Why Anaplan Use-Cases Series?
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” — Lao Tzu
A few years back, when I started my Anaplan journey, Anaplan Model Builder Certifications turned out to be a great start into this majestic space. Though I learnt a lot in a very short span of time, I could not retain the learnings in my head for long. I eagerly wanted more real-life problems to solve and get a better handle on problem solving, solution design and technical concepts in the context of business planning and Anaplan platform. However, I had to be patient — grind through the time and toil away at my desk while working on an Anaplan implementation project.
After gaining years of hands-on experience in business planning and forecasting problems through Anaplan, I asked myself — What if I had access to real-life business planning use cases back when I started in Anaplan space? Why does one need to wait for some actual implementation project to learn the nuances of the tool and the domain? What if one wants to keep himself engaged even outside of his implementation project? Wouldn’t access to some real-world problems keep one on his toes and keep him occupied? Wouldn’t it help him to better prepare for what was to unfold later in real-world projects?
“With experience, comes responsibility.” — Unknown
As I mulled over my own questions, I realized that it was only fair that I put together articles to plug that gap and share my learning with others. Thus, the inception of Anaplan Use-Cases Series! The collection features articles inspired by real-world scenarios in business planning. I select some interesting problems that were (and are still) enlightening to me in some shape and form. Hopefully, the reader gets a kick out of learning about and solving these quirky use-cases.
The series is targeted to beginners who have completed at least Level 1/2 of Anaplan Model Builder Certifications (and preferably, Level 3) and who seek more real-life problems to keep themselves engaged in business planning and Anaplan domain. The series could also serve as a refresher on different day-to-day concepts and applications that are easily forgotten over time, but very important to remember during problem solving and implementation. Thereby, the more experienced individuals are also welcome to dig into the series.
Each article in the series should help individuals learn and apply Anaplan concepts from the point of view of user requirements at hand. Solving a real-world problem helps in understanding the applications of varied Anaplan tools in a more logical manner, thereby crystallizing the concepts deeper in our heads. That said, the articles do not intend to teach the syntax of a function or how to write a formula — Anapedia is more than sufficient in that regard. Instead, the idea is to put forth real-world issues in small and digestible pieces and spur the problem-solving thinking process.
By no means, the proposals/thoughts outlined in the articles serve as the exhaustive list of solutions possible for a problem at hand. Feel free to chime in if you have constructive feedback to provide. At the same time, please let me know whether the series or any specific article helps you in any manner.
Now, let’s switch gears a little. I am frequently asked about my background and how I ended up working in Anaplan. In short, if you must, blame it on my curiosity and restlessness. In case you desire a lengthier version, feel free to keep reading further.
My Background
Long back, after completing my engineering degree in Computer Science, I started my career in the Data world as an ETL Developer. Soon, I found myself playing with data gleefully — modeling, massaging, transforming, and munging it with database management concepts, Informatica and SQL to serve the business needs. Later, with a business degree in tow and a natural inclination to data, I threw my hat in the ring of Data Analysis. I armed myself with more skills — Python, Tableau and Data Science. After all, I wanted to win over the data world completely — both descriptive and predictive sides of the data analysis coin.
All through my career, I directly communicated with the business users to understand their data needs and use-cases. I regarded myself as a “one-stop” problem solver for end users. I wore multiple hats daily to solve a problem at hand — Business Analyst, Data Architect, Data Analyst, SQL Developer, Data Scientist and Visualization Developer. Though all my solutions were thoroughly focused and dependent on the business/functional context I gathered from the end users, my day-to-day work and learning was still quite tech heavy. On average, I allocated 80% of my time to the technical aspects and 20% to the functional side of a problem. I sought greater involvement in initiatives that would expand my understanding of business practices and functions.
“It’s never too late to start over. If you weren’t happy with yesterday, try something different today. Don’t stay stuck. Do better.” — Unknown
During the period of self-discovery, I happened to discover a rewarding opportunity at a hardware technology firm aiming to overhaul their customer experience touchpoints. Although brief, this experience unveiled my passion and proficiency in Process Analysis and UX (User Experience) Design. Nonetheless, I still yearned to foray into a domain that involves a healthy dose of both business and technology skills in daily practice, where both functional and technical knowledge comes into play in tandem.
“Destiny is not a matter of chance, but a matter of choice. What was meant to be, inevitably finds its way.” — Unknown
One fine day, while chatting with a friend, I had my first encounter with Anaplan. As I asked umpteen questions, I learnt about its sense, purpose, and relevance. It was a true Eureka moment! With a penchant for User Experience, Process Analysis and Data Manipulation, this was just the place I needed to be in. With some persistence, I eventually plunged myself into the new domain of Business Planning and Forecasting through Anaplan technology.
“And suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” — Meister Eckhart.
