Use the Explorer module to navigate, manage, and manipulate content in Anaplan Financial Consolidation and Reporting. It provides users and administrators with a single, organized workspace to access reports, report books, input forms, and workflows.
The Explorer module displays all content in a folder tree. This lets you quickly find, open, run, and manage any item in their financial consolidation environment. Use the Explorer module to organize content into clear folder structures and control how users use the application.
Search
The Explorer module includes a search bar at the top of the navigation panel. It enables you to find content quickly across the entire folder tree. You type a keyword — such as consolidation — and the Explorer highlights matching items and displays the total number of results (for example, 1 of 71 matches). You navigate between results using the forward and back arrows, and the folder tree automatically expands to reveal the location of each matching item.
Column headers
The column headers in the Explorer list view are sortable. Choose a column heading to sort the content list by name, type, or other available attributes. This helps you find items in large folders more easily.
Folder objects
Reports
The Explorer module organizes reports into categorized folders such as Consolidation Reports and Financial Statements. Reports are built using the Anaplan XL Reporting and render directly in the browser. Reports display financial data, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and entity-level breakdowns. Your environment comes with standard reports.
Report books
Report books combine multiple reports into a single output. They are organized in the Report Books folder in the Explorer tree. When you select a report book to run, a configuration panel appears with:
- Compilation — Specifies the scope of the report book, such as All Entities or Current Entity.
- Output — Defines the output format, such as PDF or Excel.
- Destination — Specifies where the generated report book is delivered, such as a file download or a designated storage location.
- Parameters — Sets additional parameters such as Period and Scenario to apply across all reports in the book.
Report books let finance teams create complete, multi-report packages for regional or organizational review in a single action.
Input forms
Input forms in the Explorer module enable users to enter and submit data directly in the browser, without requiring access to a separate data-entry platform. Forms are organized in folders within the Explorer tree alongside reports, and you open them by selecting the form name.
Input forms support structured data entry for scenarios such as budget inputs or intercompany adjustments. Your environment comes with standard input forms.
Workflows
The Explorer module provides access to workflow processes. The Consolidation folder stores standard processes such as running consolidation calculations. You can create or open processes directly from the workflow interface in the Explorer module. When you open a workflow process, the Workflow Designer opens.
Work with folder objects
Selecting the ellipsis on any item or folder in the Explorer tree opens a context menu with options:
| Option | Description |
| New | Opens a submenu that lets users create a new item in the selected folder. It enables you to add new content directly in the Explorer tree. Submenu options include:
|
| Cut | Cuts the selected item or folder so it can be placed elsewhere in the Explorer tree. Use Cut and Paste together to move reports, forms, or folder structures. |
Copy | Copies the selected item or folder so it can be duplicated elsewhere in the Explorer tree. Use Copy together with Paste to replicate reports, forms, or folder structures without rebuilding them from scratch. |
| Paste | Pastes a previously copied item or folder into the selected destination folder. The pasted item retains the original configuration and can be renamed and modified independently after pasting. |
| Rename | Enables you to edit the name of the selected folder or item in place. After entering the new name, you confirm the change by pressing Enter or selecting outside the field. |
| Delete | Permanently removes the selected item or folder from the Explorer tree. Use this option to delete outdated or unnecessary content. The system asks you to confirm the deletion before deleting it. |
| Export | Exports the selected item — such as a report or report book — to a supported file format such as PDF, Excel, or Powerpoint. This option enables you to generate a downloadable version of the content for distribution or archiving. |
| Import | Imports a selected item — such as a report or report book. |
| Security | Applies role-based security to folders and objects in the folder. |
