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Are there line items that can be placed in a systems module rather than within a calculation module?
When is this a problem? Look for functions that result in data that doesn't change (i.e., the parent of a line item). Placing these functions in a systems module means that the calculation is run once and can be referenced by multiple line items in multiple modules. Look for: PARENT(PARENT(PARENT(line item))), text field…
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Are there any formulas that that combine text strings?
When is this a problem? The use of text strings in Anaplan cannot be avoided, so you must ensure that the joins are done in the most efficient way to minimize the impact on performance. Be sure to read the Formula Optimization article. You can find the link in the More Information section below. Why is this a problem?…
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Are there any formulas that are daisy chains?
When is this a problem? Daisy chain formulas are always a problem. Daisy chains happen when you have a line item in module A that is referenced in module B, which is then referenced in module C, and so on. This creates a situation where there is a long dependency chain that has to be calculated. Instead, each module should…
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Are there long formulas, such as complex IF THEN ELSE statements?
When is this a problem? If you can't explain the purpose of a formula in one sentence, the formula is too long. Why is this a problem? Long formulas, such as complex IF THEN ELSE statements, are difficult to understand, audit, and maintain. Complex formulas use valuable processing time and require the engine to work harder…
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Is there an excessive use of the FINDITEM function?
When is this a problem? The FINDITEM function requires a lot from the engine, as it is attempting to find an item in a list and it does this for every cell that is related to that line item. This is especially true when the list includes null values. Excessive use depends on your model and the lists it is being run…
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Are there SUM and LOOKUP combinations?
When is this a problem? Having SUM and LOOKUP in the same line item is always a problem and can cause performance issues. Why is this a problem? Using SUM and LOOKUP in the same formula generally causes large formula calculations, especially if time is a dimension or when the source and target structures are very…
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Is the TEXTLIST function used?
When is this a problem? Always a problem. Why is this a problem? Using TEXTLIST requires a lot of memory. How to correct: Using two-dimensional modules and Boolean flags with ANY is a good alternative. Click here to see an ANY instead of TEXTLIST document. Use FIRSTNONBLANK and LASTNONBLANK with ANY and ALL. More…
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Do any formulas use the SELECT function, especially with time?
When is this a problem? Using SELECT is considered hardcoding and not recommended. It is OK to use SELECT for versions and general time periods. Why is this a problem? Using SELECT is hard coding and not recommended. When you use SELECT with a specific list item or time, you limit the ability to update those list items.…
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Do any of the line items use conditional formatting with summaries turned on?
When is this a problem? This is a problem because conditional formatting is done at the detail level, not the parent level. Why is this a problem? The summary is unnecessary. How to correct: Turn off the Summary settings. More information: Planual 2.03-01 Questions on this topic? See Do any of the line items use…