Version management is a fundamental feature of the planning process in SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC). It enables users to create and manage multiple data scenarios (e.g., Budget, Forecast, Actuals) for comparison and what-if analysis. This capability is exclusively supported by Planning models, which are specifically designed for write-back operations and scenario planning. Stories built on Planning models can leverage the version management panel to switch between, copy, and publish different versions of the data.

A. Analytic model: Analytic models are designed for read-only analysis and reporting. They do not possess the inherent structure or functionality for data write-back or version management.

B. Classic mode: This refers to an older story design experience. The ability to manage versions is determined by the underlying data model, not the story's design mode.

C. Optimized mode: This is the current, recommended story design experience. While it offers performance benefits, it does not grant version management capabilities; the Planning model is still the prerequisite.

1. SAP Help Portal - About Planning Models: "Planning models are different from analytic models because they include planning-specific features

such as versions

data locking

and data actions. They are the basis for all planning workflows in SAP Analytics Cloud."

Source: SAP Help Portal

About Planning Models.

2. SAP Help Portal - Versions: "In a planning model

data is organized in versions. This allows you to create different types of data for different purposes. For example

you can create a budget version and a forecast version of your data

and then compare them in a table."

Source: SAP Help Portal

Versions.

3. SAP Help Portal - Analytic vs. Planning Models: This documentation explicitly contrasts the two model types

highlighting that features like versions are unique to Planning models. "Analytic models are used to analyze existing data... Planning models are used to plan for the future."

Source: SAP Help Portal

Model Types and Their Features.