Live Versions from an SQL Source for SAP Analytics Cloud Planning

[Max_Gander]

Introduction

Live data access for planning is a big theme of the QRC4 2025 release in SAP Analytics Cloud. We already shared how live versions now unlock a new chapter for seamless planning in SAP Business Data Cloud (link). But the paradigm of live data access is coming for models that are not deployed to SAP Datasphere as well! In this case, live versions can link data from our available live SQL sources. So, this applies to our existing connection to Google BigQuery and shall apply to live SQL sources that we add going forward (Microsoft Azure, Snowflake,…). Learn how to add a live version from Google BigQuery in this blogpost!

How does it work?

Adding a live version to a model is easy. It is also easy to create a model from view in Google BigQuery. Here, I will show you how to add a live version to an existing model.

• In your model details, you will find a new entry in the ‘Data’ section which is called ‘External Live Version Data Sources’
• Here, ‘Connect External Data Source’
• Choose an existing target version for the data source or create a blank version
• Choose Google BigQuery as source system (more to be added in the future)
• Choose connection
• Choose your datasource from Google BigQuery
• Map the data source columns to your model’s columns
  • Not all source columns need to be mapped
  • Not all target columns need to be mapped
    • Measures can be NULL
    • Dimensions can receive a default member
  • Certain data type differences can be handled
• If we detect a mismatch between the live version and your master data, we will notify you and you can add missing dimension members directly (not shown in the video)
• We also provide performance hints
• Use the data in calculations, data actions, stories etc.! In the video, you see the live data in action in a model calculation
• You’re done! You can add more sources to the model, if you want

Adding and using a live version from Google BigQuery

FAQ

Where can I use this feature?

This feature is available for SAP Analytics Cloud models that are not deployed to SAP Datasphere (=not using seamless planning).

Can I use any source view?

Yes. However, not all data types are supported (details).

What can I do with live versions? (And what can I not do?)

You can display the live version data in the model data foundation and in tables, charts, etc. in stories.

You can reference the live version data in model and story calculations as well as data actions (incl. advanced formulas).

You cannot write back to the source. You can copy the live version data into planning versions via copy/paste in the table, data actions and version management.

How do I see if data is live or not?

In models, a live version is highlighted in the data preview. In the version dimension, you see the data source per version.  

In tables, live version data is locked for data entry and formatted accordingly. Reasons for unplannable data give accurate information.

Conclusion

Live data access in planning models represents a massive opportunity. SAP Analytics Cloud demonstrates openness and flexibility by offering live versions from live SQL sources.