Financial Performance Management

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Performance Monitoring, Part 1

March 6, 2018 by Nina Inverso Leave a Comment

Did you know that server resources are vitally important to maintaining a working TM1 system? In this two-part blog series, I’ll review methods for monitoring the resources available on your server and the ways in which you can address most issues that may arise.

The three main resources you’re going to want to monitor are CPU, RAM, and disk:

CPU (Central Processing Unit) – Often referred to as the brains of the computer, the CPU is where most calculations and operations take place.
RAM (Random Access Memory) – Sometimes compared to a person’s short-term memory, RAM is a type of memory that can be accessed quickly and efficiently.
Disk – Sometimes compared to a person’s long-term memory, the disk is where data is stored in your computer permanently (or until it’s deleted).

The first, and easiest, resource you can monitor is a server’s available disk space. To view the available disk space on a server, follow these steps:

Open Windows File Explorer
Select This PC in the left pane
Check each drive for space available

Note: The free space available on each drive is displayed next to or beneath it.

Learn performance monitoring for IBM Planning Analytics

In addition, the following steps can be taken to monitor the server’s CPU, RAM, and disk usage:

Open Task Manager
View CPU, RAM, and disk usages by processes in the CPU, Memory, and Disk columns, respectively
Select the Performance tab
View total usages under the CPU, Memory, and Disk options
Select the CPU, Memory, and Disk option to view more details
Select Open Resource Monitor at the bottom of the window
View details regarding CPU, RAM, and disk usages on the CPU, Memory, and Disk tabs, respectively

Performance monitoring in IBM Planning Analytics

In the next post, I will review some ways to address any resource issues you may see.

IBM Planning Analytics (built on the TM1 engine) is full of new features and functionality. Not sure where to start? Our team here at Revelwood can help. Contact us for more information at info@revelwood.com. And stay tuned for more Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks weekly in our Knowledge Center and in upcoming newsletters!

Read the second post in this series, IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Performance Monitoring, Part 2

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: New Configuration Setting for Dates

February 27, 2018 by Revelwood Leave a Comment

This is a guest post from Revelwood’s Shane Bethea.

Did you know IBM Planning Analytics 2.0 has a new feature that makes it easier to manipulate dates?

Previously, when manipulating dates in IBM Planning Analytics / TM1, I always had to reach for a crumpled up, barely legible sticky note I have laying on my desk that has the number 21916 written on it. This is because TM1 rules and TI functions do not calculate serial date numbers from the same starting point as Microsoft Excel. The starting point for time in TM1 is 1/1/1960 whereas the starting point for time in Excel is 1/1/1900. The difference between 1/1/1900 and 1/1/1960 is, you guessed it, 21916 days. Date functions in TM1 rules and TI have to take this into account by adding or subtracting 21916 when manipulating dates.

Wouldn’t it be nice to eliminate that obscure number every time you work with dates in TM1 / Planning Analytics? Well, IBM has introduced a configuration setting in Planning Analytics 2.0 called ‘UseExcelSerialDate’ to remove the confusion. When this new configuration setting is set to T (true), TM1 / Planning Analytics rules and TI functions use a starting point of 1/1/1900. This configuration setting can be turned on by adding the parameter to the tm1s.cfg file for your TM1 database. The default setting is F (false).

Let’s take a look at an example. In TM1 version 10.2.2 and earlier, the date 5/31/2018 is represented by the number 21335 because 5/31/2018 is 21334 days after 1/1/1960. However, in Microsoft Excel, the date 5/31/2018 is represented by the number 43251. This is because 5/31/2018 is 43250 days after 1/1/1900.

Below is a simple cube rule to calculate the serial data number based on user entry of a date. Because the UseExcelSerialDate configuration setting is false by default, I have to add 21916 to ensure that TM1 / Planning Analytics and Excel dates match. See below where Index 001 uses only the DAYNO() function and Index 002 uses the DAYNO() function plus 21916.

IBM Planning Analytics new feature for manipulating dates

Learn about IBM Planning Analytics new feature for manipulating dates

Now, if I set the UseExcelSerialDate configuration setting to T, I can modify the rule to not include the addition of the 21916 and my Serial Date measure results in the value of 43251, which matches Excel serial dates.

Read how to use IBM Planning Analytics new feature for manipulating dates

Understanding how to use IBM Planning Analytics new feature for manipulating dates

This new configuration setting enables my TM1 functions to calculate on the same scale as Excel and removes any confusion about dates that may have existed in the past. Best of all, I can get rid of that old sticky note.

IBM Planning Analytics is full of new features and functionality. Not sure where to start? Our team here at Revelwood can help. Contact us for more information at info@revelwood.com. And stay tuned for more Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks weekly in our Knowledge Center and in upcoming newsletters!

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks Video Demo: Hierarchies in Planning Analytics Workspace

February 20, 2018 by Revelwood Leave a Comment

This is a guest post and video by Revelwood’s Jay Apwah.

Did you know IBM Planning Analytics Workspace enables you to perform analysis on data in attribute-based hierarchies? Hierarchies are commonly used for analysis, but can also be used for filtering as well.

Watch this short video for an overview and demo of attribute-based hierarchies in Planning Analytics Workspace and you’ll learn:

What hierarchies are
Why you’ll want to use hierarchies
How easy it is to create hierarchies, input data, and then analyze that data in those groupings

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: New Parameters for TurboIntegrator

February 13, 2018 by Alex Needham Leave a Comment

Did you know you can create a temporary VIEW or SUBSET Turbo Integrator function in IBM Planning Analytics? Here’s why you may need to, and how to do so.

IBM has gone to great lengths to ensure that the transition to Planning Analytics is a seamless process and has added some new functionality to help make your system more efficient.

Two commonly used TurboIntegrator (TI) functions are SUBSETCREATE and VIEWCREATE. These processes are used to create a new component in your process, but they sometimes can cause an issue. If you create a new subset or view in the prolog but then have the process fail with the DATA tab then the process will end without removing the new components. This is most likely because VIEWDESTROY and SUBSETDESTROY are most likely within the Epilog.

There are ways to code around this in the existing version of TM1, but Planning Analytics now offers the ability to create a temporary VIEW or SUBSET as of version 10.2.2 FP4. This is done by adding a flag at the end of the command.

So now, the coding for the two CREATE commands can look like this:

New Turbo Integrator parameters in IBM Planning Analytics

The “1” at the end of each of these is an optional flag. By using this approach, the previously mentioned error is a problem of the past.

The Future of Revelwood’s Toolkit and Dynamo!

February 12, 2018 by John Pra Sisto Leave a Comment

Last October, we held a webinar updating you on the future of the Revelwood Toolkit, including Dynamo!, in IBM’s new Planning Analytics environment. At that time there was significant uncertainty surrounding the future of IBM’s support for TM1 V10.2/10.2.2 and Perspectives and how that would affect our support of the toolkit. As you are aware, Dynamo! will not function in the new Planning Analytics environment when using PAx (Planning Analytics for Excel) as the interface.

As things have become clearer, we wanted to take this time to update you on some important information:

IBM has formally announced the end of support for TM1 v10.2 as September 30, 2018. The end of support for v10.2.2 will be one year later, September 30, 2019.
IBM has not announced an end of support for Perspectives and continues to include it as an interface option in the latest release of Planning Analytics.
Revelwood intends to provide support for the Revelwood Toolkit and Dynamo! through the end of life of Perspectives in both TM1 v10.2/10.2.2 and Planning Analytics, in the 32 bit Excel 2013 and 2016 environments, to those clients that maintain their Revelwood Toolkit and Dynamo! software maintenance.

What does this mean? Good news!

As long as IBM continues support for Perspectives, clients are encouraged to upgrade to the latest version of Planning Analytics as both Perspectives and the Toolkit/Dynamo! will continue to work and be supported. Over time, as you gain familiarity with Planning Analytics, we can work with you to convert your reports to PAx, creating an easier transition.

As information becomes clearer regarding any planned end of life announcements for Perspectives, we will be sure to keep you informed.

Again, it will be critical to maintain your Revelwood Toolkit Maintenance and Dynamo! support agreements as any fixes or patches will only be distributed to those clients. In addition, as reports are converted to the new PAx environment, our Dynamo! Documenter Tool will be made available to you to significantly streamline that effort.

If you have any questions, or need help planning your upgrade to IBM Planning Analytics, please feel free to reach out to me at jprasisto@revelwood.com or 201.984.3025.

IBM Planning Tips & Tricks: Asymmetrical Axis in PAx

February 6, 2018 by Revelwood Leave a Comment

This is a guest blog post by Revelwood’s Nicole Frigo.

Did you know that IBM Planning Analytics for Excel (PAx) gives you the ability to use an asymmetrical approach that allows you to display combinations of elements without the repetition? IBM Cognos TM1 and IBM Planning Analytics gives you the ability to quickly create views of your existing data. The views are symmetrical, which means that any rows or columns that contain multiple elements will include all possible combinations of the selected elements. But sometimes you may not want to see all combinations.

The following is an example of a symmetrical view that will be converted into an asymmetrical view. This example will use a Financial GL cube.

Connect to an environment in PAx and created an exploration. We will arrange our view in the following way:

Accounts will be on the rows.
Scenario and Period will be on the columns (using multiple periods and a single scenario)
All other dimensions will be in the context area.

Here are the results of our example:

It may not make sense to show Actuals for all 4 quarters since there are no actuals for Q3 or Q4. It may make more sense to show Plan values in those months. A symmetrical view would require 8 columns to appear (4 Actuals plus 4 Plan), but an asymmetrical view allows the columns to be merged together.

Right click in the column drop zone area and select the option to “Convert Axis to asymmetric”.

Once converted, you will see that each column now has its own scenario header, each of which now shows Actuals (which was the value of the original exploration).

Asymmetrical Axis in IBM Planning Analytics for Excel

Expand the scenario dimension in the navigation tree to display all of the members.

Navigation tree in IBM Planning Analytics for Excel

Select the Plan element and drag this onto the cell for Actuals of Q4 (cell F13 in this example). Release the cursor when you see an outline around the cell. You will notice that Q4 is now showing the Plan values while the prior 3 quarters are still showing Actuals.

Plan element in IBM Planning Analytics for Excel

A stacked square icon appears in the left corner of any axis where asymmetry is applied.

You can convert the exploration back to a symmetrical version by double clicking on the icon.

Asymmetric analyses are one of many new features in PAx that enhance the overall functionality and reporting capabilities of Planning Analytics.

IBM Planning Analytics, which TM1 is the engine for, is full of new features and functionality. Not sure where to start? Our team here at Revelwood can help. Contact us for more information at info@revelwood.com. And stay tuned for more Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks weekly in our Knowledge Center and in upcoming newsletters!

New Subscription-based Pricing for Revelwood’s TM1 & IBM Planning Analytics Help Desk

January 25, 2018 by John Pra Sisto Leave a Comment

Most of us have workdays that force us to choose between spending time on tasks that are urgent versus tasks that are vital. As a TM1 or IBM Planning Analytics administrator, that may mean having to answer urgent (or, really not-so-urgent) general user support questions when you would much rather spend your time designing a new model to for that major corporate strategic initiative. Or building the business case on why you should migrate from TM1 to Planning Analytics now, before your Finance team starts to do its 2019 budgeting and planning and hits a wall.

We understand your challenges and we’re here to help. You can turn to our new Help Desk and send those urgent (and not-so-urgent) issues our way, while you make the best use of your time. Revelwood’s TM1/Planning Analytics Help Desk can help you diagnose, troubleshoot and solve bugs and other issues related to your entire TM1/Planning Analytics environment. We can also work with you on all of your customizations and configurations. You can even have your users contact us directly. But that’s not all — our new Help Desk is a subscription-based service offering. You pay one monthly fee, which gives you unlimited access to our help desk team. Now, not only can you put a set budget in place for your TM1/Planning Analytics support needs, but you can also turn to us for help without worrying about the cost to you!

Revelwood Help Desk Admin Support Plan

This is a Level II plan, where you provide Level I support to your end users, while we provide Admin support to authorized individuals that you designate. You and your authorized individuals will funnel questions and issues from your end users first, enabling your team to prioritize issues and rely on our team where you feel we are needed the most.

Revelwood Help Desk End-User Support Plan

This is a Level I plan where Revelwood will serve as Level I support for your end-users who use TM1/Planning Analytics on a regular basis. We can answer whatever questions they have, freeing you up to focus on higher-value tasks. This plan also includes Level II support.

Let us take the “headaches” off your to-do list so you can focus on the vital projects on your list. We can partner with you to help ensure your TM1/Planning Analytics environment is up and running smoothly. Both plans are available as a subscription service, giving you peace of mind from a budget perspective and a support perspective!

Send an email to John Pra Sisto to find out more.

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: The Ranked Report

January 23, 2018 by Nina Inverso Leave a Comment

Did you know IBM Planning Analytics for Microsoft Excel (PAx) provides several tools to view, maintain, and report on your Planning Analytics data? Dynamic Reports, one of the PAx reporting tools, allows you to create flexible reports with personalized formatting. An example of this is a ranked report, which will display and sort the top set of rows. To do this, simply insert a TM1RPTFILTER formula into a cell on the Excel worksheet containing the Dynamic Report.

The TM1RPTFILTER formula has five parameters that can be used to customize the filter:

ReportView – A reference to the cell containing the TM1RPTVIEW formula that applies to the Dynamic Report
Tuple – A string specifying the member of the column dimension to which the filter applies
FilterFunction – A string from the following list that describes the set of data to be displayed:

TOPCOUNT
BOTTOMCOUNT
TOPPERCENT
BOTTOMPERCENT
TOPSUM
BOTTOMSUM

FilterValue – The number of rows to be displayed
SortOrder – A string from the following list that describes the way in which the data should be sorted:
- asc – Ascending
- desc – Descending
- nbasc – Ascending without breaking the hierarchy
- nbdesc – Descending without breaking the hierarchy

The following is an example of a ranking function using TM1RPTFILTER. This report would display the top 20 rows, ranked by December’s data, in descending order.

=TM1RPTFILTER(RptView, “[Month].[Dec]”, “TOPCOUNT”, 20, “desc”)

This concept can easily be applied it to a variety of models to quickly and effectively report on the rankings within a data set.

For more information, refer to the IBM Planning Analytics 2.0.0 documentation or the TM1RPTFILTER documentation.

Are you ready for your Finance Transformation?

January 19, 2018 by Brian Combs Leave a Comment

Are you ready for a new FP&A solution?

Have you been thinking about replacing your current management reporting and forecasting/planning solution? Maybe you have outgrown your current system? Perhaps you are snickering now because you are still just using Excel and you’re thinking, “What system?” Maybe you are just tired of Excel and all of its limitations? What if I told you there was a way to enhance your current systems and processes (whether in Excel or some other tool) that allows you to be more nimble, collaborative, secure, and responsive to senior management’s requests?

Perhaps you have decided that you will look at a new system once you have a chance to wrap your head around all of your global processes and work to standardize them? Daunting. I know because I have been there. I was the global implementation lead for a new FP&A solution at a Fortune 300 company. I remember how embarrassing it was sometimes when someone else inherited “my” spreadsheets! I understand the potential pitfalls and speed bumps along the way because I have hit many of them! In short, I have been in your shoes.

There are many reasons to start down the path of transforming your FP&A processes and systems. If any of these scenarios fit you, it may be time for you to start your journey:

You have disparate systems and processes across business units, geographies and corporate functions
There is a lack of standardization and/or automation of technology and process
You lack integrated functionality within legacy applications across your organization
There is a lack of data governance and control
You have limited reporting capabilities (for example, Excel schedules are used to standardize outputs)
There are no real-time, collaborative tools
You lack engagement and/or internal resources

In addition to these all-too-common scenarios in the Office of Finance, sometimes the most important reason to start the transformation is simply that your FP&A process is not always aligned to Finance’s vision and purpose.

When I was in your shoes, my organization was rolling out a multi-million-dollar ERP and Planning/Reporting system within a three-year time frame. I was tasked with creating the global strategy for the new forecasting and management reporting tool. This included directing the overall implementation and driving process standardization across multiple teams, including corporate and field operations, and all back office support functions.

I’d like you to take advantage of my expertise. Please give me a call or send me an email at bcombs@revelwood.com for your Finance Transformation Services consult today!

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Performance Monitoring, Part 1

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: New Configuration Setting for Dates

Read more blog posts with tips & tricks on IBM Planning Analytics and TM1:

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks Video Demo: Hierarchies in Planning Analytics Workspace

This is a guest post and video by Revelwood’s Jay Apwah.

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: New Parameters for TurboIntegrator

Read more blog posts on IBM Planning Analytics:

The Future of Revelwood’s Toolkit and Dynamo!

IBM Planning Tips & Tricks: Asymmetrical Axis in PAx

New Subscription-based Pricing for Revelwood’s TM1 & IBM Planning Analytics Help Desk

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: The Ranked Report

Read more IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks blog posts:

Are you ready for your Finance Transformation?

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Read more blog posts with tips & tricks on IBM Planning Analytics and TM1:

This is a guest post and video by Revelwood’s Jay Apwah.

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