Introduction

SAP Analytics Cloud for Planning (SAC for Planning) is a cloud-based solution designed to simplify and enhance planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes. It provides a unified platform that integrates business intelligence, predictive analytics, and financial planning to support informed decision-making. By offering real-time collaboration, seamless integration with SAP and non-SAP systems, and advanced analytics features, SAC for Planning allows businesses to streamline their planning activities and drive greater accuracy and efficiency in their budgeting and forecasting processes. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to leverage SAC for Planning to optimize planning and budgeting within organizations.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of SAP Analytics Cloud and its user interface.
• Familiarity with business planning and budgeting concepts.
• Knowledge of financial data, KPIs, and performance metrics.
• Experience with data modeling and business intelligence tools is beneficial.
• Familiarity with SAP or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is recommended.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to SAP Analytics Cloud for Planning
   1.1. What is SAC for Planning?
   1.2. Key Features and Benefits of SAC for Planning
   1.3. Overview of the Planning Process in SAC
2. Setting Up SAC for Planning
   2.1. Initial Setup and Configuration for Planning
   2.2. Defining Planning Models and Structures
   2.3. Integrating SAC with Other SAP Systems
   2.4. Configuring User Roles and Permissions for Planning
3. Data Modeling for Planning
   3.1. Creating Planning Models and Models Hierarchies
   3.2. Defining Key Figures, Dimensions, and Measures
   3.3. Using Advanced Data Models for Financial Planning
   3.4. Configuring Input Templates for Planning Scenarios
4. Building and Managing Planning Scenarios
   4.1. Creating Different Types of Planning Scenarios
   4.2. Managing Multiple Budgeting and Forecasting Scenarios
   4.3. Implementing Drivers and Assumptions in Planning Models
   4.4. Handling Versions and Variants in Planning
5. Budgeting and Forecasting in SAC for Planning
   5.1. Budget Creation and Template Configuration
   5.2. Rolling Forecasting and Real-time Budget Adjustments
   5.3. Integrating Historical Data for More Accurate Forecasting
   5.4. Using Predictive Analytics for Forecasting
6. Collaboration and Workflow Management
   6.1. Collaborating with Stakeholders in Real-time Planning
   6.2. Implementing Approval Workflows for Planning and Budgeting
   6.3. Tracking Changes and Comments in Planning Scenarios
   6.4. Managing Plan and Budget Versions through Collaboration
7. Advanced Planning Techniques in SAC
   7.1. Leveraging Predictive Planning and Machine Learning
   7.2. Data-driven Forecasting and Trend Analysis
   7.3. Optimizing Planning with Driver-based Models
8. Analytics and Reporting for Planning
   8.1. Building Interactive Planning Dashboards
   8.2. Customizing Reports for Financial Planning
   8.3. Using SAC for Real-time Financial Analysis and Reporting
   8.4. Visualizing Budget vs. Actuals with Key Performance Indicators
9. Security and Governance in SAC for Planning
   9.1. User Roles and Permissions for Planning Models
   9.2. Ensuring Data Security in SAC for Planning
   9.3. Audit Trails and Compliance Management in Planning
10. Best Practices for SAC for Planning Implementation
    10.1. Defining Clear Objectives and Key Performance Indicators
    10.2. Ensuring Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
    10.3. Managing Change and Training for Planning Teams
11. Future Trends in SAP Analytics Cloud for Planning
    11.1. The Role of SAC in Digital Transformation for Finance
    11.2. Innovations in Planning and Budgeting with SAC
    11.3. How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping Financial Planning

Conclusion

SAP Analytics Cloud for Planning offers a comprehensive and integrated solution for organizations to streamline their planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes. By combining real-time data access, predictive analytics, and advanced modeling techniques, SAC for Planning empowers finance teams to make more informed decisions and collaborate more effectively. Its ability to handle complex planning scenarios, automate workflows, and integrate with other systems makes it an essential tool for modern financial planning. As businesses continue to evolve, SAP Analytics Cloud for Planning will play a key role in shaping the future of financial decision-making and planning across industries.