Written by Mike Bernaiche, August 15th, 2024

n the ever-evolving landscape of business intelligence and planning analytics, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. One significant shift that many organizations are making is moving from IBM Cognos TM1 Perspectives to PAFE (Planning Analytics for Excel). This transition is a technological upgrade and a strategic move towards more efficient, user-friendly, and powerful planning and analysis capabilities. Let’s explore why this shift is important and how it can benefit your organization.

Key item to note, IBM has announced the end of support for Planning Analytics 2.0 for April 2025.  All customers will need to upgrade to Planning Analytics 2.1 by April to continue with support from IBM.  You can read about this in detail in this blog.  End of Support for Planning Analytics 2.0.9 - Lodestar Solutions.  In short, older tools are going away including Architect and Perspectives.  The need to plan your migration from Perspectives to PAFE is even more important.

Understanding the Basics

Perspectives has been a reliable tool for many years, providing robust functionality for TM1 users. However, as business needs grow and technology advances, the limitations of Perspectives become more apparent. Enter Planning Analytics for Excel (PAFE), a modern, intuitive, and feature-rich solution designed to enhance the user experience and streamline planning processes.

Key Benefits of Moving to PAFE

1. Enhanced User Experience: PAFE offers a more intuitive and user-friendly interface compared to Perspectives. The ribbon-based interface in Excel makes it easier for users to navigate and utilize the tool effectively.
2. Improved Performance: PAFE is built on a more modern architecture, which means better performance and faster processing times. This is particularly beneficial for handling large datasets and complex calculations.
3. Advanced Features: PAFE introduces several advanced features that are not available in Perspectives. These include dynamic reports, sandboxing for scenario analysis, and integration with other IBM Planning Analytics components.
4. Seamless Integration: PAFE integrates seamlessly with other IBM Planning Analytics tools, providing a unified platform for all your planning and analytics needs. This integration ensures that data flows smoothly between different components, enhancing overall efficiency.
5. Future-Proofing: As IBM continues to develop and enhance Planning Analytics, PAFE will receive regular updates and new features. By transitioning to PAFE, you ensure that your organization stays current with the latest advancements in planning analytics technology.

Here is a great link to all the report types available in PAFE. Planning Analytics for Microsoft Excel report types - IBM Documentation

Steps to Transition from Perspectives to PAFE

1. Assessment and Planning: Begin by assessing your current use of Perspectives and identifying the key functionalities and reports that need to be migrated. Develop a detailed transition plan that outlines the steps, timeline, and resources required.
2. Training and Support: Provide training for your users to familiarize them with PAFE. IBM offers various resources, including tutorials, documentation, and support forums, to help users get up to speed.
3. Data Migration: Migrate your existing data and reports from Perspectives to PAFE. This may involve re-creating some reports and adjusting data connections to ensure compatibility with PAFE.
4. Testing and Validation: Thoroughly test the migrated reports and data to ensure accuracy and performance. Validate that all functionalities are working as expected and make any necessary adjustments.
5. Go Live and Monitor: Once everything is in place, go live with PAFE and monitor the transition closely. Gather feedback from users and address any issues promptly to ensure a smooth transition.

Here is a very important link to the steps to make this transition. Moving from IBM TM1 Perspectives to IBM Planning Analytics for Microsoft Excel - IBM Documentation

Conclusion

Transitioning from Perspectives to Planning Analytics for Excel is a strategic move that can significantly enhance your organization’s planning and analytics capabilities. With its improved performance, advanced features, and seamless integration, PAFE offers a future-proof solution that meets the evolving needs of modern businesses. By following a structured transition plan and providing adequate training and support, you can ensure a successful migration and unlock the full potential of PAFE.

Here is a link to everything in PAFE, including everything added recently. Planning Analytics for Microsoft Excel - IBM Documentation

Reach out to us at services@lodestarsolutions.com to discuss your plan and migration from Perspectives to PAFE.