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How I Built It: Codebreaker game in Anaplan
Author: Chris Stauffer is the Director, Platform Adoption Specialists at Anaplan.
My kids and I enjoy code-breaking games, and so I wondered if I could build one in Anaplan. Over the years, there have been many versions of code breaker games: Cows & Bulls, Mastermind, etc.
The object of this two-player game is to solve your opponent’s code in fewer turns than it takes your opponent to solve your code. A code maker sets the code and a code breaker tries to determine the code based on responses from the code maker.
I came up with a basic working version last year during an Anaplan fun build challenge. Here's a short demo:
https://play.vidyard.com/4rWNr9rRHuPtyhKNokW3Ah
If you would like to build it yourself, the instructions on how the game works and how to build it are below.
Game start: Code maker input
Player 1 code maker starts the game by going to the code maker page and choosing a secret four color code sequence using a grid drop down list. Code makers can use any combination of colors, including using two or more of the same color. You could set up model role and restricting access to this page using page settings to ensure the codebreaker cannot see this page.
Player 2 code breaker input
The code breaker chooses four colors in the first row attempting to duplicate the exact colors and positions of the secret code.
The code breaker simply clicks the first row in the grid, uses a list drop down to make color guesses and then clicks the Submit? button. A data write action writes a true boolean into the code breaker module to turn on the module logic checking, turns on DCA to lock the row submission, and provides an automatic calculated code maker response. Unlike the real board game, the code maker does not have to think about the response nor drop those tiny black and white pins into the tiny holes in the board — the calc module does the work automatically and correctly every time! I’ve been guilty of not providing the correct response to a code breaker attempt which can upset the game and the code breaker.
First guess
Below the code breaker selected blue-red-yellow-blue and clicked the Submit button. Since two guesses are the right colors AND in the right column position, the calculated response is “Black Black”, telling the code breaker that two guesses are in the correct position and are the correct color.
A black color indicates a codebreaker has positioned the correct color in the correct position. A white color indicates a codebreaker has positioned the correct color in an incorrect position. No response indicates a color was not used in the code.
Second guess
In the second row, the code breaker input green in Spot 1, but kept red-yellow-blue and now only has one color in the correct position (yellow spot 3), but gained insight that there are now three correct colors with two in the wrong position thus the black-white-white response.
Third guess
The code breaker selected blue-yellow-green-yellow and now has all the correct colors with only two out of position.
Fourth guess
You have to be a little lucky to break the code on the fourth guess, but hopefully by now you get the idea of how the game works in Anaplan.
The winner of the game is the player that solves the code in fewer guesses than the other player, so each player takes a turn as code maker and code breaker.
Conclusion
The model uses a lot of conditional formulas, text functions (&, MID, ISBLANK, FIND), and custom matching logic, to identify right color and wrong position matches (white) and right color right position matches (black). A very simple couple of UX pages makes it easy to allow for two player game. You’ll have to create the model roles for code breaker and code maker and set up the page security settings.
Attached is the line item export in case you are curious or want to build it yourself. There are probably multiple ways to build the logic or make the formulas more elegant, but it was for me a fun diversion.
Code Breaker Game - Line Items.xlsx
Enjoy!
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Anaplan Connect, automation, and AI
Author: Steven Kraplin is a Certified Master Anaplanner and Senior Financial Analyst at The MathWorks.
Anaplan Connect is an Anaplan native tool designed to facilitate automation leveraging Anaplan’s API. Combined with a scheduling tool, this allows for bulk processing of data with limited to no touch points. Recently, Anaplan Connect has become so much more for us.
Background
We’ve long been using Anaplan to facilitate calculation of inter-company transactions and push results of those calculations back into our ERP. While leveraging Anaplan significantly reduced processing time, it still required admin hands-on interaction with the model and the ERP. Due to the nature of the workday this resulted in a global timing impact.
As we explored automating our inter-company processes, we had identified that to interact with Anaplan we’d need to leverage new paid tools, existing tools from other teams, or Anaplan Connect. Purchasing a new tool was out of the question, and working with external teams would have extended the scope and length of the overall project. We realized that Anaplan Connect, with some innovation, could be the appropriate tool for the job.
Through investigation we realized that we would be able to achieve everything we needed through Batch/PowerShell scripts and design a complete end-to-end process with no human touch points. Anaplan Connect is primarily utilized through Batch scripts, but we were able to incorporate its use entirely through PowerShell which grants more modern commands, and we are able to utilize unique functions to be able to call Anaplan Connect as needed throughout the process.
At a high-level, we were able to leverage PowerShell script to:
* Automated token generation, report execution and process scheduling within ERP
* Perform file clean up and quality checks before import into Anaplan
* Run Anaplan processes and exports via Anaplan Connect
* Parse/update files, send notifications and kick off external workflows in ERP, Anaplan and internal reporting tools
Leveraging PowerShell and Anaplan Connect allowed us to create a singular process that we’re able to easily monitor with the proper error checks while keeping everything secure using certificates/tokens for system access. By layering a scheduling tool and error checks we’re able to remove human interaction with the inter-company calculation process entirely and run it off-hours so that users have access to the necessary.
AI as Co-Pilot
We’re seeing Anaplan beginning to leverage AI for model design. As part of the project, we tapped into our existing AI tools like ChatGPT and MS CoPilot to explore API endpoints, design error handing strategies and controls, and review and optimize our script(s).
This allowed us to parse massive amounts of written Oracle and Anaplan information, especially in areas where documentation was sparse or the use case was unique. There are many new use cases for us to leverage Anaplan Connect to import more data consistently into Anaplan as we were able to convert many of the scripts written into functions in PowerShell that we can now call with limited/no code changes.
Final thoughts and recommendations
Anaplan Connect is a powerful tool that can drive automation strategies. For us, it turned a manual workflow into a seamless, secure and scalable process and we look forward to leveraging Anaplan Connect more in the coming year(s) as a flexible alternative to other options.
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End user documentation made easy with Anaplan
Author: Hillary Sich is a Certified Master Anaplanner and Senior Manager at Accenture.
Do you actually enjoy creating end user documentation for the models we build? Are you creating end user documentation as a Word document with multiple screen shots per page? If so, then this article is NOT for you!
Why not leverage Anaplan for end user documentation?
Pros:
* Never outdated
* Faster to create than word docs with screen shots
* Minimal model building
* Minimal impact on model size
Cons:
* Be aware of Report Manager display limitations
* Must be built within the Model where the App pages live if you want to be able to link pages
* Forces detail instructions on App Pages
Not convinced? I am not offended!
Here is what you need to build the documentation:
Three lists
* Pages (Create a list of pages to document)
* Activities (What can be done on the page)
* Topics (What to include on the documentation page such as Role, Purpose, etc)
Six modules
* Three properties modules, one for each list
* Topics x Page
* Activities x Page
Three UX Pages
* Page details
* User documentation set up
* Report Manager as output
Still interested?
Here are the Blueprints…
DOC01: Page Properties
DOC02: Topic Properties
DOC03: Activities Properties
DOC04: Topics by Page
DOC05: Global Documentation
DOC06: Activities by Page (Used only for filtering in UX)
What is that? About 15 minutes of build time? Totally worth it!
Use your imagination when creating the three UX pages (no screenshots here).
UX 1: Page details: More of an end user page to input details to include in the output Page. Include links to model flows, Page links, Text for Purpose and activities, etc.
UX 2: User documentation setup: More of an Admin page to maintain lists.
UX 3: Main output of all of your hard work. Here is a short lists of slides that could be included:
Slides 1-5 are examples of global information.
Slide 7 is used as a landing page with links to pages by App category
.
Slide example dimensioned by Page:
End user documentation is an important and valuable deliverable for all clients. Leveraging Anaplan to produce maintainable, professional documentation is now easier than ever!
What tips would you add? Leave a comment!
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Accessible by design: Our new accommodations for certification exams
Taking a proctored exam can be intimidating, even for the most seasoned professionals. While certification validates a learner’s skills and expertise, the exam environment itself can sometimes pose unnecessary barriers.
Our goal is to test your ability, not your endurance. That’s why we’ve made significant updates to make our exam experience more inclusive and less stressful. You can now utilize a range of accommodations, including extended time, assistive technology, comfort items, and access to resources like Anapedia, to create an environment that helps you perform your best.
The goal of the recent modifications we championed was simple but meaningful: to ensure that Anaplan certification exams focus on measuring skills and knowledge, not how well someone navigates a test under pressure. By introducing thoughtful accommodations into the standard exam experience, we’re creating a more inclusive, equitable, and learner-centered certification journey.
Why these modifications matter
We know that a proctored environment can create discomfort, distractions, and stress. Our vision is to make sure that every learner, regardless of their personal circumstances or needs, can approach the exam with confidence and focus on demonstrating what they know.
The changes are designed to minimize avoidable friction during the exam process, support accessibility, and ensure that we uphold the integrity of the certification while honoring diverse learning and testing needs.
What’s now part of the standard certification exam experience
The following accommodations are now available to all learners taking an Anaplan certification exam online. Users that take the exam in-person will NOT receive the same accommodations.
* Access to specific Anaplan learning resources like Anaplan Planual, Anaplan Community, and Anaplan Anapedia.
* Physical whiteboard usage is allowed with clear security protocols: no pen and paper, and the board must be shown erased before ending the session.
* IMPORTANT: Please note that pens and paper are not allowed during exam taking to prevent any questions from leaking and to protect the integrity of the exam.
* Extended exam times for those who need more processing time
* Use of medical devices, ensuring health needs don’t become barriers
* Music or ambient sounds in the background to help ease anxiety
* Leniency with eye-tracking requirements, recognizing natural movements and accessibility needs
* Breaks as needed
* Comfort items (will be coordinated with the proctor during exam taking)
* Comfort or service animals to support learners with disabilities
* Drinks and water, so staying hydrated isn’t a privilege
* Permission to move around/stretch, reducing physical strain during long sessions
* Screen reader or text-to-speech support for those who benefit from auditory processing
* Assistive technology such as magnifiers, dictation tools, or alternative input devices
Putting learners first while protecting exam integrity
Each accommodation was carefully considered to balance accessibility and security. This ensures that candidates have the flexibility they need without compromising the credibility of their certification.
This change isn’t just operational; it’s cultural. It reflects our commitment to meeting learners where they are, fostering trust in the certification process, and empowering every candidate to succeed based on merit.
Looking ahead
These modifications are just the beginning. As we continue to evolve the certification program, we’ll keep listening to feedback, removing barriers, and driving improvements that make the experience fair, inclusive, and supportive for all.
Certification should reflect what someone knows, not how well they adapt to discomfort. And now, we’re one step closer to making that a reality.
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What happens if you miss the Anaplan recertification deadline?
Maintaining your Anaplan certification is crucial for validating your expertise and staying current with the platform's latest advancements. Missing the recertification deadline means you will lose your certification status and need to start the certification process over from the beginning.
This article outlines the recertification path for each certification level if your certification has lapsed.
Improvements to the recertification process
* No more secure browser: The secure browser requirement has been removed. You can now take your recertification exam using any standard web browser.
* Faster retesting: The standard two-week hold period for all proctored exams has been reduced to just three days, allowing you to retest much more quickly if needed.
* Exam accommodations: Testers now have access to extended time, assistive technology, comfort items, and access to resources like Anapedia, to create an environment that helps you perform your best. More info here.
Scenarios for lapsed certifications
If you fail to recertify by the deadline, you will be required to retake the initial, more difficult exams and re-submit any necessary applications.
The specific requirements vary depending on your highest level of certification.
Certification level
Recertification path after lapse
Certified Master Anaplanner
* Retake the Professional Model Builder exam.
* Retake the initial Professional Solution Architect exam
* Resubmit the Professional Solution Architect application
* Retake the initial Certified Master Anaplanner exam
Professional Solution Architect
* Retake the Professional Model Builder exam
* Retake the initial, more difficult Professional Solution Architect exam
* Resubmit the Professional Solution Architect application
Certified Model Builder
* Retake the Professional Model Builder exam
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I have my first recertification attempt before the deadline, and a second attempt after if I fail the first?
A: No, you must successfully recertify before the deadline. To facilitate this, the standard two-week hold period for all proctored exams has been reduced to three days to allow for quicker retesting.
Q: If I fail the Master Anaplanner (MA) recertification, can I attempt the Solution Architect (SA) recertification as a safety measure?
A: Each individual will receive one free attempt at a recertification exam. Any additional attempts at any exam level will be paid.
Level-up opportunity for Professional Solution Architects
This year only, all Professional Solution Architects who recertify will be given one FREE attempt at the initial Certified Master Anaplanner (CMA) exam. This is a great opportunity to advance your certification level. More information here.
Questions? Leave a comment!
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How I Built It: Customizing Summary Methods
Author: Mitch Aist is a Certified Master Anaplanner and Principal Consultant at Tru Consulting.
In this How I Built It video, I share a unique method for creating custom logic for Summary Methods. Learn how to create line items that can identify the hierarchy level of list items. You can even use this technique to utilize Formula Summary Method alongside LOOKUPs.
This technique should be known by EVERY experienced model builder. Summary Methods can be tricky, and knowing ways to customize the calculations within those summaries will come in handy. I use this technique primarily for sign logic on P&L reports, and you may find helpful uses for this in other use cases!
Check it out and leave a comment with questions!
https://play.vidyard.com/SE1gRQdDGQRZ1HJH6FPZ5Y
Check out all the 'How I Built It' videos here.
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How I Built It: User Access Management
Author: Kevin Dale Bandelaria is a Certified Master Anaplanner and Solutions Delivery Head at OmniQuest, Inc.
Solution overview
The User Management process in Anaplan was developed to simplify how administrators set up and maintain model roles and selective access settings for users. Traditionally, configuring access in the backend can be tedious and error-prone, especially for large-scale implementations involving multiple regions or user groups. This solution brings that backend process into a structured, front-end experience, allowing administrators to manage user roles and data access through a single and intuitive interface within the app.
How it works
At the core of the setup are two modules: one for defining user-level configurations such as model access and hierarchy level, and another for managing the specific items to which users have selective access. Dynamic Cell Access (DCA) logic drives which parts of the input tables are editable based on user selections, ensuring consistency and control. A six-step process then streamlines the backend updates — resetting previous access, assigning new access, and syncing everything to the Anaplan Users tab with a single click.
Core benefits
This approach significantly reduces the time and effort needed for user onboarding and access maintenance. Instead of manually editing the Users tab, administrators can perform all actions from a guided interface, minimizing errors and removing the need for backend navigation. It also improves governance by enforcing structured inputs and ensuring that model roles and selective access levels follow the organization’s hierarchy and security design. Overall, it enhances scalability and provides a more user-friendly experience for workspace administrators.
Key system behaviors discovered
During development, several system behaviors were uncovered that are crucial for making this process work. For instance, when importing selective access data, Anaplan only accepts reference codes from numbered lists as text-formatted values — not display names or list codes. The process also relies on hidden “None” columns in the Users tab to properly reset user access. Another key finding was that save views must be flat, with all dimensions in rows; otherwise, imports won’t process correctly. Lastly, while there are displayed Write and Read columns inside lists that have selective access enabled, these are columns that cannot be imported into. These insights were instrumental in achieving a fully automated and reliable workflow.
The resulting framework provides a robust foundation for managing user access at scale, and it can easily be extended to handle additional logic such as read/write permissions or role derivations based on model selections. By moving complex backend processes into a guided front-end interface, this solution not only streamlines administration but also deepens understanding of how Anaplan handles user and access data under the hood. It’s a strong example of how automation and thoughtful model design can transform a common pain point into a seamless management experience.
Video
https://play.vidyard.com/F5P8PSFMmtJ8CB63Y6JN3j
Questions? Leave a comment!
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Recording available: Tackling frequently missed certification exam topics
Thank you to those who attended our recent event. If you missed it or would like to re-watch, here is the recording and a few resources to help with your recertifications! Don't wait to get the process started — you'll be glad you took the time to do it now before the holidays.
Recording
https://play.vidyard.com/sGZTv9HfTu7ToPfwmu4DFe
Chapters:
0:00 Opening
0:13 Questions and answers
0:45 Agenda
1:45 Pass rates
2:25 Exam topics by certification
3:24 Key recertification info
7:51 Understanding for exams
12:23 Anaplan Data Orchestrator
13:54 Questions and answers
25:54 Associate Certification exams
29:05 Exam topics by Certification 2
Why your certification matters
A question that came up on the call was: "Why do I need to get recertified if it's not currently required by the client I'm working with?"
Think of your Anaplan recertification not as a client requirement, but as a career investment. The Anaplan platform is constantly evolving, and recertification ensures your skills remain sharp, relevant, and aligned with the latest best practices. This proactive step keeps you ahead of the curve, making you more valuable to your current client and more marketable for your next opportunity. It’s about future-proofing your expertise.
The cost of letting your certification lapse
Letting your certification expire means starting the entire process over from the beginning—redoing hours of work and paying the full certification fees. By recertifying now, you maintain your hard-earned status for free and avoid a significant investment of time and money down the road.
Recertify now
* CMBs and SAs click here to recertify
* CMAs click here to recertify
Certification resources
* Anaplan Certification Center in Community
* 2025 Certification resources
* Certification FAQ
Thank you!
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