Anaplan Review
May 17, 2017
Anaplan Review
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Anaplan
Anaplan is being used to build enterprise analytical models for our business leaders. These include workforce planning and forecasting models to project headcount for the enterprise. It's being used within HR primarily with other groups looking into it as well. The biggest problem the tool addresses is producing consistent reporting across our business groups. Oftentimes, there are multiple layers of methodology for single metrics and reporting needs to be customized from group to group - with this tool, customization is easier with a baseline layer of calculations all being produced the same and customization lying with specific views, which are easily constructed with Anaplan.
- The multi-dimensional features of the tool is the most powerful component, with specific views being able to be pivoted by a simple drag and drop.
- Again, consistency and the ability to modify a calculation widely within a model is very helpful.
- The likelihood of mistakes are lessened with the tool, both due to Anaplan's ability to prohibit formulas that aren't exactly correct and the fact that formulas are applied widely so ad hoc bandaids cannot be used to hide an issue.
- I believe that the dashboard visuals have room for improvement where many chart component options are very basic and have little customization options.
- Placing visuals or tables on a dashboard itself is very cumbersome and time-consuming. One must drag and drop and apply formatting criteria pretty perfectly to deliver a product that is easily consumable and aesthetically pleasing.
- This is both a pro and a con, but there is no room for error in setting up a formula and no autofill/smart fill capabilities within the model to easily complete a formula within the model, similar to excel, which makes the ramp up period longer.