Difference between dataset and models in SAC

[#1]

Hello Experts,

I understand that SAC supports Dataset and models in SAP Analytics cloud. Both these options offers data preparation functionalities.
Would be great is someone share scenarios where one take precedence over other. As a power user how can once pick one over other.
Appreciate all responses and help.

Thanks

[DebjitSingha · Accepted solution]

Hello ash_123,

As you are aware both these options are catered towards data processing function. Both have scenarios of implementation.
Here are couple of bullet points comparing dataset with data models-

1. Dataset are first choice when end user want to create story/ visualization quickly and do not want to get into structure definition, during data processing (required during model creation)
2. User uploads excel/ csv file and create story on the fly. This is an option designed to address end user visualization need and system creates embedded dataset behind the scene. Data view in story (edit) option shows data directly from embedded dataset.
3. Data set is first choice when development do not demand IT governance. All SAC roles gets dataset creation and view option by default. On the other hand a model is preferred when it comes to govern the data processing, like in case of planning.
4. Data set can be secured as any other object in SAC. Though unlike model data access control on columns and properties are not possible. Either user have access to dataset and hence data in story or do not.
5. Datasets can be converted into model. Other way around is not supported. This means even for a excel file import and story building we have choice to create model or skip it.
6. Dataset supports more number of cells and columns compares to models (where columns are restricted to 100 and cells ~800K - 1M)
7. Regard less of the source of story (model or dataset), system always creates dataset to support smart predict use cases.
8. Live data models do not let you choose dataset, instead system considers data source models as reference and mapping in SAC.
9. Planning scenarios requires structured setup and hence requires data models.
10. Dataset is part of agile framework, where you focus on rapid visualization and story creation and decide on data governance at later stage.

Here is an article comparing dataset vs data model.

Understanding the Difference Between Datasets and Models

Hope this helps.

Viewers - If you find above information helpful, feel free to up-vote.

Thanks,

Debjit

[former_member767585 · Accepted solution]

I thought that it was not possible to schedule refreshes of datasets, which is why models had to be used. Is this not the case or is there a way to refresh datasets, it would make my life a lot easier?

[DebjitSingha · Accepted solution]

gwen_harrison40

It is still the limitation with DataSet. More on dataset and conversion path -SAP Analytics Cloud – Working with Embedded Datasets in Stories

[VijayetaSharma]

In addition, Dataset let you work on raw data, model requires strict validation. If source data have format issue (number, date...) model update will reject those line. Where as dataset let you keep it and visualization on that raw data only ignores those lines.
This way you can worry about data quality later and start building visual insights quickly.

Coming from BW background - Datasets are like of BW-PSA (persisting staging area), in BW we are not allowed to report on PSA. Where as SAC let you do lot more than just visualization on dataset.

Thanks,

Vijayeta

[achab]

Also see https://help.sap.com/viewer/00f68c2e08b941f081002fd3691d86a7/release/en-US/05280d13b16e40f3be37165e9... (Choose Between Datasets and Models)