One of the most requested features for IBM Planning Analytics is finally here: Bursting! With version 2.1.5 of Planning Analytics Workspace (PAW), it is now possible to export individual sections of reports directly to PAW. In this article, you can find out what exactly is behind this and what other new features this version has to offer.
Books and reporting
Bursting-Export – You can now divide books into individual report sections in PAW and automatically export them to PDF or PowerPoint files. This function makes it possible to automatically create a file for each selected hierarchy of a report set.
To use bursting, you must activate the editing mode. Click on the Share button and select “Burst Report”. You then determine which tab the function should be applied to and which hierarchies the burst is based on. You have the choice between PDF or PowerPoint. If you need a separate file for each selection, you can also use the ZIP export function.
Important: When selecting a hierarchy, the number of elements is displayed under the name of the hierarchy. If you select several hierarchies, the system calculates all possible data combinations that comprise up to 100 exportable instances.
Further new features in PAW 2.1.5
Convert dynamic sets to static sets – In the Set Editor view of PAW, dynamic sets are now automatically converted to static sets when elements are moved. This ensures that only the current members of the set are retained, while the MDX expression is omitted.
Improved number formats – From now on, numerical formats for members applied in the Format Manager will be retained, even if you apply formatting to the data area of a view. Previously, the member formats were overwritten by the data area formatting.
New functions in the Planning Analytics Assistant
The Planning Analytics AI Assistant now offers additional functions such as list, undo and redo. Additional calculation options have also been integrated. The assistant, which was recently introduced, is being continuously developed and equipped with new functions.
Modeling
Locking and unlocking elements – Another new function is the locking of elements so that only administrators can edit their data. This function is particularly useful if data is to be archived permanently. The locks remain in place even after the server is restarted.
Notes in the modeling workbench – You can now leave notes in the modeling workbench. This is ideal for documenting the purpose of an object, describing tasks or leaving important instructions for team members.
Administration
Satellite Connector (Cloud only ) – IBM has introduced the Satellite Connector, a new VPN technology that enables a secure connection between IBM Planning Analytics on Cloud and your local infrastructure. Compared to the Secure Gateway, there is no bandwidth limit, more simultaneous connections are supported and the new technology improves high availability.
Fazit
The new version 2.1.5 of Planning Analytics Workspace comes with numerous exciting functions that make working with reports and models even more efficient. The bursting feature in particular is sure to please many users.
Reminder: Support for Planning Analytics 2.0.x expires in April 2025. So now is the perfect time to talk about upgrading to the latest version. If you have any questions or are interested in an upgrade, we are always at your disposal!
