IBM PLANNING ANALYTICS · BASICS

What is TM1?
PAW and PAfE
explained simply.

Three terms, one planning system. Learn how the TM1 database, the PAW web interface and the PAfE Excel add-in differ — and how they work together.

The short answer

TM1 stores and calculates the data. With PAW you work in the browser; with PAfE in Microsoft Excel. Both interfaces can access the same TM1 database.

Compare the components ↓See the practical example ↗

Florian KaiserIBM Planning Analytics consultant

AT A GLANCE

TM1, PAW and PAfE compared

IBM Planning Analytics is a solution for planning, analysis and reporting. These three terms describe different components of that solution.

Component	What is it?	Where do you use it?	Typical use
TM1The data foundation	Multidimensional in-memory database with calculation logic	In the background on the TM1 server	Store data, build planning models and calculate values
PAWIn the browser	Planning Analytics Workspace: a web-based interface	In a web browser	Dashboards, data entry, analysis and modelling
PAfEIn Excel	Planning Analytics for Microsoft Excel: an Excel add-in	In Microsoft Excel	Excel reports, analysis and planning data entry

The features available to you depend, among other things, on your permissions and environment.

HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER

Two ways in.
One shared data foundation.

Whether you work in the browser or in Excel, the business structure and central calculations reside in the TM1 model. PAW and PAfE make this data accessible through different ways of working.

The finance team can use its Excel reports while other users plan and analyse in a web dashboard.

PAWWeb browser

PAfEMicrosoft Excel

TM1 databaseData · Dimensions · Calculations

Simplified illustration of how the components work together

01

DATA & CALCULATIONS

What is TM1 — and what is a TM1 database?

TM1 is the multidimensional in-memory database behind IBM Planning Analytics. “In-memory” means that data is held in RAM for processing. TM1 organises data in Cubes, with dimensions representing, for example, months, products, regions and measures.

A revenue value therefore belongs to more than just a row: it can be associated with a particular product, month and region. Calculation rules can define relationships such as Revenue = Sales volume × Price in the model.

A “TM1 model” includes not only cubes, but also dimensions, rules and processes for handling data.

Related guide: Create cubes →

02

WORKING IN THE BROWSER

What is PAW?

PAW stands for Planning Analytics Workspace. It is the web-based interface of IBM Planning Analytics. You can analyse data in tables and charts, create dashboards and — with the appropriate permissions — enter planning values.

PAW also provides modelling and administration tools. For example, modellers can edit cubes and dimensions or develop rules and processes. The options available depend on their roles and permissions.

Typical use: A sales manager opens a dashboard in the browser, selects a region and compares actual revenue with the plan.

03

WORKING IN EXCEL

What is PAfE?

PAfE stands for Planning Analytics for Microsoft Excel. The add-in connects Microsoft Excel to IBM Planning Analytics data. You can analyse data, build reports and use Excel as your planning interface.

PAfE does more than display exported data: authorised users can use suitable reports or functions to write values back to writable cells in the TM1 model. This connects a familiar Excel workflow to a central data model.

Typical use: The finance team creates a monthly report in Excel and compares actuals, budget and forecast.

Practical tip: Mouse pointer missing in PAfE? →

A PLANNING EXAMPLE

One revenue plan. All three in use.

Imagine a company planning revenue by month, product and region. The tasks could be divided as follows:

1

TM1 · MODEL

Build the foundation

The TM1 model stores sales volumes and prices. A rule calculates revenue from them. Months, products and regions form the dimensions of the cube.

2

PAfE · DATA ENTRY

Maintain planning values in Excel

The finance team opens a suitable PAfE report and writes planned sales volumes back to the TM1 model.

3

PAW · ANALYSIS

Review results in the browser

The sales team retrieves the saved values in PAW and analyses planned revenue by region, using the same data foundation.

Good to know

A shared data foundation does not mean that every open view refreshes itself immediately. Entries must be saved in the model; other views may need to retrieve the latest values again.

WHAT FITS YOUR WORK?

PAW or PAfE?

The key is how you want to work. Both interfaces can complement each other within a Planning Analytics environment.

PAW

You want to work in the browser.

PAW is a suitable option for shared dashboards, guided planning forms and analysis without an Excel interface.

PAfE

Excel is part of your daily work.

If you build reports or enter planning values in Excel, PAfE connects that way of working to the central TM1 model.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Any questions?

Is TM1 the same as IBM Planning Analytics?

The terms are often closely associated in everyday use. More precisely, TM1 refers to the database technology. IBM Planning Analytics is the broader solution, which also includes interfaces such as PAW and PAfE.

Is PAW only intended for dashboards?

No. Alongside dashboards and analysis, PAW supports planning data entry, modelling and administration. The available features depend on your role, permissions and environment.

Can I write data back to TM1 with PAfE?

Yes. With appropriate permissions, suitable PAfE reports and functions can write values back to writable cells. A calculated cell cannot simply be overwritten like a normal input cell.

Do I need PAW and PAfE at the same time?

Not every user needs both interfaces for daily work. Some tasks are handled entirely in PAW, others in PAfE. The appropriate combination depends on your planning and reporting processes.

How do I find out which version I am using?

Version information is located in different places for each component. My guide to checking Planning Analytics versions walks you through the steps.

Florian KaiserPlanning Analytics consultant

FROM EXPLANATION TO PRACTICE

How does this fit your planning?

Want to introduce IBM Planning Analytics, develop your TM1 model or improve how you work with PAW and PAfE? I can support your implementation.

Discuss your project ↗kontakt@florian-kaiser-consulting.de

Further IBM documentation

Further information directly from IBM. Names and individual features may vary by version.