How to make a model

The best way to understand what a model does and how to use it is to go ahead and make one. There are a few different ways to create a new model. Which option you choose will depend on how much you are looking for inspiration and guidance versus how much you already know about what you want your model to do.

  • If you are just getting started, OnPlan's templates demonstrate example workflows while serving as good starting points for building your own custom model.

  • If you are interested in discovering more about how real people use OnPlan, try Add to model from the OnPlan module library.

  • If you are coming from a traditional spreadsheet, OnPlan can take your CSV file and turn it into a model.

  • If you know what you are doing (or if you're following this guide!), you can create a model from scratch to your exact specifications.

No matter which option you choose, you can always customize your model structure and appearance later—so do not stress out too much about which option you pick.

Use an OnPlan template

The team here at OnPlan has made hundreds of templates designed for specific use cases, like an employee directory, a social media calendar, a nonprofit gala planner, or a sneaker collection tracker. These templates are bases that come pre-filled with a relevant structure and sample content. If you are still learning the OnPlan ropes, check out a template or two for inspiration—you can always modify it later to suit your own needs!

In OnPlan, their templates are stored in one of three permission areas:

  • Global Templates: Models can be accessed by any user of the OnPlan platform.

  • Company-Wide: Models can be accessed by anyone in your company’s account.

  • Personal: The model can be accessed by you personally or anyone you choose to share your model with.

If you are just getting started then you would want to choose a global template as the company-wide and personnel template areas will be empty.  

Over time, companies use a Company-Wide template so that all the members working under the company have access to the excel files can perform all types of analysis.

To use an OnPlan template, go to your OnPlan platform and select the Build option. Select Company-Wide and then choose the model you want to use.

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