Anaplan in Google Sheets vs Excel: AXL Alternative for Mac & Chromebook

The problem with AXL and Fluence XL

Anaplan's official Excel connector (AXL, formerly Fluence XL) is a powerful tool, but it has significant limitations:

• Windows only — AXL requires a Windows desktop installation of Excel. It doesn't work on Mac, Chromebook, or Linux.
• Desktop software required — You need to install and maintain desktop Excel plus the AXL add-in. IT teams often restrict these installations.
• No real-time collaboration — Excel files aren't natively collaborative. Teams end up emailing spreadsheets back and forth.
• Version management — AXL updates can break existing workbooks. Managing versions across a team is painful.

Feature comparison

When to use aPlan4Sheets

aPlan4Sheets is the right choice when:

• Your team uses Google Workspace instead of Microsoft 365
• You have Mac or Chromebook users who need Anaplan data
• You want real-time collaboration on Anaplan-connected spreadsheets
• You need automated scheduled refreshes without scripting
• You want to build executive presentations directly from Anaplan data

When to use AXL

AXL may still be the right choice when:

• Your entire team is on Windows with desktop Excel
• You have existing AXL workbooks with complex VBA macros
• Your organization mandates Microsoft 365 for all spreadsheet work