To ensure data consistency across reports in SAP Analytics Cloud, which actions should analysts take?

Implementing shared dimensions is the best choice to ensure data consistency across reports in SAP Analytics Cloud. Shared dimensions allow multiple reports to utilize the same set of dimensions, ensuring that any changes or updates made to these dimensions are reflected across all relevant reports. This helps maintain consistency in how data is viewed and analyzed, as all reports will reference the same underlying structure and definitions for dimensions.

For instance, if users are working with a dimension like "Customer," having a shared dimension means that all analyses or reports using that dimension will portray the same customer-related data. This reduces discrepancies and confusion that can arise when different reports use independently defined dimensions that may not align.

While enabling automatic data refresh can help ensure that reports have the most current data, it does not address the issue of consistency in how that data is managed or structured. Similarly, using data locking can prevent changes during a specific period but does not inherently manage the definitions and structures that contribute to data consistency. Defining custom filters per report, on the other hand, could lead to different interpretations or subsets of data, which might create inconsistency rather than maintaining a unified view. Thus, shared dimensions stand out as the most effective action for ensuring consistent data representation across reports.