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SAP Predictive Analytics - Frequently Asked Questions

achab
Product and Topic Expert
Product and Topic Expert
‎06-18-2015 3:28 PM
This blog addresses questions related to the download, installation and activation of SAP Predictive Analytics. It will evolve over time, integrate new questions & answers, and the feedback from our user community. I hope this will prove useful for you.

Enjoy SAP Predictive Analytics!

PS: Heartfelt thanks to all the contributors and reviewers!

Last Updated On: November 20 2017 (Back from SAP TechEd Edition)



General


What is SAP Predictive Analytics?


SAP Predictive Analytics is a statistical analysis and data mining solution that enables you to build predictive models to discover hidden insights and relationships in your data, from which you can make predictions about future events.

SAP Predictive Analytics combines SAP InfiniteInsight and SAP Predictive Analysis in one product. In SAP Predictive Analytics, SAP InfiniteInsight has been renamed to Automated Analytics and SAP Predictive Analysis has been renamed to Expert Analytics.

Regarding the release version numbers:

  • The last released version of SAP InfiniteInsight is 7.0.1.

  • The last released version of SAP Predictive Analysis is 1.21.

  • The first released version of SAP Predictive Analytics is 2.0.

  • The latest released version is SAP Predictive Analytics 3.3.


What are the current names being used for the products? How do they map to the old names?






























Old name(s)

Current names
SAP InfiniteInsight

Automated Analytics*

SAP Predictive Analysis

Expert Analytics*

Explorer

Data Manager

Factory (before 2.0), Model Manager (2.x)

SAP Predictive Factory

InfiniteInsight Authenticated Server


 SAP Predictive Analytics Server


*Dedicated user interface in SAP Predictive Analytics, desktop.

What is the SAP Predictive service?


A set of developer-level services deployed within SAP Cloud Platform that allows any SAP Cloud Platform application to easily embed SAP’s automated analytics capabilities.

End customer of applications embedding SAP Predictive service gain advanced analytical capabilities through business-level services that take advantage of the sophisticated mathematical capabilities of the SAP Automated Predictive Library, packaged as easily usable web services.

For more details, please refer to SAP Predictive service - Starter Kit

What is the SAP Predictive Analytics Integrator?


SAP Predictive Analytics integrator is a framework helping applications using and managing predictive models. It lets you do the following:

  • Build your own models based on your data, register them using an SAP Fiori User Interface and decide which model version to use.

  • Create models using the predictive engine APL.

  • Tailor context-specific application models to ensure that the appropriate model for each situation is selected automatically at runtime when predictions are requested.


For more details, please refer to http://help.sap.com/pai

Product Download


Does SAP proposes trial versions?


In fact we propose you two :-):

Does the trial version corresponds with the latest release?


Trial releases are always kept up to date.

The trial version currently offered is SAP Predictive Analytics 3.3 (for desktop).

We are currently upgrading the professional edition trial to 3.3.

Does SAP proposes a trial version of the SAP Predictive services?


Yes. Please refer to the post here: How to deploy the SAP Predictive service on your SCP Trial account?.

As a SAP Predictive Analytics customer, I want to download the latest releases I am licensed to. Where should I go?


That’s easy.
First you need to have a valid S-user identifier. For users & authorizations, refer to the page here: Users & Authorizations | SAP Support Portal.
Go to the Software Downloads page: https://launchpad.support.sap.com/#/softwarecenter select the option to "browse by alphabetical index (A-Z)", select the letter P (as in Predictive), select the entry SAP PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS, and finally SAP PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS 3.







You will see the different products:

  • Your first interest might go to SAP Predictive Analytics. SAP Predictive Analytics is proposed in two deployment modes, a client/server one and a desktop one.

  • The client/server mode has two download packages: PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS CLIENT 3 and PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS SERVER 3. The client/server mode is proposed for Windows 64-bit, Linux and Aix operating systems. Please refer to the PAM for more details.

  • The desktop mode is the download package named: PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS DESKTOP 3.  The desktop mode is proposed for Windows 64-bit operating systems. Please refer to the PAM for more details.

  • An important point to note is that our Expert Analytics user interface is only part of the desktop deployment. It is not part of the client/server mode.

  • The Predictive Factory is our NEXT GENERATION platform to create and monitor the evolution of predictive models over time and schedule model refreshes. The download is found below PREDICTIVE FACTORY 3. Predictive Factory totally revisits the user experience of the previous Model Manager component. To be noted: Predictive Factory depends on a SAP Predictive Analytics Server.

  • Another key component is the SAP HANA Automated Predictive Library (APL), which is a SAP HANA built-in predictive library. See http://scn.sap.com/community/predictive-analytics/blog/2015/03/02/what-is-the-sap-automated-predicti... for more details. The code name of the APL here is: PRED ANALYTICS APL 3 (for SAP HANA 1.x versions) and PRED ANALYTICS APL 3 for HANA 2 (for SAP HANA 2.x versions). For more details on APL, please check the APL play list as well as our PDF guide: https://websmp205.sap-ag.de/~sapidb/012002523100018485152015E/pa24_hana_apl_user_en.pdf. APL is provided for Intel, IBM on Power PC and IBM PowerPC “Little Endian” operating systems.


If you need more details on a specific SAP Predictive Analytics product or component, please refer to our help portal: http://help.sap.com/pa
If you are facing issues related to downloading software, report an incident using the component:

  • XX-SER-SAPSMP-SWC for SAP Software Download Center

  • XX-SER-SAPSMP-SDM for Download Manager


Also feel free to search help from the links below:

I downloaded and installed the product. I noticed the product is already activated. Do I still need to apply for a license?


The clock is ticking !


After 30 days, you will no longer be able to use the product.


You must apply for your license as soon as possible.



As a SAP OEM Partner, I would like to embed predictive capabilities into applications. What is proposed to me?


If you are a SAP OEM Partner and you want to embed the features of SAP Predictive Analytics (Automated Analytics) in another application you are building, we have a dedicated product edition for you.

Go to the Software Downloads page: https://launchpad.support.sap.com/#/softwarecenter select the option to "browse by alphabetical index (A-Z)", select the letter P (as in Predictive), select the entry SAP PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS OEM, and finally SAP PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS 3.




Product Installation


Do you provide an installation guide overview?


Yes indeed!

See https://help.sap.com/viewer/14ac8516d3d549afb865198a9f0af246/3.3/en-US

Is there a document describing the installation of SAP Predictive Analytics Desktop?


Yes, please refer here: https://help.sap.com/viewer/14ac8516d3d549afb865198a9f0af246/3.3/en-US/c110d8d38a8b4645a343b440e2cab...

How many installations of SAP Predictive Analytics, desktop are supported on a single machine?


Only one installation of SAP Predictive Analytics desktop is supported on a single machine. Please note you can install the desktop and client alongside on a single machine.

How many installations of SAP Predictive Analytics, client are supported on a single machine?


Multiple installations of SAP Predictive Analytics client are supported on a single machine. You have to install the clients of the different versions into different folders of the local machine.

Is there a document describing the installation of SAP Predictive Analytics Client?


The detailed installation guide is here: https://help.sap.com/viewer/14ac8516d3d549afb865198a9f0af246/3.3/en-US/628d192d5a954186ab1af5ca570a4...

Is there a document describing the installation of SAP Predictive Analytics Server?


Please refer to the installation guide here (for Windows): https://help.sap.com/viewer/14ac8516d3d549afb865198a9f0af246/3.3/en-US/0fd96a562ba34ea1be4031d0613aa...

For Linux, use the guide here: https://help.sap.com/viewer/14ac8516d3d549afb865198a9f0af246/3.3/en-US/c7150d9f5f3b40b0998ac2231c740...

Is there a document describing the installation of SAP Predictive Factory?


Windows and Linux installation guide: https://help.sap.com/viewer/14ac8516d3d549afb865198a9f0af246/3.3/en-US/c7150d9f5f3b40b0998ac2231c740...

Is there a document describing the installation of the SAP HANA Automated Predictive Library (APL)?


Please refer to the guide here: https://help.sap.com/viewer/cb31bd99d09747089754a0ba75067ed2/3.3/en-US/86c8c78ae703419d8cfcbc8dc9367...

A nice blog post is also here: How to Install the Automated Predictive Library in SAP HANA

Is there a document describing the installation of SAP HANA Predictive Analysis Library (PAL)?


Please refer to the guide here:

https://help.sap.com/viewer/2cfbc5cf2bc14f028cfbe2a2bba60a50/2.0.02/en-US/c9eeed704f3f4ec39441434db8...

To use the PAL functions, you must:

  • Install SAP HANA.

  • Install the Application Function Library (AFL), which includes the PAL. For information on how to install or update AFL, see "Installing or Updating SAP HANA Components" in SAP HANA Server Installation and Update Guide:

  • Enable the Script Server in HANA instance. See SAP Note 1650957 for further information.


Detailed note on AFL: Functions for a particular topic are grouped into an application function library (AFL), such as the Predictive Analysis Library (PAL) and the Business Function Library (BFL). Currently, PAL and BFL are delivered in one archive (that is, one SAR file with the name AFL<version_string>.SAR). The AFL archive is not part of the HANA appliance, and must be installed separately by the administrator.

I am a former SAP Predictive Analysis user. What is the installation process to move from SAP Predictive Analysis to SAP Predictive Analytics?


You need to uninstall SAP Predictive Analysis and then install SAP Predictive Analytics – pick the desktop version so that Expert Analytics gets installed as well.

Please note your current SAP Predictive Analysis key code will only enable the Expert Analytics of SAP Predictive Analytics, which is what you are looking for. If you want to access the Automated Analytics capabilities, you need to be licensed for it. Please contact your SAP Account Executive.

I am a former SAP InfiniteInsight user. What is the installation process to move from SAP InfiniteInsight to SAP Predictive Analytics?


You don’t need to uninstall SAP InfiniteInsight and you can install SAP Predictive Analytics on the same machine.


You will need to get a specific key code to activate Expert Analytics capabilities.



I am a former SAP Predictive Analytics user. What is the installation process to move from SAP Predictive Analytics 2.x to SAP Predictive Analytics 3.x?



  • Desktop: You can simply start the installer and it will upgrade your existing installation to SAP Predictive Analytics 3.x. No need to uninstall the previous version. Yes!

  • Server: stop the services, then install 3.x.

  • Predictive Factory: same process to move from 3.0 to 3.x.


I love SAP Lumira and I love SAP Predictive Analytics. I cannot choose and I want to install both on my machine. Is it possible?


Yes, you can! This side-by-side installation is possible since the 2.1 release of SAP Predictive Analytics and continues to be possible with SAP Predictive Analytics 3.3. See Lumira + Predictive Co-Existence: Good News Never Comes Single Handed!

I would like to use R algorithms in Expert Analytics. What should I do?


Detailed instructions are provided in the Expert Analytics User Guide here: https://help.sap.com/viewer/94dbf2ba9d4047618880187451c3b253/3.3/en-US/e792121d80b7101487253286b0e91...

Installation page
https://help.sap.com/viewer/94dbf2ba9d4047618880187451c3b253/3.3/en-US/e792121d80b7101487253286b0e91...

Configuration page
https://help.sap.com/viewer/94dbf2ba9d4047618880187451c3b253/3.3/en-US/e791630380b7101487253286b0e91...

The 3.3 PAM lists the officially supported configurations
https://support.sap.com/content/dam/launchpad/en_us/pam/pam-essentials/PAM_Predictive_Analytics.pdf

I have heard that I can integrate R code into SAP HANA. Where do I find more information?


You can refer to the guide here: https://help.sap.com/viewer/a78d7f701c3341339fafe4031b64f015/2.0.02/en-US/dbad714484d242789688a551fb...

The 3.3 PAM lists the officially supported configurations
https://support.sap.com/content/dam/launchpad/en_us/pam/pam-essentials/PAM_Predictive_Analytics.pdf

Where can I find the product availability matrix (PAM)?


The PAM can be found here:
https://support.sap.com/content/dam/launchpad/en_us/pam/pam-essentials/PAM_Predictive_Analytics.pdf

Are there any restrictions associated with the release of SAP Predictive Analytics 3.3?


Please refer to the central SAP note: https://launchpad.support.sap.com/#/notes/2490039

Where can I find the SAP Predictive Analytics documentation?


The help portal is available here: http://help.sap.com/pa.

Can I install SAP Predictive Analytics in multi-user environments (like Citrix)?


It is possible to install the SAP Predictive Analytics desktop version in virtualized environments, with the following restrictions:

- installation is not officially supported and part of our PAM

- only one user at a time can work with Expert Analytics in a multi-user environment.

There is no support restriction for Automated Analytics, the client/server mode and the Predictive Factory in multi-user environments.

What is the SAP support policy for Windows 32-bit?


Learn more here.

What is the SAP support policy for Solaris?


Learn more here.



What is the SAP support policy for Aix?


Learn more here.



It is possible for me to combine a client/server deployment and a desktop deployment of SAP Predictive Analytics? Can I also add SAP Predictive Factory to the mix?


Yes.

The typical scenario here is you want to deploy Automated Analytics in client/server mode and use Expert Analytics from SAP Predictive Analytics, desktop (as Expert Analytics is only available in SAP Predictive Analytics, desktop).

If such is the case, it is recommended that you install the SAP Predictive Analytics Server on a dedicated server machine, and your desktop machine can contain side by side installations of SAP Predictive Analytics client and SAP Predictive Analytics desktop.

You can also combine the local installations of your desktop machine with an installation of SAP Predictive Factory.

You will need key codes to enable the desktop and the server (the SAP Predictive Analytics client relies on the server keycode).

The server and the desktop can use the same key code. Engine-related technical license feature needs to be included in the SAP Predictive Analytics license.

A more advanced scenario is when you also want to install the server locally on your desktop machine (potentially on top of SAP Predictive Analytics client, desktop and Predictive Factory). This is not a recommended scenario for production though as your desktop machine is most probably not sized adequately to act as a SAP Predictive Analytics server.

When I install SAP Predictive Analytics I face the error "Incompatible products cannot be present", I am blocked, what can I do?


Here is the symptom



The solution is here: https://launchpad.support.sap.com/#/notes/2267362

Product Activation


I do not really know if my company is licensed to SAP Predictive Analytics. What should I do?


For any pricing related questions and if you want to know if your company is licensed to SAP Predictive Analytics, you should get in touch with your SAP Account Executive.The Q&A below are strictly related to the practical use of licenses and not to pricing terms.

Where can I get my key codes?


Please go here: https://support.sap.com/licensekey, this is where you can request keys and monitor your key requests.



Which products require key codes?



  • SAP Predictive Analytics Desktop requires a key code.

  • SAP Predictive Analytics Server requires a key code.

  • SAP Predictive Analytics Client relies on the server key code, it does not require a key code.

  • SAP Predictive Factory requires a key code.


I have a license for SAP Predictive Analysis. Does it translate into a license enabling SAP Predictive Analytics – Expert Analytics mode?


Yes.

I have a license for SAP InfiniteInsight. Does it translate into a license enabling SAP Predictive Analytics?


Yes. Notice you will have to ask and install a new license code. 

Where should I input the key codes (for SAP Predictive Analytics desktop)?


SAP Support usually supplies you with a key code. You just need to input that key code in the welcome page of SAP Predictive Analytics.





How to update the key code for SAP Predictive Analytics Server?


There is no user interface, so the only way is to modify the file named License.cfg, located into the parent folder of the installation path.



Do not forget to restart the corresponding services once the key code is updated.


Can I input key codes using the Expert Analytics user interface?


No, this is now only possible in the Welcome page of SAP Predictive Analytics. However, you can still see if your key codes are likely to expire directly from the Expert Analytics Help menu.



Does a key code entered via the user interface apply to all users of my machine?


No, it only applies to the user that entered the keycode via the user interface.

I have SAP Predictive Analytics 2.x with Key Codes in place, I want to upgrade to SAP Predictive Analytics 3.x,  do I need a new key code?


No, just upgrade and your key codes continue to work, except for SAP Predictive Factory where you need a specific key code.

How many key codes do I need to get Automated Analytics and Expert Analytics working?


You need a key code that is enabling the two user interfaces. See with your SAP account executive if you need to get licensed, then with SAP support.

On my installation, I see the entry to trigger Expert Analytics being greyed and I cannot start the product. What can I do?



First of all, check that your installation is a desktop one.


If it is, the workaround consists in starting the executable directly.


The executable is usually located here: C:\Program Files\SAP Predictive Analytics\Desktop \Expert\Desktop and is called SAPPredictiveAnalysis.exe.


You should contact SAP Support about the fact that Expert Analytics link is greyed. SAP Support will investigate the problem with you. At the time of writing, we miss understanding what is causing this behavior.


If you have installed a client/server deployment, it is expected that the Expert Analytics link is greyed as the Expert Analytics user interface is not installed by the client/server deployment.



On my installation, I see some of the entries to trigger Automated Analytics being greyed and I cannot start the product. What can I do?




This is probably due to your license code that is not enabling all the Automated Analytic product capabilities. Please refer to the section of the document related to Product Activation.

After upgrading to SAP Predictive Analytics 3.x I get an error message "the keycode is invalid" and I cannot get the product to work, what should I do?


First refer to the SAP note here: https://launchpad.support.sap.com/#/notes/2329524 and see if that helps.

Then the best known way right now is to uninstall completely then reinstall the product.

 

Product Support


I have a problem, how can I create an incident with SAP Support?


Click here: Report an Incident | SAP Support Portal

Then click on Report an SAP Incident.

 



Enter the information related to your incident - include precise description, screenshots and all possible means to help SAP Support to reproduce & investigate the problem. For best practices when entering incidents, see http://service.sap.com/sap/support/notes/1339209.



If your problem is related to the Automated Analytics user interface, it is also useful to include the files that can be generated using the command "Contact Support" as below.



 

Please note the distinction that is made between SAP support vs. SAP Community (SCN successor):

The SAP Incident Wizard should be used to report technical issues related to your products or the SAP support applications. If you have a "How to" question, go to SAP Community Network (SCN) Discussion Forums where you can post questions to knowledgeable users and share ideas, opinions and information about SAP products and services.

A curated list of Knowledge Base Articles


1905072 - How to enable trace for SAP Predictive Analytics in Expert Analytics mode.

2041587 - How to display unicode data in SAP Predictive Analytics

2129066 - SAP Predictive Analytics (Expert Analytics): Visualization Issues with Online R Component

2129068 - SAP Predictive Analytics (Expert Analytics) Hangs at Splash Screen Without Errors

2242808 - AFL error: [423] "SYS"."AFLLANG_WRAPPER_PROCEDURE_CREATE":line 134 col 5 (at pos 4211): [4...

2243559 - Predictive Analytics 2.x - errors relating to PROCEDURE_SIGNATURE_T when running an analys...

2253679 - How to connect SAP Predictive Analytics Expert with Microsoft SQL Server 2012

2254362 - How to enable SQL trace in Predictive Analytics Automated Mode?

2254951 - SAP Predictive Analytics 64bit version does not work with 32bit ODBC driver on 64bit Opera...

2267362 - Error: "Incompatible products cannot be present" when installing SAP Predictive Analytics ...

2278743 - SAP Predictive Analytics 2.5 - Spark Native Modeling Restrictions

2295143 - SAP Predictive Analytics 3.0: Installation, Upgrades, and Patches

2305349 - Error: Cannot connect to modeling server org.omg.CORBA.OBJECT_NOT_EXIST: vmcid: OMG minor ...

2309844 - SAP Predictive Analytics 3.0 - Spark Native Modeling Restrictions

2311215 - Unable to launch SAP Expert Analytics.

2313967 - Data Manager in SAP Predictive Analytics errors out when connecting to tables with column ...

2319627 - SAP Predictive Analytics 3.x - Installing the Client and/or Server on AIX Platforms

2321927 - How to Silent install SAP Predictive Analytics clients

2328183 - SAP Predictive Analytics Integrator 1.1- Release Note

2329524 - Invalid License Key error installing new keycode - SAP Predictive Analytics

2333299 - SAP Predictive Analytics 3.1: Installation, Upgrades, and Patches

2333300 - SAP Predictive Analytics 3.1 Release Restrictions

2336352 - The Automated Analytics crashed when reading the xls file to generate predictive model

2338997 - SAP Expert Analytics hangs on start in Predictive Analytics 3.0

2341841 - SAP Predictive Analytics 3.0 Patch 1 Release Restrictions

2341842 - SAP Predictive Analytics 3.0 Patch 1 Fixed Issues

2356719 - How to generate an entity reference table using SAP Predictive Analytics

2361156 - SAP Predictive Analytics Integrator 1.2 - Release Note

2361656 - Prerequisites check fails with "System reboot suppressed" while installing SAP Predictive ...

2363445 - What are the supported models to work within SAP Predictive Factory 3.0?

2364095 - SAP Predictive Factory In-App Help does not work with Internet Explorer 11

2368168 - PA 3.0 Factory - Active Directory Authentication failed to log on (FWM 00006)

2366277 - Best Practices to update the keycode for SAP Predictive Analytics server

2374319 -  How to retrieve Predictive Factory install logs and configure the server logs

2372454 - How to get and troubleshoot the Predictive Factory logs?

2373381 - SAP Predictive Analytics 3.2 Release Restrictions

2373350 - SAP Predictive Analytics 3.2: Installation, Upgrades, and Patches

2374802 - Predictive Analytics Integrator 1.1 - Patch 1.1.1 Release Schedule

2391541 - Restrictions for Native Spark Modeling

2403796 - Unable to start Expert Analytics

2404596 - HANA Calculation views as Dimensions invisible in Expert Analytics 3.1

2409635 - How to manually install and configure R using Expert Analytics?

2406507 - APL delegation is not triggered when training is performed on SAP HANA Calculation views i...

2417738 - When a HANA user name starts with a number, PAL component execution fails

2420870 - Users having issues when changing tab in SAP Predictive Factory using Google Chrome browse...

2433152 - Error: unable to logon when trying to edit the previously created model in SAP Predictive ...

2435635 - When changing a R extension, model still uses the old version unless we delete and add the...

2442262 - Predictive Analytics - Time Series Analysis stopped working

2443416 - R scripting environment for SAP BusinessObjects Predictive Analytics - Expert Analytics

2443933 - Unable to install R - SAP Predictive Analytics

2473669 - SAP Predictive Factory installation crashes before completion without any error message

2478947 - How to check APL (Automated Predictive Library) version in the SAP HANA system

2490039 - SAP Predictive Analytics 3.3 Release Restrictions

2490192 - SAP Predictive Analytics 3.3: Installation, Upgrades, and Patches

2490568 - How to configure SAP HANA Express Edition 1.0 SPS12+ for use with Expert Analytics

2493714 - 'Model Retraining Task' failed when using data manipulation as input dataset

2497640 - Native Spark Modeling: Invalid model built when the target variable is integer and continu...

2497671 - Missing dll when installing Automated Analytics Server on Windows 8.1

2499019 - Definition of Data Manager Objects based on SAP HANA views cannot be transferred

2510190 - SAP Predictive Analytics : Unable to see the SQL options to save as when trying to Save/Ex...

2522492 - SAP Predictive Analytics 3.2 Patch 1 Fixed Issues

2547713 - On Windows, Teradata's FastWrite Mode fails when Desktop is started using the standard ico...

2557370 - Clean the Installation Folder of Predictive Factory after Uninstallation

2557847 - Predictive Factory : cannot import models from subdirectory

How can I access and configure the trace log files?


Accessing and configuring trace logs  is documented here:

Expert Analytics https://help.sap.com/viewer/14ac8516d3d549afb865198a9f0af246/3.3/en-US/e792ffd680b7101487253286b0e91...

Automated Analytics: https://help.sap.com/viewer/14ac8516d3d549afb865198a9f0af246/3.3/en-US/fd2dafbf4b294ddfb7eaea965abec...

Predictive Factory: https://help.sap.com/viewer/821f41c81cc5442a9c9bd114cd6f43ac/3.3/en-US/4eebe6766eae4906863e2e9414db0...

You can also refer to KBAs below:

 
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