How to ask great questions in the Anaplan Community
Author: Seyma Tas is a Certified Master Anaplanner and product owner at Caliber Collision.
A guide to help you get the answers you need
The Anaplan Community is an incredible resource to share knowledge and get help. To get the best answers quickly, make sure you ask clear, well-crafted questions.
Here are some tips on how to ask a question in the Anaplan Community effectively.
Step 1: Search before you ask
Before posting a new question, search for the answer within the Anaplan Support or Community sites. The search works across both sites.
The Anaplan Community and Anapedia have a lot of valuable information, and there’s a good chance your question has already been answered.
Step 2: Ask your question clearly
If you can’t find an answer, it is time to ask the Community.
Describe the problem clearly:
- What problem are you trying to solve?
- What are you trying to accomplish?
- What have you tried so far, and why it didn’t work?
Include any details that will help others understand your situation. If you include photos/screenshots, be sure to blur any sensitive data.
Example:
“I am trying to calculate quarterly totals using the CUMULATE function, but my model throws an error. I have tried splitting the formula into two line items, but the result is still incorrect.”
Use a meaningful title
- Your title should summarize the question in a few words.
- Write the title last so that you capture the main point clearly.
- If your question is about a specific training, mention the training level and lesson in the title. There is a dedicated forum to ask academy questions.
Good:
“Error Using CUMULATE in Quarterly Totals Calculation (Level 2 Training)”
Bad:
“Help Needed!”
Format the body for clarity
- Explain the problem briefly and clearly.
- Share any error messages you see (as text, not as an image).
Example: “Line item exceeds the calculation size limit.”
Tip: If you’re sharing a formula, use code snippets instead of screenshots.
Reproduce the issue in a sandbox
If your question is about modeling, try to reproduce the issue in a sandbox model. This will help others understand and replicate the problem.
- Use proper names for modules and line items.
- Include an “expected output” line item to show what you’re trying to achieve.
- Share both grid view and blueprint view of your modules.
Step 3: Make it easy to understand
- Format your question to make it easy to read. Use paragraphs, bullet points, and bold text where necessary.
- Proofread your question. Imagine yourself trying to answer it. Is it clear?
- Ask a teammate or even a friend to read it. If they understand the question, the Community will too.
- Remember, experienced Anaplanners can handle any problem, but an unclear question makes it harder to help.
Use proper tags
Use tags like “Modeling,” “CloudWorks,” or “Data Hub” to make your question easier to find. Tags help the right people see your question.
Step 4: Close the loop
Once you get an answer, mark it as “answer” and give it a like. This helps others find the solution later.
If you don’t get an answer, update your post with new details, share your progress, and tag people who might be able to help. If you find the answer yourself share it with the community by answering your question.
Step 5: Answer questions too!
To get better at asking questions, try answering questions. It helps you understand what makes a question clear and easy to solve.
Conclusion: Keep asking, keep growing!
Asking questions, even if they aren’t perfect, is essential to learning and growing. When you ask a question, you show that you are taking initiative and are eager to learn. Every question contributes to the shared knowledge, and there is always someone who can benefit from it.
So, don’t hesitate — keep asking, keep learning, and keep contributing! Your participation makes the Anaplan Community a richer and more supportive place for everyone.
Thanks for helping make the Anaplan Community a great place to learn and share!
Comments
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Great reminders, thanks @seymatas1!
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