TrustRadius: an HG Insights company

IBM Planning Analytics vs. SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence

Save this comparison

Save this comparison

Add Product

Recommended Comparisons

    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    IBM Planning Analytics

    Score8.5 out of 10
    N/AIBM Planning Analytics, powered by IBM TM1®, is an integrated planning solution designed to promote collaboration across the organization and help keep pace with the speed of modern business. With its calculation engine, this enterprise performance management solution is designed to help users move beyond the limits of spreadsheets, automating the planning process to drive faster, more accurate results. Use it to unify data sources into one single repository, enabling users to build…

    $825

    per month 5 users

    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence

    Score7 out of 10
    N/AThe SAP® BusinessObjects™ Business Intelligence Platform provides users with ad hoc queries, reporting, data visualizations, and analysis tools. Its integrated, unified infrastructure aims to offer scalability from one-to-many tools and interfaces on-premise, in the cloud, or as a hybrid approach.N/A
    Pricing
    IBM Planning AnalyticsSAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Editions & Modules
    Essentials
    $825
    per month 5 users
    Standard
    $1,650
    per month 10 users
    No answers on this topic
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    IBM Planning AnalyticsSAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Free Trial
    YesNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    YesNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    YesNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeOptionalNo setup fee
    Additional Details——
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    IBM Planning AnalyticsSAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Considered Both Products
    IBM
    No answer on this topic
    SAP
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    99%
    Would buy again
    128 Answers
    81%
    Would buy again
    13 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    97%
    Delivers good value for the price
    114 Answers
    86%
    Delivers good value for the price
    12 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    97%
    Happy with the feature set
    125 Answers
    81%
    Happy with the feature set
    13 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    97%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    89 Answers
    90%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    9 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    93%
    Implementation went as expected
    104 Answers
    85%
    Implementation went as expected
    11 Answers
    Features
    IBM Planning AnalyticsSAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    BI Standard Reporting
    Comparison of BI Standard Reporting features of IBM Planning Analytics and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    7.6
    116 Ratings
    1% above category average
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    7.8
    56 Ratings
    5% below category average
    Pixel Perfect reports7.6102 Ratings8.550 Ratings
    Customizable dashboards7.7116 Ratings6.752 Ratings
    Report Formatting Templates7.5109 Ratings8.251 Ratings
    Ad-hoc Reporting
    Comparison of Ad-hoc Reporting features of IBM Planning Analytics and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.0
    122 Ratings
    3% above category average
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    7.1
    53 Ratings
    12% below category average
    Drill-down analysis8.5119 Ratings6.452 Ratings
    Formatting capabilities7.9120 Ratings6.551 Ratings
    Integration with R or other statistical packages7.992 Ratings8.335 Ratings
    Report sharing and collaboration7.8118 Ratings7.352 Ratings
    Report Output and Scheduling
    Comparison of Report Output and Scheduling features of IBM Planning Analytics and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.1
    116 Ratings
    2% above category average
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    7.8
    53 Ratings
    5% below category average
    Publish to Web7.9109 Ratings8.344 Ratings
    Publish to PDF8.2109 Ratings8.251 Ratings
    Report Versioning8.3106 Ratings7.646 Ratings
    Report Delivery Scheduling8.298 Ratings8.052 Ratings
    Delivery to Remote Servers00 Ratings6.931 Ratings
    Data Discovery and Visualization
    Comparison of Data Discovery and Visualization features of IBM Planning Analytics and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    7.5
    117 Ratings
    2% above category average
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    6.0
    48 Ratings
    28% below category average
    Pre-built visualization formats (heatmaps, scatter plots etc.)8.1117 Ratings5.846 Ratings
    Location Analytics / Geographic Visualization7.7109 Ratings6.143 Ratings
    Predictive Analytics7.8107 Ratings6.042 Ratings
    Pattern Recognition and Data Mining6.638 Ratings6.16 Ratings
    Access Control and Security
    Comparison of Access Control and Security features of IBM Planning Analytics and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.0
    122 Ratings
    5% below category average
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    7.4
    53 Ratings
    14% below category average
    Multi-User Support (named login)8.1120 Ratings7.953 Ratings
    Role-Based Security Model7.7121 Ratings7.251 Ratings
    Multiple Access Permission Levels (Create, Read, Delete)8.0122 Ratings7.450 Ratings
    Report-Level Access Control7.549 Ratings7.27 Ratings
    Single Sign-On (SSO)8.4114 Ratings7.234 Ratings
    Mobile Capabilities
    Comparison of Mobile Capabilities features of IBM Planning Analytics and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    7.6
    105 Ratings
    3% above category average
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    6.4
    38 Ratings
    19% below category average
    Responsive Design for Web Access7.7102 Ratings5.637 Ratings
    Mobile Application7.666 Ratings5.332 Ratings
    Dashboard / Report / Visualization Interactivity on Mobile6.676 Ratings5.534 Ratings
    Budgeting, Planning, and Forecasting
    Comparison of Budgeting, Planning, and Forecasting features of IBM Planning Analytics and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.4
    131 Ratings
    4% above category average
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    -
    Ratings
    Long-term financial planning8.0127 Ratings00 Ratings
    Financial budgeting8.4130 Ratings00 Ratings
    Forecasting8.7130 Ratings00 Ratings
    Scenario modeling8.6129 Ratings00 Ratings
    Management reporting8.6129 Ratings00 Ratings
    Consolidation and Close
    Comparison of Consolidation and Close features of IBM Planning Analytics and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.5
    122 Ratings
    9% above category average
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    -
    Ratings
    Financial data consolidation9.1118 Ratings00 Ratings
    Journal entries and reports9.2108 Ratings00 Ratings
    Multi-currency management8.5110 Ratings00 Ratings
    Intercompany Eliminations8.4107 Ratings00 Ratings
    Minority Ownership8.6101 Ratings00 Ratings
    Local and consolidated reporting7.8114 Ratings00 Ratings
    Detailed Audit Trails8.1115 Ratings00 Ratings
    Financial Reporting and Compliance
    Comparison of Financial Reporting and Compliance features of IBM Planning Analytics and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.8
    123 Ratings
    8% above category average
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    -
    Ratings
    Financial Statement Reporting8.2119 Ratings00 Ratings
    Management Reporting8.7120 Ratings00 Ratings
    Excel-based Reporting9.4122 Ratings00 Ratings
    Automated board and financial reporting9.1111 Ratings00 Ratings
    XBRL support for regulatory filing8.680 Ratings00 Ratings
    Analytics and Reporting
    Comparison of Analytics and Reporting features of IBM Planning Analytics and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.4
    125 Ratings
    11% above category average
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    -
    Ratings
    Personalized dashboards8.7124 Ratings00 Ratings
    Color-coded scorecards8.4119 Ratings00 Ratings
    KPIs8.1122 Ratings00 Ratings
    Cost and profitability analysis8.2120 Ratings00 Ratings
    Key Performance Indicator setting8.5119 Ratings00 Ratings
    Benchmarking with external data8.590 Ratings00 Ratings
    Integration
    Comparison of Integration features of IBM Planning Analytics and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.7
    123 Ratings
    7% above category average
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    -
    Ratings
    Flat file integration8.7120 Ratings00 Ratings
    Excel data integration9.0120 Ratings00 Ratings
    Direct links to 3rd-party data sources8.6112 Ratings00 Ratings
    Application Program Interfaces (APIs) / Embedding
    Comparison of Application Program Interfaces (APIs) / Embedding features of IBM Planning Analytics and SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    -
    Ratings
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    7.9
    28 Ratings
    2% above category average
    REST API00 Ratings8.124 Ratings
    Javascript API00 Ratings7.723 Ratings
    iFrames00 Ratings8.221 Ratings
    Java API00 Ratings7.526 Ratings
    Themeable User Interface (UI)00 Ratings7.624 Ratings
    Customizable Platform (Open Source)00 Ratings8.622 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    IBM Planning AnalyticsSAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Small Businesses
    No answers on this topic
    Cyfe
    Score4 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Centage
    Score9.4 out of 10
    Qlik Cloud Analytics (Qlik Sense)
    Score8.1 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Performance Management
    Score7.2 out of 10
    Jaspersoft Community Edition
    Score7 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    IBM Planning AnalyticsSAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Likelihood to Recommend
    8.0
    (132 ratings)
    7.1
    (78 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    9.1
    (5 ratings)
    8.3
    (24 ratings)
    Usability
    7.8
    (69 ratings)
    6.6
    (21 ratings)
    Availability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (5 ratings)
    Performance
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (10 ratings)
    Support Rating
    7.3
    (93 ratings)
    8.6
    (16 ratings)
    In-Person Training
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (4 ratings)
    Online Training
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (2 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (8 ratings)
    Configurability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (2 ratings)
    Data Sharing and Collaboration
    9.0
    (3 ratings)
    8.2
    (45 ratings)
    Data Sources
    9.0
    (3 ratings)
    8.3
    (45 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    9.0
    (2 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    IBM Planning AnalyticsSAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence
    Likelihood to Recommend
    IBM
    Ideal for large organization with complex multi-dimensional data, large budgets and dedicated administrator support. The performance of the TM1 data base is unmatched. The PAW and PAX options providing planners to work in both Excel and workspace environment. Higher Implementation efforts due to the greenfield implementations. Visualization features are not up to the mark.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    SAP
    As mentioned earlier reporting was a big headache for us and the tools we used didn't support large data sets and visualization Performing analytics with such data sets was cumbersome and later post using this SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence we were able to correlate different data sets and prepare the dashboard pretty easier which were helpful and easier to understand.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    IBM
    • Handle very large data volumes.
    • Scale to a large number of users.
    • Not having to compromise on business complexity.
    • It can be run by business users.
    • Availability of highly qualified consultants to support businesses.
    • REST API allows for an open eco system and a variety of solutions to extend the product.
    • Vast integration possibilities.
    • AI-infused engine with IBM Watson.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    SAP
    • This software is easy to initially learn, and very powerful in producing reusable reports.
    • It is much faster than my company's internal manual queries. The ability to build off of a saved query and share queries to other users is a great positive.
    • My favorite part is that you can run queries in the background and it does not interfere with your current work or slow your computer down.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    IBM
    • sometimes it is hard to produce pixel perfect reports from the Web UI. I know it is not made for this, but still, it'll be great
    • getting in e.g. an Excel file just by drag and drop, and the AI should "understand" what the data is all around
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    SAP
    • The installation can be very complex and time-consuming, it requires a lot of planning and foresight as to what role the software will play in the organization.
    • The software has a relatively large learning curve that takes dedicated users months to get comfortable with, the UI is a bit intimidating for new users.
    • SAP could organize their help better, it can be difficult to find dependable solutions to issues via their website and support channels.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    IBM
    Since IBM Cognos Express is suitable only for medium data warehouse environment, we are not sure if this tool solves the long term need as the business keeps growing rapidly. So its a 50/50 ratio to renew Express license. But having said that, the components of IBM Cognos Express are also available in other Cognos BI suites like Cognos 10.x version. So we will probably upgrade our environment to IBM Cognos 10.x which comes with more new features.
    Read full review
    SAP
    The institution has decided to move in a different direction, and will be using MSBI for reporting. I have been very happy with the Business Objects suite of tools, and will continue to use them heavily until we make the transition.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Usability
    IBM
    IBM Planning Analytics is generally good in terms of functionalities. It can be used reduce time for budget planning, resource planning, demand forecasting, etc. The performance of IBM Planning Analytics is acceptable, but user interface can be improved. It would be good to see new features that allow users to customise the dashboard.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    SAP
    From a server and client side perspective. the Business Intelligence Platform provides a foundation for all aspects of content development, distribution, analysis, collaboration and self service. Ease of use from targeted content delivery through controlled accessibility. Content exporting in the format of the users choice. Scheduling for internal or external delivery. Public and private folders for secure content access when requied. Web based for viewing on the users device of choice without the need to download additional applications.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    SAP
    When we implemented 3.1, we had a tough time managing the system: It took almost a year to stabilize.

    With 4.0, we want to roll out to more users, and are holding back because of fears about the performance issue
    Read full review
    Performance
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    SAP
    Overall, the tool (Web Intelligence 4.2) is fast and solid. One issue is a dependability on JAVA for a full feature report creation/edit capabilities (as opposed to limited HTML option). Second, planned end of JAVA support by major browsers (Chrome is already not supporting JAVA applet).
    Read full review
    Support Rating
    IBM
    IBM support has been very quick to respond and handle the very few issues we've had. We've had a third-party who partners with IBM to be our consulting team which has helped greatly reduce the need for us to contact IBM directly. I highly recommend researching and selecting a well-respected partner to help with an implementation as well as ongoing support as needed.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    SAP
    SAP has released various versions of SAP BO BI. starting from 3.1 and going to 4.0,4.1,4.2 and latest being 4.3. SAP provides support to these new versions. As new versions keep on coming, support for the very old software goes out of scope from SAP. it is when the different organization plans to get their BO content migrated from a lower version to a newer version. The newer version had definitely added functionality and features which ease the work of users.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    In-Person Training
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    SAP
    SAP authorized training is best, Please go ahead with it. Even lot of online training options/videos available for self learning
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Online Training
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    SAP
    I haven't used it or got feedback from the end user.

    Content looks to be pretty detailed. Focused on SQL but not BW.
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    SAP
    Hire specialists and experienced staff. Mix some beginners so that everyone is not a leader but a learner too. Plan well; architect well; break down implementation in small steps and move towards larger steps. Create a centralized and authorized SAP Business Objects implementation team.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Alternatives Considered
    IBM
    For strong technical teams and flexibility IBM Planning Analytics is the way to go. For quicker adoption and less technical teams Anaplan is the best option. If consolidation, financials, and moving from legacy tools are main focus than OneStream will be a really good choice. If deeply invested into SAP already than the SAP BPC will be the best fit to maintain the investment.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    SAP
    We selected SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence (BI) based on price. It can stack up against others in terms of price and honestly, that's about it. Salesforce Commerce does a hell of a better job at handling it. However, in the space of Business Intelligence, SAP can do more, and that's why at the end we went with it
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    SAP
    SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence (BI) Platform supports SOA Service Oriented Architecture. You can start/restart/enable/disable all the servers. You can seamless do load balancing and clustering. It supports all leading application and web server. Supports LDAP SSO integration. People who can work on excel with training they can work on SAP Business Objects Web Intelligence, dashboard, Lumira, Information design tool product suite. Tool is very user friendly and easy to learn and implement
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Return on Investment
    IBM
    • Automate direct data connections to multiple data sources
    • One secured version of the the truth (for data and formulas)
    • Ability to scale to much more detailed planning with option to create predictive forecasts at detail
    • Business user friendly with powerful Excel integration
    • Very flexible and powerful modeling, can handle custom modeling needs at scale
    • Can make the same data available across finance and ops, but at the level of details and timeline that makes sense for them
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    SAP
    • By generating and distributing reports in a timely manner, we were able to save millions of dollars for the company which otherwise would not have been visible.
    • Almost realtime dashboard, saved the company a huge amount by showing the outages and kept the company from buying a tool to do just that.
    • It showed the customers who were not paying the bills and were missing in the system due to some loophole. This was visible by doing reporting on the theft usage of electricity.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    ScreenShots

    IBM Planning Analytics Screenshots

    Screenshot of Workflow managementScreenshot of Income statementScreenshot of Margin analysisScreenshot of Metrics managementScreenshot of Income statementScreenshot of Expense analysis