With version IBM Planning Analytics Workspace 2.1.16, IBM is delivering another targeted update. The focus is on clearly recognizable improvements that optimize the daily workflow for business users, modelers, and administrators in particular.
In contrast to major functional leaps, IBM has deliberately opted for practical enhancements in 2.1.16 that round off existing functions, stabilize them, and make them more efficient to use.
Books & Reporting: Analyze more efficiently and communicate more clearly
In the area of reporting and analysis, IBM primarily addresses usability issues that make a real difference in everyday work.
Direct switching between cube views
Within the Cube Viewer, users can now switch directly between different views without having to go through the data tree. This significantly speeds up analyses, especially for comparative evaluations or exploratory work.
Improved multiple selection in drop-downs
The new multiple selection function allows you to conveniently select multiple dimension elements using checkboxes, a search function, and a clear display. The selection remains synchronized with the underlying cube view, which increases consistency in reporting.
Markdown support in single-cell visualizations
Text in single-cell visualizations can now be formatted using Markdown. This allows reports to be enriched in a targeted manner, for example with highlights, structured lists, or links. This enhances storytelling directly in the workspace without the need for additional visualizations.
Advanced forecast and analysis insights
IBM is continuing to expand its AI-powered analysis capabilities. Multivariate forecasts now provide textual summaries in natural language. In addition, the analysis options for univariate forecasts have been refined and new insights for deviation analysis between planned and actual values have been added.
Modeling: More control and less risk in the work process
Version 2.1.16 also brings concrete improvements in the area of modeling that have a direct impact on productivity and security.
Undo and redo function in Cube Views
Changes in Cube Views can now be undone or redone, including data changes. This feature supports exploratory work and reduces the risk of unintended adjustments, especially in planning or simulation scenarios.
Batch scheduling for chores
In the Database Explorer, multiple chores can be selected at the same time and their schedules adjusted together. Time shifts can be made relative or identical. This simplifies the maintenance of complex job landscapes and significantly reduces administrative effort.
Administration: Centralized control instead of manual configuration
In the administration area, IBM is consistently pursuing the goal of reducing manual intervention and making configurations centrally controllable.
PAfE configuration directly in administration
Planning Analytics for Excel can now be configured entirely via Planning Analytics administration. Manual editing of configuration files is no longer necessary, which improves governance and reduces sources of error.
Integration of your own watsonx Orchestrate instances
Companies with their own watsonx Orchestrate environment can now connect it directly in the admin area of Planning Analytics Workspace. The configuration includes URL, API key, and assistant ID, among other things, and enables closer integration of AI-supported assistant functions with the analytics platform.
Conclusion: Consistent further development for everyday work
Planning Analytics Workspace 2.1.16 is a release with a clear focus on productivity, user-friendliness, and governance. The new features are not spectacular in the sense of a major functional overhaul, but they are extremely relevant for everyday use:
- Faster navigation and better interaction in reports
- Greater security and flexibility in modeling
- Simplified and centralized administration
For companies that actively use Planning Analytics, version 2.1.16 is a logical and recommended step within the 2.1 release.
