Financial performance management (FPM) software provides budgeting, forecasting, consolidation and business intelligence functions to help businesses increase revenue, improve efficiency, and manage budgets. FPM software integrates data from different sources to provide predictive analysis and "what if" scenario planning to inform decision-makers. Companies can see quick returns on FPM investments through gradual integration with existing systems. Effective FPM requires considering user needs, requirements, implementation efforts, ongoing support, and prototyping solutions.
Investment in The Coconut Industry by Nancy Cheruiyot
Accessible affordable financial performance management white paper
1. Financial performance management
Business intelligence
White Paper | TCM infosys
Accessible, Affordable
Financial Performance Management
TCM Infosys Ltd.
52 packhorse, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 8EF United Kingdom
info@tcminfosys.com | +44 (0) 845 50 50 350 | www.tcminfosys.com
2. Financial performance management
Business intelligence
Executive Summary
For the majority of businesses, an investment in a financial performance management (FPM) solution will
deliver almost immediate dividends, helping to increase revenue, improve efficiency and productivity, and
manage budgets more efficiently and effectively.
FPM software provides all the financial functions a business needs, including budgeting, forecasting and
consolidation. Aligning and compiling data from disparate sources, an FPM solution can also vastly improve
the processes surrounding regulatory compliance and financial reporting.
In addition to the core financial functions, FPM software should provide a predictive analysis or “what if?”
function that uses historic and current data to predict future trends and provide essential information to the
company’s decision-makers.
In this paper, Faisal Nadeem, CEO of TCM Infosys, discusses how FPM solutions have become more
affordable and accessible, particularly when adopted incrementally, using existing general ledgers.
Today’s competitive environment
Every business today is challenged to do more with less. Financial operations are under increased pressure to
identify cost-savings opportunities and streamline processes. In addition to providing the mission-critical
aspects of the accounting function, many finance departments are also trying to cope with changing and
complex tax regimes, regulatory compliance and reporting.
To remain competitive, companies need access to reliable data to make informed and solid business
decisions. But because of an over reliance on spreadsheets and a growing volume of data and data sources,
users grapple with too much information. Frequently, information that could be useful in the decision-making
process is lost in the process or buried in a data silo.
How can a financial performance management solution benefit your
company?
Integrated Business Intelligence (BI) and planning solutions - Financial Performance Management (FPM) -
deliver a single source of information, immediately providing you with a clear picture of assets, expenditures,
profitability and cash flow.
While this information is critical to the core accounting functions, FPM can also provide key information about
the company’s history, its current status and predictive analysis to address where the company is going. FPM
allows decision-makers to gain real insight into business activities. It also provides the ability to analyse trends
and the consequences of business decisions by running unlimited “what if?” scenarios.
The goal of FPM is to provide reliable, accurate and timely information and real performance insight to key
decision-makers in your company.
FPM also provides a framework to streamline financial consolidation, regulatory reporting and disclosure
management.
TCM Infosys Ltd.
52 packhorse, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 8EF United Kingdom
info@tcminfosys.com | +44 (0) 845 50 50 350 | www.tcminfosys.com
3. Financial performance management
Business intelligence
A gradual approach
Investing in FPM software does not have to be an all or nothing proposition. Companies can see an almost
immediate return on their investment by taking incremental steps to integrate information and build on existing
ledger systems. This gradual approach means that businesses can reap the immediate benefits of FPM,
expanding and adapting its capabilities as the company grows.
Factors to consider
But before investing in FPM software, a number of factors must be considered in the decision-making and
selection process. First and foremost, the company’s key users and managers must be a part of the process
right from the start. It’s important to establish the needs of the users and decision-makers, such as what
information they are using, what information they think is relevant and timely, and what information they would
like to have to make better informed decisions.
Secondly, define your business and technical requirements. For example, if you already have a general ledger
system that works well for you, you may not want to replace it with brand new technology. So look for a
solution that can be integrated into your existing systems. Similarly, if you know that consolidation is one of
your most challenging tasks, be sure to look for software that meets your needs, and is flexible enough to
continue to do so as the company grows.
Thirdly, you need to consider how much implementation effort, training and administration are required with
each product. Be sure you are clear about training requirements and costs and the actual time needed before
full deployment.
Fourthly, look for a provider that is committed to building a strong business relationship with your organisation.
Reliable and exceptional after-sales service is critical to achieving the maximum benefit from your investment
in FPM.
Finally, before making a final decision, it is a good idea to request a prototype of any solution. This provides
the opportunity for everyone involved to gain a complete understanding of the solution and will lay the
groundwork for a positive and profitable outcome.
About TCM Infosys
TCM Infosys is a leading specialist in developing FPM solutions for businesses around the globe.
With exceptional experience helping long-term clients of all sizes and sectors throughout Europe, the US,
China, Australia and New Zealand, TCM provides its clients with business acumen and a proven track-record
of success.
TCM Infosys Ltd.
52 packhorse, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 8EF United Kingdom
info@tcminfosys.com | +44 (0) 845 50 50 350 | www.tcminfosys.com