Kevin JohnsonAnaplan is a business planning software company based in San Francisco, California. Guy Haddleton, Sue Haddleton, and Michael Gould founded the company in 2006 in Yorkshire, England. In 2013, Anaplan acquired its reseller Vue Analytics for an undisclosed amount. The company introduced its Anaplan Hub marketplace in May 2014.
Customers use Anaplan Hub to share and find pre-designed planning models. Anaplan went public in October 2018 and started trading on the NYSE. In June 2022, Thoma Bravo acquired Anaplan for $10.4 billion. Anaplan had around 2,000 employees in January 2023 but laid off at least 119 employees at its San Francisco headquarters in June 2023. [1]
Anaplan provides a planning, forecasting, and performance management platform for finance and FP&A teams. It targets enterprise companies. Most professionals use spreadsheet-centric planning solutions such as MS Excel and Google Sheets, but these tools can’t do everything. Anaplan solves this problem by offering three types of views – worksheets, board pages, and reports.
Users can consolidate finance, accounting, HR, sales, marketing, and revenue data in a single platform. It offers robust features, including scenario planning, in-memory processing, workflows, and a data hub. Over 1,000 organizations use Anaplan’s products. However, the company faces stiff competition from Board, Vena, Prophix, IBM, Jedox, Pigment, Varicent, Planful, Workday, SAP, and Oracle. [2]
Here is an in-depth analysis of Anaplan’s top competitors and alternatives:
1. Board International
Year founded: 1994
Headquarter: Chiasso, Switzerland
Board is a business intelligence (BI) and corporate performance management (CPM) software provider. Its intelligent planning platform helps enterprises discover crucial insights. As of June 2023, Board served over 2,000 organizations.
Board helps organizations unify strategy, finance, and operations using an integrated and intelligent planning solution. The company serves global enterprises, such as H&M, Toyota, Burberry, Coca-Cola, and HSBC. In June 2023, Board launched a new group consolidation and reporting offering. It is part of the Board’s planning platform, accelerating the digital transformation of financial processes. Board is the top Anaplan competitor and alternative. [3]
2. Vena
Year founded: 2011
Headquarter: Toronto, Canada
Vena is a financial process automation solution provider. Its platform automates performance management, accounting, and budgeting. According to G2, Vena has a 4.5-star rating out of 5 from 199 customer reviews.
Vena uses a spreadsheet platform to connect people, systems, and data to simplify financial planning. However, the main selling point of Vena is its preconfigured templates and reports, Excel add-in, and web portal interface. The platform integrates with several solutions, including NetSuite, Intuit QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, Oracle, SAP, IBM, Salesforce, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. Vena is one of the best alternatives to Anaplan for FP&A teams that prefer an Excel-based environment. [4]
3. Prophix Software
Year founded: 1987
Headquarter: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Prophix is a leading financial performance management platform. It offers CPM, planning, budgeting, and financial reporting software for mid-market companies. As of June 2023, Prophix served over 2,500 clients. The company added over 100 new cloud customers in the first half of 2023. [5]
The main competitive advantage of Prophix is its financial performance platform, which enhances the talents of finance teams. In February 2023, Prophix was ranked as a Leader in Nucleus Research’s CPM Technology Value Matrix. The company recently enhanced its platform with machine-learning capabilities and pre-built templates and reports. Prophix is one of the best alternatives to Anaplan for CPM software. [6]
4. IBM Planning Analytics
Year founded: 1911
Headquarter: Armonk, New York
IBM Planning Analytics is a business planning solution offered by IBM, a leading software developer. It is powered by IBM TM1 and automates your planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis processes. In 2022, IBM had around 350,000 employees.
IBM Planning Analytics offers robust spreadsheet functionality to eliminate manual tasks and boost efficiency. However, the main competitive advantage of IBM Planning Analytics is its integration with other IBM solutions. In July 2023, IBM unveiled several improvements and defect fixes for IBM Planning Analytics. IBM Planning Analytics is a formidable competitor for Anaplan. [7]
5. Jedox
Year founded: 2002
Headquarter: Freiburg, Germany
Jedox is an adaptable performance management platform. Its analytics solution simplifies planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for finance, sales, HR, and procurement teams. As of April 2023, Jedox served over 2,500 organizations in 140 countries.
Jedox integrates data from different sources and simplifies cross-organizational planning. Teams can plan for opportunities, react to changes, and uncover hidden insights using Jedox. In April 2023, Jedox was named a Global Market Leader in the BARC Score for Integrated Planning & Analytics, making it a worthy alternative to Anaplan. [8]
6. Pigment
Year founded: 2019
Headquarter: Paris, France
Pigment is an all-in-one business planning platform. It helps finance and revenue teams plan and forecast business operations in real time, model scenarios, and make informed decisions. In June 2023, Pigment raised $88 million in a Series C funding round. [9]
Pigment serves innovative companies such as Klarna, Miro, Airtable, Figma, Poshmark, Eventbrite, and Mozilla. Team leaders can use the platform to track quotas and analyze team members’ performance quarterly. The company recently added a new spreadsheet view to attract Excel users. On G2.com, both Pigment and Anaplan are tied with 4.6 stars each. Pigment is one of the best alternatives to Anaplan.
7. Varicent
Year founded: 2003
Headquarter: Toronto, Canada
Varicent is an award-winning SaaS company that offers sales performance management (SPM) software. Its solutions support companies’ entire revenue journey. In November 2019, Great Hill Partners and Spectrum Equity acquired Varicent from IBM for an undisclosed amount.
Varicent combines SPM technology with an augmented intelligence-powered platform to simplify territory and quota planning, lead-to-revenue operations, and payments. In December 2021, the company enhanced its Incentive Compensation Management (ICM) solution with new data connectors, a report viewer, and refreshed Presenter Adaptive. Varicent is one of the top competitors for Anaplan in the SPM software sector. [10]
8. Planful
Year founded: 2000
Headquarter: Redwood City, California
Planful is a leading cloud-based EPM application provider. The company was founded as Host Analytics but later rebranded to Planful. According to G2, Planful has a 4.3-star rating from 377 customer reviews.
Planful helps FP&A teams plan, close, and report more efficiently. It offers robust features, including financial planning and consolidation, management reporting, scenario and workforce planning, cash forecasting, and currency conversion. Most of Planful’s users are mid-market companies. Planful is one of the top competitors for Anaplan. [11]
9. Workday Adaptive Planning
Year founded: 2003
Headquarter: Palo Alto, California
Workday Adaptive Planning is a SaaS company founded as Adaptive Insights. In August 2018, Workday, Inc. acquired Adaptive Insights and rebranded it to Workday Adaptive Planning. The company has around 500 employees.
The main competitive advantage of Workday Adaptive Planning is its link with Workday, a leader in enterprise cloud apps for finance and HR. Over 10,000 organizations, including 50% of Fortune 500 firms, use Workday.
In May 2023, Workday was named a Customers’ Choice in the Gartner Peer Insights for Financial Planning Software. Workday Adaptive Planning is a formidable competitor for Anaplan. [12]
10. SAP Analytics Cloud
Year founded: 2015
Headquarter: Walldorf, Germany
SAP Analytics Cloud is a multi-cloud SaaS solution offered by SAP, a leading software company. It provides planning capabilities, BI, augmented and predictive analytics, and extended planning and analysis in a single platform. In 2022, SAP employed over 110,000 people.
SAP Analytics Cloud combines analytics with integration to SAP apps and seamless access to heterogeneous data sources. In Q2 2023, SAP enhanced SAP Analytics Cloud with new features, including Optimized Story Experience, a data analyzer, and Multi Actions. Teams can now use public REST API to import master data into models. SAP Analytics Cloud is an innovative alternative to Anaplan. [13]
11. Oracle
Year founded: 1977
Headquarter: Austin, Texas
Oracle is a multinational computer technology company. It offers Oracle Cloud Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) that competes with Anaplan. According to Gartner, Oracle has a 4.5-star rating versus 4.3 stars for Anaplan.
Oracle helps businesses manage customer relationships, human capital, supply chains, and projects. In June 2023, Oracle NetSuite added a new account reconciliation feature to its ERP suite developed on Oracle’s Fusion Cloud EPM platform. The new feature automates the reconciliation process for accounts payable, transactions, prepaid accounts, accruals, and fixed assets accounts. Oracle is one of the top competitors for Anaplan. [14]
12. Blue Yonder
Year founded: 1985
Headquarter: Scottsdale, Arizona
Blue Yonder is a supply chain management company. Panasonic acquired Blue Yonder in 2021 to expand its portfolio. In 2022, Blue Yonder had around 6,000 employees.
Blue Yonder is a leader in digital supply chain and omnichannel commerce fulfillment. Its end-to-end business platform helps retailers, manufacturers, and logistics providers to fulfill customer demand, from planning to delivery.
In Q1 2023, Blue Yonder added 37 new customer logos. The company was featured in ten technology industry analyst reports from Forrester, Gartner, and IDC. Blue Yonder is one of the best alternatives to Anaplan for supply chain management. [15]
13. Kinaxis
Year founded: 1984
Headquarter: Ottawa, Canada
Kinaxis is a software company that offers supply chain management and sales and operation planning solutions. It helps organizations make informed decisions across integrated business planning and the digital supply chain. In 2022, Kinaxis had over 1,000 employees.
Kinaxis combines human intelligence with AI and concurrent planning to help organizations plan for the future, monitor risks and opportunities, and respond to changes. Its cloud-based platform offers industry-proven applications. In August 2023, FIS selected Kinaxis to enable concurrent planning in its supply chain. Kinaxis is a worthy competitor for Anaplan. [16]
14. Logility
Year founded: 1996
Headquarter: Atlanta, Georgia
Logility is a supply chain management company owned by American Software, Inc. It helps companies seize new opportunities, respond to changing market dynamics, and manage complex global businesses. According to Gartner, Logility has a 4.4-star rating from 163 customer reviews.
Logility’s digital supply chain platform leverages AI and analytics to automate planning, accelerate cycle times, improve operating performance, and enhance visibility. It streamlines sales, operations, and integrated business planning processes. In February 2023, the company was cited among the best retail technology providers in the RIS Software LeaderBoard. Logility is one of the top competitors for Anaplan in the SCM sector. [17]
15. e2open
Year founded: 2000
Headquarter: Austin, Texas
e2open is a business-to-business cloud-based supply chain software provider. It helps the world’s largest companies transform how they make, move, and sell products and services. In May 2023, e2open connected over 420,000 manufacturing, logistics, channel, and distribution partners.
The main competitive advantage of e2open is its unified multi-enterprise network, which tracks over 13 billion transactions annually. In Q4 2023, one of the world’s largest CPG companies adopted e2open’s Supply Application Suite to manage the inbound order cycle. The firm introduced enhancements across its platform to boost performance and productivity and cut costs for clients. e2open is a worthy alternative to Anaplan. [18]
16. o9 Solutions
Year founded: 2009
Headquarter: Dallas, Texas
o9 Solutions is a leading cloud-based business management platform. It uses a graph database, in-memory, and AI to simplify supply chain planning. In January 2022, o9 Solutions was valued at $2.7 billion.
o9 Solutions pioneered the use of the graph database for supply chain planning. In 2022, o9 Solutions reported an 84% increase in annual recurring revenue. The company has seen tremendous growth in the last four years. o9 Solutions is one of the fastest-growing competitors for Anaplan. [19]
17. Blue Ridge
Year founded: 2007
Headquarter: Atlanta, Georgia
Blue Ridge is a supply chain management solution provider. It offers a comprehensive and easy-to-use software suite. In 2023, Blue Ridge was recognized in seven G2 Best Software categories. The company was named a leader in Supply Chain and Demand Planning. [20]
Blue Ridge uses a data-driven and AI-powered approach to help businesses optimize demand planning and inventory management. Organizations can achieve positive ROI in six months using Blue Ridge’s software. Blue Ridge is one of the best alternatives to Anaplan for supply chain management. [21]
18. Coupa Software
Year founded: 2006
Headquarter: San Mateo, California
Coupa Software is a tech company that offers a business spend management platform. Its cloud-based solution unifies supply chain, procurement, and finance processes. In 2022, Coupa had 3,076 employees.
Coupa helps organizations maximize value and operationalize purpose through their business spend. In July 2023, Coupa was positioned in the Leaders Category in the enterprise and mid-market IDC MarketScape. The platform was recognized for providing end-to-end visibility. Coupa is a worthy alternative to Anaplan for business spend management. [22]
19. ToolsGroup
Year founded: 1993
Headquarter: Boston, Massachusetts
ToolsGroup is a retail and supply chain planning software provider. Its AI-powered solutions help manufacturers, distributors, and retailers navigate supply chain uncertainties. According to Gartner, ToolsGroup has a 4.5-star rating from 106 customer reviews. The platform serves over 400 customers in 45 countries.
The ToolsGroup SO99 platform helps planners and businesses meet customer service needs. In July 2023, ToolsGroup added Dynamic Fulfillment to its JustEnough retail planning and execution suite. This new feature enhances retailers’ OMS with an optimized fulfillment plan to reduce costs, improve profits, and boost customer satisfaction. ToolsGroup is an emerging competitor for Anaplan. [23]
20. Microsoft
Year founded: 1975
Headquarter: Redmond, Washington
Microsoft is a technology corporation specializing in hardware, software, and services. The company offers the Microsoft Supply Chain Platform, which competes against Anaplan. In 2022, Microsoft employed over 180,000 people.
Microsoft launched the Microsoft Supply Chain Platform in November 2022. The solution helps organizations maximize supply chain investments by leveraging Microsoft AI, low code, collaboration, security, and SaaS applications.
However, the main competitive advantage of Microsoft’s Supply Chain Platform is its integration with Microsoft Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft Teams. Microsoft has enough resources to compete and poach some customers from Anaplan. [24]
References & more information
- Barrabi, T. (2023, Jun 23). Software giant Anaplan begins layoffs after Thoma Bravo’s $10.4B buyout deal. The New York Post
- Ballinger, J. (2023, Jul 14). What is Anaplan? Reviews, pros, cons, and alternatives. Cube Software
- Board International (2023, Jun 29). Board Launches All-New Group Consolidation and Reporting Solution. Board.com
- Bullis, J. (2023, Jul 20). Vena reviews: How does Vena Solutions compare to the alternatives? CubeSoftware.com
- Prophix (2023, Jun 20). Prophix Shares Midyear Update: New Global Customers and Advances to Financial Performance Platform Position Company for Strong 2023 Performance. PRNewswire
- Prophix (2023, Feb 8). Prophix Recognized as a Leader in the 2023 Nucleus Research CPM Technology Value Matrix. PRNewswire
- IBM Staff (2023, Jul 11). What’s new in IBM Planning Analytics? IBM.com
- Jedox (2023, Apr 14). Jedox is named Global Market Leader by BARC in Integrated Planning & Analytics for the Third Year in a Row. Kron4
- Dillet, R. (2023, Jun 8). Pigment secures $88 million for its business planning tool that will make you forget about Excel. TechCrunch
- Varicent (2021, Dec 9). Varicent Unveils Major Enhancements for Its Industry-Leading ICM Solution. Business Wire
- Ballinger, J. (2023, Jul 14). Planful reviews: what is Planful? CubeSoftware.com
- Workday Inc. (2023, May 31). Workday is recognized as a 2023 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice for Financial Planning Software. PRNewswire
- Cullen, O. (2023, Jun 29). SAP Analytics Cloud release for Q2 2023 Roundup. SAP.com
- Ghoshal, A. (2023, Jun 14). NetSuite ERP gets an account reconciliation feature from Oracle Fusion Cloud EPM. CIO
- Blue Yonder Holding, Inc. (2023, May 3). Blue Yonder Showcases Revolutionary Company Vision at ICON 2023. Business Wire
- Kinaxis Inc. (2023, Aug 22). Fabbrica Italiana Sintetici (FIS) Selects Kinaxis for Supply Chain Planning. Silicon Canals
- Logility, Inc. (2023, Feb 27). Logility Shines in Retail Technology, according to the 2023 RIS Software LeaderBoard Report. Business Wire
- E2open Parent Holdings, Inc. (2023, May 1). E2open Announces Fiscal 2023 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results. Business Wire
- Banker, S. (2023, Mar 5). Why is o9 Solutions Growing So Fast? Forbes
- BRG Staff (2023, May 30). Blue Ridge Tops the Ranks in G2’s Best Software Awards for 2023! Blue Ridge Global
- Blue Ridge (2023, Aug 1). Impressive Q2 2023 customer results using Blue Ridge’s Software for Demand Planning, Replenishment, and Inventory Optimization. Business Wire
- Coupa Software (2023, Jul 24). Coupa Named a Leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide SaaS and Cloud-Enabled Mid-Market Treasury and Risk Management Applications 2023 Vendor Assessment. PRNewswire
- ToolsGroup (2023, Jul 13). ToolsGroup Launches Dynamic Fulfillment for Real-Time Order Fulfillment Optimization. News Direct
- Lamanna, C. (2022, Nov 14). Introducing the Microsoft Supply Chain Platform, a new approach to designing supply chains for agility, automation, and sustainability. Microsoft.com
- Featured Image by Carlos Muza
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