OEG Best Practice: PLANS: This is how we model
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PLANS is the new standard for Anaplan modeling—“the way we model.” This covers more than just the formulas and includes and evolves existing best practices around user experience and Data Hubs. It is a set of rules on the structure and detailed design of Anaplan models. This set of rules will provide both a clear route to good model design for the individual Anaplanner and common guidance on which Anaplanners and reviewers can rely when passing models amongst themselves. In defining the standard, everything we do will consider or be based around: Performance – Use the correct structures and formula to optimize the Hyperblock Logical – Build the models and formula more logically – See D.I.S.C.O. below Auditable – Break up the formula for better understanding, performance, and maintainability Necessary – Don’t duplicate expressions. Store and calculate data and attributes once and reference them many times. Don't have calculations on more dimensions than needed Sustainable – Build with the future in mind, thinking about process cycles and updates |
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The standards will be based around three axes:
We will define the techniques to use that balance on the three areas to ensure the optimal design of Anaplan models and architecture. |
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D.I.S.C.O
As part of model and module design, we recommend categorizing modules as follows: Data – Data Hubs, transactional modules, source data; reference everywhere Inputs – Design for user entry, minimize the mix of calculations and outputs System – Time management, filters, list attributes modules, mappings, etc.; reference everywhere Calculations – Optimize for performance (turn summaries off, combine structures) Outputs - Reporting modules, minimize data flow out
Why build this way?
Performance
Logical
Auditable
Necessary
Sustainable
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Recommended Content:
Video
Performance
- Dimension order
- Formula optimization in Anaplan
- Formula structure for performance
- The truth about sparsity: part 1
- The truth about sparsity: part 2
- Data hubs: purpose and peak performance
- To version or not to version?
- Line item subsets demystified
Logical
Auditable
Necessary
Sustainable
- Personal dashboards tips and tricks
- Time range application
- Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions
- The Planual
- The Planual rises
Author David Smith.
Comments
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In taking the SA training, this article fully resonates with me now. Loving all the options presented for system module options.
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@carol.jackson Great to hear - Thanks for the comments
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Hi @DavidSmith
Great article really like the acronyms and concept.
It would be really beneficial if for each section there was a link to the article or best practice guide for that section. For example 'Performance' links to a performance guide.
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Great idea. This page was always intended as a landing page. I'll get our team onto it
Thanks for the suggestion
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@DavidSmith Thanks for this! It is very useful!
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FYI this link doesn't open... Err "Sorry, this content no longer exists."
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@AnyaS Hi Anya - the AMA series has been replaced with the Anaplan Live! Spotlight series. The link should redirect you. Please make sure you're logged in, and give it a try!
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FYI - These two links are not opening:
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@CommunityMember113675 Thank you for pointing that out - those links have been fixed!
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