Overview
The budgeting, planning and forecasting process is critical to mapping out and measuring the success of a company's go-to-market strategy. Frequent comparisons between the forecasted and actual results allow for course corrections as the company's operating environment changes. Often, too much time is spent on the mechanics of the process with little time allowed to look at the impact of various options or to provide feedback and analysis of results as the company executes its strategy.

The Problem
The underlying problem is that most firms rely heavily on Excel as their primary forecasting platform. Sharing information, versioning, and consolidations become a major headache in this environment. In addition, exercises such as doing a rolling forecast to ensure the strategy is up to date with the current economic climate become increasingly challenging with a spreadsheet-based platform.

The Solution
The IBM Cognos Performance Management Suite addresses the budgeting, planning and forecasting challenge by providing a cost effective application that leverages the familiarity of Excel without the problems of a spreadsheet-based platform. The elimination of Excel headaches, gaining the ability to easily distribute planning templates, and providing a frequent feedback loop will increase your strategy's success and relevance.

Products That Address the Issue:
IBM Cognos TM1
Cognos Express Xcelerator

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Contact Larry Stell at 866-434-4649 or email us