Alert Model Builders of Incorrect Formulas/References Prior to Testing

Description:As a model builder, there are plenty of times where formulas or references to other modules are incorrect either by mistake/typo or due to lack of understanding formula syntax. Based on our model size, we have to allow ample time for Anaplan to return the error summary, even in test models. It would be great to have an alert when typing a formula (based on line item formatting, module structure, etc.) that helps us rewrite or reconsider the final formula before trying to push it through and watching the model 'spin' for a while.

Example of Enhancement:When line item formatting is inconsistent with the end formula/reference, the border of the formula bar will remain red. This should pick up on basic errors such as mismatched lists or typos. Once the red border is eliminated, the model builder is assured this formula will be processed correctly.

收益/影响:The benefit here would be to reduce time waiting for errors to populate and would help guide all model builders in writing formulas correctly.

17 Comments
Miran
SuperContributor
Status changed to:Your support is needed
Rebecca
Valued Contributor
Status changed to:Under Investigation
Rebecca
Valued Contributor
Status changed to:On Roadmap
schulze
Contributor

I was recently at an offsite team meeting. This was one of the most asked for enhancements.

JP
Occasional Contributor
Occasional Contributor

One extension:

For a simple format mismatch, please, offer a solution directly:

Evaluate beforehand and offer to switch the line item to current formula's expected format, as the error checking already understands the format of the calculation result!

schulze
Contributor

Good point.

Fwolf
Certified Master Anaplanner

I agree! I would love to have a formula compiler before submitting.

While they are working on adding this into Anaplan there are things you can do as a model builder to reduce the time of the model roleback you refer to above

- Always think through your formula before submitting it. Ie. Check the format of the line item, type the formula in a text editor and then paste into Anaplan

- Always use a development model so end users don't experience the roll back of the model while making changes

——按照建模最佳实践s to make your model simplier which should decrease rollback time

- Anaplan professional services team can help provide a model review and model open analysis to detect what might be causing the long rollback - Reach out to your business partner to schedule this.

DeveloperCYT
SuperContributor

Hi,

We have a return time (On error in formula) of approx 12 minutes!

It is not always possible to get the formula 100% correct, and mistakes will happen, but waiting over 12 minutes because you forgot to change a field to Boolean from number is really really really frustrating.

Can there not be a syntax check on formulae BEFORE it tries to operate the procedure?????

Miran
SuperContributor
Status changed to:Your support is needed
dkolka
Contributor

Hi,

Good news. A request for similar if not the same functionality is already on the roadmap.

Alert Model Builders of Incorrect Formulas/References Prior to Testing

如果需要,请阅读和评论。

问候,

Dave

schulze
Contributor

I agree with Frankie on all her points and would like to highlight using a development model. As in any software system, smaller is faster and development environments should be kept smaller for that very reason. In Anaplan, reducing larger lists to sample sets, as compared to test and production, will result in shorter rollback times.

DeveloperCYT
SuperContributor

这只能是个好消息。我使用开发模型测试非常小的公式,并且有10秒的返回时间。但是有时候这是简单的事情,我忘了将格式更改为列表,不得不等待16分钟才能回报。...16分钟后,我忘记了自己在做什么。

Rebecca
Valued Contributor
Status changed to:New
Rebecca
Valued Contributor
Status changed to:Under Investigation
Rebecca
Valued Contributor
Status changed to:Considered for Future Roadmap
Rebecca
Valued Contributor
Status changed to:On Roadmap
wwood
Occasional Contributor

Another vote for this.