X False
4. You are asked to create a story with a table where the users can choose which dimension
is displayed in the rows of the table. How could you meet this request?
X A Use a story filter.
X B Use an advanced filter.
X C Use a dimension input control.

5. You have created a story with two charts. The second chart should be filtered
automatically by the filter used for the first chart. What do you use to enable this scenario?
X A Component Link
X B Grouped Analysis
X C Linked Analysis
X D Story Link
6. What can you use to filter data in a story page into smaller sets of data?
X A Section
X B Group
X C Container
X D Area
7. Advanced filters can only contain one condition.

X True
X False
8. What is a prerequisite for chart-to-chart filtering?

X A Filter control
X B Hyperlink
X C Input control
X D Linked analysis
9. A story can contain only one data source.

X True
X False

10. Blending enables you to join a primary data source with secondary data sources that
contain common linked dimensions.
X True
X False
11. What are three supported calculation types?

X A Calculated Measures
X B Restricted Measures
X C Disaggregation
X D Aggregation
12. You can use IF statements in SAP Analytics Cloud story calculations.
X True
X False
13. You can create calculations only on measures.

X True
X False

Unit 4
1. In what order can data be sorted? Note: there are three correct answers for this question.
X A Ascending
X B Descending
X C Specialized
X D Custom
Correct. Data can be sorted in ascending, descending, or with a custom sort order.
2. In your story you use one chart and one table, which are based on the same data source
with a prompt. Your colleague says that the response on the prompt will automatically
filter the data of the chart and the table. Is the statement of your colleague true or false?
X True
X False
Correct. When a data source for a story includes variables/prompts, all tables and charts
based on that data source are filtered to the variable response.
3. When using an input control for time, the time ranges must be fixed.
X True
X False
Correct. When using an input control for time, the time ranges can be either fixed or
dynamic.

4. You are asked to create a story with a table where the users can choose which dimension
is displayed in the rows of the table. How could you meet this request?
X A Use a story filter.
X B Use an advanced filter.
X C Use a dimension input control.
Correct. You can use input controls to allow users to change what specific dimensions
and/or measure are displayed in a table or chart.
5. You have created a story with two charts. The second chart should be filtered
automatically by the filter used for the first chart. What do you use to enable this scenario?
X A Component Link
X B Grouped Analysis
X C Linked Analysis
X D Story Link
Correct. Linked Analysis allows you to enable one component to filter other components
in a story.
6. What can you use to filter data in a story page into smaller sets of data?
X A Section
X B Group
X C Container
X D Area
Correct. Use a section to split a story page into smaller sets of data.
7. Advanced filters can only contain one condition.

X True
X False
Correct. With advanced filtering, you can use multiple AND or OR conditions.

8. What is a prerequisite for chart-to-chart filtering?

X A Filter control
X B Hyperlink
X C Input control
X D Linked analysis
Correct. Hyperlinks are required for chart-to-chart filtering.
9. A story can contain only one data source.

X True
X False
Correct. You can create a story with visualizations using data from multiple models and
datasets.
10. Blending enables you to join a primary data source with secondary data sources that
contain common linked dimensions.
X True
X False
Correct. Blending enables you to join a primary data source with secondary data sources
that contain common linked dimensions.
11. What are three supported calculation types?

X A Calculated Measures
X B Restricted Measures
X C Disaggregation
X D Aggregation
Correct. Calculated measures, restricted measures, and aggregation are supported.

12. You can use IF statements in SAP Analytics Cloud story calculations.
X True
X False
Correct. IF statements can be used in story calculations.
13. You can create calculations only on measures.

X True
X False
Correct. You can create calculated measures and dimensions.


UNIT 5 Applying best practices and
guidelines
Lesson 1
Setting formatting standards 105
Lesson 2
Following best practices 109
UNIT OBJECTIVES
● Review current formatting and apply formatting best practice to stories

● Create stories for best performance
● Create landing pages

Unit 5: Applying best practices and guidelines

Unit 5
Lesson 1
Setting formatting standards
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Formatting standards
The Need for Communication Standards
Communication standards are rules that specify how communications should be designed.
They help us navigate daily life all the time. Consider, for example, traffic signals.
Could you imagine if traffic signals would look different in every city or country? In a case like
this, standardization is literally a life saver.
But what about business reporting and analytics? Imagine different teams creating reports
with different designs. Without standardized notation, the consumers may interpret these
reports differently. The time spent preparing and deciphering the charts is better spent on
using the information to inform decisions.
Some general guidelines to follow when creating stories for your entire organization include:
● Have a clear message.
● Identify content with a well-defined title concept.
● Use corporate branding colors, fonts, etc.
The figure Before vs After Story shows the difference between a poorly designed and a well-
designed story.

Figure 64: Before vs After Story
With features like easy-to-build templates and flexible formatting, SAP Analytics Cloud makes
it simple to incorporate formatting standards into your stories. By defining and adhering to
basic design standards, it is easier to gain valuable insights faster, leading to better informed
decisions.
For more information regarding story design, see the following :
● Canvas vs Responsive Layouts in SAP Analytics Cloud:
https://blogs.sap.com/2017/07/20/canvas-vs-responsive-layouts-in-sap-analytics-
cloud/
● Part 1 How to Create Dynamic Images in SAP Analytics Cloud Story: https://
blogs.sap.com/2020/04/10/how-to-create-dynamic-images-in-sap-analytics-cloud-
story/
In addition to creating visibly appealing as well as meaningful stories, following basic

standards can also help improve the performance of your stories, from how quickly the
widgets render on a page to how long it takes to scroll through a table.
In the following section, we list a few general guidelines to keep in mind as you create Stories.
While there are no specific limits on the number of charts per story or data cells per table
because there many factors at play, following the KISS principle--Keep It So Simple--is the
best guideline to follow. And remember, these are guidelines, not rules. There will always be
an exception.
Story Design Guidelines
● Rather than designing a large story with many pages, try to limit your pages and create
different stories for each use-case or audience. If you want to refer to a related story, you
can add a hyperlink to a different page, story, or external website.
● Use pages to break up your story by category or type of information. Put your most-viewed
content on the first page to make it easily accessible.

Lesson: Setting formatting standards
● Try to keep the number of individual widgets on each page of your story limited to six or
less. Note: multiple widgets per page are certainly allowed, but an extremely high number
of widgets in a page may affect the refresh time for a story.
● Limit the number of charts and tables on a page to enhance readability, decrease the
number of back end requests, and improve performance
● Avoid charts with more than 500 data points.
● Apply chart filters to reduce the volume of information in charts with more than 1000+
data points and use table filters to keep a manageable amount of information visible in
your tables.
● Apply the Top N feature to charts and tables to limit initially the amount of data displayed
at one time.
● When adding tables to your story, keep in mind the goal of the table and ensure that
viewers can easily navigate the information. To help ensure readability, try to limit your
tables to a maximum of 500 rows and 60 columns. If you need to display more, you can
edit the drill limitation. Keep in mind that the more cells you include, the harder SAP
Analytics Cloud has to work to display them.
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 5
Lesson 2
Following best practices
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Performance and usage

In addition to following good design guidelines, you also want to design your stories for
optimal performance. In other words, when a user opens your story, or navigates to a page in
your story, they should not be required to wait while the widgets render. Or, if they refresh the
data in the story, it should not take long to update the data.
Note:
Keep in mind that "long" is a very relative term. Different users will have different
tolerances for what "long" means to them. "Long" could mean a few seconds or a
few minutes. You must work with your users to determine what acceptable
performance means to them.
Story Performance Guidelines

● In Model Preferences under Data and Performance, toggle on Optimize Story Building
Performance. This prevents the automatic refresh of data during story design.
● Whenever possible, choose unbooked data. This means that the software has to spend
less time differentiating between booked and unbooked data.
Note:
Unbooked refers to dimension members that have no numeric data/
transaction data associated with them.
● Avoid specifying Exception Aggregations in the Model and instead, use the restricted
measures or calculation functionality or in your stories.
● When adding images to your pages ensure that the images are sized for web and are
smaller than 1MB. SVG vectors image files still look great at a small file size. If you can’t
use an SVG image file, PNG image files perform better than JPG.
● To ensure performance when working with blended data, avoid creating linked dimensions
on calculated dimensions. on . Keeping the number of models linked in each story at a
minimum will also improve overall speed and performance.

● Limit the number of content-rich tiles on each page like maps or charts with a high volume
of data points. Overloading your pages with dense information will make it harder for your
viewers to consume and may slow load-time.
● Try designing your story using Responsive pages instead of Canvas or Grid pages.
Responsive pages allow your story content to re-flow depending on the size of the screen it
is being viewed on.
● For a Dimension with a large Hierarchy and an ALL node, it is recommended to use the
chart drill capability for best performance.
● Be aware of progressive chart rendering, which enables chart widgets to display more
quickly when a story is opened a subsequent time (within an hour). This setting is enabled
by administrators.
● For Tables with Large datasets, it is recommended to avoid Formatting Rules
● Enable the “High Performance” power plan (in your computer settings) if scrolling in tables
is slow
Overview pages and landing pages

By using the hyperlink options in SAC stories, you can use an SAC story as a launchpad to
access other stories or pages within the same story. In a story that is purely a launchpad, the
single page of the story may contain only hyperlinks to other stories or even overview widgets
that hyperlink to another story. In a single story, the first page might simply contain links to
other pages in the story so that consumers can quickly navigate to the information they need;
or, it could also contain overview widgets that are linked to other pages within the story.
Figure 65: Landing Pages
For more information on this topic, see: https://blogs.sap.com/2020/12/31/building-user-

intuitive-stories-in-sap-analytics-cloud-tips-tricks/

Lesson: Following best practices
LESSON SUMMARY


Unit 5
Learning Assessment
1. What is a suggested guideline for designing stories?

X A Have a clear message.
X B Use a different font for each page.
X C Identify the most important information with the color red.
2. What are three suggested guidelines to improve story performance?

X A Select unbooked data
X B Avoid specifying exception aggregations in the model
X C Select booked data
X D Use responsive pages instead of canvas pages

Unit 5
1. What is a suggested guideline for designing stories?

X A Have a clear message.
X B Use a different font for each page.
X C Identify the most important information with the color red.
Correct. A suggested guideline for designing stories is to have a clear message.
2. What are three suggested guidelines to improve story performance?

X A Select unbooked data
X B Avoid specifying exception aggregations in the model
X C Select booked data
X D Use responsive pages instead of canvas pages
Correct. It is more efficient to display unbooked data, avoid exception aggregations in the
model and use responsive pages.

UNIT 6 Presenting stories
Lesson 1
Presenting data on mobile devices 117
Lesson 2
Creating an SAP Digital Boardroom 121
UNIT OBJECTIVES
● Optimize story design for mobile use

● Create an SAP Digital Boardroom to present your stories

Unit 6: Presenting stories

Unit 6
Lesson 1
Presenting data on mobile devices
LESSON OBJECTIVES
SAP Analytics Cloud mobile

SAP Analytics Cloud Mobile application is available for iOS and Android mobile devices, so
that you can use SAP Analytics Cloud and its functions on your cellular phone or tablet device
from anywhere at any time.
Figure 66: SAP Analytics Cloud Mobile
With the SAP Analytics Cloud iOS app, you can log in with a touch ID or face ID.

Figure 67: Face ID
Sharing and Collaborating on Mobile

Share story and SAP Digital Boardroom links, create discussions with colleagues, and
manage your notifications.
● Annotate and share with others
● Share links
● Share custom URL scheme links
● Collaborate with colleagues
● Receive and manage notifications
Figure 68: IPhone Example
Share Links
Links to stories and SAP Digital Boardroom presentations opened on a mobile device
automatically launch the SAP Analytics Cloud mobile app and go directly to that content.

Lesson: Presenting data on mobile devices
Collaborate with Colleagues

Tap the Collaboration button to chat with colleagues in real-time.
Note:
Before using the mobile application, please check the mobile feature
compatibility in: SAP Help.
Design a story for mobile

As we have previously discussed, the Responsive page of a story is required for viewing on any
mobile devices. (Computers can also view Responsive pages.) Also keep in mind that stories
can be viewed only in portrait mode for phones and landscape mode for tablets; the stories do
not rotate their orientation.
You can set different font sizes for the resolutions of different device types. This allows story
designers to target how text is displayed for a single story when viewed across multiple
mobile devices. First select a device and size, such as an iOS Small Phone from Device
Preview in the menu bar. Then with a widget in the story selected, open the Designer panel
and select Styling. Fonts can be changed for individual widgets in the story.
Figure 69: Font Size per Mobile Device
You can also hide an individual Responsive story page so it does not appear on mobile
devices. Select the drop-down icon for the page and choose Hide in mobile.

Figure 70: Hide a Page for Mobile
The optimized story experience enables content within an SAP Analytics Cloud story to load
faster, but not all features and story options will be available when you enable the Optimized
Design Experience or Optimized View Mode features. As the features that are available are
evolving, refer to Preparing Stories for Mobile | SAP Help Portal for the most updated
information regarding mobile support.
LESSON SUMMARY

Unit 6
Lesson 2
Creating an SAP Digital Boardroom
LESSON OBJECTIVES
SAP Digital Boardroom

Use SAP Digital Boardroom to enhance the presentation experience with fluid navigation
between content and on-screen interactivity. SAP Digital Boardroom gives top decision
makers real-time, digital-enterprise insight into integrated line-of-business data from SAP and
third-party applications. With SAP Digital Boardroom, users can more readily monitor,
simulate, and support business changes to meet the expectations of customers, business
partners, and employees.
Figure 71: SAP Digital Boardroom: Built on SAP Analytics Cloud
Use Responsive Pages

It is recommended to design SAP Digital Boardroom presentations using responsive story
pages. Responsive pages allow you to create layouts that automatically resize and reflow
when viewed on different screen sizes and are required for viewing on mobile devices. Canvas
pages can also be used; however, grid pages are not supported. If a story contains a mixture
of responsive, canvas, and grid page types, only the responsive and canvas pages are
imported into the SAP Digital Boardroom builder.
SAP Digital Boardroom Creation

When you create a new SAP Digital Boardroom, you can choose either the agenda or
dashboard option.

Figure 72: Digital Boardroom Presentation Type
● Agenda Presentation Type:

The agenda presentation type is the traditional boardroom meeting structure. You create
the agenda items that you want, then you add and combine pages from stories into your
topics.
Choose the + button to add a topic to the agenda. Choose Library to open the Stories
window and import your stories. Once the stories are imported, drag and drop the stories
from the Imported Stories area with multiple pages, or choose Expand to select single or
multiple pages of stories to go into your topic. You can use Ctrl+Shift to select multiple
items from the Imported Stories area.
● Dashboard Presentation Type:
The dashboard presentation type is a modern, exploratory, corporate steering dashboard.
You can create free-form topics to match your business organization. You can then add
and combine pages from stories.
Single Screen Setups

You can use a single large screen or a single touch-screen monitor connected to a PC for
viewing and interacting with your Digital Boardroom. With a single screen, the visible page can
show a preview of pages in the same topic. You can select or swipe from one to the next, or
jump from one to another using bread crumbs or other navigation features.
For more information on presentation settings and theming, see: https://help.sap.com/
viewer/00f68c2e08b941f081002fd3691d86a7/release/en-US/
4feca4129a5d476bbb5c82463f513ad5.html.
A SAP Digital Boardroom app is available in the Microsoft store. It integrates SAP Digital
Boardroom with Microsoft Surface Hub collaboration features including e-mail, Skype, and
drawing. To install the app, just follow the store instructions on your Surface Hub device.
Another option is a video wall, where several individual monitors are combined into a single
screen.
Multiple Screen Setups

With multiple large 4K touch screens connected to a single PC, you can present several topic
pages at once. You can connect up to three screens to provide an immersive experience. A
standard PC can support three monitors with HDMI or DVI ports.

Lesson: Creating an SAP Digital Boardroom
Figure 73: Virtual Collaboration: Extend the Boardroom Experience to a Remote Audience
The SAP Digital Boardroom also allows for engagement with a remote audience as follows:
● Screen-share support
● Virtual control handover
● Annotation capabilities for both main presenter and remote audience
Create a Digital Boardroom
To create a Digital Boardroom
1. From the Navigation Bar choose Digital Boardroom.
2. Name it: U##DB_Sales.
3. Choose the Dashboard type.
4. Name the top node: Sales Summary.
5. Add + a topic and name it: Sales Execution.
6. Import the following stories into the boardroom builder:
● Sample - Revenue Analysis
● SAC_BI_XX_Story with Calculations
7. Expand Sample Revenue Analysis and drop the Summary page onto the top left node of
the dashboard.
8. Drag all remaining pages from both stories on the Sales Execution node.
9. Display the table of contents .

Result
Figure 74: Digital Boardroom - Build
10. Save the boardroom and run the presentation .
Result
The Summary opens.
11. Right-click on a chart to access the navigation wheel. Choose Dashboard → Sales
Performance.
Result
The remaining four pages appear at the top left.
12. Hover near the lower right and choose Exit.

Result
Figure 75: Digital Boardroom Result
LESSON SUMMARY

Unit 6
Learning Assessment
1. You have created a story and want to show it on a mobile device. Which two kinds of
mobile devices are supported by SAP Analytics Cloud?
X A iOS
X B Android
X C BlackberryOS
2. What type of page must your story contain to be viewed on a mobile device?
X A Grid
X B Canvas
X C Responsive
3. SAP Digital Boardroom is a fully automated tool that instantly creates relevant
visualizations during a meeting. No preparation is needed before the meeting.
X True
X False

Unit 6
1. You have created a story and want to show it on a mobile device. Which two kinds of
mobile devices are supported by SAP Analytics Cloud?
X A iOS
X B Android
X C BlackberryOS
Correct. SAP Analytics Cloud supports the iOS and Android mobile devices.
2. What type of page must your story contain to be viewed on a mobile device?
X A Grid
X B Canvas
X C Responsive
Correct. The Responsive page of a story is required for viewing on any mobile device.
3. SAP Digital Boardroom is a fully automated tool that instantly creates relevant
visualizations during a meeting. No preparation is needed before the meeting.
X True
X False
Correct. The content that needs to be displayed must be created and prepared in
advance.

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SACS21

SAP Analytics Cloud: Story Design

© 2023 SAP SE or an SAP affiliate company. All rights reserved.

© Copyright. All rights reserved. iii

American English is the standard used in this handbook.

This information is displayed in the instructor’s presentation

Related or Additional Information

User interface control Example text

Window title Example text

iv © Copyright. All rights reserved.

vii Course Overview

1 Unit 1: Getting started with stories

3 Lesson: Introducing story design

17 Unit 2: Building stories

19 Lesson: Explaining optimized stories

31 Unit 3: Configuring story elements

33 Lesson: Configuring tables

65 Unit 4: Manipulating data in stories

67 Lesson: Sorting data in stories

103 Unit 5: Applying best practices and guidelines

105 Lesson: Setting formatting standards

115 Unit 6: Presenting stories

117 Lesson: Presenting data on mobile devices

© Copyright. All rights reserved. v

© Copyright. All rights reserved. vii

● Describe the basics concepts of story design in SAP Analytics Cloud

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2 © Copyright. All rights reserved.

Story design basics

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4 © Copyright. All rights reserved.

Classic design and optimized design modes

Figure 1: Classic Design Experience Or Optimized Design Experience

© Copyright. All rights reserved. 5

Converting a story to optimized design mode (optional)

Figure 2: Convert to Optimized Design

6 © Copyright. All rights reserved.

Figure 3: Sample Optimized Design Warning

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8 © Copyright. All rights reserved.

Types of data sources

Figure 4: Story Data Sources

© Copyright. All rights reserved. 9

Figure 5: Data Preparation

Where the data comes from

10 © Copyright. All rights reserved.

Figure 6: Data Sources

© Copyright. All rights reserved. 11

12 © Copyright. All rights reserved.

1. SAP Analytics Cloud stories are browser-based.

2. What is a benefit of Optimized Design Experience?

X A It has better formatting.

X B It has improved Tooltip Interactions.

X C It refreshes all charts refresh when opening stories.

X D It has a new builder panel for tables.

X C SAP Analytics Cloud Model

X D Outside data source

X A Use the Data Preparation area to manipulate the data.

X B Schedule the file to upload new data to your story.

X C Define security based on a property.

© Copyright. All rights reserved. 13

5. You can use data from a non-SAP system in your story.

14 © Copyright. All rights reserved.