Here we are going to detail how to install IBM Planning Analytics for Excel (PAX) onto a user’s PC.

What is Planning Analytics for Excel (PAX)?

PAX is the Excel add-in that provides access to TM1 cubes. With it you can do ad hoc exploration, create quick reports, create unlimited length reports and highly customised reports. It replaces the old TM1 Perspectives add-in.

What is the PAX Add-in?

PAX connects to the Planning Analytics Workspace (PAW) server (not the TM1 server). To do this it uses an Excel Add-in.

There is a separate add-in for both 32- and 64-bit versions of Excel. Don’t worry if you choose the wrong version, it will not let you install the wrong version.

There are new versions of the PAX add-in released by IBM every month or so. You should have a recent, say within the last three months, version installed.

PAX is NOT TM1 Perspectives!

Please note that if you are looking for instructions to install the Perspectives addin (rather than PAX/CAFE) to Excel, please see this post.

Instructions to Install Planning Analytics for Excel

First check that your PC satisfies the supported environment from IBM. This is available here and includes: At least .Net 4.6.1 (if not present, download it from here). Primary Interop Assemblies (PIA) for your version of MS Office Office 2007 here, Office 2010 here, for Office 2013 or Office 2016, Microsoft doesn’t publish a PIA as apparently they are not needed). If you get errors installing please see this post.
Then find the correct client tool installation file for either 32 or 64 bit Excel. It will be called “issetup.exe” and then Run as Administrator.
If .NET 4.6.1 is not installed, you will get this message. Go get it, install .Net and restart the computer and then start installing Planning Analytics for Excel again..
Select your language.
Agree to the licence.
Set the installation location.
Agree to add the new folder if it does not exist.
Confirm the components to be installed.
Set the shortcut and make it visible to all users.
Check the installation summary.
Watch the green bar…
Click Finish.

Create Connection to TM1 Model

Now that you have installed the Planning Analytics for Excel add-in, you need to create a connection to a TM1 model. Please see this post for detailed instructions how to do this.