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Anaplan is a powerful tool that allows businesses to build comprehensive planning models which connect all areas of the business. An Anaplan Model Builder is a professional who creates, enhances, and maintains models in Anaplan. The models that they create can be used for a variety of purposes, such as Finance, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, and Workforce Planning. But what does that mean, exactly? And what skills do you need to be an Anaplan model builder? In this article, we'll explore those questions and more.
What is Anaplan and what does it do?
Anaplan is a cloud-based planning and modeling platform allowing businesses to connect data, people, and plans in an intelligent way to help organizations make better decisions. Anaplan's platform enables organizations to build models that are powered by live data and can be used to answer a variety of questions, from "What if?" scenarios to real-time planning.
Anaplan is used by a variety of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises, in a variety of industries, such as Life Sciences and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG). Organizations use the software to budget, forecast, and model their business data. They can connect disparate data sources, build models and simulations, and collaborate in real time to make informed decisions, improve collaboration, and optimize business processes.
Anaplan's modeling language is designed to be easy to use for business users, and the platform provides a variety of features that make it simple to build and deploy models. As a result, Anaplan is an attractive platform for organizations that are looking to improve their planning and forecasting processes.
The role of an Anaplan Model Builder
Anaplan Model Builders play a vital role in Anaplan implementations. As the name suggests, Model Builders are responsible for building and managing Anaplan models. This person works with clients and/or internal team members to gather requirements and build models that meet those requirements. This includes everything from creating data inputs and outputs to designing calculations and mapping out business processes. In order to build an effective Anaplan model, Model Builders need to have a strong understanding of both the Anaplan platform and the specific business processes that they are trying to model.
Model Builders work closely with business users in order to understand their specific needs and requirements. By working collaboratively with business users, Model Builders can ensure that the models they build are fit for purpose and meet the specific requirements of the business.
What skills are needed for the role?
To be a Model Builder, you need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You must be able to understand complex business problems and design Anaplan models that accurately capture the complexities of those problems. In addition to technical expertise and problem-solving skills, Anaplan Model Builders must also have strong communication and project management skills. This enables them to not only build high-quality models but also to manage the expectations of the project stakeholders to ensure that the implementation process runs smoothly. Model Builders also need to be able to clearly communicate with non-technical stakeholders.
Another important skill is the ability to work effectively in a team environment, as model builders will often collaborate with other business users to create and maintain successful Anaplan models. If you have these skills, then you may have what it takes to be an Anaplan Model Builder.
The day-to-day responsibilities of a model builder
As an Anaplan Model Builder, you will work with your project team to understand their planning challenges and requirements, and then build models to address those challenges. You will be responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and troubleshooting these models as things change over time. You will also be responsible for providing training for new model builders and business users. The ultimate goal of an Anaplan model builder is to help your team and/or customers get the most value out of the Anaplan platform.
Additional day-to-day responsibilities include:
Work closely with business users to understand business processes, requirements, and areas of improvement across the platform
Translate requirements into functional requirements and use cases
Craft and building Anaplan application models to support business processes
Configure and maintain Anaplan lists, modules, dashboards, actions, and other model settings to meet business needs
Building data flows to and from multiple systems and reconciling data
Train and coach other Anaplan end-users
Challenges and opportunities in the role
As an Anaplan Model Builder, you will be responsible for designing and implementing models. Since Anaplan is a constantly evolving tool, it is important to stay up-to-date with new features and functionality in order to be able to provide the best possible solutions for end users.
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the model is accurate and built with best practices. This requires a deep understanding of the Anaplan platform’s functionality and the ability to think creatively about how best to utilize its features, as well as a deep understanding of the business itself.
While the role of Model Builder can be challenging, it also provides an opportunity to make a real difference in the way that organizations function. With careful planning and execution, you can help your company and/or clients to optimize their use of Anaplan and realize its value. Ultimately, you will have the chance to help businesses unlock the full potential of Anaplan and drive real improvements across their operations.
How to become an Anaplan Certified Model Builder
An Anaplan Model Certification may boost your resume significantly if you work in a role that requires business modeling, such as financial planning or sales performance management. Becoming a Certified Model Builder is a great way to build your expertise in Anaplan and show potential employers that you have the skillset they are looking for. The process of becoming a Certified Model Builder is not overly complicated, but it does require passing a written exam and a practical modeling exercise. For those who are up for the challenge, the rewards of becoming a Certified Model Builder are well worth the effort.
The certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam challenges an individual's knowledge of Anaplan concepts, features, and functions. And the practical exam tests an individual's ability to build an Anaplan model from scratch. After passing the Anaplan Model Builder certification exam, you will receive a digital badge that can be shared on social media and included in your email signature. You will also gain access to the Anaplanners LinkedIn group, where you can network with other Anaplanner-certified individuals.
How to get started
Anaplan is quickly becoming one of the most popular business intelligence tools on the market and Model Builders are in high demand! Not only are businesses across the country hiring Model Builders to work in their internal Centers of Excellence, but also Anaplan implementation partners, like Twelve Consulting Group, are seeking Model Builders to work across a variety of customers, industries and use cases.
If you have an aptitude for mathematics and logical reasoning, and you enjoy working with data, then a career as an Anaplan Model Builder could be a great fit for you. To get started on your path to becoming an Anaplan Model Builder today, register for our Level 1 Model Builder Course!