Using an Anaplan Connection
Once you've successfully connected Anaplan to Nexadata, you can begin using the connection to bring data into Nexadata (via Datasets) or send data back to Anaplan (via Pipeline Outputs). This article will guide you through both processes.
Here are the key capabilities:
Import data from Anaplan using predefined Export Actions configured in your Anaplan Model.
Export transformed data back into Anaplan using supported options like Upload Only, Upload and Import, or Upload and Process.
Dynamically configure the target Workspace, Model, and Data Source based on your pipeline's requirements.
Validate column-level mappings to ensure alignment between Nexadata datasets and Anaplan targets.
Let’s walk through each setup process step-by-step.
Part 1: Creating a Dataset from Anaplan
You can use this process to ingest data from your Anaplan Model into Nexadata for use in Pipelines.
Step 1: Create a New Dataset
Navigate to the Datasets section in Nexadata.
Click Create Dataset.
Under Data Connection, select your configured Anaplan connection.
Step 2: Configure Dataset Properties
Name: Provide a clear, unique name for the dataset.
Data Connection: Ensure your existing Anaplan connection is selected.
Step 3: Select Data Format
Choose Tabular as the data format.
Tabular is currently the only supported format when working with Anaplan connections.
Step 4: Select Workspace, Model, and Export Action
Select the appropriate Anaplan Workspace and Model.
Choose an Export Action configured within your Anaplan environment.
If a matching dataset already exists, you can optionally download and not execute the Export Action.
Step 5: Submit the Dataset
Review all dataset configurations.
Click Submit to finalize.
The dataset will now be available for use in Nexadata pipelines.
Step 6: Running a Pipeline with Anaplan as a Target
Once your output configuration is complete and your Nexadata Pipeline is set up, you can run the Pipeline to upload the transformed dataset into Anaplan.
If all elements are configured correctly, including the Workspace, Model, Data Source, and any selected Actions or Processes, the upload and execution should complete successfully.
If there is an issue, Nexadata provides helpful, detailed feedback to guide you in resolving the problem. This feedback is designed to closely resemble the type of information you would receive directly in the Anaplan interface.
For example, when running a process that contains multiple Actions in a Process, Nexadata displays results for each Action separately. If one of the Actions fails, it is clearly marked with details so that you can understand exactly what went wrong.
In the screenshot above, the process includes several import actions. One of the actions, “SampleBasic from FACT.TXT,” encountered errors related to invalid line item identifiers. Specifically, the action reported:
Invalid line item identifier: Margin %
Invalid line item identifier: Profit %
These messages appear inline under the specific action, making it easy to identify which part of the process needs attention. This approach helps you troubleshoot quickly and reduces the need to manually investigate within Anaplan.
By surfacing errors in this structured and familiar way, Nexadata ensures that pipeline issues are easier to diagnose and resolve, allowing you to maintain accurate and reliable data flows into Anaplan.
Part 2: Configuring an Anaplan Output in a Pipeline
After transforming data in a Nexadata Pipeline, use Anaplan as an output destination to send the results back to your Anaplan Model.
Step 1: Add an Output to the Pipeline
Navigate to the Customized Outputs section (Pipeline Setup tab) of your pipeline.
Click Add Output and select your Anaplan connection.
Choose the corresponding Workspace and Model.
Step 2: Choose an Upload Option
You’ll have three options depending on the desired level of integration:
Upload Only
Uploads the output dataset to a selected or newly created Anaplan Data Source.
No Import Action or Process is triggered.
Upload and Import
Uploads the dataset and automatically runs a selected Import Action.
Includes an optional column validation (enabled by default) to ensure the column structure in Nexadata matches the Anaplan Data Source of the selected Import Action.
Upload and Process
Uploads to a selected or new Data Source and executes a full Anaplan Process, which may include the execution of other preconfigured Anaplan Actions.
Step 3: Set Upload Chunk Size
All three upload options support setting a chunk size.
The default is 10MB. Adjust this value to optimize performance for large or complex uploads.
Tips and Best Practices
Use meaningful names for both datasets and outputs to keep track of data flow across workspaces and models.
Enable column validation (recommended for Upload and Import) to catch schema mismatches early that could potentially break your Import Action.
Coordinate with your Anaplan team to ensure Export Actions, Import Actions, and Processes are preconfigured and accessible.
Tune chunk size for performance: use larger chunks for high-volume data, and smaller ones if you encounter upload limits or timeouts.
Leverage Upload and Process to automate complex workflows that require multiple Anaplan actions to be executed.