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IBM Cognos TM1

IBM Planning Analytics Named Gartner Peer Insights Customer Choice for 2021

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IBM Planning Analytics was named a Gartner Peer Insights Customer Choice for Cloud Financial Planning and Analysis. The solution received an overall peer rating of 4.6 on a scale of 5, with 68% of votes giving the product 5 stars. 92% of customers are willing to recommend IBM Planning Analytics.

The report, which you can view here, provides IBM Planning Analytics’ customers assessments on a number of product capabilities, customer experience, and service and support. IBM Planning Analytics earned scores between 4.3 and 4.7.

It also includes quotes from current customers relying on IBM Planning Analytics for planning, forecasting and report. For example:

Great Experience with the Cloud-Based Version of a Product I Knew Before as TM1

“This product is not only good in analyzing and displaying data, [but] also to collect ad-hoc data … I like the cloud version of this product; [it] makes global deployment extremely easy … The analytical part that this product offers should not be underestimated.”

Outstanding and Resourceful Financial Planning Application

“The determination of what [the] future holds relies on the planning part of the organization … IBM Planning Analytics is a product that fully focuses on the way financial activities get done … IBM Planning Analytics is a well-connected tool.”

A Planning and Analytics Solution that Enhances Efficiency

“IBM Planning Analytics is a great tool that helps us to make the best decisions for our business. The outcomes we get after making such kind of decisions are incredible. IBM Planning Analytics has superior features and is accurate to use.”

Read the full report on IBM Planning Analytics at Gartner Peer Insights.

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IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Database Administration

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Did you know that database administration page has been updated in IBM Planning Analytics Workspace (PAW)?  

In previous versions of PAW you would click on a database and it would present detailed information as seen below.

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Database Administration

With the “Database Settings” button you could update configuration settings and set performance thresholds and alerts.

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Database Administration

In PAW version 57 or later, this information can all be accessed from one page:

  • You can see various performance metrics on the “Details” tab
  • You can set thresholds and alerts on the “Alerts” tab
  • Thread information can be found on the “Threads” tab”
  • Configuration settings can be updated within the “Configuration” tab.

You are also able to easily switch between databases.

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Database Administration

The updated layout of the database administration page allows you to manage all your databases in a single page which contains everything you need.

IBM Planning Analytics, powered by TM1, is full of new features and functionality. Need advice? Our team here at Revelwood can help. Contact us for more information at info@revelwood.com. We post new Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks weekly in our Knowledge Center and in upcoming newsletters!

Read more IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks:

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Administration Page Layout

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Subset Control Dimension

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: PAW Pass Context

Home » IBM Cognos TM1 » Page 14

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Converting Existing Applications

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IBM Planning Analytics version 57 introduced applications and plans which let you organize Planning Analytics Workspace (PAW) assets such as books, view, and websheets into groups. These approaches allow you to group items together in sections (similar to a folder) or in steps (similar to a planning process). It is easy to create an Application or Plan in PAW, but there may be situations where you want to change the type by converting an existing Application to a Plan or vice versa.

To convert an existing Application or Plan, open the object so you can make edits. Then click on the Actions menu and select “Save as.”

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Converting Existing Applications

The window that appears will allow you to rename the object as well as select the type to save it as.

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Converting Existing Applications

This will create another copy of the object. Your original Application or Plan will remain as is.

This feature will allow you to change your PAW organization approach as your requirements and process approach changes.

IBM Planning Analytics, powered by TM1, 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 more IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks:

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Introduction to Apps and Plans

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Creating Groups in PAW

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: PAW Pass Context

Home » IBM Cognos TM1 » Page 14

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: MS Word AutoCorrect

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Part of implementing IBM Planning Analytics is ensuring that users understand their model. This often entails documentation that is created as a Microsoft Word document. Most of us know how to use Word but get frustrated typing some of the complex OLAP terms that are required to explain the model. Did you know that Word has a feature which allows you to solve this?

The AutoCorrect feature in Word allows you to define an abbreviation which is replace when you complete a word. This is defined by going into the Word options and selecting Proofing, AutoCorrect Options.

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: MS Word Auto Correct

In addition to the list of predefined abbreviations that Microsoft has set up, I use this for the following list of words:

Abbreviation   Full Phrase

consol              consolidation

consols            consolidations

dim                  dimension

dims                dimensions

hier                  hierarchy

hiers                hierarchies

scen                 scenario

I also use this to quickly set up arrows and bullets:

—                      → (an arrow)

*                      •   (a bullet point)

This approach will help you create documents, both notes and formal manuals, faster and easier vs. having to stop and correct the complicated words that arise in our OLAP world.

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!

Learn more IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks:

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Learn the Excel CELL Formula

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Manipulating Text in Excel

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Excel Keyboard Navigation

Home » IBM Cognos TM1 » Page 14

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Administration Page Layout

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Did you know that the administration page layout has changed in IBM Planning Analytics Workspace (PAW) update 57?

In previous versions of PAW, the administration page used a tabbed approach that separated each component into its own tab. This required administrators to click through each tab to gain insight on a single component.

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Administration Page Layout

In PAW version 57 and later the administration page uses a tiled approach. Each tile represents the individual components of PAW administration. IBM has also incorporated some basic insights for several components. This provides a singular place where administrators can see a high-level status of PAW rather than having to click through each tab. If an administrator spots an issue or needs further information for a specific component then he/she can simply click into the tile.

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Administration Page Layout

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!

Read more IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks:

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Home Button

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Merge an Icon and a Button, Part 1

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Merge an Icon and a Button, Part 2

Home » IBM Cognos TM1 » Page 14

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Introduction to Apps and Plans

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As of version 58 of IBM Planning Analytics Workspace (PAW), IBM introduced new features called Applications and Plans. These are meant to guide business processes by centralizing and organizing required tasks to make sure that all steps are completed in the correct sequence.

To access the area, click on the Applications and Plans pane on the homepage when you first log onto PAW.

IBM Planning Analytics Workspace: Introduction to Apps and Plans

On the next page, you can create a new application or plan by clicking on the “Create” drop down and selecting the appropriate option.

IBM Planning Analytics Workspace: Introduction to Apps and Plans

Before you can add to your application or plan, you must enter a name.

IBM Planning Analytics Workspace: Introduction to Apps and Plans

For applications, you can add “sections” to your process. Each section corresponds to a step in your business process. You can add assets such as PAW views, websheets, or books for users to access easily. You can also assign PAW groups to each step to show who is responsible for completing that task.

IBM Planning Analytics Workspace: Introduction to Apps and Plans

Plans are similar to applications, but they also provide the ability to set due dates and allow for submissions as a form of approval or completion notice.

IBM Planning Analytics Workspace: Introduction to Apps and Plans

So when would you use each type?

  • Applications are designed to be used as a guide for set business processes that do not depend on multiple groups. Examples include CAR requests, monthly forecasting steps, cost center requests, or variance reviews.
  • Plans are for collaboration in which the steps are dependent upon each other or other groups. This is typically the annual budget process and special projects such as mergers and acquisitions which require steps to be completed in a timely manner.

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!

Read more IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks:

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Creating Groups in PAW

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: PAW Pass Context

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Home Button

Home » IBM Cognos TM1 » Page 14

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Planning Analytics Forecasting – Setting up the Forecast

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This is part three in a three-part series on IBM Planning Analytics’ new feature, Forecasting. 

In our previous blog about IBM Planning Analytics’ new Forecasting feature, we reviewed the steps required to preview your forecast. Once previewed, you can then run your Forecast.

  1. Open a Planning Analytics Workspace (PAW) book and add a new cube view. Setting up the forecast in IBM Planning Analytics Forecasting
  2. Place the time dimension’s flat hierarchy alone on the columns. As of PAW version 2.0.60, you will no longer be required to display the entire hierarchy on the view. Instead, you will have the option to select the scope of the historical data used in the forecast.
  3. Select the context and row elements to forecast. For example:
    • Drag the account dimension on top of the source dimension to swap their positions.
    • Click on the version dimension to select a different version of the data from the drop-down list.
    • Double-click on the account dimension to select the row elements. Setting up the forecast in IBM Planning Analytics Forecasting

Your PAW cube view is now ready as a Planning Analytics Forecasting model.

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!

Read more IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks:

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Planning Analytics Forecasting – Configuring the Time Dimension

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Planning Analytics Forecasting – Configuring the Forecast Settings

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Planning Analytics Forecasting – Previewing the Forecast

Home » IBM Cognos TM1 » Page 14

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Planning Analytics Forecasting – Previewing the Forecast

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This is part two of a three-part series on IBM Planning Analytics new Forecasting feature. 

In our first blog about Planning Analytics’ new Forecasting feature, we reviewed the steps required to configure your forecast. Once configured, you can then preview your forecast before to get a better idea of the results prior to populating the cube.

  1. Open the PAW book that contains your forecast view. Previewing the forecast in IBM Planning Analytics
  2. Click anywhere on the view to activate it. Then click the Forecast icon in the ribbon at the top of the screen. This will open the Forecast window on the right-hand side of your screen. Configure the forecast settings if you have not already done so. Previewing the forecast in IBM Planning Analytics
  3. Click on one of the elements in your row dimension to select the row. Then click the Preview button in the Forecast window on the right-hand side of your screen. Previewing the forecast in IBM Planning Analytics
  4. The Forecast preview window will open. There are two tabs with information about the forecast:

a. Preview chart

Previewing the forecast in IBM Planning Analytics

The Preview chart depicts displays the forecasted data, along with a surrounding shaded area. There is a 95% chance that the actual values will fall in this shaded area (or cloud).

b. Statistical details

Previewing the forecast in IBM Planning Analytics

The Statistical details tab provides key information used by the model to forecast your data. Read more about these values here.

In our next blog post, we will review how to run your Planning Analytics Forecasting model.

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!

Read more IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks:

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Configuring the Time Dimension

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Configuring the Forecast Settings

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Convert Existing View Directly to Reports

Home » IBM Cognos TM1 » Page 14

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Planning Analytics Forecasting – Configuring the Forecast Settings

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This is part one of a three-part series on IBM Planning Analytics new Forecasting feature.

The new IBM Planning Analytics Forecasting feature allows you to quickly populate future time periods based on past data values. This feature is especially useful to prepopulate a data set for you or your team to then adjust as you see fit. Configuring the forecast settings only takes a few minutes, and the results can be powerful.

  1. Open the PAW book that contains your forecast view. Configuring forecast settings in IBM Planning Analytics
  2. Click anywhere on the view to activate it. Then click the Forecast icon in the ribbon at the top of the screen. This will open the Forecast window on the right-hand side of your screen. How to configure forecast settings in IBM Planning Analytics
  3. There are two tabs used to configure the forecast:
    • Set up forecast
      • Use the drop-down lists to select the forecast period start and end elements.
      • Click the checkbox next to “Save statistical details as comments” if you want to disable this feature. By default, information pertaining to the forecast is saved as a comment within the view.
    • Advanced
      • Click the switch next to “Auto-detect” to disable seasonality. This feature is enabled by default.
      • Optionally, use the drop-down list to select one or more time periods for the model to ignore.
      • Use the drop-down list to select a confidence interval. This is set to 95% by default.
      • iv. Edit the table to configure the version dimension, hierarchy, and elements that should be used to store the model’s predictions.
Configure forecast settings in Planning AnalyticsConfiguring forecast settings in Planning Analytics

In our next blog post, we will review how to preview your Planning Analytics Forecasting model.

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!

Read more IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks:

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Planning Analytics Forecasting – Configuring the Time Dimension

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Converting Existing View Directly to Reports

IBM Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks: Maintaining Subset Driven Consolidations

Home » IBM Cognos TM1 » Page 14