IBM Planning Analytics: Debugging and database explorer updates

IBM Planning Analytics has introduced new features that make development and administration tasks much easier. Two of the most impactful improvements are the ability to see variable values while debugging TI processes and the enhanced Database Explorer.

1. Hover to See Variable Values in TurboIntegrator Debugger

Debugging TI processes used to mean adding log statements and rerunning processes just to see variable values. With the new hover help, simply move your mouse over a variable in the debugger, and its value is displayed (e.g., sCube = 'Asset_Input').

✅ Benefit: Makes debugging much faster, eliminates extra logging, and helps you quickly confirm whether variables are behaving as expected.

Figure 1: Hovering over a variable shows its value instantly in the TI debugger

2. Database Explorer: A Smarter Way to Navigate Your Environment

Managing a Planning Analytics server or instance often involves checking how many objects exist—be it cubes, dimensions, processes, chores, or control objects. Previously, administrators and developers had to dig through folders or rely on TI scripts to gather this information. Now, with the Database Explorer, everything is accessible in one clean interface.

Key features include:

• Quick Object Counts: Instantly see how many cubes, dimensions, processes, and chores are available.
• Process Data Source Types: Displays what data source a process is using (e.g., Cube, ODBC, or 'No data source').
• Organised View: Objects are grouped into categories, reducing clutter and making navigation straightforward.
• Centralised Actions: Access logs, import/export, manage users, refresh security, or check server version from one place.

✅ Benefit: The Database Explorer improves transparency and efficiency, helping both administrators and developers work faster by providing a unified view of objects and their data sources.

Figure 2: Navigation through the Database Explorer menu

Figure 3: Object counts displayed in Database Explorer

Figure 4: Shows Data source when clicked on Processes

Small Changes, Big Impact

These updates may seem minor, but they greatly improve user productivity. From instantly checking variable values in debugging to exploring databases more efficiently, IBM Planning Analytics is now smarter and more user-friendly.