With the latest update from March 19, 2025, IBM is taking its Planning Analytics Workspace platform (PAW 2.0.102 / 2.1.9) to a new level – with several features that significantly simplify everyday work in planning, analysis and reporting. From AI-supported analysis to websheet improvements and more control in the data model: here is an overview of the most exciting new features.
Smart analyses at the touch of a button – AI meets reporting
One of the most impressive new features is the AI-driven exploration analysis. PAW can now create analyses independently – including executive summary, impact analysis and outlier detection. All you have to do is select a data view and the AI delivers a PDF with the most important findings. Ideal for anyone who needs well-founded evaluations quickly – for management reports or strategic decisions, for example. (Note: This function requires the “Planning Analytics AI Assistance” add-on).
Planning Analytics Workspace Websheets with significantly more convenience
Websheets are becoming more user-friendly – in more ways than one:
- The storage locations of the websheets are now directly visible via the properties.
- Double-clicking on a websheet in the data tree places it directly in the workspace.
- Sheets can be easily exchanged using drag & drop.
And there are also new visual features: row and column headings can now be hidden by right-clicking or in the “Fields” panel – without having to reload the view. Ideal for neatly structured presentation reports. In addition, the zebra stripe option has been moved to where it belongs: in data formatting – for more consistent work with layouts.
Automatic update on book change
Action buttons can now be configured so that a target book is automatically updated when switching – even if it is already open. This saves clicks and ensures that the latest status is always displayed. Context information (“context parsing”) is also seamlessly transferred – particularly practical for complex dashboards with multiple pages.
More realistic forecasts – with limits
Users of ad hoc forecasts (whether univariate or multivariate) now have the option of defining threshold values for forecasts. This prevents unrealistic outliers and allows forecasts to be better adapted to business realities such as production limits or sales targets. A small feature with great added value for realistic planning.
Better task management in plans & applications
Anyone who works with large applications or planning structures knows the problem: it’s easy to lose track. With the new search and filter function for tasks and sections, tedious scrolling is a thing of the past – enter a keyword and you’re done.
More control in the data model
A lot is also happening in the area of modeling:
- Visibility of websheets can now be controlled – public or private, as required. Access can even be controlled at folder level. Perfect for larger teams with different responsibilities.
- If a required attribute cube is missing from a process or chore, a clear error message now appears. This makes maintenance much more transparent and reduces frustration when troubleshooting.
- And last but not least: PAW can now also import data directly from ODBC data sources – for example from SQL Server or Oracle. A real boost for automated ETL processes.
Conclusion: A release that delivers real added value
With version 2.0.102, IBM Planning Analytics Workspace makes a significant leap towards more automation, user-friendliness and control. For companies that work with complex data structures and want to design their reporting workflow efficiently, this update offers many exciting possibilities – and once again raises the bar for modern planning software.
