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    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

    Varicent

    Score8 out of 10
    N/AFrom quotas to sales and compensation, Varicent helps revenue leaders in enterprise organizations chart a more effective, connected path to revenue by providing vital data, insights, and sales go-to-market planning tools.N/A
    Pricing
    IBM Planning AnalyticsVaricent
    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 AnalyticsVaricent
    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 AnalyticsVaricent
    Considered Both Products
    IBM
    No answer on this topic
    Varicent
    Chose Varicent
    I just use varicent as for this tipe of application
    Incentivized
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    99%
    Would buy again
    128 Answers
    92%
    Would buy again
    35 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    97%
    Delivers good value for the price
    114 Answers
    97%
    Delivers good value for the price
    31 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    97%
    Happy with the feature set
    125 Answers
    95%
    Happy with the feature set
    36 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    97%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    89 Answers
    77%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    20 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    93%
    Implementation went as expected
    104 Answers
    81%
    Implementation went as expected
    25 Answers
    Features
    IBM Planning AnalyticsVaricent
    BI Standard Reporting
    Comparison of BI Standard Reporting features of IBM Planning Analytics and Varicent
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    7.6
    116 Ratings
    1% above category average
    Varicent
    -
    Ratings
    Pixel Perfect reports7.6102 Ratings00 Ratings
    Customizable dashboards7.7116 Ratings00 Ratings
    Report Formatting Templates7.5109 Ratings00 Ratings
    Ad-hoc Reporting
    Comparison of Ad-hoc Reporting features of IBM Planning Analytics and Varicent
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.0
    122 Ratings
    3% above category average
    Varicent
    -
    Ratings
    Drill-down analysis8.5119 Ratings00 Ratings
    Formatting capabilities7.9120 Ratings00 Ratings
    Integration with R or other statistical packages7.992 Ratings00 Ratings
    Report sharing and collaboration7.8118 Ratings00 Ratings
    Report Output and Scheduling
    Comparison of Report Output and Scheduling features of IBM Planning Analytics and Varicent
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.1
    116 Ratings
    2% above category average
    Varicent
    -
    Ratings
    Publish to Web7.9109 Ratings00 Ratings
    Publish to PDF8.2109 Ratings00 Ratings
    Report Versioning8.3106 Ratings00 Ratings
    Report Delivery Scheduling8.298 Ratings00 Ratings
    Data Discovery and Visualization
    Comparison of Data Discovery and Visualization features of IBM Planning Analytics and Varicent
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    7.5
    117 Ratings
    2% above category average
    Varicent
    -
    Ratings
    Pre-built visualization formats (heatmaps, scatter plots etc.)8.1117 Ratings00 Ratings
    Location Analytics / Geographic Visualization7.7109 Ratings00 Ratings
    Predictive Analytics7.8107 Ratings00 Ratings
    Pattern Recognition and Data Mining6.638 Ratings00 Ratings
    Access Control and Security
    Comparison of Access Control and Security features of IBM Planning Analytics and Varicent
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.0
    122 Ratings
    5% below category average
    Varicent
    -
    Ratings
    Multi-User Support (named login)8.1120 Ratings00 Ratings
    Role-Based Security Model7.7121 Ratings00 Ratings
    Multiple Access Permission Levels (Create, Read, Delete)8.0122 Ratings00 Ratings
    Report-Level Access Control7.549 Ratings00 Ratings
    Single Sign-On (SSO)8.4114 Ratings00 Ratings
    Mobile Capabilities
    Comparison of Mobile Capabilities features of IBM Planning Analytics and Varicent
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    7.6
    105 Ratings
    3% above category average
    Varicent
    -
    Ratings
    Responsive Design for Web Access7.7102 Ratings00 Ratings
    Mobile Application7.666 Ratings00 Ratings
    Dashboard / Report / Visualization Interactivity on Mobile6.676 Ratings00 Ratings
    Budgeting, Planning, and Forecasting
    Comparison of Budgeting, Planning, and Forecasting features of IBM Planning Analytics and Varicent
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.4
    131 Ratings
    4% above category average
    Varicent
    -
    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 Varicent
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.5
    122 Ratings
    9% above category average
    Varicent
    -
    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 Varicent
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.8
    123 Ratings
    8% above category average
    Varicent
    -
    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 Varicent
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.4
    125 Ratings
    11% above category average
    Varicent
    -
    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 Varicent
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    8.7
    123 Ratings
    7% above category average
    Varicent
    -
    Ratings
    Flat file integration8.7120 Ratings00 Ratings
    Excel data integration9.0120 Ratings00 Ratings
    Direct links to 3rd-party data sources8.6112 Ratings00 Ratings
    Sales ICM
    Comparison of Sales ICM features of IBM Planning Analytics and Varicent
    Feature
    IBM Planning Analytics
    -
    Ratings
    Varicent
    6.7
    55 Ratings
    16% below category average
    Sales compensation plan creation00 Ratings7.148 Ratings
    Complex sales crediting00 Ratings7.548 Ratings
    Sales compensation process automation00 Ratings7.452 Ratings
    Incentive auditing/regulation compliance00 Ratings6.546 Ratings
    Sales compensation dashboards & forecasting00 Ratings6.447 Ratings
    Incentive modeling00 Ratings6.243 Ratings
    Agile incentive strategy00 Ratings6.538 Ratings
    ICM mobile visibility00 Ratings6.232 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    IBM Planning AnalyticsVaricent
    Small Businesses
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Medium-sized Companies
    Centage
    Score9.4 out of 10
    Everstage
    Score9.1 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Performance Management
    Score7.2 out of 10
    CaptivateIQ
    Score9.3 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    IBM Planning AnalyticsVaricent
    Likelihood to Recommend
    8.0
    (132 ratings)
    7.3
    (67 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    9.1
    (5 ratings)
    4.8
    (15 ratings)
    Usability
    7.8
    (69 ratings)
    7.0
    (59 ratings)
    Availability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    5.2
    (3 ratings)
    Performance
    -
    (0 ratings)
    5.8
    (3 ratings)
    Support Rating
    7.3
    (93 ratings)
    6.8
    (6 ratings)
    In-Person Training
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.7
    (2 ratings)
    Online Training
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.7
    (2 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    -
    (0 ratings)
    6.8
    (6 ratings)
    Configurability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    5.2
    (3 ratings)
    Data Sharing and Collaboration
    9.0
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Data Sources
    9.0
    (3 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    -
    (0 ratings)
    4.3
    (3 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    6.8
    (58 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    5.9
    (3 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    5.9
    (3 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    IBM Planning AnalyticsVaricent
    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
    Varicent
    For the use cases we have at the bank, ICM is a perfect solution. For any bank or institution that has similar requirements, ICM would be a perfect solution. But I also think for any use case that has any sort of incentives based on Sales done, this would work amazing, as both Calculations and reports are handled by ICM very well; it's an all-in-one solution, I feel like.
    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
    Varicent
    • Flexibility - Varicent is not template based. You can implement the model specifically for your organisation.
    • Scalability - Since it is not stick to templates you are able to expand the model for other domains as well.
    • Reporting - Several ways of reporting are possible and each has their own benefit/purpose.
    • Strong/Powerfull Calculation Engine delivering fast results/speed to insight
    • User Interface is minimized to what you need and is not showing off all the functions it can "also" do
    • Strong audittrail
    • Appears to be almost unlimited in what you are able to create
    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
    Varicent
    • As [the] model gets more and more transactional data, the calculation time increases. This should/can be handled internally with better model optimization.
    • Migrating from one env to other sometimes is challenging. There can be better 'Alerts' or 'Explanation' provided to handle it or at least to give a hint of the error.
    • For managers viewing their rep's report, the access part can be made easier. It should be linked to Payee hierarchy and access can be done automatically.
    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
    Varicent
    Customer support from IBM is impeccable. They are quick to respond and they don't nickel and dime you for every request you make. Their goal is to ensure your success and as a user, I really feel like they listen to my concerns. That's not to say there are no problems. All software has its issues, but I don't feel like those issues fall on deaf ears.
    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
    Varicent
    Any calculations can be implemented as there are hardly any limitations on complexity. However, online real-time usability is lacking - a simple user enters, and the system calculates work in a way that it is in the browser and hence still needs overnight to be properly reflected in the batch calculations and backend tables.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    Varicent
    Never went down in last 3 years that I worked with it (every hour of the day basically). That is a 10 in my book.
    Read full review
    Performance
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    Varicent
    All is fast, but with API's it is sometimes slower due to the application we are pulling data from. Reports are loaded directly or within seconds and our reports are very detailed with many columns and rows.
    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
    Varicent
    Giving a 10 would suggest there is no room for improvement. I don't feel like their support is perfect. However, I have never met another team that was more dedicated to making sure we get what we want and need.
    Read full review
    In-Person Training
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    Varicent
    The training was good in general with a nice trainer as well. But, the training could be better if it is more focussed on our process/data etc.
    Read full review
    Online Training
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    Varicent
    There is a learning portal with many videos about navigation, creating reports and managing your model.
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    Varicent
    Test test test. Make sure that the product is calculating everyone 100% correctly. DO NOT accept a 70% pass rate as some companies would like to have you believe is acceptable. This means conducting thorough testing by providing 100% of all expected results, but it will be worth it when you know that the compensation plans are working entirely as expected.
    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
    Varicent
    In 2015, we used a scorecard containing 80 attributes in our review of Oracle, Callidus, and Xactly & Varicent. Oracle did not have true self serve capabilities- programming was heavily required, not intuitive, out of the box functionality was limited. Callidus & Xactly could not provide us a demo using our data, statements could not be sent out in bulk form, difficulty in importing/exporting to CRM. Varicent excelled in most areas and was the clear winner.
    Read full review
    Scalability
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    Varicent
    It is very scalable and adaptable to changing complexities of calculations and business rules under a variety of different scenarios. It does not get full points because in large data loads the time needed to calculate and import the data increases exponentially and may cause issues related to timing potentially.
    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
    Varicent
    • Compliance - with a central system used for calculation incentive payments and commissions, we are able to provide reports and data showing every detail of how payments are calculated and why they are justified. We can also identify anomalies and outliers.
    • Integration with our payroll system is seamless. Except for regular pay, nothing goes to payroll without going through ICM. The process for paying incentives/bonuses/commissions is now very structured and efficient.
    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

    Varicent Screenshots

    Screenshot of Varicent providing clarity and transparency to sellers, helping them to find answers faster and have confidence in compensation plans.Screenshot of Tools for sellers that help them align strategic initiatives, and that help them understand which deals will help them win.Screenshot of Varicent ICM model compensation plans that display the financial impact of changes. Its ability to more accurately forecast commission payouts with “what-if” assumptions, users can budget more effectively for sales compensation costs, manage target total compensation for sales representatives and assess plan effectiveness.Screenshot of Shareable information sent to the right people to drive the right results.