Writeback mode
IBM® Planning Analytics for Microsoft Excel offers different ways to work with IBM TM1® data changes. The Writeback mode in combination with the Sandbox determines how changes to the server data are managed. Options allow the administrator to mix and match a variety of capabilities so that every installation and every user group can work in the way that is best for them.
In IBM Planning Analytics for Microsoft Excel you can hold changes in a private workspace so that you can decide when to write the data changes back to the server and make your changes available to others. This private workspace is called a sandbox. When you commit the data changes that were in your private workspace to the base data, the changed values are written to the server.
If you prefer to work directly with the base data without a private workspace, you can choose a direct writeback method. Another option your administrator can offer is the ability to name and store data changes in a named sandbox.
When you work in a sandbox IBM Planning Analytics for Microsoft Excel uses a change in cell coloring to remind you when your data is not yet merged with the base. Once you commit the sandbox, the cell color is restored to black. For more information, see Cell coloring for changed data values.
Your administrator assigns the capabilities for each user group using the administration tools in IBM TM1. Since you could be a member of more than one group, your workspace options can be different depending on your login, the client you use, and the combination of settings. Only administrators have access to the Capability Assignments.
Ask your administrator for details about how your system is designed to operate. To learn how to determine your writeback mode and sandbox setting using the toolbar, see Toolbar options. For details about Capability Assignments, see the IBM Cognos® TM1 Operation Guide.