In as much detail as possible, describe the problem or experience related to your idea. Please provide the context of what you were trying to do and include specific examples or workarounds:
Model builders often need to test formulas before adding them to a live calculation module. Today, testing typically requires creating temporary line items or modules, entering sample data, checking the result, and then deleting or retaining the test logic. This takes time and can create unnecessary clutter in the model.
This is especially difficult for formulas involving LOOKUP, SUM, SELECT, time functions, list mappings, and multiple dimensions. When a formula yields an unexpected result, it can be hard to determine whether the issue is due to the formula syntax, dimensionality, mapping, source data, or summary settings.
For example, a model builder may want to test:
Revenue = Units * Price
or:
Expense by Department = Expense by Cost Center[SUM: SYS Cost Center.Department]
Before using the formula in a large production module, the model builder needs a quick way to test a few sample values, validate the result, and understand how the dimensions align.
Current workaround: Create a temporary test module or line item in a development model. Although this works, it requires extra model-building effort and can leave behind temporary modules, lists, or line items.
How often is this impacting your users?
This affects users regularly during model development, formula troubleshooting, training, solution design, and enhancement work. It is particularly common when building complex calculations or when new model builders are learning Anaplan.
Who is this impacting? (ex. model builders, solution architects, partners, admins, integration experts, business/end users, executive-level business users)
Model builders, solution architects, implementation partners, Anaplan administrators, and advanced business users who build or maintain models.
What would your ideal solution be? How would it add value to your current experience?
Create a Formula Playground within Anaplan: a safe, isolated area where users can test formulas without changing live model modules or production calculations.
The Formula Playground could allow users to:
- Enter or select sample values, lists, dimensions, and time periods.
- Write and test an Anaplan formula.
- View the calculated result immediately.
- See clear formula errors and dimensionality guidance.
- Display the source values and mappings used by functions such as
LOOKUP and SUM. - Test a formula for a selected intersection, such as Product, Customer, Cost Center, Month, and Version.
- Copy a validated formula into a target line item.
This would reduce development and troubleshooting time, improve formula quality, help users learn Anaplan formulas faster, reduce temporary test modules, and make model building more efficient.
Please include any images to help illustrate your experience.
