dentist_Financial

What do Planning-Software and dentists have in common?

Does that sound familiar?:  We tend to delay our appointment with the dentist until it really hurts. It’s similar with us FP&A experts and CPM-Software: Deep in our hearts we know what we do with Excel is crazy, but still we hesitate to go for a fully-integrated CPM-System – until forecasting errors or some crisis force us to change the approach.

Many FP&A experts are certainly aware of reliability issues with their data even in ‘normal´ times. Consolidating data from various sources is error-prone, and data quality checks regularly take longer than Senior Management wants to wait to take critical decisions. Answering mission critical questions based on assumptions and fragile data is a pain we can do without.

It’s now or never – quick decisions based on reliable analysis and forecasts are crucial nowadays.

We see a lot of poor FP&A experts struggling with ‘Monster’ Excel spreadsheet collections, desperately trying to re-calculate Corona impact and short-time work effects by changing thousands of formulas in dozens of files. Precise forecasts are most unlikely with this approach.To postpone investment in a pro planning tool in the current situation, because ‘Excel works somehow and we always worked like this’ or ‘some guys are frightened by a potential system change’ can be hazardous . According to our clients, scenario-based planning, covering HR expense, sales, production and  cash-flow impact is most useful to master a crisis like the current one. Whereas e.g. Hillebrand AG adopted their pro CPM system in two days to include a COVID-19 impact overview, manufacturing companies  might want to adopt their production plans accordingly.

Investments in a cloud-based CPM-solution have a very short return on investment – often after a few weeks. Besides financial aspects it has to be considered that the responsible FP&A departments/experts have far more time for qualitative data-analysis and precise forecasts, rather than wasting know-how in time-consuming and complex processes. 100% planning reliability, no internal IT-costs and fast decision making are just a few main advantages of our cloud based planning & simulation modules. Our clients do not only decide for an outstanding, market-leading CPM-software solution, but for sparring partners via our skilled Professional services team. We are delighted to share our experience derived from hundreds of successfully finished projects. We are proud of a strong, reliable and flexible team –  better than any other! Ask our reference clients.

Your most important take-away: After visiting the dentist you are free from pain most of the times, and it turned out to be better than predicted. That is confirmed by a lot of happy clients! Get in touch with us to schedule your appointment right now.

Grab Whitepaper

7 hands-on Suggestions for FP&A Experts to get out of ‘react’ and into ‘drive’ mode

Check out our VIDEO with hands-on suggestions from Finance guys for FP&A experts.

You never want to miss a post - follow us​

Share this post

Latest smartPM Blogposts

ChatGPT for Top Down Financial Planning

Which is the best Controlling or Planning Software?

How to select the best Performance Management and Financial Planning Software? European’s leading CPM analysts BARC provide a platform for software comparison at the “Digital Finance & Controlling” conference. Learn how to pick the best-fit CPM Software for you.

Sustainability Nachaltigkeit ESG Controlling

How should Sustainability Controlling and Reporting be structured in a company? The ultimate guide based on the following example

Let’s assume that the exemplary company Grün & Schnabel has sustainability initiatives with an investment volume of some 10 million Euros. It would like to optimize its ESG portfolio (Environment, Social, Government) and prioritize projects according to its corporate goals. In addition, due to its size and location, it is subject to EU taxonomy and

Scroll to Top