We implement both platforms. Here's our take on where each one excels and which might suit your organisation.
The short version
Anaplan is built for connected planning at scale. The Hyperblock engine handles complex multi-dimensional models linking finance, sales, supply chain, and workforce. It's the platform of choice when you need sophisticated planning across the enterprise.
Planful (formerly Host Analytics) has deep roots in financial consolidation and statutory reporting. The Excel-like interface means accountants feel at home. If your primary pain is close, consolidation, and management reporting, Planful is purpose-built for this.
This isn't a "which is better" question. It's about fit. We've recommended both, depending on what the client actually needs.
Feature comparison
| Anaplan | Planful | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary strength | Connected planning | Consolidation & close |
| User interface | Custom, learning curve | Excel-like, familiar |
| Implementation time | 3-9 months typical | 8-16 weeks typical |
| Financial consolidation | Capable | Native strength |
| Supply chain planning | Deep, established | Limited focus |
| Statutory reporting | Requires configuration | Out-of-the-box |
| Market position | Enterprise leader | Strong in mid-enterprise |
| AI capabilities | Anaplan Intelligence | Planful Predict |
AI capabilities
Both vendors are investing in AI, though the maturity and focus differ.
Role-based AI agents for Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, and Workforce. CoModeler generates model structures from requirements. PlanIQ provides time-series forecasting. Deeply integrated across the platform.
Machine learning for anomaly detection and automated insights. Signals flag unusual patterns in financial data. Focused on finance use cases rather than operational planning. Integrated into the consolidation workflow.
Anaplan's AI is broader in scope, covering operational as well as financial planning. Planful's is more focused on financial close and reporting - detecting anomalies and surfacing insights during the processes accountants actually run.
When to choose
You need finance, sales, operations, and workforce to plan together in real time. Anaplan's Hyperblock engine was built for this kind of connected, enterprise-wide planning.
Demand planning, inventory optimisation, S&OP. Anaplan has deep supply chain heritage that Planful doesn't claim. For manufacturers and retailers, this often tips the decision.
If you want maximum flexibility to design custom planning logic, Anaplan's modelling language gives you that freedom. Power users love it; occasional users find it challenging.
Territory planning, commission calculations, capacity modelling - Anaplan's flexibility handles use cases that don't fit neatly into standard FP&A workflows.
When to choose
Intercompany eliminations, currency translation, minority interest calculations. Planful was built by accountants for accountants. If close and consolidation dominate your workload, it's a natural fit.
Planful's interface feels like Excel. Same formulas, same formatting concepts. If your finance team pushes back on new tools, this familiarity reduces adoption friction.
GAAP, IFRS, local statutory requirements. Planful's reporting capabilities are designed around audit requirements and compliance workflows out of the box.
For focused FP&A and consolidation use cases, Planful often represents strong value. You're not paying for supply chain modules you won't use.
The honest truth
Building custom models from scratch takes time and expertise. The platform doesn't force structure, which means you need good governance or things get messy fast.
Excellent at what it does, but if you later need sales territory planning or supply chain optimisation, you'll outgrow it. Think about where you'll be in 3-5 years.
Anaplan has more implementation partners globally - more choice, but varying quality. Planful's ecosystem is smaller but often with deeper finance expertise.
Planful users can often become productive in days. Anaplan model builders need significant training investment. Factor this into your total cost of ownership.
On pricing
Planful is generally positioned as more accessible than Anaplan, but actual pricing depends heavily on scope. A focused Planful deployment for budgeting and consolidation may cost significantly less than an equivalent Anaplan implementation.
But the comparison isn't always apples to apples. If you need connected planning across sales, supply chain, and finance, Anaplan might be the only option that delivers - and then price comparison is moot.
Get specific quotes for your requirements. Factor in implementation and ongoing admin costs, not just license fees. The cheaper license doesn't always mean lower total cost of ownership.
Alternative paths
Sometimes neither Anaplan nor Planful fits.
You want modern UX and fast implementation. Pigment offers a more contemporary interface and typically faster time to value. Worth considering if user adoption is your primary concern.
You have legacy TM1 investments. IBM Planning Analytics might extend what you have rather than replacing it. The TM1 engine is powerful if you have the expertise to run it.
Your needs are straightforward. Excel with proper structure, or a simpler tool like Adaptive Insights, might be enough. Don't buy enterprise EPM for problems that don't require it.
How to decide
Is this about consolidation and close? Or connected planning across departments? The answer often points clearly to one platform over the other.
Test with your actual data and processes. Demo environments with clean data hide the real challenges you'll face.
Do you have or want to develop model building expertise? Or do you need something your existing finance team can run without specialist skills?
Where will you be in three years? If you'll need supply chain planning, choosing Planful now creates a future migration problem.
Questions
We implement both platforms and can give you objective guidance based on your specific requirements. No agenda - just honest advice.