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Anaplan
by Anaplan
by Anaplan
Profile Information Last updated on: 1 July 2024
Profile Information Last updated on: 1 July 2024
We help make selecting a software for your business effortless, economical and efficient.
by Anaplan
by Anaplan
Profile Information Last updated on: 1 July 2024
Profile Information Last updated on: 1 July 2024
The typical implementation process for Anaplan software involves several key steps, which can be summarized as follows:
1. Initial Consultation and Planning: This phase involves understanding the specific needs and goals of the business. Anaplan's experts work with the client to define the scope of the project, identify key stakeholders, and outline the desired outcomes.
2. Solution Design: Based on the initial consultation, a detailed solution design is created. This includes mapping out the data models, defining the necessary workflows, and setting up the integration points with existing systems.
3. Configuration and Development: During this phase, the Anaplan platform is configured according to the solution design. This involves setting up the data structures, creating the necessary dashboards and reports, and developing any custom functionalities required.
4. Testing and Validation: Once the configuration is complete, the solution undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the defined requirements. This includes user acceptance testing (UAT) where end-users validate the functionality and performance of the system.
5. Training and Change Management: To ensure a smooth transition, Anaplan provides training sessions for end-users and administrators. This phase also includes change management activities to help the organization adapt to the new system.
6. Go-Live and Support: After successful testing and training, the solution is deployed to the production environment. Anaplan offers ongoing support to address any issues that may arise and to ensure the system continues to meet the business needs.
The duration of the implementation process can vary depending on the complexity and scope of the project. However, a typical implementation can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. For smaller, less complex projects, the implementation might be completed in 6-8 weeks, while larger, more complex implementations could take several months to complete.
Yes, Anaplan software can be highly customized to fit specific business needs. Here are several data points that illustrate its customizability:
1. Model-Building Environment: Anaplan offers a model-building environment that allows users to design, build, and deploy custom planning and performance management applications. This environment supports the development of custom apps, enabling organizations to extend the platform's capabilities to various business areas.
2. Extensible Architecture: The platform's architecture is highly extensible, allowing for the creation of custom applications and the integration of additional functionalities as needed. This flexibility ensures that Anaplan can adapt to the unique requirements of different organizations.
3. Anaplan App Hub: Anaplan provides an App Hub, which is a marketplace for pre-built apps and models that can be customized to suit specific organizational needs. This feature allows businesses to leverage existing solutions and tailor them to their specific contexts.
4. Customizable Dashboards and Reports: Anaplan's platform includes customizable and interactive dashboards that can be tailored to specific business needs. These dashboards enhance user engagement and provide role-based insights and KPI monitoring[10].
5. Integration Capabilities: Anaplan supports seamless integration with other systems and data sources, allowing businesses to pull in real-time data, automate calculations, and streamline repetitive tasks. This integration capability ensures that Anaplan can work alongside existing systems and processes.
6. User Access and Security: The platform offers customizable user access and designated roles, ensuring that different users can access and interact with the data and functionalities relevant to their roles. This feature enhances security and user management[10].
7. Workflow Automation: Anaplan includes features for automating actions and processes, which helps streamline routine tasks and ensures that workflows are efficient and error-free[10].
8. Scenario Planning and Advanced Modeling: Anaplan provides sophisticated tools for advanced modeling and scenario analysis, allowing businesses to create and test different scenarios, assess the impact of various decisions, and gain valuable insights into potential outcomes.
9. Real-Time Collaboration: The platform fosters real-time collaboration among team members, enabling multiple users to work on the same plan simultaneously. This feature promotes teamwork, enhances communication, and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
10. Customizable Financial Planning: Anaplan allows for the customization of financial planning processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning. This flexibility ensures that financial strategies are aligned with the specific needs and goals of the organization.
11. Dynamic Model Building: Anaplan's dynamic modeling capability allows users to adjust models on the fly, providing a flexible and responsive planning environment that can adapt to changing business conditions[10].
12. API Integration: Anaplan supports various integration options, including REST APIs, Anaplan Connect, and ETL connectors, which facilitate smooth bidirectional data flow and ensure that the platform can integrate with third-party systems.
These features collectively demonstrate Anaplan's ability to be customized to meet the specific needs of different businesses, making it a versatile and powerful tool for enterprise planning and performance management.
Anaplan software involves several additional costs beyond the basic subscription fees. These costs can include setup fees, maintenance, support charges, and other related expenses. Here are the details:
Setup and Implementation Costs
1. Implementation and Integration: Implementing and integrating Anaplan can be a significant investment. The process typically takes 9-15 months and can cost enterprise clients between $750,000 and $1.25 million when using a third-party systems integrator.
2. Customization and Configuration: Customization costs depend on the specific needs and feature requirements of the client. Typical customization costs range from $300,000 to $400,000. Customization can also range from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the complexity.
3. Data Migration: Data migration costs vary based on the number of systems, data complexity, and the amount of data. As a rule of thumb, data migration costs are approximately $25,000 per 1 million records, so a customer with 20 million records might pay up to $500,000.
Maintenance and Support Costs
1. Maintenance: Anaplan is noted for being easier to maintain compared to other platforms like SAP. This ease of maintenance can reduce long-term costs associated with system upkeep.
2. Support Plans: Anaplan offers various support care plans tailored to business needs. These plans can range from ad-hoc support calls to comprehensive updates and dedicated application maintenance. The cost of these plans varies based on the level of support required[10].
3. Training: Training costs are additional and depend on the type and number of training sessions. Options include on-site, in-person training, remote learning, and self-training from videos and materials. Training is a critical component and can significantly impact the overall cost.
Other Costs
1. Licensing and Subscription: The entry-level pricing for Anaplan can range from $30,000 to $50,000 per year for minimal deployments in small businesses. For larger and more complex deployments, costs can increase significantly.
2. Upgrades: While Anaplan generally does not require frequent upgrades, any necessary upgrades are typically more meaningful and stem from customer needs rather than compliance requirements. This can help in reducing unexpected costs.
3. Professional Services: Anaplan may provide additional professional services such as consultation, implementation, and training, which are billed on a time and materials basis as per the Statement of Work.
Summary
The total cost of ownership (TCO) for Anaplan includes several components beyond the basic subscription fee. These include significant setup and implementation costs, ongoing maintenance and support charges, customization and data migration expenses, and training costs. The exact figures can vary widely based on the specific needs and complexity of the deployment.
Anaplan offers a comprehensive range of training and support options to new users, ensuring they can effectively utilize the platform. Here are the key training and support resources available:
Training Options
1. Instructor-Led Workshops:
- Anaplan provides four-day virtual workshops or private training sessions led by certified training consultants. These sessions offer live, hands-on demonstrations to help users understand the platform's functionalities.
2. Guided Training Programs:
- Structured Talent Builder programs guide users through on-demand courses necessary to obtain model-builder certification. These programs are designed to help users progress systematically through the learning material.
3. On-Demand Training:
- Free on-demand training is available for all customers through the Anaplan Learning Center. This includes numerous self-paced courses that users can access at their convenience.
4. Anaplan Academy:
- The Anaplan Academy offers a wide range of training resources, including a course catalog that covers everything from basic introductions to advanced model-building skills. The Academy also provides professional certifications to validate users' expertise.
5. Specialized Training Programs:
- Programs like "Anaplan for All" offer free, 12-week training for individuals from underrepresented communities, focusing on becoming certified Anaplan Model Builders. This program includes live online training, career coaching, and job fairs.
6. Partner Training:
- Anaplan partners, such as Profit& and Twelve Consulting Group, offer a variety of training courses and workshops tailored to different user roles and stages of Anaplan implementation. These include detailed technical model building, end-user overviews, and advanced model-building techniques[10].
7. External Training Providers:
- Organizations like HKR Trainings and Mindmajix provide online Anaplan courses that cover fundamentals, model building, workflow, Agile methodology, and more. These courses often include real-time use cases and 24/7 support[9].
Support Options
1. Customer Support Toolkit:
- Anaplan offers a Customer Support Toolkit that provides resources and support through the Anaplan Support and Community platforms. This toolkit is available in multiple languages and includes various support materials.
2. Community Support:
- The Anaplan Community is an active group where users can ask questions, share ideas, and find answers. This community support is crucial for ongoing learning and problem-solving.
3. Professional Services:
- Anaplan's professional services team and accredited partners offer implementation and innovation support. They use a methodology called "The Anaplan Way" to help clients achieve short-term wins and long-term success.
4. End-User Training:
- Anaplan Academy has created a dedicated training landing page for end users, providing relevant courses and resource materials specifically designed for business users who interact with Anaplan models for planning or operational activities.
5. Certification and Career Advancement:
- Anaplan provides certification paths for different roles, such as model builders, solution architects, and end users. These certifications help users gain industry recognition and advance their careers.
6. Flexible Training Programs:
- Anaplan offers flexible training programs that cater to different learning preferences, including on-demand training, in-person classes, and guided training cohorts. This flexibility ensures that users can find a training format that suits their needs.
These training and support options collectively ensure that new users can effectively learn and utilize Anaplan, enhancing their skills and driving business value.
Anaplan employs a comprehensive set of security measures to protect data, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and safeguarding business-critical information. Here are the key security features and practices:
Data Encryption
- Encryption in Transit and at Rest: Anaplan uses industry-standard encryption protocols to protect data both in transit and at rest. This includes TLS (version 1.2 or above) for data in transit and encryption of all physical media for data at rest[10].
Authentication and Access Control
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Anaplan supports multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security for user access.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): The platform provides granular control over user access and permissions, ensuring that only authorized users can access or modify data. This includes role-based access control to manage who can view, edit, and share data within the platform[10].
- Self-Service SAML (SS SAML): Simplifies single sign-on (SSO) and central identity management (CIM) to streamline user management.
Compliance and Certifications
- Compliance with International Standards: Anaplan adheres to various international security standards, including ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA. This ensures that the platform meets stringent security and privacy requirements[10].
- Regulatory Compliance: The platform supports compliance with regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), GDPR, and HIPAA, among others.
Auditability and Monitoring
- Audit Trails: Anaplan provides comprehensive audit trails that log every input, change, and access to the system. This supports compliance initiatives and provides transparency and accountability.
- Audit API: Anaplan's Audit API allows administrators to monitor user activities and system changes, enhancing data security and simplifying compliance reporting.
Data Governance
- Centralized Data Model and Governance Framework: Anaplan offers a centralized data model and governance framework to establish standardized processes, data definitions, and business rules. This ensures consistency and accuracy across planning and forecasting activities.
- Validation Rules and Workflows: The platform allows the setup of validation rules and workflows to enforce data quality and integrity, reducing the risk of errors or discrepancies.
Physical and Network Security
- Data Center Security: Anaplan's data centers comply with recognized standards such as SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402. Physical access controls and regular penetration testing are part of the security measures to protect data.
- Network Security: The platform is designed with security in mind, from networks to servers, ensuring that data is protected from unauthorized access or breaches[9].
User and Staff Security
- Mandatory Compliance Training: Anaplan provides mandatory annual compliance training for its employees, covering topics such as data protection, security, anti-bribery, and corruption.
- Security Clearance: Staff involved in handling sensitive data may have government security clearances, ensuring that only trusted personnel have access to critical information.
Additional Security Features
- Centralized Administration Console: Provides security administrators with unified management and control over user access and data security.
- Data Sanitization: Explicit overwriting of storage before reallocation and secure data disposal processes ensure that deleted data cannot be accessed.
These security measures collectively ensure that Anaplan provides a secure environment for business planning and performance management, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Anaplan releases updates regularly to enhance its platform's functionality and performance. Here are the key details about the frequency and management of these updates:
Frequency of Updates
1. Regular Updates: Anaplan frequently releases updates, including new features and enhancements. For example, updates were launched in April, March, and February 2024, indicating a pattern of monthly updates.
2. Scheduled Maintenance: Anaplan schedules regular maintenance windows to perform updates and infrastructure enhancements. These maintenance periods are planned and communicated in advance to minimize disruption.
Management of Updates
1. Automatic Updates: Anaplan allows for automatic updates of certain features, such as document status within models. Users can enable or disable these automatic updates as needed.
2. Platform Downtime: During scheduled maintenance windows, the platform may be taken offline to implement updates. These downtimes are typically planned for weekends to reduce the impact on business operations.
3. Release Calendar: Anaplan maintains a release calendar that provides details about upcoming updates and maintenance windows. This helps users stay informed about when updates will occur and what changes to expect.
4. User Notifications: Detailed notifications, including message previews, are provided to users via Anaplan and other channels like mobile push, Slack, and email. This ensures that users are aware of updates even when not logged into the platform.
5. Tenant Administrator Preferences: Tenant administrators have the option to manage notification preferences, including opting out of external notifications to safeguard sensitive data.
Example of Recent Updates
- Polaris Calculation Engine: Anaplan introduced the Polaris engine, which supports high dimensionality and works alongside the classic Anaplan engine. This update was part of the June 2023 release.
- User Experience Enhancements: Updates to the user experience, such as smart formatting in the modeling experience and increased order list limits, were also part of recent releases.
Anaplan's policy on data ownership and portability is outlined in its SaaS Subscription Agreement and related documentation. Here are the key points:
Data Ownership
1. Client Data Ownership: Anaplan acknowledges that the client retains ownership of all data provided or submitted by the client or its authorized users to the Anaplan service. This includes any electronic data or materials processed through the Anaplan platform.
2. Usage of Client Data: Anaplan will not use client data except to provide the Anaplan service, prevent or address service or technical problems, or as instructed by the client. This ensures that the data is used solely for the purposes intended by the client.
Data Portability
1. Data Export Capabilities: Anaplan provides various options for exporting data, ensuring that clients can retrieve their data in multiple formats such as CSV, Excel, and PDF. This flexibility supports data portability and allows clients to use their data outside the Anaplan platform.
2. Integration and Extensibility: Anaplan supports integration with other systems and platforms through APIs and connectors, facilitating the seamless transfer of data between Anaplan and other applications. This includes tools like Anaplan Connect, CloudWorks, and various ETL connectors[9].
3. Data Processing Addendum: For clients processing personal data within the European Economic Area (EEA), Anaplan and the client must enter into a data processing addendum that includes the European Commission’s Standard Contract Clauses. This ensures compliance with data protection regulations and supports the secure transfer of personal data.
Security and Compliance
1. Data Protection Measures: Anaplan maintains rigorous administrative and technical safeguards designed to protect the physical security, confidentiality, and integrity of client data. These measures are described in Anaplan’s Data and Security Policy.
2. Compliance with Regulations: Anaplan complies with various international standards and regulations, including GDPR, ensuring that data handling practices meet stringent legal requirements[10].
Anaplan offers flexible terms for scaling up or down to accommodate changing organizational needs. Here are the key points regarding scalability:
Scaling Up
1. Flexible Licensing: Anaplan's licensing model is designed to be flexible, allowing organizations to add more users, increase workspace gigabytes, and expand functionalities as needed. This flexibility supports growth and the addition of new use cases.
2. Enterprise Scale: The platform is built to handle large data sets and a high number of users, ensuring that it can scale with the organization. Anaplan's architecture supports real-time changes and maintains consistent performance regardless of the scale.
3. Integration and Extensibility: Anaplan integrates with various third-party applications and data sources, which facilitates seamless scaling. This includes APIs, ETL connectors, and built-in integrations that allow for the expansion of data inputs and outputs.
4. Additional Features and Modules: As organizations grow, they can leverage additional features and modules offered by Anaplan, such as advanced scenario planning, optimization capabilities, and enhanced reporting tools. These features can be added to existing plans to meet evolving business needs.
Scaling Down
1. Adjustable Licensing: Anaplan's licensing terms allow for adjustments based on the number of users and the amount of workspace required. Organizations can reduce their licenses and workspace allocations if their needs decrease.
2. Contract Flexibility: Anaplan's subscription model typically includes terms that allow for periodic review and adjustment of the contract. This means that organizations can renegotiate their terms to better align with their current requirements.
3. Data Portability: Anaplan provides robust data export capabilities, ensuring that organizations can easily retrieve their data if they decide to scale down or transition to a different platform. This includes exporting data in various formats such as CSV, Excel, and PDF.
4. Support for Transition: Anaplan offers support for both onboarding and offboarding processes. This includes mechanisms for data extraction and training to ensure a smooth transition whether scaling up or down[9].
The terms and conditions for contract renewal and cancellation for Anaplan are detailed in various documents and sources. Here are the key points:
Contract Renewal
1. Renewal Discussions: As a subscription period nears its end, Anaplan or its partners will discuss renewal options with customers. This includes reviewing customer information and contract details to estimate the most likely renewal uplift cases.
2. Volume Discounts: Customers can benefit from volume discounts at various levels. If there are clear user communities that will come online during the term of the agreement, these staged users can be included in the purchase volume but activated based on when they are deployed. This helps customers save on unit pricing and benefit from a ramp-up versus paying for all quantities from the start.
3. Right-Sizing and Right-Licensing: Anaplan works with customers to ensure they are using the appropriate edition (e.g., Professional vs. Enterprise) to meet their needs, which can result in significant savings. This process involves evaluating user adoption and system utilization to adjust the licensing agreement accordingly.
4. Incentive Pricing: Customers should seek incentive pricing at discounts better than the originating transaction, especially during renewal discussions.
Contract Cancellation
1. Termination by Client: Upon termination or expiration of the agreement, Anaplan may immediately deactivate the client’s account(s). During the 30-day period after termination or expiration, Anaplan will grant a reasonable number of authorized users access to the service solely for retrieving any client data they wish to retain and deleting any remaining data. After this period, Anaplan will delete the client’s account and any remaining data.
2. Effect of Nonpayment: If the client fails to make timely payment of undisputed fees, Anaplan may suspend or terminate access to the service. Unpaid amounts may be subject to interest and collection costs. Suspension does not relieve the client’s obligation to pay amounts due.
3. Prorated Refunds: If the client terminates the agreement due to Anaplan’s uncured material breach, the client is entitled to a prorated refund of prepaid fees applicable to the remaining period in the subscription term. Conversely, if Anaplan terminates the agreement due to the client’s uncured material breach, fees for the duration of the subscription term become immediately due and payable.
4. End-of-Contract Data Extraction: Anaplan provides mechanisms for clients to extract their data, including master data, transactional information, calculated values, summarized/aggregated data/KPIs, and system configuration information. This data extraction is available at all stages of the contract, and Anaplan provides training and documentation to support this process.
Additional Considerations
1. Professional Services: Upon termination of the agreement, Anaplan’s obligation to provide professional services and the client’s right to receive these services will terminate. Any amounts owed for completed professional services and work in progress will be immediately due and payable.
2. Future Features and Functionality: Anaplan’s warranty does not apply to any non-conformity due to modifications or defects made by anyone other than Anaplan. Clients have the right to terminate the agreement if the service does not comply with the warranty after a 30-day notice period.
Anaplan software meets several key compliance standards to ensure data security, privacy, and regulatory adherence. Here are the primary compliance standards that Anaplan adheres to:
Compliance Standards
1. ISO 27001:
- Anaplan complies with ISO 27001, an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). This standard ensures that Anaplan has implemented a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, including people, processes, and IT systems.
2. SOC 2:
- Anaplan has completed SOC 2 audits, which focus on the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of the data processed by the system. SOC 2 reports provide assurance that Anaplan's controls are properly designed and operating effectively.
3. GDPR:
- Anaplan complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union and the European Economic Area. This compliance ensures that Anaplan handles personal data in a manner that respects individual privacy rights.
4. HIPAA:
- Anaplan adheres to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards, which are designed to protect sensitive patient data. This compliance is crucial for organizations in the healthcare sector that handle electronic protected health information (ePHI).
5. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX):
- Anaplan supports compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which is a U.S. federal law that mandates certain practices in financial record-keeping and reporting. This compliance helps ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data.
6. CSA STAR:
- Anaplan is listed in the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Security, Trust & Assurance Registry (STAR), which is a publicly accessible registry that documents the security controls provided by various cloud computing offerings. This listing demonstrates Anaplan's commitment to cloud security best practices.
7. APEC CBPR:
- Anaplan is certified under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system, which ensures that the company adheres to high standards of data privacy and protection across the APEC region.
By Anaplan