Blend Data

You can create stories with visualizations using data from multiple models and datasets.

Blending models lets you join a primary data source with secondary data sources that contain common linked dimensions. 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 model derived from a dataset's integration into a story.

Blending can be done within individual tables and charts. For details, see Link Dimensions Across Multiple Models.

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.
Note
Geo maps are not supported with linked models.
Restriction
Some blending options are not yet supported, including the following:

  • Blending across multiple HANA on-premise systems

  • Blending on Date

  • Blending on ID between hierarchies

  • Blending on attributes to dimension

  • Apply page filter / input control on a second dataset

  • Linked Analysis

  • Planning

  • Currency conversion

  • Tuple filters

  • Displaying Totals

  • Top N

  • Sorting

  • Creating variances on blended calculations

For other restrictions on blending data, please see the following SAP Note: 3143834 Information published on SAP sitedesc: Blending Restrictions in SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC)

Some Common Uses for Blending

  • 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 3rd party consulting firm.
  • Creating custom calculations based on key performance indicators from different data models like 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.

Creating Calculations in Blended Charts and Tables

You can create simple calculations using measures or account members from multiple models in your blended chart or table. When creating the formula in the formula editor, the auto-complete options will include measures from all your linked models.

Note
You cannot use IF or ResultLookup functions in formulas that use multiple models.

In the Builder, members and dimensions from the primary model are identified with a dot.

When you switch between linked models for your blended table, the list of calculations will contain all the available calculations for the current model.

Getting Started on Blending with Data

You can blend data between models that are based on imported data stored in SAP Analytics Cloud, without needing any blending-specific prerequisites or setup.

Data blending with models based on live data is also supported for specific SAP data sources, but does require additional prerequisites and setup.

For more information, see the following:

Related Information