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Choosing scenario planning software? Here’s what actually matters.

Planning should be a way to see ahead. But most of the time, it feels like a way to catch up instead.

You build the model. Something changes. You try to adjust the plan. And somewhere between toggling tabs, copy-pasting numbers, and rerunning formulas, the insight gets lost.

That’s the gap scenario planning software is supposed to close.

Not just to speed up the work — but to actually make the decisions better.

Why scenario planning software exists

Markets change. Budgets shift. New plans form mid-quarter. Good planning tools help you prepare for whatever comes next.

They make it easy to test ideas — before you commit. They let teams see the same numbers, work off the same assumptions, and align around the same future.

Without that, even small changes — like a new hire, a missed quarter, a price bump — require slow, manual rebuilds. So decisions lag. Risk piles up. And finance spends more time reconciling than advising.

What to look for

A lot of tools promise flexibility. Fewer actually deliver it cleanly.

Here’s what actually matters when you’re evaluating scenario planning software:

  • Driver-based modeling - So changes ripple automatically through the model
  • Multi-scenario views - So you can compare tradeoffs without duplicating work
  • Real-time collaboration - So finance isn’t the bottleneck
  • ERP, CRM, HRIS integrations - So your inputs stay fresh
  • Versioning and audit trails - So context and accountability don’t get lost
  • Forecasting automation - So the model stays current
  • Access controls - So everyone sees only what they need

You want a tool that keeps up with how your company works, and how it changes over time.

How the top tools stack up

Here’s how some of the most-used platforms compare, based on modeling speed, flexibility, and how well they support real-world finance workflows.

Runway

Runway is built for teams that need to move fast.

Change a growth assumption, and the entire model updates instantly. No rebuilding. No waiting. Just a clear view of what that change actually means. It works like a simulation: adjust hiring, tweak pricing, cut spend — and see the effects on runway, cash, margins, and headcount in real time.

Runway keeps context too. Plans capture the “why” behind every scenario. So you don’t just see the change, you see the actual decision behind it.

  • Best for: Fast-moving finance teams at high-growth companies (Series A–E)
  • Strengths: Simple, modern UI. Easy to use and collaborative. Instant scenario creation, intuitive modeling, human-readable formulas
  • Tradeoff: Not optimized for enterprise use cases

See how teams use Runway to make faster, more confident calls.

Pigment

Pigment is powerful and flexible, with strong multi-scenario tools and enterprise-grade modeling.

It’s especially good if you need detailed control and visibility across large teams and regions.

  • Best for: Mid to large enterprises
  • Strengths: Deep modeling capabilities, elegant dashboards
  • Tradeoff: Limited collaboration features (compared to modern tools)

Abacum

Abacum pulls in data from across your systems to centralize planning. The UI is friendly and flexible, and it’s designed for teams that want solid workflows without heavy ramp-up.

  • Best for: Mid-sized companies scaling quickly
  • Strengths: Data integrations, approachable UX
  • Tradeoff: Less customization for edge-case models

Vena

Vena brings scenario planning into Excel — literally. It wraps its tools around the interface most finance teams know best. It works well for teams with deep spreadsheet habits and strict change management processes.

  • Best for: Traditional teams who live in Excel
  • Strengths: Familiar environment, strong audit features
  • Tradeoff: Still relies heavily on manual workflows; slower to adapt

How to choose what’s right for your team

Every company has a different center of gravity.

Start there.

  • If your planning cycles feel slow, look for real-time modeling and scenario branching.
  • If your numbers come from everywhere, prioritize integrations.
  • If your team is non-technical, don’t underestimate interface clarity.
  • If your stakeholders need different views, make sure access control is built in.

Most importantly, pick a tool that lets you see and test the full picture. Because decisions are never about just one number. They’re about tradeoffs, timing, and trust.

Planning is only as good as the tool that supports it

The best scenario planning tools don’t just make your model faster. They make your team smarter.

They help you spot risks before they hit.

They let you run a scenario live in a meeting, and shift direction before the quarter ends.

They give everyone a seat at the table, without turning the model into a mess.

This isn’t just about picking software. It’s about building the kind of finance function that’s athe strategic backbone of the company.

Book a demo to see how Runway makes that possible.