Why Solver Stands Out in the FP&A Landscape

FP&A teams are the strategic command center of any organization. They drive smarter decisions through planning, reporting, consolidation, and analysis. To unlock their potential, finance teams need a solution that is powerful, designed for easy access for business users, and helps accelerate intelligent decisions. 

That's where Solver comes in.

Our AI-accelerated xFP&A (extended financial planning and analysis) helps finance teams make data-driven decisions with a single source of truth. Using QuickStart technology, an Excel-friendly interface, and ready-to-use templates and dashboards, the solution provides mid-market organizations that want enterprise-grade capabilities the ability to achieve enterprise-level performance at a mid-market price point.

What Makes Solver Stand Out?

AI-accelerated Insights: Solver harness advanced machine learning to provide data insights, analyze trends, and uncover variances turning data into actionable intelligence

QuickStart Deployment: Solver connects to major ERPs such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, Sage Intacct, and Acumatica, among other leading business applications.  It uses prebuilt connectors to provide value from day one.

Excel-Native Interface: Solver works directly in Excel, allowing finance professionals to leverage their existing skills without learning proprietary formula languages or navigating unfamiliar web-based interfaces.

Flexible Data Modeling: Solver uses a SQL-based system that allows for dynamic modeling without the rigid constraints of traditional OLAP cubes, giving you the flexibility to adapt your models as your business evolves.

Marketplace of Templates: Solver offers a growing library of ready-to-use reports, planning templates, and Power BI dashboards that accelerate implementation and help you realize value faster.

How Solver Compares to Leading FP&A Solutions

Solver vs. Vena

Vena is another Excel-based FP&A solution that appeals to finance teams comfortable working in familiar spreadsheet environments.

Where Solver has an edge:

• Faster deployment: Solver's QuickStart technology provides instant ROI with prebuilt connectors that get you up and running quickly. Vena requires manual setup via Excel, which can extend implementation timelines.
• Simplified integration process: While Vena offers prebuilt integrations, Solver's QuickStart mapping process is designed to be more straightforward, reducing the need for extensive IT involvement during setup.

Where they're similar:

• Both solutions integrate with major ERP systems including Microsoft Dynamics, Sage Intacct, and others
• Both provide Excel-based interfaces that leverage finance teams' existing spreadsheet expertise

Solver vs. Prophix

Prophix is an established FP&A platform that offers comprehensive financial performance management capabilities.

Where Solver has an edge:

• Excel-native experience: Solver operates directly within Excel, while Prophix uses a custom formula designer that requires users to learn proprietary syntax and navigate a different interface.
• Deployment flexibility: Solver's cloud-native QuickStart approach provides faster implementation, whereas Prophix's on-premises/cloud hybrid options can add complexity to the deployment process.

Where they're similar:

• Both solutions integrate with Microsoft Dynamics and other ERP platforms
• Both offer data modeling capabilities, though Solver uses SQL-based flexibility while Prophix leverages SSAS-based structures

Solver vs. Anaplan

Anaplan is an enterprise-grade planning platform known for its powerful modeling capabilities and scalability for large organizations.

Where Solver has an edge:

• Ease of use: Solver's Excel-native interface means finance professionals can work in an environment they already know. Anaplan uses a proprietary web-based interface with custom formula languages that require more extensive training and technical expertise.
• Faster time to value: Solver's QuickStart deployment and ready-made templates help mid-market companies get results quickly. Anaplan typically requires complex enterprise rollouts with longer implementation cycles and significant consulting support.

Where they're similar:

• Both platforms offer strong data integration capabilities with ERP, CRM, and other business systems
• Both support collaborative planning across departments and teams

Solver vs. Planful

Planful (formerly Host Analytics) is a comprehensive FP&A platform that emphasizes collaborative planning and reporting.

Where Solver has an edge:

• Excel familiarity: Solver works directly in Excel, while Planful uses SpotlightXL, an Excel add-in that requires learning specific functions and formulas. This means Solver users can leverage their existing Excel knowledge more immediately.
• Streamlined deployment: Solver's QuickStart approach enables faster implementation compared to Planful's modular setup process, which can require more configuration time.

Where they're similar:

• Both platforms integrate with NetSuite and other major ERP systems
• Both offer collaborative planning capabilities that enable cross-functional teamwork

Solver vs. Datarails

Datarails is an Excel-focused FP&A solution designed specifically for small to mid-sized businesses that want to enhance their spreadsheet-based planning processes.

Where Solver has an edge:

• Advanced data modeling: Solver's SQL-based architecture provides more sophisticated modeling capabilities for complex scenarios. Datarails remains more Excel-based with less robust backend data structures.
• Scalability: Solver's cloud-based platform is designed to grow with mid-market companies as their needs become more complex. Datarails is optimized primarily for smaller businesses with simpler requirements.

Where they're similar:

• Both platforms are built around Excel familiarity to minimize the learning curve for finance teams
• Both integrate with NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, and other common ERP systems used by mid-market companies

Why Mid-Market Companies Choose Solver

Solver's future development is focused on an AI-first strategy around it's Solver Copilot AI intelligence engine that is designed specifically for organizations that want to expand planning beyond the finance department. Our solution helps companies:

• Easily analyze reports with the Solver Copilot Analysis Agent
• Centralize data from multiple systems into a single source of truth for planning and analysis
• Automate reporting and forecasting to reduce manual work and improve accuracy
• Collaborate across departments with shared models and real-time visibility
• Model complex scenarios with ease using flexible, SQL-based data structures

With Solver, you don't need a large IT team or months of setup. Our QuickStart approach means you get up and running quickly, with minimal disruption to your existing workflows. Because Solver works directly in Excel, your team can be productive immediately without extensive retraining.

Ready to See Solver in Action?

If you're evaluating FP&A platforms and want a solution that leverages AI, integrates with your ERP and CRM solution, and provides ready-to-use industry templates, Solver is built for companies like yours.