IBM Planning Analytics vs. Synoptix

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

Synoptix has been great for us to allow end users access to the data and information they need to make informed decisions without letting them have full access to all ERP functions. It has also been very easy to create custom reports that meet our needs. It is also nimble enough to create quick reports that are needed with a small turnaround

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

• Easy report building interface with an query interface that allows financial users the ability to conduct complex queries without difficulty.
• The ability to create reporting that allows us to review in-depth financial review by drilling down into accounts to find transnational data easily.
• Easily maintained and monitored with simple upgrade installations and end point installation.
• Great knowledge base for review and trouble-shooting.
• Highly knowledgeable and easy to work with staff.

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

• It has a poor install procedure which is not standard. It almost requires copying folders from an existing computer to the new install.
• The update process is less than desirable. It seems like Compusoft needs to do a better job of testing before releasing updates.
• The interface is a bit archaic. It looks more like a program from 20 years ago than one used today.

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.

There is no question that we will continue to use this product for as long as it's available

Incentivized

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

It didn't take long to learn how it works and has always been easy to navigate and accomplish all that we have needed. Whenever there have been any issues Synopotix has been great to address them in a timely manner and have always been able to resolve the issues we have had

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

Support does not know much about software solutions. As an example, I have struggled for weeks just to set up LDAP that should be fairly simple.

Incentivized

Good guidance of what steps will halppen.

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.

Synoptix is more oriented to users as their own developers. You do not need to understand any sort of coding or languages. If you are working in financials you just need to know your trial balance. The menus and programing are so user friendly the programming is "kinda obvious"

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

• As a reporting tool it has allowed us to make fact based decisions. We have a significant annual cost with relation to our legacy system and Synoptix provides us with the best tool to mine the data that resides in our legacy system.

Incentivized