We work with both platforms. Here's what we've learned from 30+ implementations about when each one makes sense.
The short version
Anaplan is the enterprise standard. Mature, powerful, handles extreme complexity. The Hyperblock engine excels at connected planning across finance, sales, supply chain, and workforce. The interface takes getting used to, but the modelling capability is exceptional.
Pigment is the modern challenger. Intuitive interface, faster implementations, finance teams genuinely enjoy using it. Native AI capabilities are impressive. Growing fast with customers like Figma, Gong, and Unilever.
Neither is universally "better." The right choice depends on your specific situation, which is why we work with both.
Feature comparison
| Anaplan | Pigment | |
|---|---|---|
| User interface | Functional, learning curve | Modern, intuitive |
| Implementation time | 3-9 months typical | 6-12 weeks typical |
| Annual license cost | Varies by scope | Varies by scope |
| Complex modelling | Exceptional depth | Strong, improving |
| Supply chain planning | Deep, established | Capable, growing |
| User adoption | Requires training investment | Higher natural adoption |
| Market maturity | 20 years, battle-tested | Younger, fast-growing |
| AI capabilities | Anaplan Intelligence | Native agentic AI |
AI capabilities
Both platforms are investing heavily in AI. The approaches differ, but both are genuinely useful - not just marketing buzzwords.
Role-based AI agents for Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, and Workforce functions. CoModeler turns business requirements into models you can build and optimise. Predictive and generative capabilities across the platform.
Native AI built into the platform from the ground up. Natural language queries generate dashboards instantly. Auto-detection of significant metric changes. Full explainability - every AI action is visible and traceable.
Our take: both platforms have strong AI that's actually useful. Anaplan's approach is more structured around specific roles. Pigment's feels more integrated into the daily workflow. Neither should be the primary factor in your decision - the core planning functionality matters more.
When to choose
Finance, sales, supply chain, workforce - all in one platform with real-time connections. Anaplan's Hyperblock engine handles this complexity natively.
Demand planning, inventory optimisation, S&OP processes. Anaplan has deeper supply chain heritage and more mature functionality in this space.
At enterprise scale, Anaplan's governance, security, and permission models are more sophisticated. The complexity is worth it when you need it.
Fortune 500 company with risk-averse IT? Anaplan has 20 years of enterprise deployments to point to. That matters for procurement sign-off.
When to choose
If your previous EPM tool failed because people wouldn't use it, Pigment's interface is a genuine differentiator. Finance teams actually want to log in. G2 and Gartner ratings back this up.
Investor deadline in 10 weeks? PE owners want a forecast next month? Pigment implementations move faster without sacrificing quality.
ARR modelling, cohort analysis, churn forecasting. Pigment's subscription revenue templates are genuinely useful out of the box. Customers like Figma and Gong chose it for a reason.
Built cloud-native with 30+ integrations. Real-time collaboration feels natural. If you're building a modern finance tech stack, Pigment fits the pattern.
The honest truth
You can build almost anything in Anaplan. But that flexibility means steeper learning curves and higher dependency on skilled model builders. Don't underestimate ongoing maintenance costs.
New features every quarter is exciting. It also means the platform you evaluate today might change significantly. Some enterprises find this unsettling; others see it as an advantage.
Anaplan has hundreds of implementation partners globally. Finding talent is easier. Pigment's ecosystem is smaller - great partners exist, but fewer options overall.
Once you're invested in either platform, migration is painful. Choose carefully upfront. A proof of concept with your actual data is worth the investment.
On pricing
Neither vendor publishes pricing, and for good reason - it varies enormously based on users, data volume, modules, and negotiation. We've seen Anaplan deals at £80k and £800k. Same with Pigment.
The honest answer: for comparable scope, licensing costs are often similar. The bigger cost difference is usually in implementation - Pigment's faster deployment means lower professional services spend. But that gap narrows for complex projects.
Don't choose based on list price assumptions. Get actual quotes for your specific requirements, and factor in implementation and ongoing admin costs.
Alternative paths
Sometimes the answer isn't Anaplan or Pigment. It's something else entirely.
You need consolidation, not planning. If your primary pain is statutory consolidation and close, Planful or Oracle EPM might be better fits. They were built for accountants, and it shows.
Your Excel actually works fine. If you have under 50 planning users and your current spreadsheets are well-structured, you might not need EPM software yet. Fix processes first, automate later.
You need a BI tool, not a planning tool. If the problem is reporting and dashboards rather than collaborative planning, Power BI or Tableau at a fraction of the cost might solve your actual problem.
We've talked clients out of both Anaplan and Pigment when simpler solutions made more sense. That's what vendor-neutral advice looks like.
How to decide
Not with demo data - with your actual messy data. See how each platform handles your specific requirements. This tells you more than any comparison guide.
A healthcare company's experience matters more than a manufacturing company's if you're in healthcare. Ask vendors for relevant references, then actually call them.
Partners who only know one platform will recommend that platform. Find someone who works with multiple tools and can give you genuinely objective guidance.
License fees are obvious. Implementation costs less so. Ongoing admin, model changes, training new staff - model the full picture before deciding.
Questions
We can walk you through the decision based on your specific requirements. No sales agenda - just honest advice from people who know both platforms well.