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Using web-based P&L Budgeting Forms to Streamline the Annual Planning Process

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Example of a P&L Budget Input Form to Streamline the Annual Budgeting Process

How can Budget Input Forms Drive Faster and Better Decisions?

As Budget Managers increasingly become key advisors in the Annual Budgeting Process, they must rely on modern self-service corporate performance management (CPM) and business intelligence (BI) tools. Using interactive Budget Input Templates like the P&L Budget Input Form shown below enables them and users from the finance and leadership teams to experience near real time budgeting that help drive faster and better decisions.

Who uses P&L Budget Input Forms and What are Some Key Analytical Features?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, Budget Managers are under high pressure to supply end users like executives and department heads with timely and concise Budgets. Companies use key features like the ones below to support their users with effective analysis that helps drive faster and more accurate financial planning:

  • Automatic presentation of last year and current year-to-date actuals as part of input forms
  • Easy web-based budget data entry (see green input cells in example)
  • Immediate display of variances between current and last year budgets and option to add variance to current year actuals

The P&L Budget Input Form template can be used as a key element of the Annual Budgeting process:

Example of a P&L Budget Input Form to Streamline the Annual Budgeting Process

Example of a P&L Budget Input Form to Streamline the Annual Budgeting Process

The P&L Budget Input Form is a ready-to-use Budget Input Form from the Solver Marketplace.

A Brief Description of the P&L Budget Input Template

Budget Input Forms like the one seen in the image above are interactive and parameter driven and typically contain sections with historical actuals and budgets as well as an input section. One of the important features that aid the user in the budget process is the ability to perform real time budgeting with immediate use of associated budget reports and dashboards to analyze final budget. P&L Budget Input Forms are often used in conjunction with top-down forecast and annual budget templates, payroll and capex input forms, P&L, balance sheet and and cash flow reports, and budget/forecast analysis dashboards.

Data Integration to Transaction Systems

Most organizations these days want automated and streamlined planning, reporting and analysis. However, many of the benefits described earlier rely on best of breed Corporate Performance Management (CPM) tools and/or Business Intelligence (BI) capabilities as well as data marts or data warehouses that use pre-built integrations to the organization’s ERP system. Oftentimes, they also need integrations to other key data sources like CRM, subscription systems, payroll tools, etc.

Modern, cloud-based ERPs like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance (D365 Finance), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC), Sage Intacct, Acumatica, Netsuite and SAP have robust APIs which allow for dynamic integrations to CPM and BI tools that are fully automated and flexible to run on a schedule or on-demand.

Additional Resources to Aid with Research of Templates, CPM and BI Tools

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Using Profit & Loss Forecast Templates to Streamline the Forecasting Process

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Example of a Profit & Loss Forecast Input Template to Streamline the Forecasting Process

How can Automated Forecast Input Forms Drive Faster and Better Decisions?

As Budget Managers increasingly become key advisors in the Forecasting Process, they must rely on modern self-service corporate performance management (CPM) and business intelligence (BI) tools. Using interactive Forecast Input Forms like the Profit & Loss Forecast Template shown below enables them and users from the leadership teams to experience near real time forecasts and estimates that help drive faster and better decisions.

Who uses Profit & Loss Forecast Templates and What are Some Key Analytical Features?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, Budget Managers are under high pressure to supply end users like executives and department managers with timely and concise Forecasts. Companies use key features like the ones below to support their users with effective analysis that helps drive faster and better decisions:

  • Automatic annualization of the current year actuals to provide guidelines for the forecast
  • Easy comparison to the annual budget with variance analysis
  • Option to reforecast every month or a few times a year and store each version to a separate forecast

The Profit & Loss Forecast Template can be used as a key element of the Forecasting process:

Example of a Profit & Loss Forecast Input Template to Streamline the Forecasting Process

Example of a Profit & Loss Forecast Input Template to Streamline the Forecasting Process

The Profit & Loss Forecast Template is a ready-to-use Forecast Input Form from the Solver Marketplace.

A Brief Description of the Profit & Loss Forecast Template

Forecast Input Forms like the one seen in the image above are interactive and parameter driven and typically contain sections with revenues and expenses and with full security and professional formatting. One of the important features that aid the user in the analysis process is the ability to support a larger number of users with a web-based, parameter driven input form(s) accessible from any browser. Profit & Loss Forecast Templates are often used in conjunction with top-down forecast and annual budget templates, payroll and capex input forms, P&L-, balance sheet- and and cash flow reports, and budget/forecast analysis dashboards.

Data Integration to Transaction Systems

Most organizations these days want automated and streamlined planning, reporting and analysis. However, many of the benefits described earlier rely on best of breed Corporate Performance Management (CPM) tools and/or Business Intelligence (BI) capabilities as well as data marts or data warehouses that use pre-built integrations to the organization’s ERP system. Oftentimes, they also need integrations to other key data sources like CRM, subscription systems, payroll tools, etc.

Modern, cloud-based ERPs like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance (D365 Finance), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC), Sage Intacct, Acumatica, Netsuite and SAP have robust APIs which allow for dynamic integrations to CPM and BI tools that are fully automated and flexible to run on a schedule or on-demand.

Additional Resources to Aid with Research of Templates, CPM and BI Tools

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Using Profit & Loss Top Down Driver-based Forecasts to Streamline the Planning Process

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Example of a Profit & Loss Top Down Driver-based Forecast Template to Streamline the Planning Process

How can Forecast Input Forms Drive Faster and Better Decisions?

As Budget Managers increasingly become innovators in the Planning Process, they must rely on modern self-service corporate performance management (CPM) and business intelligence (BI) tools. Using interactive forecast input forms like the Profit & Loss Top Down Driver-based Forecast Template shown below enables them and users from the leadership teams to experience near real time planning that help drive faster and better decisions.

Who uses Profit & Loss Top Down Driver-based Forecasts and What are Some Key Analytical Features?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, Budget Manager are under high pressure to supply end users like executives with timely and concise forecasts, often on a quarterly or monthly basis. Companies use key features like the ones below to support their users with effective analysis that helps drive more informed and quicker decisions:

  • Input of drivers like Target Net Income and adjustments that automatically generate forecast figures for the remaining periods of the year
  • Conveniently available actual year-to-date figures with automated annualization
  • Expandable (seen collapsed in the image below) columns and rows to view individual periods and GL accounts

The Profit & Loss Top Down Driver-based Forecast template can be used as a key element of the Planning process:

Example of a Profit & Loss Top Down Driver-based Forecast Template to Streamline the Planning Process

Example of a Profit & Loss Top Down Driver-based Forecast Template to Streamline the Planning Process

The Profit & Loss Top Down Driver-based Forecast is a ready-to-use forecast input form from the Solver Marketplace.

A Brief Description of the Profit & Loss Top Down Driver-based Forecast Template

Forecast input forms like the one seen in the image above are interactive and parameter driven and typically contain sections with revenues, expenses, sub-totals and totals. One of the important features that aid the user in the analysis process is the ability to automatically generate monthly forecast figures. Profit & Loss Top Down Driver-based Forecasts are often used in conjunction with bottom-up forecast- and annual budget templates, P&L reports, balance sheets, cash flow reports, and budget/forecast analysis dashboards.

Data Integration to Transaction Systems

Most organizations these days want automated and streamlined planning, reporting and analysis. However, many of the benefits described earlier rely on best of breed Corporate Performance Management (CPM) tools and/or Business Intelligence (BI) capabilities as well as data marts or data warehouses that use pre-built integrations to the organization’s ERP system. Oftentimes, they also need integrations to other key data sources like CRM, subscription systems, payroll tools, etc.

Modern, cloud-based ERPs like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance (D365 Finance), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC), Sage Intacct, Acumatica, Netsuite and SAP have robust APIs which allow for dynamic integrations to CPM and BI tools that are fully automated and flexible to run on a schedule or on-demand.

Additional Resources to Aid with Research of Templates, CPM and BI Tools

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Using P&L Consolidation Reports with Breakdown by Company to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

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Example of a P&L Consolidation Report with Breakdown by Company to Streamline the Monthly Consolidation and Reporting Process

How can Financial Statements Drive Faster and Better Decisions?

As Corporate Controllers increasingly become key advisors in the Monthly Consolidation and Reporting Process, they must rely on modern self-service corporate performance management (CPM) and business intelligence (BI) tools. Using interactive Financial Statements like the P&L Consolidation Report with Breakdown by Company template shown below enables them and users from the parent company management teams to experience near real time consolidated and individual company P&Ls that help drive faster and better decisions.

Who uses P&L Consolidation Reports with Breakdown by Company and What are Some Key Analytical Features?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, Corporate Controllers are under high pressure to supply end users like executives and finance managers with timely and concise Financial Statements. Companies use key features like the ones below to support their users with effective analysis that helps drive better and faster corporate headquarter decisions:

  • The first page shows the Consolidated Profit & Loss Variance report layout
  • All subsidiaries selected in the report filter will automatically be displayed on individual tabs in the same report book
  • Period, company and other filters dynamically drive the dashboard

The P&L Consolidation Report with Breakdown by Company template can be used as a key element of the Monthly Consolidation and Reporting process:

Example of a P&L Consolidation Report with Breakdown by Company to Streamline the Monthly Consolidation and Reporting Process

Example of a P&L Consolidation Report with Breakdown by Company to Streamline the Monthly Consolidation and Reporting Process

The P&L Consolidation Report with Breakdown by Company is a ready-to-use Financial Statement from the Solver Marketplace.

A Brief Description of the P&L Consolidation Report with Breakdown by Company Template

Financial Statements like the one seen in the image above are interactive and parameter driven and typically contain sections with professional P&L variance report layout and automated consolidation. One of the important features that aid the user in the analysis process is the ability to easily analyze the dynamically generated report book because of the consolidated version of the report on the first page and then the same report listed per subsidiary on the subsequent pages. P&L Consolidation Reports with Breakdown by Company are often used in conjunction with consolidating balance sheet reports, profit & loss consolidating report, KPI dashboards, and revenue and expense budget models.

Data Integration to Transaction Systems

Most organizations these days want automated and streamlined planning, reporting and analysis. However, many of the benefits described earlier rely on best of breed Corporate Performance Management (CPM) tools and/or Business Intelligence (BI) capabilities as well as data marts or data warehouses that use pre-built integrations to the organization’s ERP system. Oftentimes, they also need integrations to other key data sources like CRM, subscription systems, payroll tools, etc.

Modern, cloud-based ERPs like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance (D365 Finance), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC), Sage Intacct, Acumatica, Netsuite and SAP have robust APIs which allow for dynamic integrations to CPM and BI tools that are fully automated and flexible to run on a schedule or on-demand.

Additional Resources to Aid with Research of Templates, CPM and BI Tools

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Using P&L Summary Reports with Monthly and by Quarterly Details to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

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Example of a P&L Summary Report with Monthly and by Quarterly Detail to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

How can Financial Statements Drive Faster and Better Decisions?

As CFOs increasingly become key advisors in the Monthly Reporting Process, they must rely on modern self-service corporate performance management (CPM) and business intelligence (BI) tools. Using interactive Financial Statements like the P&L Summary Report with Monthly and by Quarterly Detail template shown below enables them and users from the board and executive teams to analyze near real time monthly , quarterly and year-to-date revenues and expenses that help drive faster and better decisions.

Who uses P&L Summary Report with Monthly and by Quarterly Details and What are Some Key Analytical Features?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, CFOs are under high pressure to supply end users like corporate leaders with timely and concise Financial Statements. Companies use key features like the ones below to support their users with effective analysis that helps drive better view of the company’s performance over time:

  • Expandable year-to-date (YTD) column to view individual months
  • Expandable revenue and COGS rows to see account level detail and drill-down
  • Monthly variance analysis in amount and percent, and with indicators

The P&L Summary Report with Monthly and by Quarterly Detail template can be used as a key element of the Monthly Reporting process:

Example of a P&L Summary Report with Monthly and by Quarterly Detail to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

Example of a P&L Summary Report with Monthly and by Quarterly Detail to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

The P&L Summary Report with Monthly and by Quarterly Detail is a ready-to-use Financial Statement from the Solver Marketplace.

A Brief Description of the P&L Summary Report with Monthly and by Quarterly Detail Template

Financial Statements like the one seen in the image above are interactive and parameter driven and typically contain sections with monthly, quarterly and YTD views of revenues, expenses, margins and profits. One of the important features that aid the user in the analysis process is the ability to easy, compressed view of essential P&L information. P&L Summary Reports with Monthly and by Quarterly Details are often used in conjunction with profit & loss variance reports, balance sheets, cash flow statements, forecast input models and KPI dashboards.

Data Integration to Transaction Systems

Most organizations these days want automated and streamlined planning, reporting and analysis. However, many of the benefits described earlier rely on best of breed Corporate Performance Management (CPM) tools and/or Business Intelligence (BI) capabilities as well as data marts or data warehouses that use pre-built integrations to the organization’s ERP system. Oftentimes, they also need integrations to other key data sources like CRM, subscription systems, payroll tools, etc.

Modern, cloud-based ERPs like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance (D365 Finance), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC), Sage Intacct, Acumatica, Netsuite and SAP have robust APIs which allow for dynamic integrations to CPM and BI tools that are fully automated and flexible to run on a schedule or on-demand.

Additional Resources to Aid with Research of Templates, CPM and BI Tools

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Using Rolling 13 Month P&L Trend Reports to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

Example of a Rolling 13 Month P&L Trend Report to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

How can Financial Statements Drive Faster and Better Decisions?

As CFOs increasingly become key advisors in the Monthly Reporting Process, they must rely on modern self-service corporate performance management (CPM) and business intelligence (BI) tools. Using interactive Financial Statements like the Rolling 13 Month P&L Trend Report template shown below enables them and users from the leadership teams to experience near real time trend analysis for revenues, expenses and margins that help drive faster and better decisions.

Who uses Rolling 13 Month P&L Trend Reports and What are Some Key Analytical Features?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, CFOs are under high pressure to supply end users like CFOs and executive leaders with timely and concise Financial Statements. Companies use key features like the ones below to support their users with effective analysis that helps drive better decisions based on continuous trend data:

  • Dynamically created columns with 13 months of history based on the current month
  • Expandable rows (to drill to GL account and below)
  • Period and company filters that dynamically drives the report content

The Rolling 13 Month P&L Trend Report template can be used as a key element of the Monthly Reporting process:

Example of a Rolling 13 Month P&L Trend Report to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

Example of a Rolling 13 Month P&L Trend Report to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

The Rolling 13 Month P&L Trend Report is a ready-to-use Financial Statement from the Solver Marketplace.

A Brief Description of the Rolling 13 Month P&L Trend Report Template

Financial Statements like the one seen in the image above are interactive and parameter driven and typically contain sections with advanced Profit & Loss row layout and 13 historical columns with a total. One of the important features that aid the user in the analysis process is the ability to do on-the-fly trend analysis without being locked into a calendar or fiscal year. Rolling 13 Month P&L Trend Reports are often used in conjunction with profit & loss variance reports, balance sheets trends reports, forecast input models and trend dashboards.

Data Integration to Transaction Systems

Most organizations these days want automated and streamlined planning, reporting and analysis. However, many of the benefits described earlier rely on best of breed Corporate Performance Management (CPM) tools and/or Business Intelligence (BI) capabilities as well as data marts or data warehouses that use pre-built integrations to the organization’s ERP system. Oftentimes, they also need integrations to other key data sources like CRM, subscription systems, payroll tools, etc.

Modern, cloud-based ERPs like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance (D365 Finance), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC), Sage Intacct, Acumatica, Netsuite and SAP have robust APIs which allow for dynamic integrations to CPM and BI tools that are fully automated and flexible to run on a schedule or on-demand.

Additional Resources to Aid with Research of Templates, CPM and BI Tools

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Using P&L Reports with Forecasts and Budgets to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

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Example of a P&L Report with Forecast and Budget to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

How can Financial Statements Drive Faster and Better Decisions?

As CFOs increasingly become key advisors in the Monthly Reporting Process, they must rely on modern self-service corporate performance management (CPM) and business intelligence (BI) tools. Using interactive Financial Statements like the P&L Report with Forecast and Budget template shown below enables them and users from the leadership teams to experience near real time variance analysis comparing a full year forecast to the original budget that help drive faster and better decisions.

Who uses P&L Reports with Forecasts and Budgets and What are Some Key Analytical Features?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, CFOs are under high pressure to supply end users like budget managers and executive leaders with timely and concise Financial Statements. Companies use key features like the ones below to support their users with effective analysis that helps drive better investment and cost control decisions:

  • Variance information showing the difference between the original budget and the full year forecast
  • Dynamic full year estimate with Actual data up to the current month and the Forecast for remaining months
  • Expandable rows (to drill to GL account and below) and columns (to see summary or individual months)

The P&L Report with Forecast and Budget template can be used as a key element of the Monthly Reporting process:

Example of a P&L Report with Forecast and Budget to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

Example of a P&L Report with Forecast and Budget to Streamline the Monthly Reporting Process

The P&L Report with Forecast and Budget is a ready-to-use Financial Statement from the Solver Marketplace.

A Brief Description of the P&L Report with Forecast and Budget Template

Financial Statements like the one seen in the image above are interactive and parameter driven and typically contain sections with professional Profit & Loss row layout with actual, forecast and budget columns (summary and monthly) as well as variances. One of the important features that aid the user in the analysis process is the ability to automatically generate and analyze how well the company is likely to perform for the full year as well as compared to the original budget. P&L Reports with Forecasts and Budgets are often used in conjunction with profit & loss variance reports, balance sheets, cash flow statements, forecast input models and KPI dashboards.

Data Integration to Transaction Systems

Most organizations these days want automated and streamlined planning, reporting and analysis. However, many of the benefits described earlier rely on best of breed Corporate Performance Management (CPM) tools and/or Business Intelligence (BI) capabilities as well as data marts or data warehouses that use pre-built integrations to the organization’s ERP system. Oftentimes, they also need integrations to other key data sources like CRM, subscription systems, payroll tools, etc.

Modern, cloud-based ERPs like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance (D365 Finance), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC), Sage Intacct, Acumatica, Netsuite and SAP have robust APIs which allow for dynamic integrations to CPM and BI tools that are fully automated and flexible to run on a schedule or on-demand.

Additional Resources to Aid with Research of Templates, CPM and BI Tools

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Using KPI Simulation Dashboards to Streamline the Modelling and Forecasting Process

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Example of a KPI Simulation Dashboard to Streamline the Modelling and Forecasting Process

How can Simulation Dashboards Drive Faster and Better Decisions?

As FP&A Managers increasingly become central figures in the Modelling and Forecasting Process, they must rely on modern self-service corporate performance management (CPM) and business intelligence (BI) tools. Using interactive Simulation Dashboards like the KPI Simulation Dashboard template shown below enables them and users from the Accounting and Finance teams to experience near real time simulation that help drive faster and better decisions.

Who uses KPI Simulation Dashboards and What are Some Key Analytical Features?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, FP&A Managers are under high pressure to supply end users like CFOs and analysts with timely and concise Simulation Dashboards. Companies use key features like the ones below to support their users with effective analysis that helps drive fiscal monitoring.

  • Sliders to increase or decrease the weighting of historical data in the current year estimate
  • Comparison of simulation result with three years of history
  • Charts to compare history and budget with the simulated estimate

The KPI Simulation Dashboard template can be used as a key element of the Modelling and Forecasting process:

Example of a KPI Simulation Dashboard to Streamline the Modelling and Forecasting Process

Example of a KPI Simulation Dashboard to Streamline the Modelling and Forecasting Process

The KPI Simulation Dashboard is a ready-to-use Simulation Dashboard from the Solver Marketplace

A Brief Description of the KPI Simulation Dashboard Template

Simulation Dashboards like the one seen in the image above are interactive and parameter driven and typically contain sections with simulation sliders, as well as financial KPIs with tables and graphical charts. One of the important features that aid the user in the analysis process is the ability to move any of the sliders left or right to increase or decrease the weighting of that item in the simulated KPI estimates. KPI Simulation Dashboards are often used in conjunction with profit & loss and balance budget models, financial dashboards, and financial statements.

Data Integration to Transaction Systems

Most organizations these days want automated and streamlined planning, reporting and analysis. However, many of the benefits described earlier rely on best of breed Corporate Performance Management (CPM) tools and/or Business Intelligence (BI) capabilities as well as data marts or data warehouses that use pre-built integrations to the organization’s ERP system. Oftentimes, they also need integrations to other key data sources like CRM, subscription systems, payroll tools, etc.

Modern, cloud-based ERPs like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance (D365 Finance), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC), Sage Intacct, Acumatica, Netsuite and SAP have robust APIs which allow for dynamic integrations to CPM and BI tools that are fully automated and flexible to run on a schedule or on-demand.

Additional Resources to Aid with Research of Templates, CPM and BI Tools

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Using Balance Sheet Simulation Dashboards to Streamline the Modelling and Forecasting Process

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Example of a Balance Sheet Simulation Dashboard to Streamline the Modelling and Forecasting Process

How can Simulation Dashboards Drive Faster and Better Decisions?

As FP&A Managers increasingly become central figures in the Modelling and Forecasting Process, they must rely on modern self-service corporate performance management (CPM) and business intelligence (BI) tools. Using interactive Simulation Dashboards like the Balance Sheet Simulation Dashboard template shown below enables them and users from the Accounting and Finance teams to experience near real time simulation that help drive faster and better decisions.

Who uses Balance Sheet Simulation Dashboards and What are Some Key Analytical Features?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, FP&A Managers are under high pressure to supply end users like CFOs and analysts with timely and concise Simulation Dashboards. Companies use key features like the ones below to support their users with effective analysis that helps drive risk control and resource maximization.

  • Sliders to increase or decrease the weighting of historical data in the current year estimate
  • Comparison of simulation result with three years of history
  • Focus on Assets and Liabilities

The Balance Sheet Simulation Dashboard template can be used as a key element of the Modelling and Forecasting process:

Example of a Balance Sheet Simulation Dashboard to Streamline the Modelling and Forecasting Process

Example of a Balance Sheet Simulation Dashboard to Streamline the Modelling and Forecasting Process

The Balance Sheet Simulation Dashboard is a ready-to-use Simulation Dashboard from the Solver Marketplace

A Brief Description of the Balance Sheet Simulation Dashboard Template

Simulation Dashboards like the one seen in the image above are interactive and parameter driven and typically contain sections with simulation sliders, as well as balance sheet KPIs with tables and graphical charts. One of the important features that aid the user in the analysis process is the ability to move any of the sliders left or right to increase or decrease the weighting of that item in the simulated asset and liability estimate. Balance Sheet Simulation Dashboards are often used in conjunction with balance sheet- and cash flow input models, cash flow dashboards, and balance sheet reports.

Data Integration to Transaction Systems

Most organizations these days want automated and streamlined planning, reporting and analysis. However, many of the benefits described earlier rely on best of breed Corporate Performance Management (CPM) tools and/or Business Intelligence (BI) capabilities as well as data marts or data warehouses that use pre-built integrations to the organization’s ERP system. Oftentimes, they also need integrations to other key data sources like CRM, subscription systems, payroll tools, etc.

Modern, cloud-based ERPs like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance (D365 Finance), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC), Sage Intacct, Acumatica, Netsuite and SAP have robust APIs which allow for dynamic integrations to CPM and BI tools that are fully automated and flexible to run on a schedule or on-demand.

Additional Resources to Aid with Research of Templates, CPM and BI Tools

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Using Profit Simulation Dashboards to Streamline the Modelling and Forecasting Process

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Example of a Profit Simulation Dashboard to Streamline the Modelling and Forecasting Process

How can Simulation Dashboards Drive Faster and Better Decisions?

As FP&A Managers increasingly become key advisors in the Modelling and Forecasting Process, they must rely on modern self-service corporate performance management (CPM) and business intelligence (BI) tools. Using interactive Simulation Dashboards like the Profit Simulation Dashboard template shown below enables them and users from the Executive and Finance teams to experience near real time forecasting that help drive faster and better decisions.

Who uses Profit Simulation Dashboards and What are Some Key Analytical Features?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, FP&A Managers are under high pressure to supply end users like CFOs and senior leaders with timely and concise Simulation Dashboards. Companies use key features like the ones below to support their users with effective analysis that helps drive expense control and profit maximization.

  • Sliders to increase or decrease the weighting of historical data in the current year estimate
  • Comparison of simulation result with annual budget and three years of history
  • Focus on Gross Profit, EBITDA and Net Profit

The Profit Simulation Dashboard template can be used as a key element of the Modelling and Forecasting process:

Example of a Profit Simulation Dashboard to Streamline the Modelling and Forecasting Process

Example of a Profit Simulation Dashboard to Streamline the Modelling and Forecasting Process

The Profit Simulation Dashboard is a ready-to-use Simulation Dashboard from the Solver Marketplace

A Brief Description of the Profit Simulation Dashboard Template

Simulation Dashboards like the one seen in the image above are interactive and parameter driven and typically contain sections with simulation sliders, as well as profitability KPIs with related variance tables and graphical charts. One of the important features that aid the user in the analysis process is the ability to move any of the sliders left or right to increase or decrease the weighting of that item in the simulated profitability estimate. Profit Simulation Dashboards are often used in conjunction with forecast input models, sales dashboards, revenue dashboards, expense dashboards and profit & loss reports.

Data Integration to Transaction Systems

Most organizations these days want automated and streamlined planning, reporting and analysis. However, many of the benefits described earlier rely on best of breed Corporate Performance Management (CPM) tools and/or Business Intelligence (BI) capabilities as well as data marts or data warehouses that use pre-built integrations to the organization’s ERP system. Oftentimes, they also need integrations to other key data sources like CRM, subscription systems, payroll tools, etc.

Modern, cloud-based ERPs like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance (D365 Finance), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC), Sage Intacct, Acumatica, Netsuite and SAP have robust APIs which allow for dynamic integrations to CPM and BI tools that are fully automated and flexible to run on a schedule or on-demand.

Additional Resources to Aid with Research of Templates, CPM and BI Tools

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