SAP Learning Journey

Configuring Tables

Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Build and configure tables for viewing and analyzing data

Build Tables

Tables can be used to view and analyze data. Tables are added to either responsive or canvas pages in stories.

For tables that are based on models, the set of features and options available depends on the model type (planning, analytics, or a model based on a remote SAP HANA system). Only the features and options that are supported by the model type are visible. For example, tables based on planning models allow users to make changes to the model data using version management, data entry, and allocations; but tables based on analytic models are read-only.

When you add a table to a story, a data grid is created with the basic dimensions and categories of the model aligned along the axes of the grid. You can change this basic layout using the following designer tools:

  • Use the Builder pane to select the measures and dimensions to include in the rows and columns of your table.

  • Use the Styling tools to format the presentation.

Table Configuration

Watch this video to learn about some of the table configuration options.

You can display a bar chart in your table cells so that you have both a visual and a numeric view of your data. In the table, right-click a column or row header containing a measure or member of an account dimension, and then select In-Cell Chart.

Format Tables

There are several options to adjust the formatting of the table in the Styling panel:

  • Change the fonts for table regions (title cell, header, data).
  • Switch to a different template.
  • Create styles to apply to each region.
  • Create styling rules to apply to members.

Table Templates

When you create a table widget, the system applies the default template with built-in styles.

Table Styles

You can select a specific table region or cell(s) and change the font, style, and lines manually. However, if you want to apply the same style to multiple regions, you can create a new (reusable) style. You can apply a style to any table region.

Note
Styles are available for any table in the story from any data source.

Styling Rules

If you want to control the style based on what the cells contain, you can create a styling rule.

Note
Styles and Styling Rules can be given user-defined names,

When creating a styling rule, the content is based on where your cursor is in the table. After you determine the context, you can apply an existing style or create a new one in the Styling Rule dialog.

In SAP Analytics Cloud, styling rules allow you to make text style changes along a hierarchy, changing styles for sibling, descendant, or child members. Styling changes that you make to the hierarchy are also applied to new members in the hierarchy. The level options include:

  • Self: only apply the style to the member itself. Example: If you select 2024, the style only applies to 2024 but not to half year, quarters, or months in 2024.
  • Self and Children: apply the style to the member and its children (not grand-children). Example: If you select 2024, the style applies to 2024 and to its half years, but not its quarters and not its months.
  • Self and Descendants: apply the style to the member and its children and grand-children, etc.). Example: If you select 2024, the style applies to 2024 and to its half years, its quarters and its months.
  • Self and Siblings: apply the style to the member and its brothers and sisters). Example: If you select 2024, the style applies to 2024, 2025, and 2026 but not to their half years, quarters and months.

After you apply the styling rule any data in the table with the same context will inherit the same style. See the example in the figure Table Styling Rules: United Sates Entity / Plan & Actual Versions for the Operating Income Account and its children.

You can change the order of the rules to determine the precedence if there is a conflict.

Configure Tables

Task 1: Configure tables in a story

Business example

You are new to using SAP Analytics Cloud and you need to know how to use the most important table features. You have been asked to create a story and you need to use tables in your story to analyze the data.

Task flow

In this practice exercise, you will perform the following tasks:

  • Copy an existing story
  • Freeze rows and columns
  • Use auto sizing
  • Use dimension properties
  • Use In-Cell charts
  • Total data when there isn't a hierarchy
  • Work with the delivered templates
  • Create your own styles
ExerciseStart Exercise

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