Anaplan vs SAS Advanced Analytics

Anaplan

Sales performance management, various finance scenarios - Anaplan is good for automating calculations. It is less appropriate for very complex business cases.

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Szilvia Havasreti

PPS EMEA CEP Sales Coverage Program Manager

HPInformation Technology and Services, 10,001+ employees

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SAS Advanced Analytics

Key questions would center around what the user wants to do with SAS. For instance, before asking about SAS capabilities a user must be able to make sure SAS is compatible with their database setup or schema. After assessing the compatibility the user should ask if SAS has the ability to transform or manipulate the necessary data to get it into presentable form. It is really important that SAS demonstrates that it can add value to your data. Finally, after concluding that SAS is the right fit for how an organization wants to represent their data it is vital that the end user understand the limitations with SAS in regards to how their final product can be represented. Because SAS has many different modules and software a company can purchase the end user must find the most compatible package. For instance, if presenting data in Excel is a high priority the end user must be required to have the SAS MS Office Add-in that allows direct access to all of Microsoft's Office products. WIthout this, the end user may be limited in how they will be able to present information.

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Nathan Och

Analytics Specialist

Array Services GroupFinancial Services, 501-1000 employees

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Feature Rating Comparison

Anaplan

7.5

SAS Advanced Analytics

—

Long-term financial planning

7.4

—

Financial budgeting

8.1

—

Forecasting

7.7

—

Scenario modeling

6.5

—

Management reporting

7.7

—

Anaplan

6.5

SAS Advanced Analytics

—

Financial data consolidation

7.7

—

Journal entries and reports

6.5

—

Multi-currency management

6.2

—

Intercompany Eliminations

5.9

—

Minority Ownership

6.0

—

Local and consolidated reporting

7.2

—

Detailed Audit Trails

6.0

—

Anaplan

7.6

SAS Advanced Analytics

—

Financial Statement Reporting

7.0

—

Management Reporting

8.3

—

Excel-based Reporting

6.9

—

Automated board and financial reporting

8.3

—

Anaplan

6.7

SAS Advanced Analytics

—

Personalized dashboards

5.4

—

Color-coded scorecards

6.0

—

KPIs

7.0

—

Cost and profitability analysis

7.0

—

Key Performance Indicator setting

7.5

—

Benchmarking with external data

7.1

—

Anaplan

8.3

SAS Advanced Analytics

—

Flat file integration

8.4

—

Excel data integration

8.3

—

Direct links to 3rd-party data sources

8.3

—

Pros

Anaplan is great for headcount reporting. We have reports by dept, office location, and subsidiary that is great for planning and also for full company reporting.
Although they can be complicated to set up, Anaplan is also great for setting up complex P&L views. For example, setting up a P&L with a combination of subs/depts., that still needs to consolidate to the total P&L.
Systems-wise, I like that it's impossible to #REF the model! Anaplan shows you where everything is referenced, so it's very difficult to break anything.
I also like that formulas copy across, so there is no chance of pointing to the wrong cell, like in Excel

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Dan Shuwarger

Finance Manager, FP&A

SplunkComputer Software, 1001-5000 employees

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It allows user to view data using different graphs and charts.
it allows user to export and print data in several ways.
It allows user to import large amount of data easily.

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Verified User

Analyst in Information Technology

Hospital & Health Care Company, 501-1000 employees

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Cons

I'd like to see a back button. While there is restore from backup, it is a long process that only Admins can perform. And all users lose changes of course.
As an Admin, my #1 request is: why can't we select multiple list members with check boxes? For example, if I have a list of depts., and want to see HR + Recruiting (two list members). Yes, I can build a line item that does that. But every combination of list members must be custom built.
Another one that I get asked for are hierarchies for line items. For example, if I have a List on pages, there will be "+" to group items. For example, I might have Finance, HR, and Recruiting, all in "G&A" which I could then open the "+" to expand and collapse (G&A) to show the detail. If I am pivoted on a Line Item on pages, this isn't possible.
Another big one I get asked for, is "why can't I save views?!" Of course Admins can, but I think users would really appreciate it this one. Please consider it!

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Dan Shuwarger

Finance Manager, FP&A

SplunkComputer Software, 1001-5000 employees

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Navigation needs to be easier.
It's expensive for a small company.

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Verified User

Analyst in Information Technology

Hospital & Health Care Company, 501-1000 employees

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Likelihood to Renew

Anaplan8.2

Based on 3 answers

I don't think we could function without the collaboration capabilities built into Anaplan that replaced disparate Excel files in the workforce planning model

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Joe Bradbury

Manager, Financial Systems

Research NowMarket Research, 1001-5000 employees

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SAS Advanced Analytics4.5

Based on 5 answers

Ease of building complex models using Machine Learning Algorithm.

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Verified User

Analyst in Marketing

Information Technology and Services Company, 11-50 employees

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Usability

Anaplan8.2

Based on 2 answers

There is a dependency in this rating - in that I find Anaplan extremely easy to use, but I've spent the necessary time developing a strong understanding of the platform. Once you understand how to use it, the platform is flexible, easy to use, and fun to use.

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Chris Friederich

Director, Financial Planning & Analysis

Cherwell SoftwareComputer Software, 201-500 employees

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SAS Advanced Analytics6.1

Based on 2 answers

If SAS Enterprise Guide is utilized any beginning user will be able to shorten the learning curve. This is allow the user a plethora of basic capabilities until they can utilize coding to expand their needs in manipulating and presenting data. SAS is also dedicated to expanding this environment so it is ever growing.

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Nathan Och

Analytics Specialist

Array Services GroupFinancial Services, 501-1000 employees

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Reliability and Availability

Anaplan10.0

Based on 1 answer

In nearly 3 years, I have only had 1 issue of being unable to access my model for an unplanned maintenance. Even planned maintenance windows are handled during low traffic hours on the weekend.

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Joe Bradbury

Manager, Financial Systems

Research NowMarket Research, 1001-5000 employees

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SAS Advanced Analytics10.0

Based on 1 answer

SAS probably has the most market saturation out of all of the analytics software worldwide. They are in every industry and they are knowledgable about every industry. They are always available to take questions, solve issues, and discuss a company's needs. A company that buys SAS software has a dedicated representative that is there for all of their needs.

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Nathan Och

Analytics Specialist

Array Services GroupFinancial Services, 501-1000 employees

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Performance

Anaplan9.0

Based on 1 answer

Everything is calculated in memory in the cloud. It's nearly instantaneous updates when you make changes. The only time things get a little slow is when you have a massive model with very intricate calculations...but "slow" for Anaplan is not what I would call "slow" for something like Hyperion. We used to have Hyperion calcs that ran for 60 mins before you could use data. The equivalent would be 60 seconds in Anaplan.

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Joe Bradbury

Manager, Financial Systems

Research NowMarket Research, 1001-5000 employees

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SAS Advanced Analytics9.0

Based on 1 answer

Although nothing is perfect, SAS is almost there. The software can handle billions of rows of data without a glitch and runs at a quick pace regardless of what the user wants to perform. SAS products are made to handle data so performance is of their utmost important. The software is created to run things as efficiently as SAS software can to maximize performance.

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Nathan Och

Analytics Specialist

Array Services GroupFinancial Services, 501-1000 employees

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Support

Anaplan8.1

Based on 2 answers

I feel like the support team is a little lacking in product knowledge. Several times I have contacted them to get help, and ended up finding a solution to my own problem before the team could get back to me with anything useful. I have also submitted a few bugs, and never got updates to when they were fixed in later releases.

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Joe Bradbury

Manager, Financial Systems

Research NowMarket Research, 1001-5000 employees

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SAS Advanced Analytics10.0

Based on 2 answers

Simple. Their knowledge and accessibility. Support can be reached via email, text, chat, or phone. They can also utilize WebEx to tap into your machine and see what the user is seeing. SAS is dedicated to helping their users maximize their software.

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Nathan Och

Analytics Specialist

Array Services GroupFinancial Services, 501-1000 employees

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In-Person Training

Anaplan3.0

Based on 1 answer

The in-person training is simply not worth the cost. After a few weeks of playing in Anaplan, I went to the basic training and knew more than the person teaching it. a year down the road, I was the first person to complete the advance training, and again could have been teaching the class better than the person running the session. Spend some time on your own trying out different things and you will get all the understanding you need to be successful.

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Joe Bradbury

Manager, Financial Systems

Research NowMarket Research, 1001-5000 employees

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SAS Advanced Analytics9.0

Based on 1 answer

SAS has regional and national conferences that are dedicated to expanding users' knowledge of the software and showing them what changes and additions they are making to the software. There are user groups in most of the major cities that also provide multi-day seminars that focus on specific topics for education. If online training isn't the best way for the user, there is ample in-person training available.

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Nathan Och

Analytics Specialist

Array Services GroupFinancial Services, 501-1000 employees

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Online Training

Anaplan5.0

Based on 1 answer

I'm giving this a 5 simply for the anapedia outline of calculations. The online videos and trainings leave a lot to be desired, but having anapedia around to help you understand calculations has been helpful. The drawback to anapedia is the depth they go into for calculations, it is lackluster at times. Because of that, I have been working through a much more in-depth look at each calculation on my website for users to reference: http://www.anaplanguru.com/formulas/

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Joe Bradbury

Manager, Financial Systems

Research NowMarket Research, 1001-5000 employees

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SAS Advanced Analytics8.0

Based on 1 answer

There are online videos, live classes, and resource material which makes training very easy to access. However, nothing is circumstantial so applying your training can get tricky if the user is performing complex tasks. When purchasing software, SAS will also allocate education credits so the user(s) can access classes and material online to help expand their knowledge.

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Nathan Och

Analytics Specialist

Array Services GroupFinancial Services, 501-1000 employees

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Implementation

Anaplan6.7

Based on 12 answers

Implementation using Anaplan's internal customer success team left much to be desired. We've found much better success with outside consultants

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Christopher Pope

Manager

Seagate TechnologyComputer Hardware, 10,001+ employees

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SAS Advanced Analytics9.0

Based on 1 answer

Ask as many questions you can before the install to understand the process. Since a third party does the installation your company is sort of a passanger and it is easy to get lost in the process. It also helps to have all users and IT support involved in the install to help increase the knowledge as to how SAS runs and what it needs to perform correctly.

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Nathan Och

Analytics Specialist

Array Services GroupFinancial Services, 501-1000 employees

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Alternatives Considered

Anaplan was selected by management without technical expertise. Now there is no way back.

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Максим Шилиманов

Planning Excellence Senior Specialist

UnileverConsumer Goods, 10,001+ employees

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We had major use of SAS in forecasting where it doesn't require high level of coding knowledge and which has highly efficient models built in which can give good results on forecasts without lot of manual intervention. This tool was designed specifically for forecasting and hence was always a better choice compared to other tools.

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Rishi Bavishi, CSSGB, CAPM

Forecasting Analyst

HiltonHospitality, 10,001+ employees

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Scalability

Anaplan7.0

Based on 1 answer

It's going to handle most of what you can throw at it. The problem lies in the sparsity of some datasets. When you have over 5ish dimensions of sparse data, the size of the model gets bloated for not much value. In several cases, I have had to adapt my model to account for sparsity in a way that minimized use of space, but also made interacting with the data more cumbersome.

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Joe Bradbury

Manager, Financial Systems

Research NowMarket Research, 1001-5000 employees

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SAS Advanced Analytics9.0

Based on 1 answer

It all depends on the type of SAS product the user has. Scaleability differs from product to product, and if the user has SAS Office Analytics the scaleability is quite robust. This software will satisfy the majority of the company's analytic needs for years to come. In addition, if SAS is not meeting the users needs the company can easily find SAS solutions that will.

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Nathan Och

Analytics Specialist

Array Services GroupFinancial Services, 501-1000 employees

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Return on Investment

I'm sure the impact is positive. We have streamlined many processes and created capacity for our finance team.
It's great to have "one source of truth" and know that everyone is looking at the same metrics.

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Kelley Haghighi

Sr. Finance Director

DaVita Kidney CareHospital & Health Care, 10,001+ employees

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SAS has provided a good statistical analysis but tool training is required.
A good POC of tools is required as for our industry it did not become very much effective by not having great level of flexibility.

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Rishi Bavishi, CSSGB, CAPM

Forecasting Analyst

HiltonHospitality, 10,001+ employees

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Pricing Details

Anaplan

General

Free Trial

—

Free/Freemium Version

—

Premium Consulting/Integration Services

Yes

Entry-level set up fee?

Optional

Additional Pricing Details

Request a personal demo: https://www.anaplan.com/request-demo/ Free trial for existing customers for any app in the App Hub: https://apphub.anaplan.com/

Anaplan vs SAS Advanced Analytics

Add comparison

Likelihood to Recommend

Anaplan

SAS Advanced Analytics

Feature Rating Comparison

Long-term financial planning

Financial budgeting

Forecasting

Scenario modeling

Management reporting

Financial data consolidation

Journal entries and reports

Multi-currency management

Intercompany Eliminations

Minority Ownership

Local and consolidated reporting

Detailed Audit Trails

Financial Statement Reporting

Management Reporting

Excel-based Reporting

Automated board and financial reporting

Personalized dashboards

Color-coded scorecards

KPIs

Cost and profitability analysis

Key Performance Indicator setting

Benchmarking with external data

Flat file integration

Excel data integration

Direct links to 3rd-party data sources

Pros

Cons

Likelihood to Renew

Usability

Reliability and Availability

Performance

Support

In-Person Training

Online Training

Implementation

Alternatives Considered

Scalability

Return on Investment

Screenshots

Pricing Details

Anaplan

General

Free Trial

Free/Freemium Version

Premium Consulting/Integration Services

Entry-level set up fee?

Additional Pricing Details

SAS Advanced Analytics

General

Free Trial

Free/Freemium Version

Premium Consulting/Integration Services

Entry-level set up fee?

Additional Pricing Details

Rating Summary