The Ledger

Curated content for
analytical business leaders

Get With the Times- Modern Planning Solutions Are Taking Over

November 12, 2018

In today’s fast-moving, unpredictable business environment, legacy planning practices can’t keep up. Often times, plans are already out of date before they even begin. It is impossible to predict events six months out, let alone 18 months for the traditional budgeting process. With modern financial planning and analysis solutions combined with newer management methodologies, these processes no longer need be time-bound. They can operate as a single management process where planning activities are triggered not by a date on the calendar but by events and exceptions. For all but small businesses, this requires a sophisticated automation capability that does not necessarily rely on human intervention.

Read More at The Digitalist by SAP >

 

The Power of Combining Information & Operational Technologies

November 8, 2018

Many changes and trends are taking place in the energy and manufacturing industries. These trends are affecting these industries’ economic, social, and working environments and providing opportunities to improve business performance in their current, highly competitive conditions. Finance leaders are realizing the value in a combination or convergence of information technologies (IT) and operational technologies (OT). IT and OT teams have typically had separate, complete control of their strategies and budgets. They possess vast experience and competence in their own domains- imagine the power of leveraging the strengths of both! IT/OT integration results in a more optimized and less costly technology deployment.

Read More at The Digitalist by SAP >

 

The Rule of Finance Transformation: No Pain, No Gain

November 7, 2018

It is clear to many business leaders that in order to remain competitive in today’s business climate, they must increase their economic value by re-evaluating their strategy, business model, and financial operations. Business transformations are all about trying to change the way you do business whether on a global, enterprise-wide scale or one that’s more limited. With any kind of transformation, there will be a significant learning curve for the entire organization. Whether because of competitive pressures, technology, new regulatory requirements, or other changes, many organizations must initiate costly, painful transformations. However, with the right approach, it will be worth it.

Read More at Strategic Finance Magazine >

 

Bottom-Up Forecasting Can Enhance Your Top-Line Predictions

November 6, 2018

Financial projections are a fundamental component of the business plan and are important for many reasons. When it comes to developing financial projections, there are two options: top-down and bottom up. The more strategic option is bottom up forecasting, which is where the sales revenue estimates of each product or product line are combined to gauge revenue estimates for the entire firm. This method is seen as a strategic option because it is an approach where finance leaders can take a real look at their current situation and capabilities, and they are able to see where the business can reasonably go. Top-down forecasting can be a big gamble, especially for start-up companies.

Read More at Forbes Magazine >

 

↑