In an SAP Analytics Cloud allocation process, the Driver is the specific setting that determines the basis for distributing values. The source amount (HR cost center expenses) is allocated to the target members (operating cost centers) based on the proportions derived from the driver values. For example, if 'Headcount' is selected as the driver, the expenses will be distributed to each operating cost center in proportion to its number of employees. The driver directly controls how much is distributed to each recipient.

A. Reference: The 'Reference' setting is used within the driver configuration to specify which version or date to pull the driver values from, but it is not the primary control for the distribution logic itself.

C. Distribute: 'Distribute' is a type of allocation rule or action. It defines the overall behavior of the step (i.e., to spread values from a source), not the specific setting that controls the proportions.

D. Redistribute: Similar to 'Distribute', 'Redistribute' is another type of allocation rule that first credits the source before distributing, but it is not the setting that defines the allocation basis.

1. SAP Help Portal

SAP Analytics Cloud - Creating an Allocation Step: In the section describing the configuration of an allocation step

the "Driver" option is explicitly defined. The documentation states

"The driver determines the proportions for the allocation. The source data is distributed to the target members based on the driver values for each member." This directly confirms that the driver controls the distribution amount.

Source: SAP Help Portal

SAP Analytics Cloud > Planning > Managing Data > Create an Allocation Step.

2. SAP Help Portal

SAP Analytics Cloud - Allocation Rule Types: This document distinguishes between rule types and their settings. It lists "Distribute" and "Redistribute" as types of rules

clarifying they are the process type

not a setting within the process that controls proportions.

Source: SAP Help Portal

SAP Analytics Cloud > Planning > Managing Data > Allocation Rule Types.