Why SAP Embedded Analytics

SAP Embedded Analytics is a powerful feature within SAP S/4HANA that integrates analytical capabilities directly into transactional applications. It enables users to perform real-time analytics within their business processes, using the same SAP Fiori UI. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of SAP Embedded Analytics:

A comparison of the technical components used in Calculation Views and CDS Views, the two primary modeling approaches within the SAP ecosystem:

🔷 1. Calculation Views (SAP HANA)

Purpose: Used for modeling data natively in SAP HANA. Ideal for advanced, high-performance analytical models independent of S/4HANA business logic.

🔧 Technical Objects in Calculation Views

Object	Description
Schema	Logical container for tables and views.
Tables	Raw data sources (columnar or row-based).
Attribute Views (legacy)	For master data modeling (now deprecated).
Analytic Views (legacy)	For modeling facts with related dimensions (now deprecated).
Calculation Views	Modern, flexible modeling layer supporting SQL and graphical design.
Variables & Input Parameters	Filters and runtime parameters in views.
Joins & Unions	Data source combination logic.
CE Functions (script-based CVs)	Built-in functions used in scripted CVs (e.g., CE_JOIN, CE_PROJECTION).
Analytic Privileges	Row-level security definitions.
HANA SQLScript	Used in scripted Calculation Views for complex logic.
HDI Containers	Deployment structure for development in Web IDE or BAS.

🔷 2. CDS Views (Core Data Services – ABAP layer in S/4HANA)

Purpose: Used to model semantic data definitions tightly integrated with SAP S/4HANA and Embedded Analytics.

🔧 Technical Objects in CDS Views

Object	Description
Basic CDS View	Base layer exposing database tables.
Composite CDS View	Combines and joins multiple basic views.
Consumption CDS View	Exposed to the UI layer (Fiori apps, SAC, OData).
Annotations	Metadata for UI, analytics, and behavior (e.g., @OData.publish, @Analytics.query).
Associations	Relationships between entities; like joins, but more semantically rich.
Parameters	Input values for filtering and logic.
ABAP Dictionary Tables	CDS views are built on top of these.
Authorization Objects	Row-level control via @AccessControl.authorizationCheck.
OData Services	Auto-generated from CDS with @OData.publish: true.
Metadata Extensions	External annotation definitions (used in Fiori).

🆚 Key Differences

Feature	Calculation Views	CDS Views
Layer	HANA DB (Native modeling)	ABAP Layer (S/4HANA)
Tool	HANA Studio / Web IDE / BAS	Eclipse ADT (ABAP Dev Tools)
Purpose	DB-level modeling	Semantic modeling & UI integration
Integration	SAC, BW/4HANA, SQL	Fiori, OData, SAC
Performance	Optimized for complex processing	Optimized for S/4HANA data
Security	Analytic Privileges	ABAP authorization + annotations
Extensibility	Deep SQLScript and logic	Business logic extension via BAdIs or extensions
Analytics Use	Suitable for external analytics	Embedded analytics, Fiori, SAC

✅ When to Use What?

Scenario	Recommended
Need to model complex joins/unions at DB level	Calculation Views
Building S/4HANA Embedded Analytics	CDS Views
Require tight integration with Fiori	CDS Views
Require cross-source or big data modeling	Calculation Views
Need highly performant aggregates	Calculation Views
Want to expose data as OData service quickly	CDS Views

✅ Pros of SAP Embedded Analytics

1. Real-Time Insights

• Leverages the HANA in-memory database for real-time data access and reporting.

• Users can make immediate decisions based on current data within transactional systems.

2. Integrated Experience

• Embedded directly into SAP Fiori apps, avoiding the need to switch between systems.

• Seamless experience for end-users without needing separate BI tools for operational reporting.

3. Pre-Delivered Content

• Comes with a rich library of pre-built analytical content (CDS Views, KPIs, Reports, Dashboards).

• Reduces implementation time and effort for common analytics scenarios.

4. Self-Service Capabilities

• Business users can personalize reports and dashboards without deep technical knowledge.

• Tools like Smart Business KPIs and Fiori Analytical List Pages empower users.

5. Performance Optimization

• Uses CDS Views optimized for performance.

• Minimizes data duplication and replication by analyzing data at the source.

6. Security Integration

• Leverages SAP's role-based access control.

• Ensures consistent data security across analytics and transactions.

❌ Cons of SAP Embedded Analytics

1. Limited to S/4HANA

• Only works within the S/4HANA environment; not suitable for data from other systems unless federated via a data warehouse or other integration.

2. Complexity in CDS View Development

• Advanced custom CDS view development requires ABAP knowledge and understanding of annotations.

• Learning curve for non-technical users or teams new to SAP HANA and Fiori.

3. Limited Advanced Analytics

• Not designed for advanced analytics like predictive modeling or machine learning.

• For these, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) or SAP Datasphere is better suited.

4. Customization Limitations

• While flexible, some limitations exist in terms of UI customization and visualizations compared to full BI tools like SAC or Power BI.

5. Dependency on SAP Fiori

• Optimal use depends on full Fiori implementation.

• Traditional SAP GUI users may not benefit from the full analytical capabilities.

6. Maintenance Overhead

• Custom CDS views and analytics objects need ongoing maintenance during upgrades or business changes.