When creating connections on SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), there is a choice to be made that can impact the performance and the timeliness of your data. This decision revolves around how we manage and use our data: the choice between Data Acquisition and Live Connection models in SAC. Let’s dive into the details of this decision, and the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
What is Data Acquisition?
Data Acquisition in SAC refers to the process of importing data from various sources into the SAC environment. This data is then stored within the SAC platform, enabling users to create models and visualizations that leverage this imported data.
Key Features of Data Acquisition:
- Data Storage: Once acquired, data is stored in SAC’s in-memory database, allowing for fast access and analytics.
- Data Preparation: Users can manipulate and clean data before using it for reporting or analysis.
- Historical Analysis: Ideal for analyzing historical data, as the imported datasets can be time-stamped and versioned.
- Static Snapshots: The data does not automatically refresh; users must schedule updates or manually refresh the datasets.
When to Use Data Acquisition:
- Static Reports: When you need to create reports that don’t require real-time data updates.
- Data Transformation: If your analysis requires significant data transformation or cleansing before visualization.
- Batch Processing: Ideal for scenarios where data can be processed in batches and does not need to reflect immediate changes.
What is Live Connection?
A Live Connection in SAC allows users to connect directly to external data sources without importing the data into the SAC environment. This method provides real-time access to data stored in sources like SAP HANA, SQL databases, or other cloud-based solutions.
Key Features of Live Connection:
- Real-Time Data Access: Provides up-to-the-minute data for analytics and reporting, essential for time-sensitive decision-making.
- No Data Duplication: Since data is not imported, it reduces storage requirements and avoids data duplication issues.
- Dynamic Visualizations: As the underlying data changes, visualizations update automatically without manual intervention.
When to Use Live Connection:
- Real-Time Dashboards: Perfect for operational dashboards that need the latest data to inform quick decisions.
- Data Governance: When you need to ensure that data governance and compliance standards are upheld.
Choosing the Right Approach
The choice between Data Acquisition and Live Connection largely depends on your organization's specific needs. Here are a few considerations:
- Nature of Data: If your analysis relies on real-time data, a Live Connection is the clear choice. For historical trends or reports, Data Acquisition may be more suitable.
- Data Volume: Consider the volume of data. If importing data poses a risk of performance degradation, a Live Connection could be advantageous.
- User Experience: Ultimately, consider what will provide the best experience for your users. If they need instant insights, go for Live Connection; if they require detailed reports based on historical data, Data Acquisition is ideal.
Both Data Acquisition and Live Connection in SAP Analytics Cloud play important roles in data analytics. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each method, organizations can make informed decisions that align with their analytical goals and operational needs. Whether you choose to acquire data for in-depth analysis or connect live for real-time insights, Cipher's team of experts on SAC can assist with all your reporting needs.
Have questions or want to learn more? Reach out – we’re here to help!