Blending Data in Models

You can create a story with visualizations using data from multiple models and datasets. For example, one page could contain visualizations on data from a Sales model, and another page, visualizations on data from a Customer model. Or, visualizations on data from both models can be placed on a single page.

You can create links between dimensions to define the common data in multiple models and datasets. You can then use the linked dimensions to create blended charts or tables that display data from multiple models/datasets. Linked dimensions also allow you to create filters that simultaneously update all charts that include linked data. Filters on linked dimensions can be used at the story, page, and linked analysis levels.

When linking dimensions between models/datasets, the names of the dimensions can be different. For example, you can link a dimension called Store with a dimension called Retail Establishment. What is important is the data each dimension represents must be the same. Linking dimensions essentially communicates to SAP Analytics Cloud that "this data is the same as that data" between two models/datasets.

Blending enables you to join a primary data source with secondary data sources that contain common linked dimensions in a single story. 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 dataset that has been added to the story. Blending can be done within individual tables and charts.

The following figure illustrates the blending of data from two tables.

After blending, you can create calculations that use measures from multiple data sources.

When you link the dimensions for blending models, you have three link types:

1. Primary data only: Displays only the dimension data from the first model.
2. Intersecting data only: Displays only the dimension data that is common in both models.
3. All data: Displays the dimension data from both models.

Some common uses for blending are as follows:

• 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 third party consulting firm.

• Creating custom calculations based on key performance indicators from different data models, such as public census data.