Building a planning model traditionally requires business understanding, platform expertise, sound architecture and the ability to translate management rules into efficient structures and formulas. With Anaplan CoModeler, AI enters the modeling workspace to assist Model Builders directly.
CoModeler is not merely a conversational assistant. It is an AI agent integrated into the Anaplan modeling experience that supports model design, construction, diagnostics and optimization through natural-language interaction.
What is Anaplan CoModeler?
Anaplan presents CoModeler as an intelligent agent specialized in building models. It helps teams build, extend, optimize and explain custom models and models derived from Anaplan applications. Announced for Classic and Polaris environments, it works within the Model Builder’s existing environment.
From a natural-language request or structured specification, CoModeler can prepare model components, propose build logic, help evolve an existing architecture and document how it works.
A new way to build models
A Model Builder can describe the objective—such as revenue calculation, workforce planning or a cash scenario—and review a structured proposal. The agent can:
- formalize required dimensions, lists, modules and properties;
- suggest formulas and relationships;
- extend an existing model for a new business need;
- identify structural or performance optimizations;
- explain existing logic and support documentation;
- accelerate onboarding for new Model Builders.
This can reduce repetitive work and let teams focus on architecture, controls and functional relevance.
Benefits for finance and EPM teams
1. Faster prototyping
CoModeler can prepare an initial structure to validate dimensions, calculations and expected results, making discussions between finance, operations and Anaplan experts more concrete.
2. Less dependency on repetitive technical tasks
AI can reduce the effort involved in creating similar components, adapting formulas and documenting structures, provided an experienced Model Builder systematically reviews the proposals.
3. Easier model evolution
Planning models must incorporate new activities, scenarios, organizational changes and reporting requirements. CoModeler can analyze the existing model and prepare an evolution plan consistent with its architecture.
4. Better documentation and knowledge transfer
By explaining logic and contributing to documentation, the agent can improve onboarding and support continuity where knowledge is concentrated among a few people.
The Model Builder remains central
Anaplan states that the agent presents a detailed build plan before making changes, which the user must review and approve. The Model Builder remains responsible for challenging the business need, defining architecture and governance, reviewing formulas and performance, organizing tests and ensuring long-term maintainability.
Points to watch
Fast generation must not produce components without an overall vision. Structures must remain aligned with internal standards, Data Hub, Application Lifecycle Management and security rules. Organizations should define authorized use cases, review responsibilities, architecture and naming standards, pre-deployment tests and traceability of AI-proposed changes.
How to start with CoModeler
Begin with a limited, measurable scope: document an existing module, prepare a simple calculation, optimize a low-performing structure or build a non-production prototype. Evaluate time saved, structural quality, corrections required, model performance and ease of handover to another Model Builder.
An evolution of the role rather than a replacement
CoModeler illustrates a broader trend: AI is moving from data analysis and commentary into planning-system construction. The Model Builder’s role shifts toward more design, governance and validation. Technical expertise remains essential, alongside the ability to formulate precise requests, evaluate AI proposals and preserve enterprise-wide architectural consistency.