Quick Facts About Apliqo FPM

Owned by Andreas Alex
Last updated: Dec 19, 2024
3 min read

Apliqo FPM is a pre-built FP&A application designed to empower the office of finance with tools for comprehensive reporting, analytics, planning, and forecasting of financial data and beyond. It seamlessly integrates with IBM Planning Analytics for Watson (TM1)—a robust, in-memory, multi-dimensional database.

Reporting, Dashboards, and Analytics

The core framework of Apliqo FPM supports a wide range of reporting and analytical needs through its structured approach:

  • Version Management:
    Includes actuals, budgets, forecasts, and system-calculated rolling versions (e.g., Actual-Forecast) with variance analysis for comparison.

  • Currency Handling:
    Data can be entered in local currency, automatically converted to reporting currency using closing or average rates, and adjusted for Cumulative Translation Adjustment (CTA).

  • Time Dimensions:
    Built around financial periods (months), with flexibility to analyze data by quarters, half-years, years, YTD (Year-to-Date), YTG (Year-to-Go), and more.

  • Company Structures:
    Consolidation of legal entities and accounting areas is supported.

  • Business Segments:
    Flexible segmentation options across four business segments, such as cost centers, profit centers, regions, and divisions.

  • Chart of Accounts:
    Pre-configured templates for balance sheets, P&L, and cash flow structures can be imported or created, with nearly 100 predefined KPIs customizable to specific needs.

  • Adjustments Transparency:
    Clear segregation of data sources and adjustments ensures full traceability of data origins.

Apliqo UX Frontend:
Apliqo FPM includes the Apliqo UX frontend, enabling users to build, publish, and consume dashboards, scorecards, reports, and analytical applications. Prebuilt apps are included, with flexibility for users to create additional ones. Data can also be accessed through Excel or any frontend compatible with IBM Planning Analytics for Watson (TM1).

Planning and Forecasting

Chart of Accounts

The planning process supports a different granularity level, enabling planning at higher aggregation levels than the imported actuals. The system adapts KPI calculations and cash flow statements accordingly.

Business Segments

Segments can be configured for specific plan types (e.g., revenue or expense planning). Granularity can be customized, such as planning on cost center groups rather than individual cost centers.

Versions

Multiple version types are supported for various purposes, such as:

  • Working Budget: Annual plans spanning multiple years.

  • Working Forecast: Incorporates actual data for the year-to-date, forecasting remaining months.

  • Rolling Forecast: Plans over a defined period starting from a specific month.

  • Snapshots: Freezes data for reference and comparison purposes.

Plan Types and Methodologies

Main plan types include revenue, expenses, and balance sheets. A recommended driver-based approach allows for top-down entry, fine-tuning at detailed levels, or direct data entry. Purpose-built drivers and operational planning models are available, with custom models supported.

Specialized Planning Modules

  • Revenue Planning:
    Incorporates revenue and cost of sales using drivers like prior-year data, run rates, or statistical accounts.

  • Expense Planning:
    Includes workforce planning, travel and entertainment, and detailed marketing campaign budgeting.

  • Balance Sheet Planning:
    Supports inventory planning, capital expenditures, debt management, and cash flow calculations using indirect methods.

Workflow Management

Apliqo FPM includes a simple workflow component to track plan progress across states: Not Started → In Progress → Submitted → Approved/Rejected. Each state is logged with user details, timestamps, and optional commentary. Security settings ensure restricted data entry based on workflow states.

Data Integration

Prebuilt Connectors:
Out-of-the-box connectors for platforms like SAP, Xero, DATEV, and FinancialForce provide rapid implementation with drill-through capabilities.

Custom Integrations:
For unique requirements, the ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) functionality allows custom data mapping and integration processes.

Administration and Security

  • System Setup:
    Initial configurations and daily operations can be handled by trained users via intuitive interfaces.

  • Security:
    A robust security framework enables user-role management with predefined roles and customizable permissions for granular control.

  • Backups:
    Database backups can be scheduled or initiated on demand to ensure data safety.