The BI Assistant in IBM Planning Analytics makes data-based analyses easily accessible through natural language. BI2run transforms your controlling towards self-service and AI support.
Self-service BI reimagined
In today’s data world, business users want answers – immediately, comprehensibly, and without having to go through IT. The BI Assistant in IBM Planning Analytics meets this requirement perfectly: Using natural language (“Natural Language Query,” NLQ), controllers, CFOs, and analysts can easily ask complex questions about their data – and get the right answer in seconds. Visually, correctly, and comprehensibly.
BI2run helps companies efficiently introduce this new user experience – as an IBM partner with a focus on controlling, planning, and AI.
What is the BI Assistant in IBM Planning Analytics?
Natural Language Query (NLQ) explained
The BI Assistant is based on the principle of natural language input: instead of using formulas or drag-and-drop functions, users simply enter questions in natural language, such as:
- “Show sales by region in Q2.”
- “Which cost centers are over budget?”
- “How have personnel expenses changed since January?”
AI-supported query processing
Thanks to AI and semantic analysis, the assistant recognizes the meaning of the query, searches relevant TM1 data models, and automatically creates the appropriate visualization.
Integration in IBM Planning Analytics Workspace
The assistant is fully integrated into the IBM Planning Analytics Workspace and works with existing data models, dashboards, and permission structures.
The most important functions of the BI Assistant
| Function | Description |
| Voice input | Asking questions to the system in natural language |
| Visualization | Automatic creation of appropriate diagrams or tables |
| Interactive drill-downs | Queries and refinement of results by voice |
| Export & Use | Integration into dashboards, PDFs, or presentations |
The assistant continuously learns—the more it is used, the better it becomes.
Benefits for users and decision-makers
No IT knowledge required
Whether you are a controlling employee, department head, or CFO, everyone can access data independently without having to understand SQL, TM1 rules, or databases.
Higher speed & acceptance
Ask questions, get answers in seconds. This increases efficiency and acceptance of data-driven decisions throughout the company.
Democratization of data analysis
Data is not reserved for a small BI team, but is made available to all decision-makers with clear governance rules.
Practical application examples
- Sales analysis via voice command: A sales manager asks, “What are the sales figures by product group for May?” and immediately receives a bar chart showing the top sellers.
- Forecast corrections with simple questions: Controllers check with a voice command: “How does the forecast differ from last year?” And identify deviations at a glance.
- Self-service cost center analysis: Departments analyze their own budget consumption – without IT tickets, without waiting times.
How does it work technically? (Brief explanation)
Semantic AI works in the background. Trained on business logic, connected to IBM Planning Analytics TM1 cubes. The NLQ engine recognizes terms such as “cost center,” “plan,” “actual,” and “variance” and interprets them in the data model.
Data protection, permissions, data quality? Everything is taken care of, as usual in PA.
The path to your own BI assistant with BI2run
Of course, a system must understand how your company “speaks.” That’s why implementation is not plug-and-play, but rather a structured process:
- Setup & Activation: We configure the assistant for your system.
- Language Training & Semantics: We help map the “language of the company”: synonyms, technical terms, abbreviations.
- Use case onboarding: Together, we define specific questions from your everyday controlling work.
- Enablement & training: Your teams learn how to use the assistant efficiently and confidently.
With BI2run, you get not only technology, but real usability.
FAQ – explained in a nutshell
Does the assistant also work in German?
Officially, English is currently the standard. We will help you with pragmatic workarounds until the German version is up and running.
How many questions does the assistant really understand?
It recognizes an astonishing number of phrases—and keeps getting better with targeted training.
Can I save the visualizations?
Sure. Results can be integrated directly into dashboards or reports.
Who is permitted to view what?
The authorization structure from Planning Analytics remains completely intact.
Controlling data with your voice is not a trend. It is the new standard.
The BI Assistant in IBM Planning Analytics shows where modern business intelligence is headed: away from tools for experts and toward assistants for everyone.
BI2run provides a seamless introduction – practical, secure, and future-oriented.
Experience the BI Assistant now
Ready for a new way of analyzing data? Book a demo session now.
BI2run makes natural language BI possible in your company. Simple. Understandable. Effective.
