Release Updates

With this release, users can share multiple Block templates with budget managers using the Share Template option. Once shared, budget managers can find the templates in the Open Items tab in the Budget Manager Experience view.

When budget managers open Block templates in the Budget Manager Experience view or access them via a copied link or email, the templates will now open in the Full Experience view. Budget managers can review and mark the task as complete directly within this view. Once the task is completed in the Full Experience view, the status will automatically update in the Budget Manager Experience view. 

Note:

Only the budget managers who open the Block template through the Budget Manager Experience view, Copy Link, or Email can complete the task in the Full Experience view.

To share the Block templates with Budget Managers, refer to Sharing Templates with Budget Managers.

How to Review Shared Block Templates?

Perform the following steps to review Block templates:

1. Log in to Budget Manager Experience and navigate to the Open Items tab.

2. Go to the desired Block template and click Open.
   
   
   The Block template opens in the Full Experience view.

3. Once reviewed, click I’m Done to complete the task.
   

   
   The action task will be marked as complete and moved to the Completed tab in the Budget Manager Experience Home Page.
   
   
   You can also find the templates that were opened in the Recent Items panel.

We have introduced the New Template Setup Experience - a streamlined and enhanced interface for setting up planning templates. This enhancement includes streamlined mapping, improved performance, rollup and leaf member selection support within history and reference account mappings, and a new Hide option to control row visibility. These updates help accelerate the setup process and provide greater flexibility when creating and managing planning templates.

Notes:

• By default, the new Template experience is enabled for customers who joined Planful after May 2025.

• Existing customers can contact Planful Support to enable this feature.

• The new template experience is applicable to Global Template Single Copy (GTSC), Global Template Entity Copy (GTEC), and Allocation Template.

The New Template Experience includes the following:

• Improved Mapping Selection: Users can now seamlessly switch between Destination Account, Reference Account, and Reference Cube mappings using the new Column J, which is directly accessible in each row.

  

• History Mapping for Destination Account: Historical data can be mapped to the Destination Accounts to ensure that the data is associated with the appropriate accounts.

  

• Rollup + Leaf Member Selection: Users can now select rollup and leaf members from hierarchies when performing history and reference account mapping, providing greater flexibility.

  
  

  • Copy Down: Use the Copy Down option to quickly duplicate values within the same column, reducing repetitive input and saving time.
    

    
    

• Reference Account / History Mappings Threshold: To ensure optimal performance, the system now enforces a threshold limit of 300,000 mapping combinations per template across reference and history mappings.

• Hide - Row Visibility Controls: Administrators can now control the Input/View mode in the Planning Control Panel by hiding rows with no data or only zeros using new Hide options in templates. The following options can be selected individually or in combination:

  • No History Data

  • No Compare Scenarios Data

  • No Current Scenario Data

    
    

    Notes:

    • The Hide options for the new Template Experience are only applicable for GTSC and Allocation templates. However, if you have selected the Enable Expedited Loading checkbox in the Template Setup settings, the Hide options will not be visible.

    • Rows will be hidden only when all selected columns are empty or zero. Header rows always remain visible. Hide settings apply when copying or seeding scenarios but are not applied during exports or email.

Limitations:

• This update does not apply to 13-period templates or templates in Shared Mode.

• AirliftXL will not be supported.

• Wildcard characters are not supported. Existing wildcard mappings will be expanded to the matching segment leaf members.

To learn more about the new template experience, click here.

Introducing the Hide feature in Templates. Easily hide rows with no data or zeros in GTSC and Allocation templates for a cleaner view in the Input/View mode of the Planning Control Panel!

Administrators can manage the visibility of rows in the Input/View mode of the Planning Control Panel using the Hide feature available in Template Setup. This functionality allows rows with no data or only zeros to be hidden, helping users focus on relevant data during planning.

Note:

Hide option is applicable only to GTSC and Allocation Templates. However, if you have selected the Enable Expedited Loading checkbox in the Template Setup settings, the Hide options will not be visible.

The following Hide options are available:

• No History Data

• No Compare Scenarios Data

• No Current Scenario Data

  

When one or more of these checkboxes are selected, rows that contain no data or only zeros in the corresponding columns will be hidden in Input/View mode.

Each Hide option functions independently. Administrators can select one or multiple options simultaneously. When multiple options are selected, rows will only be hidden if all selected columns have no data or contain only zeros. If at least one selected column contains data, the row remains visible.

For example:

• If you select only one option (e.g., No History Data), rows without History Data will be hidden.

• If you select multiple options (e.g., No History Data and No Compare Scenarios Data), a row will be visible if it contains data in at least one of the selected columns

Impact on Input/View mode in Planning Control Panel

When the checkbox is selected, the corresponding rows in Input and View Modes within the Planning Control Panel will be hidden.

• Users can still select or unselect the checkbox to show or hide data as needed in Input/View mode.

• If there is a change in Template Setup, it will override any selections made in Input Mode.

Notes:

• This Hide feature operates independently from the existing Hidden functionality.

• Header rows always remain visible, regardless of Hide selections.

• Row hide settings are applied when copying or seeding scenarios.

• Row hide settings are not applied during exports or when sending via email.

With this release, we've introduced the new Planned Action column within the Employee Roster, providing clear visibility into workforce planning actions taken on employees. Click here to learn more about the Actions menu.

Previously, it was difficult to identify an employee’s planning status at a glance. With this update, you can now easily see the current action associated with an employee, streamlining workforce management and supporting more informed decision-making.

What You’ll See in the Planned Action Column

The column will display one of the following planning actions (if applicable):

• Backfill

• Promotion

• Transfer Out

• Transfer In

• Termination

Employees who do not have any planning actions applied will show a blank value in this column.

Sorting and Export Support

The Planned Action column supports:

• Sorting directly within the Employee Roster for easier organization and review.
  
  

• Inclusion in exported roster reports using the Export to Excel option in the More menu, thus ensuring consistent visibility both within the application and offline.
  

Where Else You Can View Planned Action

The Planned Action status isn’t limited to just the Employee Roster—it’s now also available in:

Advanced Search

A new Planned Actions filter has been added to the Advanced Search window, allowing you to search and filter employees by their current planning status. You can select all or none, or choose specific planned actions.

Available options include:

• Select All: Includes all employees, regardless of planned actions.

• None: Filters for employees with no planned actions assigned.

• Backfill: Indicates a planned replacement for an existing vacancy.

• Promotion: Indicates a planned advancement to a higher-level position.

• Transfer Out: Indicates a planned move out of the current department or business unit.

• Transfer In: Indicates a planned move into a new department or business unit.

• Termination: Indicates a planned separation from the organization.

You can select one or multiple actions (e.g., Termination, Transfer In) to refine your search results.

This filter works seamlessly alongside all existing Advanced Search options. Click here to learn about Advanced Search.

Note:

The Actions menu must be enabled in your application for the Planned Actions filter to appear in Advanced Search. Contact your Planful Account Manager for assistance.

With this release, we’ve added Position Description, a system-defined attribute to enhance the Custom Compensation feature, which can be used when defining custom formulas.

This enhancement enables greater flexibility for HR and Finance teams to define dynamic compensation rules based on employee roles. Click here to learn more about Custom Compensation.

What is It

Position Description is a read-only attribute that can be used in custom compensation expressions to reference an employee's job title or role (e.g., "Director", "Senior Engineer").
It enables logic-driven compensation outcomes, like assigning bonuses or adjusting salaries based on job functions.

Notes:

• This attribute is only available within the Expression Builder.

• It is not visible in the Workforce Attributes list.

• It cannot be edited or renamed.

Using this Attribute in Custom Compensation

To use Position Description in custom formula:

• Type @ in the expression editor and start typing Position Description to search and select it.

• Or scroll through the Attributes menu and select Position Description.

Syntax

Attr[Position Description]

Let's understand this with a use case

Use Case: Assign Bonus Based on Position

To determine bonus eligibility based on position and performance, the HR team wants to ensure that only Director-level or above employees receive a performance-based bonus.

The system should evaluate both the employee’s role and their performance rating before awarding the bonus.

Example condition: Bonus is awarded when the employee’s Position Description is "Director" and their performance rating exceeds 90. When this condition is met, the system will apply a bonus equal to 20% of the employee’s base salary.

Example outcome: If an employee holds the role of "Director" and has a performance rating of 92, they would receive a bonus equal to 20% of their base salary.

Additional Use Cases

With this release, we've introduced the new Backfill feature, allowing you to track and directly replace terminated employees seamlessly. This functionality enables organizations to identify which new hires are serving as replacements for departing employees.

The Backfill action creates a Backfill employee profile while terminating an employee with key fields pre-filled from the terminated employee profile, reducing manual entry and ensuring continuity in planning.

This enhancement improves:

• Headcount Planning: Track replacements versus new hires.

• Attrition Analysis: Monitor turnover and time-to-fill gaps.

• Forecast Accuracy: Improve salary and benefits planning with precise workforce movements.

• Reporting: Use the Backfill attribute for deeper analysis in Workforce reports.

Note:

You must have the Actions menu enabled in your application to perform this action. Click here to learn more about the Actions menu. If it is not enabled, contact your Planful Account Manager to get it enabled.

How to Perform Backfill Action

To perform the Backfill action, do the following:

1. Navigate to Maintenance > Workforce > Workforce Planning Setup > Employees tab.

   1. Alternatively, you can navigate to Structured Planning and open the Planning Control Panel. Then, select the Scenario, Entity, HR - Workforce Planning template, and open it in Input mode.

2. If opened through Maintenance, select the Scenario and Budget Entity. The employee roster displays all employees.

   1. If opened from the Planning Control Panel, the roster automatically displays employees mapped to the pre-selected scenario.

3. Search for the employee and click the Employee Number link from the roster to open the employee profile. The employee profile appears.

4. On the Employee Profile, click the Actions Menu and select Terminate.
   The Termination pop-up appears.

5. Enter the termination date in the Date field.

6. Click Proceed.
   
   You will return to the employee profile, where you will see:

   1. A disabled Actions menu.

   2. A Termination label with Revert Termination and Update Termination Date options.

   3. A non-editable Schedule value with the termination date.

   4. Two options: Save or Save & Backfill.
      

If you select Save & Backfill

1. Click Save & Backfill. A new employee profile is created with the label Backfill and name format:
   Backfill of <Employee Name>. You will be directed to this new profile.

   Note:

   • The backfill employee profile will default to the following values from the terminated employee profile:

     • Employee Type

     • Pay Plan

     • Salary Class

     • Bonus Rate (BR%)

     • Position Start Date (PSD)

     • Review %

2. Modify the details such as Name, Hire Date, and Employee Number.

   Note:

   The Position Start Date cannot be manually edited as it automatically aligns with the effective date of the associated advanced action (such as Hire, Promotion, or Backfill).

3. Fill in all required fields and click Save.
   You will now see:

   1. The Actions menu

   2. The Backfill label

   3. A Schedule value with the selected hire date (non-editable)
      
      

If you click Save

1. Click Save. This completes the Terminate action without immediately creating a backfill. On the same terminated employee profile, you will now see a Create Backfill button.
   
   

2. Click Create Backfill. A new employee profile will be created using the same format and pre-filled values listed above.

3. Enter the Hire Date, update the Employee Number and name, and complete the required fields.

   Note:

   The Position Start Date cannot be manually edited as it automatically aligns with the effective date of the associated workforce action (such as Hire, Promotion, or Backfill).

4. Click Save.
   You will now see:

   • The Actions menu

   • The Backfill label (as is)

   • A Schedule value with the selected hire date (non-editable)

Important Notes

• If a backfill has already been created for a terminated employee, you will not see the Save and Backfill button when editing the termination.
  Additionally, the Create Backfill button will be turned off since a backfill already exists.
  

• You can only update the Termination Date on the original employee profile where the Terminate action was performed and a backfill has been created.
  In this case, only the Update Termination Date icon will be available, and you cannot delete it.

• Revoking or Deleting a Termination
  To revoke or delete a termination:

  1. You must first delete the associated backfill employee profile.

  2. Once the backfill is removed, the Revert Termination icon will become available, allowing you to proceed to revoke termination.
     
     

• Deleting a Backfill Profile
  When attempting to delete a backfill employee profile, a confirmation message will appear, informing you that this backfill is linked to another employee profile.
  This ensures you're aware of the relationship before proceeding with deletion.
  

With this release, Dynamic Planning has been enhanced to support non-numeric fields such as comments, dates, and other qualitative measures, bringing more flexibility to your planning models, reports, and workflows. This robust and extensible solution allows you to capture and manage a broader range of data types seamlessly.

You can now enter qualitative data directly into the platform, eliminating the need for cell comments. This enhancement represents a significant step forward—simplifying workflows, improving collaboration, and delivering a more powerful and flexible planning experience.

Notes:

• To access non-numeric measures, contact Planful Support to enable it.

• After Planful Support enables it, you must turn on the Enable System Measure flag to set up a non-numeric measure and to view it.

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Flexibility in Planning Models: Add comments, notes, and other text-based inputs into planning models—no need to rely on spreadsheets. Supports both single-value and multi-value formats.

• Better Collaboration Across Teams: Enable finance, operations, and other stakeholders to leave meaningful annotations within the same planning workflow.

• Support Numeric and Non-numeric Data: Combine numeric and non-numeric data in a single model for a more holistic view of your planning process.

• Fewer Workarounds & Manual Steps: Reduce dependency on Excel exports for textual inputs, saving time and avoiding version control issues.

• Out-of-the-Box Use Cases: Built-in support for common needs such as Comments, Notes, and Variance Analysis, making setup faster.

How to Setup and Configure

To enable non-numeric fields:

1. Contact Planful Support to activate the feature.

2. Turn on the Enable System Measure flag within SpotlightXL under Model > Setup.

3. Select Non-Numeric as the field type and choose from predefined types (e.g., Comments, Notes, or Variance Analysis).

4. Specify field format as text or date.

   

   
   

For more information about non-numeric fields, refer to the Non-Numeric Fields.

Notes:

• Editing non-numeric fields directly from Data History is not yet supported.

• Comments are available by default; other non-numeric fields must be configured by users as needed.

• Formula logic or calculations on non-numeric fields are not supported in this release.

Introducing Trend Analysis to explore trends and seasonality across hierarchy members (leaf and rollups) in Dynamic Reports. This new capability allows users to see a report’s current and future data trends, even when a cell hasn't been flagged as a Signal by the Predict Engine. This ensures users can analyze data contextually, with or without Signal flags, in a consistent and intuitive UI.

Previously, future trend analysis was only available at the leaf level within templates. With this feature, users can now view future projections for data at both the leaf and roll-up levels within Dynamic Reports.

How to Access Trend Analysis in Reports?

1. Navigate to Reports > Dynamic Reports.

2. Click the desired dynamic report from the list.

3. Right-click on the desired cell and select Trend Analysis.

   
   
   The Trend Analysis screen displays.
   
   
   

4. Click the Chart Only toggle to view the data table grid below the chart.
   
   
   You can view the following features:

   • Projected Future Trends and seasonal patterns for any hierarchy members (Leaf or Roll-up) for both Signal and non-Signal cells

   • AI projections, visually differentiated with:

     • Solid lines for actuals

     • Dotted lines for projections (current and future fiscal years)

Note:

The trend analysis will not show for the following line types:

• Header line

• Excel line

• Row title

• Variance type

• Calculated Members

• Hierarchy Members with insufficient historical data