IBM Planning Analytics vs. OnPlan

Very powerful modeling capabilities. It has a really good OLAP engine memory. Strong scenario planning for what if analysis. Flexibility of integration with ERPs or WM systems for both cloud and on premises. Centralized planning and alignment of governance is also a plus. Having one single system for many different functions.

Incentivized

OnPlan is well suited for finance teams looking to maintain control of their corporate/financial models. Every model can be exported to Excel. In particular, for early-stage to mid-stage companies, OnPlan provides a powerful and inexpensive solution that allows for automation and customization. Another strong argument for OnPlan is their experienced CSM/IM team that helps to build the first model and acts as a sounding board with insights to improve the models. OnPlan might be less powerful for large organizations operating across multiple divisions, countries, and entities as this requires sophisticated consolidation processes and standardization, which might be difficult to maintain with OnPlan. Implementations depending on complexity can take longer due to the customization options and plethora of options to make models more accurate.

Incentivized

• 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

• Integration with QBO and SFDC
• Integration with Google sheets and presentations
• User friendly and polished UE
• Easy Excel like syntax for modelling
• Flexibility to create custom formulas
• User roles and permissions
• Handling of fiscal year vs. calendar as well as switching between monthly/quarterly views

Incentivized

• 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

• Chart library or templates to quickly create polished Google charts
• More collaboration features for comments and questions to team members

Incentivized

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.

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

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

As it is related to MS Excel, IBM Planning Analytics is a much more robust and complete solution for the CFO or COO in mind. Oracle Hyperion stacks up nicely against IBM Planning Analytics. However, IBM's investment in AI allows Planning Analytics users more options and speed.

OnPlan provided the best tradeoff for customization, integrations, affordability, user controls, and maintenance/control of the financial model.

Incentivized

• 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

• More cost control
• More accurate forecasts / reducing of forecasting errors
• More accurate accounting close / detection of erroneous GL entries
• Time savings to update financial model / forecasts
• Time savings to create BvA reports

Incentivized