How I Built It: Fast, efficient model build of scenario planning with P&L impact analysis

Author: Marina Ketelslegers is a Certified Master Anaplanner and FP&A expert and independent Anaplan Solution Architect.

In this 'How I Built It' tutorial, you'll learn how to create a dynamic and flexible impact analysis and allocation framework tailored to your needs. Whether you're evaluating P&L scenarios with business cases, projects, strategic initiatives, cost-saving campaigns, or any type of allocation rules, this method has you covered.

Here’s what you can expect:

Comprehensive insights: Seamlessly analyze how any business case/initiative impacts your P&L.
Flexible rules: Precisely assess the financial impact of initiatives with adaptable allocation rules. From high to a granular level. As % impact or as a lump sum.
Instant results: Easily activate or deactivate business cases to see their immediate effect on your P&L.
Concatenate list creation: Automate creation of Concatenate Lists based on any movement in any P&L Line (based on LIS)
GP P&L summary module: Aggregate results effectively on the LIS dimension for clear reporting.

This approach is fast, lightweight to implement, and provides detailed, actionable insights for decision-making. Let’s dive in!

https://play.vidyard.com/LXxzvc4oKpCPbSSTxGUSJQ

Questions? Leave a comment!

Comments

Marina Ketelslegers

Dear Anaplanners, here is my additional comment to this video , in relation to Calculation Engine.

If you are working with Polaris, just replace the calculation module with the following set up - just use native dimensions!

DmitriiMalaniia

This is Brilliant! Thank you Marina. How scalable is this scenario planning in the classic? Say we want to scenario plan at Cost Centre x Account Code Level, what would drive/contribute the most to the cell count/space?

Thank you.

Marina Ketelslegers

@DmitriiMalaniia If you're not using Polaris, the calculation module is the one you need to manage carefully in terms of model size.

In your case if you want to simulate things like allocations, initiatives, or cost-saving projects on the P&L (by Cost Center and Account) here’s a suggested approach:

Create a simple flat list for your initiatives.
Create a Module with this List/Versions . Let users select what the initiative should impact!
- Name of initiative
- Impact (+/-)
- Cost Center
- Account
- Optionally, include higher-level mappings (e.g., Department or P&L Line) to allow more flexibility.
Generate a concatenated flat list of all active combinations of Cost Center and Account (i.e., those used in actuals or planning).
In your calculation module:
- Use Versions, Time (but only for the planning periods, not the full model calendar), and the concatenated flat list as dimensions. This will allow you to minimize size and optimize performance of this module.

This structure helps keep things scalable, fast, and easy to manage.

Let me know more details of your case and I'll help you further.

Marina

wedd26

Thank you was very simple. well, explained. and the calc engine differences for scalability,

Darin_Seibel

@MarinaKetelslegers Thank you, this is one of the best short but concise videos I've seen. I'm curious on your thoughts on handling initiatives that may affect new products - or those without history - and how to manage a concatenated list to accommodate those without blowing up the module & model size.

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