Compare implementation methods

Last update: May 6, 2025

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See how each method of implementing Adobe Analytics compares to each other. You can use these tables to help your organization determine the most ideal way to send data to Adobe. Click on each column for more specific information.

Web

AppMeasurementAdobe Analytics extensionWeb SDKWeb SDK extension
Implementation requirementsReference AppMeasurement.js on each page, define variables, send data using s.t() to Adobe AnalyticsReference tag loader on each page, use the Data Collection UI to define variables and send data to Adobe AnalyticsReference Alloy.js on each page, use alloy("sendEvent",{}) to compose XDM objects and send the desired data using Edge Network to Adobe AnalyticsReference tag loader on each page, use the Data Collection UI to compose XDM objects and send the desired data using Edge Network to Adobe Analytics
Data destinationSent directly to Adobe AnalyticsSent directly to Adobe AnalyticsSent to Adobe Experience Platform Edge, which forwards data to Adobe AnalyticsSent to Adobe Experience Platform Edge, which forwards data to Adobe Analytics
Difficulty making implementation adjustmentsRequires access to website code for every implementation changeChange the website code once to install the loader tag; all further implementation updates can be made in the Data Collection UIRequires access to website code for every implementation changeChange the website code once to install the loader tag; all further implementation updates can be made in the Data Collection UI
How A4T is handledA4T calls are included in hits sent to AdobeA4T calls are included in hits sent to AdobeA4T calls are sent as separate hitsA4T calls are sent as separate hits
Context DataUse s.contextData.Use s.contextData in custom code blocksAll unmapped fields are automatically sent as a.x.* context data variables.All unmapped fields are automatically sent as a.x.* context data variables.