Anaplan Review - Features, Pricing & Deals

Anaplan is a cloud-based platform that helps organizations make better decisions by connecting their data, people, and plans. The platform brings together planning and analysis in real-time, making it easier for businesses to adapt quickly to changes and opportunities.

At its core, the platform offers tools for financial planning, sales optimization, supply chain management, and workforce planning. Users can build detailed models, run "what-if" scenarios, and collaborate across departments. The system uses AI to help spot patterns and make predictions, while its Hyperblock technology handles complex calculations across large datasets.

Integration is straightforward with common business tools like Tableau and DocuSign, while robust security features include data encryption and single sign-on capabilities. The platform scales well, supporting everything from small teams to global enterprises working with vast amounts of data.

While pricing isn't publicly available, Anaplan works with each organization to create a custom package based on their specific needs and usage requirements. The platform typically requires professional implementation, which should be factored into overall costs.

Online Reviews (Last 6 Months Summarised)

Anaplan offers powerful business planning software that's both praised and criticized. Users love its flexibility and cloud-based accessibility, which allows for real-time collaborative planning across organizations. Its innovative approach lets businesses customize solutions to fit specific needs, making complex data management more streamlined.

However, the platform isn't without drawbacks. The significant price tag—starting around $100,000 annually—can be a major deterrent for smaller businesses. Users also report a steep learning curve and performance challenges, particularly with complex queries. While technically robust, Anaplan requires substantial technical expertise, which might intimidate teams without specialized data integration skills.

Features

  • Unified Planning Platform: Connects data from multiple sources into a single environment, creating a comprehensive source of truth for organizational decision-making across different business lines.
  • Collaborative User Experience: Enables real-time data sharing and team collaboration through intuitive interfaces, allowing users to work together seamlessly across devices and solutions.
  • Embedded AI and Optimization: Integrates advanced predictive algorithms and AI capabilities to transform complex data into actionable insights for sales, inventory, and strategic planning.
  • Enterprise Scalability: Leverages Hyperblock® technology to process millions of data rows per second, supporting massive multi-dimensional scenario modeling across trillions of computational cells.
  • Seamless System Integration: Offers robust connectors for enterprise tools like Informatica, Tableau, and custom REST API integrations to enhance data connectivity.
  • Advanced Security Framework: Provides enterprise-grade security features including single sign-on, data encryption, and granular user access management to protect sensitive organizational information.
  • Cross-Functional Business Solutions: Delivers specialized planning capabilities for finance, sales, supply chain, and human resources, enabling comprehensive organizational strategy development.

Pricing

  • Average annual cost ranges between $87,494 and $196,864, depending on the specific organizational needs.
  • Maximum potential annual pricing can reach up to $1,150,000 for complex enterprise implementations.
  • Pricing is fully customized and requires direct consultation with Anaplan's sales team for a precise quote.
  • Customers can potentially achieve around 11% savings off the list price, which translates to approximately $5,000 in annual cost reduction.
  • Implementation costs for smaller companies can be significant, with one example showing a $100,000 cost for a 16-week implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anaplan 1.1, and what's new in this version?

Anaplan 1.1 is the latest upgrade to Anaplan's cloud-native planning platform. This version brings enhanced AI capabilities, improved user experience, and better performance. The key improvements include faster model calculations, a more intuitive dashboard interface, expanded integration options, and advanced AI-powered forecasting tools. These updates help businesses connect their people, data, and plans more effectively across all departments.

Does Anaplan 1.1 require special training to use?

Yes, Anaplan 1.1 has a learning curve, especially for new users. While the platform is designed to be user-friendly, you'll get the most value after some training. Anaplan offers various learning resources including guided tutorials, certification programs, and documentation. Many companies assign "model builders" who receive deeper training while regular users can often get up to speed with basic functions in just a few days.

How does Anaplan 1.1 handle data security?

Anaplan 1.1 includes robust security features like data encryption at rest and in transit, single sign-on (SSO) with SAML 2.0 support, and Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) options. The platform uses role-based access controls so admins can set exactly who sees what data. Anaplan also maintains compliance with major regulations and regularly undergoes security audits to protect your sensitive planning data.

Can Anaplan 1.1 integrate with my existing systems?

Anaplan 1.1 connects with most popular business systems. It offers built-in connectors for major ETL tools like Informatica, MuleSoft, Dell Boomi, and SnapLogic. The platform also works well with visualization tools like Tableau and document management systems like DocuSign. If you need custom connections, Anaplan provides REST APIs and scripting options. Most customers can get their data flowing between systems without major headaches.

How long does it take to implement Anaplan 1.1?

Implementation time varies based on your needs. Simple use cases might take just 4-6 weeks, while complex enterprise-wide deployments can take several months. Most companies start with one business area, like sales planning or finance forecasting, before expanding. The key factors affecting timeline include data complexity, integration requirements, and how customized your models need to be. Anaplan's implementation partners can provide more specific timelines for your situation.

Last Updated
March 4, 2025 13:14

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