Integrating Anaplan with Excel

Integrating Anaplan with Excel is a streamlined process facilitated by the Excel Add-in. This powerful extension provides users with a variety of ways to seamlessly connect and interact with Anaplan data within Excel. Whether for viewing or editing data, the integration allows for maximum flexibility, accommodating multiple connection types across different worksheets within the same workbook.

Creating Connections

To access Anaplan data in Excel, users can create multiple connections using the Excel Add-in. This feature enables users to connect to different Anaplan modules and interact with the data directly in Excel. Each connection can be tailored to specific needs, whether it's for a single worksheet or multiple sheets within the same workbook.

Connection Types

The Add-in offers two primary types of connections: read-only and read-write. Read-only connections are ideal for users who need to view Anaplan data in Excel without the need to modify it. Conversely, read-write connections are essential for users who require the ability to update Anaplan data from within Excel. Choosing the correct connection type is crucial for the intended data interaction.

Multi-Sheet Connections

For a more comprehensive data interaction, users can opt for multi-sheet connections. This option creates a separate worksheet for each combination of page dimensions in a connection, with a maximum of 20 worksheets. Synchronizing the multi-sheet connection is a vital step to ensure that any addition or removal of items from a page dimension in Anaplan is accurately reflected in Excel.

Managing Connections

Once a connection is established, it is assigned a unique GUID for identification. Users can manage their connections effectively by renaming them for better clarity. Cloning connections is also a useful feature that allows for the same data to be accessed from multiple worksheets, which can be particularly helpful for testing changes without affecting the original data set.

Integrating Anaplan with Sourcetable Over Excel

When it comes to enhancing the capabilities of Anaplan, integrating with Sourcetable instead of Excel offers several key benefits. Sourcetable is designed to sync your live data from a wide array of apps or databases. This live data synchronization ensures that the information you're working with in Anaplan is always up-to-date, providing a real-time view of your business metrics.

Furthermore, Sourcetable facilitates the automation of data pulls from multiple sources. This level of automation reduces manual data entry and the associated errors, thereby streamlining workflows and increasing the accuracy of your data within Anaplan. By leveraging Sourcetable's ability to aggregate data from various sources, users can gain comprehensive insights without the need for complex data integration processes typically associated with Excel.

The familiar spreadsheet interface of Sourcetable makes the transition smooth for users who are accustomed to Excel's layout. However, it extends beyond Excel's capabilities by offering advanced query options for more sophisticated data manipulation and analysis. This proves advantageous for businesses looking to drive intelligence and informed decision-making directly from their Anaplan platform.

Common Use Cases

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  Data reconciliations
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  Ad-hoc data retrieval
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  Analysis
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  Creating ad-hoc presentation packs
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  Running formulas and comparing data

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create an Anaplan connection in Excel?

To create an Anaplan connection in Excel, use the Excel Add-in. Ensure you are signed in to the Add-in before attempting to create a connection.

Can I write data back to Anaplan from Excel?

Yes, you can write data back to Anaplan by using a read-write connection.

What should I do if Excel runs out of memory when using an Anaplan connection?

If Excel runs out of memory, consider using the 64-bit version of Excel for a more reliable experience. Also, try to avoid using connections with over one million cells as they are more likely to cause memory issues.

Is there a limit to how many cells or worksheets I can have in an Anaplan connection in Excel?

Yes, a single worksheet in a connection can contain a maximum of five million cells, and a multi-sheet connection can contain a maximum of 20 worksheets.

What is the difference between a read-only and a read-write connection in the context of Anaplan's Excel integration?

A read-only connection allows you to view Anaplan data in Excel without the ability to write back to Anaplan. Use a read-write connection to write data to Anaplan from Excel.