IBM Planning Analytics vs. Anaplan: Which planning tool is right for you?

Planning is under a lot of pressure these days: volatile markets, new reporting requirements, and limited resources in controlling. This makes choosing a planning tool a strategic decision. Two solutions that are often in the spotlight are IBM Planning Analytics and Anaplan—both have similar claims but clearly different strengths.

Planning under pressure and why tool decisions are strategic today

Increasing reporting requirements, a volatile market, and a shortage of skilled controlling professionals mean that planning today has to deliver more: it must be more precise, more flexible, and more integrated. Choosing the right tool now will determine not only efficiency, but also the future viability of your management system.

Two tools are at the center of many discussions: IBM Planning Analytics and Anaplan. Both have their place, but they do not have the same strengths.

1. Features in direct comparison

If you want more than forecasting—e.g., ESG modeling, simulation, integration — IBM Planning Analytics is usually the better choice.

2. User guidance & getting started

Anaplan offers an easy start. Apps, templates, cloud-native structure—this suits many users. But as model complexity increases, things become confusing. Driver chains, deep data models, and individual logic reach their limits.

IBM Planning Analytics requires more setup initially – but rewards you with clarity, stability, and scalability. Those who think (and plan) in complex ways benefit from the TM1 model and its tight integration with existing systems.

➡️ BI2run takes care of design, modeling, and interfaces, quickly getting your team up to speed. 

3. Connected planning – just a buzzword?

Both providers talk about “connected planning,” but they don’t mean the same thing.

• At IBM, it means a single, multidimensional model for planning, simulation, and reporting—enhanced with AI (Watsonx), ESG KPIs, and SAP connectivity.
• At Anaplan, it means many small connected apps that exchange data via rules—good for simple processes, but more difficult for deeply networked control.

Your advantage with IBM Planning Analytics: You can plan everything from finance to ESG in an integrated way. And we build exactly that – in your system, for your reality.

4. IBM Planning Analytics & SAP: Perfectly combined instead of duplicated

Many companies use SAP as their ERP system—solid for processes, but inflexible for planning. This is where IBM Planning Analytics comes in:

• SAP provides postings, cost centers, and movements.
• PA plans, simulates, and comments – flexibly and user-friendly.
• Data flows automatically – via verified interfaces, securely and without manual exports. 

The result: a consistent controlling process in which SAP and PA complement each other perfectly. We combine both into one system.

👉Start integration now

IBM Planning Analytics is often the better choice for strategic planning.

If you…

✅ think long-term,
✅ plan complex structures,
✅ integrate finances,
✅ or want to make good use of your SAP data,

…then IBM Planning Analytics is the tool with the greatest leverage.

What do you get with BI2run?

We are not just a tech partner. We think ahead—from the perspective of controlling, ESG, IT, and management. What you can expect from us:

• Customized planning models that reflect your reality
• SAP interfaces and ESG KPIs that really work
• Reporting, dashboards, and automation from a single source
• Co-creation instead of a black box – your team becomes part of the solution 

Want to use IBM Planning Analytics in your company? Then start with an impulse workshop or a mini-implementation – practical, concrete, and risk-free.

Any questions? 

Whether proof-of-concept, redesign, integration, or build-together setup, we accompany you from the first model to ongoing control. Modern controlling requires more than tools. It requires a partner.

BI2run provides both. → Schedule an initial consultation now