Item: IBM Planning Analytics
Rating: 8
Author: Jason Andrea

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

IBM planning analytic has come in handy in my organisation in the following ways;In the area of planning it helps in the setting of key Performance Indicators, and analysis of costs and profits.In the area of financial reporting it's helps in giving financial statements and automated based board reporting.in the area of consolidation features it helps in establishment of financial features and identification of minority owners whiting the organisation and also helps in the are of budget planning in terms of forecasting future organisation moves.

Pros and Cons

In analysis particularly in giving key performance indicators,giving analysis on costs and profits and helping in setting KPIs
In budget, planning and forecasting it helps in forecasting itself,reporting on management and financial budgeting.
In consolidation and close features it helps in establishment of financial data, identification of minority ownership and coming up with detailed audit trails
In financial reporting it helps in coming up with proper financial reports,in management reporting and excel based reporting

IBM planning analytic can be improved by addition of more AI features
On the area of budget and forecasting it require in depth documentation support which can be cumbersome
On the area of automated planning and forecasting the fact that it is automated closes the ends for improvement making it rigid

Return on Investment

One of the advantage is on its ability to ease budget and planning
Secondly,the fact that it allows for forecasting means based on such insights means that organisations are able to prepare for future eventualities
Thirdly, since it can accommodate data from multiple sources means that one is able to carry out best business practices like planning.

Scenario Planning and What-If Analysis

The what if analysis allows organisations to come up with different model probabilities and with such we can better prepare for any eventualities good ones or bad ones.

Alternatives Considered

Because of its ability in planning, budgeting and forecasting or work progress.it has made it easy in driving sales hence profitability and lowering costs,also with ability to forecast the decision making has never been made this easier.
The reasons for selecting are on its ability to deliver high returns on investment,it also make it easy coming up with sales plans and cuts short the cycle of sales unlike others.

Key Insights

Do you think IBM Planning Analytics delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with IBM Planning Analytics's feature set?

Yes

Did IBM Planning Analytics live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of IBM Planning Analytics go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy IBM Planning Analytics again?

Yes

Support Rating

I find the IBM analytics by Watson support very responsive and have been go at this when need arises which means twenty four hour a day throughout the year.

Usability

I find IBM analytics by Watson easy to use especially for people who have skills in both financial and data fields,however for people who are relatively new at this might find it tricky

Other Software Used

Microsoft Power BI, Slack, Freshworks CRM

Likelihood to Recommend

As we are aware that analysis is critical in daily running of organisations and IBM analytics by Watson makes this less cumbersome, particularly its ability to use actual data from a wide range of sources and analysis thereof helps ease setting of KPIs and calculation of costs and profits.
IBM analytics by Watson is best suited where new users are deployed and it's automation helps in eradication of human errors

Its ability to allow for analysis helps organisations prepare for future eventualities hence make the right choices.
However some cons go without saying especially on the many features that IBM analytics by Watson can be confusing especially to new users

The other area is in the cost of acquisition removes it from the list of affordable options.

Best solution for planning in organisations

Overall Satisfaction with IBM Planning Analytics with Watson