Which feature allows users to perform time-based comparisons in SAP Analytics Cloud?

Time series analysis is a powerful feature in SAP Analytics Cloud that enables users to examine data points at successive time intervals. This functionality is specifically designed for analyzing trends over time and allows for in-depth comparisons across different time periods, such as year-over-year or month-over-month changes. By applying time series analysis, users can visualize historical data to identify patterns, cycles, and anomalies, making it an invaluable tool for forecasting and strategic planning.

In the context of the other options, while benchmarking involves comparing a set of metrics against industry standards or best practices, it does not specifically focus on temporal comparisons. Variance analysis is primarily concerned with the differences between budgeted and actual figures, which may not necessarily involve time-based comparisons. Data visualization encompasses a broader range of tools and techniques for displaying information graphically but does not inherently provide the specific capabilities necessary for performing insights related to time comparisons. The distinct focus of time series analysis on chronological data sets makes it the correct answer for performing time-based comparisons in SAP Analytics Cloud.