Don't Just Forecast, Flourish: The Integrated Path to Financial Agility

Don't Panic! It's Just Data

Blending financial planning directly into existing business intelligence (BI) platforms like Microsoft Power BI and Qlik are on the rise. But have you questioned why, and what drives this shift?

In this episode of the Don’t Panic It’s Just Data podcast, Kevin Petrie, BARC analyst, sits down to chat with Thomas Gorr, Director of Product Management for xP&A and BI at insightsoftware, and Henri Rufin, Head of Responsible Data & Analytics at Radiall.

The speakers stress how the integration of financial planning in BI platforms is driven by the need to move beyond traditional Excel-based planning. This is because it often leads to data silos and errors.

Their conversation spotlights how integrated BI and planning solutions improve collaboration across departments. Going deeper, BI can also provide a unified view of data and help organizations be more agile and proactive in volatile markets.

Gorr and Rufin explain how separating your financial data makes less sense, and why traditional tools like Excel are no longer significant.

Watch this podcast to discover how embedding planning capabilities within BI platforms, such as Qlik and Power BI, offer a seamless experience, greater flexibility, and real-time collaboration.

Learn how organisations are adapting to volatile market conditions through agile planning, and gain a glimpse into the evolving landscape of financial planning.

Tune in to gain expert insights and practical strategies for a more collaborative and data-driven future!

Takeaways

• The integration of planning into BI platforms is essential for collaboration.
• Excel is prone to errors and creates silos in data management.
• Organizations need to adapt to dynamic market conditions for effective planning.
• Stakeholder engagement is crucial for successful financial planning.
• Advanced planning solutions offer flexibility and real-time collaboration.
• Data governance is necessary to support planning processes.
• The total cost of ownership is lower with integrated planning solutions.
• BI platforms provide a unified experience for users.
• Future planning will focus on platform integration and advanced analytics.
• Companies must evolve their planning capabilities to remain competitive.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Data Management

03:04 The Shift Towards Integrated Planning

08:30 Collaboration in Dynamic Markets

11:05 The Role of Stakeholders in Planning

15:10 Moving Beyond Excel

19:19 Total Cost of Ownership in Planning Solutions

25:06 Future of Integrated Financial Planning

About insightsoftware

insightsoftware is a global provider of comprehensive solutions for the Office of the CFO. They believe actionable business strategies begin and end with financial data that’s accessible and easy to understand.

They offer solutions across financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, and operations. This transforms how teams operate, empowering leaders to make timely and informed decisions.