Continue # Infosys Whitepaper 
 to derive the data value is embedded  into the Excel cell such that the derived  value gets automatically calculated after  entering data in the first two kinds of fields Using such worksheets accelerates test  validation and promotes reusability of the  same Excel sheet to validate calculation  accuracy for multiple data sets, which is  important to maintain the test quality  : • Excel macros – To test the relevant formula  or calculation logic, replicate the Anaplan  dashboard using excel macros. This macro  can be reused for multiple data sets,  thereby accelerating and enhancing test  coverage  • Open source tools – Open source tools  like Selenium can be used to create  automation scripts either for a specific  functionality within the model or for  a specific dashboard. However, using  Selenium for Anaplan automation comes  with certain challenges such as:  › Automating the end-to-end scenario may  not be feasible since Anaplan requires  switching between multiple user roles to  complete the end-to-end flow  › The Anaplan application undergoes  frequent changes from the Anaplan  platform while changes in the model  build require constant changes in the  scripts › Some data validation in Anaplan may  require referencing other data sets  and applying calculation logic, which  may make the automation code very  complex, causing delays in running  the script 6. Ensure thorough   data validation  Anaplan can provision a secure platform  to perform strategic planning across  various domains. It provides flexibility  and consistency when handling complex  information from distinct data sources  from various departments within the  same organization. Identifying the correct  underlying data is crucial for successful  quality assurance of business processes  using the Anaplan model. There are two  key approaches when testing data in  Anaplan. These include: • User access level – Business process  requirements in some Anaplan models  allow only end-users with certain  access levels to view data and use it for  planning. For instance, a multi-region  sales planning model will include sales  planners from different sales regions  as end users. However, users should be  allowed to only view the sales, revenue  and other KPIs pertaining to their region  as it would be a security breach to  disclose the KPIs of other sales regions • Accuracy of data integrated from various  systems – When the data being tested  pertains to dollar amounts, for example,  sales revenue, it is critical to have a  thorough reconciliation of data against  the source because a variation of a few  dollars could lead to larger inaccuracies  or discrepancies when the same data  is rolled up the hierarchy or used to  calculate another data field Since most Anaplan models contain  business-critical numbers for financial  reporting, it is important to run thorough  tests to ensure accuracy.<|endoftext|>

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 External Document © 2018 Infosys Limited  {{   img-description: someone holds a tablet with cloud icons on it, in the style of streamlined forms, light sky-blue and black, daniel garber, emphasis on detail, use of common materials, light green and azure, traditional (top 50% height) }} 7. Integration testing  Integration testing should be an integral  part of the testing strategy for any Anaplan  application. Typically, there are multiple  integration points that may have to be  tested in an Anaplan implementation  program owing to: • Different data integration points –  Disparate data sets are imported  into the data hub and then into the  Anaplan models using different kinds  of integration options such as flat files,  Anaplan connect, Informatica, in-built  data import, etc.<|endoftext|>• Different Anaplan models – There may  be more than one Anaplan model being  implemented for a medium to large- scale organization for different kinds of  planning. These need to be integrated  with each other for smooth data flow.  For instance, the output of a model  built exclusively for sales forecasting  may be an important parameter for  another model that deals with sales  planning across an organization’s  regional sales territories. Thus, besides  testing the integration points between  these models, it is advisable to have  dedicated end-to-end cycle/sprint  testing with scenarios across all these  models and the integrated systems • Different data sets – The periodic  refresh of data sets used across Anaplan  models happens through Informatica,  manual refresh, tidal jobs, etc. QA  teams should understand how each  data set is refreshed, identify the  relevant job names and test these to  ensure that the latest active hierarchy  is periodically refreshed and loaded  into the model. This will eliminate  inaccuracies arising from data  redundancies owing to inactivation or  changes in the data structure in the  upstream systems Anaplan implementation programs  can be either standalone or inter- linked models. Irrespective of the type  of implementation, an approach that  follows the 7 best practices outlined in  this paper will help QA teams optimize  their strategy for Anaplan test projects.<|endoftext|>

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 External Document © 2018 Infosys Limited Conclusion  Anaplan’s cloud-based, enterprise-wide  and connected platform can help global  organizations improve their planning  processes across various business sectors.  The Anaplan model is a simple, integrated  solution that enables informed decision- making along with accelerated and  effective planning. The strategic approach  is one that leverages domain knowledge,  test data management, automation, data  validation, and integration testing, to  name a few. The Infosys 7-step approach  to effective Anaplan testing is based on  our extensive experience in implementing  Anaplan programs. It helps testing teams  benefit from the best strategy for QA  across various business functions, thereby  ensuring smooth business operations.<|endoftext|>External Document © 2018 Infosys Limited {{   img-description: two businessmen in business suits looking at a tablet device, in the style of light gray and teal, cultural documentation, orange and indigo, iso 200, george biddle, soft-focus, dotted (backgound) }} 

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 © 2018 Infosys Limited, Bengaluru, India. All Rights Reserved. Infosys believes the information in this document is accurate as of its publication date; such information is subject to change without notice. Infosys  acknowledges the proprietary rights of other companies to the trademarks, product names and such other intellectual property rights mentioned in this document. Except as expressly permitted, neither this  documentation nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, printing, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the  prior permission of Infosys Limited and/ or any named intellectual property rights holders under this document.  For more information, contact askus@infosys.com Infosys.com | NYSE: INFY Stay Connected References   https://www.anaplan.com    


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