The “My Metrics” functionality is one of the new features in the latest release of SAP Analytics Cloud, as we have introduced in one of our previous blogposts. “My Metrics” allows users to create lists of KPIs in order to keep track of them. You can think of it as a personalized cockpit where you can individually add and analyze the key figures that are important to you. Instead of searching for the necessary information across multiple dashboards, you compile the data you need for your daily tasks.
With this functionality, SAP addresses typical requirements that involve a high level of manual effort in everyday work. For instance, controllers need to monitor key figures originating from different business areas (e.g. Finance and HR) located in completely different stories. With “My Metrics,” they can see the essential KPIs side-by-side in a single list without having to switch between different reports. The metrics always show the current status. Thus, the controller can automatically see in the morning if revenue or contribution margin has fallen below a critical value and jump directly into the corresponding report for deeper analysis. In this article, I will examine this new functionality in detail. I will show you how you can define, customise and share metrics.
The function is tailored to end users and does not require any technical modelling knowledge. You can easily create a metric by selecting Add to Metrics List from the context menu of the chart.
You can then choose whether you want to add the metric to an existing list or create a new metrics list. You can also define the description of the metric and adjust the filters applied. If necessary, you can add a comparison, such as a different version or period, and adjust the visualisation of the detailed chart.
The system automatically suggests comparison parameters. These are usually time or version comparisons based on the underlying diagram. However, you also have the option to define individual comparisons in the Variance section.
Additionally, you can customize the detailed chart by adding extra dimensions, changing colors, or selecting a different chart type to present the data more clearly.
The metrics defined in this way are preserved even if the original story is modified or deleted. Since the metrics are based on the underlying data source rather than the story, the key figures always display the current status. Exit variables in Datasphere, which we introduced in the article “Customer Exit Logic in Datasphere: Dynamic Defaults Explained” are also taken into account. However, you must be careful when using calculated key figures in your metrics. Since the defined metric represents a copy as of the time of creation, subsequent adjustments to the calculated key figures are not reflected.
The metrics you have created are stored in a metrics list. You can access these in the navigation menu via the My Metrics entry.
Here you will find a structured overview of your most important KPIs. On the left side, you will find a list of all assigned metrics. These can originate from completely different stories and data models. You have the option to switch between different metric lists and sort the entries according to your needs. Here you can also adjust the display of variances by switching between percentage and absolute values.
In the center, each metric is displayed in detail with the visualization that was configured at the time it was added. For deeper analysis, the view is enriched by "Smart Insights" on the right side, which are dynamically generated for the respective metric. You can also generate additional “Smart Insights” by right-clicking on a data point. Should a more comprehensive analysis be necessary, the application allows you to jump directly from the individual metric back to the original story at any time to seamlessly continue the analysis there.
Furthermore, you can also display “My Metrics” on the home page. Activate the option My Metrics in the Home Screen area within your user settings. This allows you to see the most important KPIs immediately upon logging into SAP Analytics Cloud.
You can share individual metrics as well as complete metric lists with other users. In doing so, you can define whether the recipient is only allowed to view the shared metrics or also edit them. To ensure your colleagues receive the new information promptly, you can optionally send an email notification when sharing. Additionally, recipients automatically receive an in-app notification that the metrics have been shared.
Unfortunately, there are also certain scenarios where this functionality is not available. For example, the following chart types cannot be used as a source for metrics: Blended Chart, Histogram, Time Series Chart, and Bubble Chart. Difficulties may also arise if a data point uses complex filters.
Furthermore, charts based on custom widgets are not supported. Since these are technically custom widgets and not charts, they cannot be used to create metrics. The same applies to R visualizations. However, charts that have been extended with custom add-ons can still be used.
An essential prerequisite for using this function is the use of an Optimized Story, as classic stories are not supported. In addition, we would like to see a proactive notification function for future versions when a threshold value is exceeded.
The introduction of “My Metrics” in the SAP Analytics Cloud marks an important step towards self-service analytics. This feature allows users to create an individual cockpit that is tailored precisely to their own daily tasks, without involving the IT department.
The greatest strengths lie in centralization and efficiency. Instead of tediously clicking through various stories, users have immediate visibility of their most important KPIs, including variances and Smart Insights. The simple integration option on the home page and the flexible sharing options round off the package and enable data-driven collaboration within your company.
Have you implemented My Metrics but reached functional or conceptual limits? Get in touch with us. We can help you identify best practices and define a setup that fits your company’s reporting and KPI monitoring needs.