SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) – Dynamic Time Navigation

Overview

This document is a step by step guide on how to work with Dynamic Time Navigation Functions.

At the model level, Modellers and Planners can now utilize a new formula called ToPeriod, which calculates a running total over flexible time granularities for a specified period.

Additionally, it is now feasible to integrate LOOKUP, RESTRICT with other formulas within a single calculated measure, minimizing the need to create multiple calculated measures to achieve the same outcome.

Let’s take a closer look at these features in greater detail.

ToPeriod Function

A new dynamic time formula called ToPeriod has been introduced, which calculates a running total over flexible time granularities for a specified period. This enables modellers to create standard YTD, QTD, and MTD running totals at the model level, making these calculated measures accessible across multiple stories. Other date granularities, such as Week and Day, are also possible depending on the granularities defined in the model.

ToPeriod is used in combination with LOOKUP or RESTRICT.

The following screenshots demonstrate how ToPeriod can be utilized within a LOOKUP.

Here, we are computing a Month-To-Date of Sales Revenue.

In the results panel, we can see values over 4 weeks of Jan 2022, where the values accumulate to the total amount seen for Jan 2022.

To-date formulas in model calculations

Users now have the capability to create calculated measures or accounts at the model level using YTD (Year-to-Date), QTD (Quarter-to-Date), and MTD (Month-to-Date) functions. These functions are designed to calculate running totals over the year, quarter, or month, respectively, based on the defined date granularity.

This functionality enables users to perform comprehensive comparisons of their data against budgets, targets, or previous periods, providing valuable insights into performance trends over time. By leveraging these functions, users can better understand their financial and operational metrics, facilitating more informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Result of YTD Formula
Result of MTD Formula

Combining of Formulas Feature

Our new Combining of Formulas feature introduces the ability to integrate multiple formulas within a single Calculated Measure. This enhancement significantly streamlines the modeling and planning process.

Previously, modelers and planners were required to create numerous calculated measures to combine various formulas such as LOOKUP, RESTRICT with other formulas. This often resulted in a complex and time-consuming setup.

With this latest update, these formulas can now be seamlessly integrated into a single Calculated Measure. This means that fewer calculated measures are needed to achieve the same analytical results, thereby reducing the overhead and complexity involved in the modeling process. This improvement not only simplifies the workflow but also enhances efficiency, allowing users to focus more on analysis and decision-making rather than on the creation of multiple measures.

Overview of Dynamic Time Calculation Availability in SAP

The dynamic support for time calculations across different versions of SAP can be summarized as follows:

  • BW 7.50 (on any database): Restricted and difference time calculations are dynamically supported starting from SP26 and later service packs.
  • BW/4HANA 1.0/2.0: Dynamic time calculations are supported starting from SP26 and later versions.
  • BW/4HANA 2021 and later: For this version, dynamic time calculations are available from SP05 and later (2021) and SP00 and later (2023) service packs.
  • S/4HANA ≥ 1709 (OnPremise 7.5x): Dynamic time calculations are not supported in this version.
  • S/4HANA (Cloud): Dynamic time calculations are supported starting from version 2402 and beyond.

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