Anaplan lets large organizations plan in a connected way. Instead of separate spreadsheets for finance, sales, and operations, teams build models on a shared platform so a change in one area, such as a drop in demand, flows through to inventory, headcount, and budget. Its modeling engine handles large multidimensional data, and planners can create scenarios to see the effects of different decisions before committing.
AI features aim to lower the barrier to building and using models. An assistant can help create or modify model logic from natural language, forecast with machine learning, and summarize results for decision-makers. The platform integrates with ERP, CRM, and data warehouse systems to pull in actuals, and offers applications for common planning needs, such as sales territory planning and supply chain optimization.
Anaplan is sold to large enterprises through subscriptions and partner-led implementations, which can be expensive and time-consuming. It requires skilled model builders to get the most from it. Competitors include Oracle EPM, SAP Analytics Cloud, Workday Adaptive Planning, Planful, Pigment, and Excel for smaller organizations. Anaplan suits large companies whose planning spans many functions and needs scenario modeling.