Don't Panic! It's Just Data 23 April 2025 27 MIN

Is Your Finance Team Stuck in the Past? Real-Time Answers

In this episode of "Don't Panic, It's Just Data," host Christina Stathopoulos explores the world of real-time analytics and its impact on financial decision-making. She is joined by Thomas Gorr, insightsoftware's Director of Product Management for extended planning and analysis (XP&A), and Cody Riemenschneider, Director of Solutions Engineering, and they discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating real-time data into finance.

"Finance teams are often the last to embrace change," Christina says, when highlighting one of the industry hurdles. Cody responds: "It's kind of the mentality of nothing's broke, don't fix it."

We explore the issue of data silos and how real-time AI integration can break them down. Thomas explains: "Each department has its own data report, its own planning tools, which are mostly Excel files... They don't collaborate."

The future of finance lies in real-time data, driving a shift to XP&A, where finance should act as a collaborative partner. This transition is further explained in insightsoftware's whitepaper, "Unlocking AI-Powered Financial Planning," which highlights the potential of AI in financial planning and analysis.

Watch our latest podcast now for an insightful conversation on how real-time data is reshaping the future of financial planning and analysis.

Takeaways

  • Finance teams are often resistant to change, clinging to outdated tools.
  • Real-time data integration can help break down data silos and better decision-making.
  • The shift from FP&A to XP&A emphasises collaboration across departments.
  • Data governance is crucial when handling financial data.
  • Real-time data enables more accurate forecasting and budgeting.
  • Organisations should define their data strategy before implementation.
  • Proactive adaptation to data technologies is essential for future success.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Real-Time Analytics in Finance
  • 03:14 Resistance to Change in Finance Teams
  • 06:30 Breaking Down Data Silos
  • 12:43 Pros and Cons of Real-Time Data Integration
  • 18:27 Real-Time Data in Corporate Performance Management
  • 22:11 Future of Financial Planning with Real-Time Data
  • 27:36 Key Takeaways for CFOs and Financial Leaders

About insightsoftware

insightsoftware is a global provider of comprehensive solutions for the Office of the CFO. We believe an actionable business strategy begins and ends with accessible financial data. With solutions across financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, and operations, we transform how teams operate, empowering leaders to make timely and informed decisions.

Get insights faster. With data at the heart of everything we do, insightsoftware enables automated processes, delivers trusted insights, boosts predictability, and increases productivity.

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insightsoftware is a global provider of comprehensive solutions for the Office of the CFO. We believe an actionable business strategy begins and ends with accessible financial data. With solutions across financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, and operations, we transform how teams operate, empowering leaders to make timely and informed decisions. With data at the heart of everything we do, insightsoftware enables automated processes, delivers trusted insights, boosts predictability, and increases productivity. Learn more at insightsoftware.com.

Power ON: For enterprise organizations using Power BI, Power ON transforms it into a robust planning, forecasting, and collaboration tool with real-time data write-back, a familiar Excel-like interface, and enhanced data control and flexibility, empowering teams to plan and model efficiently within their existing BI environment.

Power ON Budget Planner: For mid-market organizations using Power BI, Power ON Budget Planner unifies budgeting and planning processes within the platform, enhancing data governance and collaboration. This streamlines workflows and boosts accuracy, providing a comprehensive solution for efficient financial management in a familiar environment.

Fiplana: For mid-sized organizations using Qlik, Fiplana optimizes financial planning and analysis by integrating real-time data and enhancing collaboration, reducing spreadsheet dependency. This streamlines workflows and enhances decision-making, offering a scalable solution for efficient and accurate financial management within the familiar Qlik environment.

Spreadsheet Server: For organizations seeking to automate financial reporting, Spreadsheet Server is an intuitive Microsoft Excel add-in that connects to over 140 data sources, providing users with direct access to live data in Excel for self-service reporting and analytics. With the full power of Excel, Spreadsheet Server allows you to leverage your existing skills to mix GL and non-GL data, drill down to subledger detail, and automate report distribution.

Comments ( 1 )

Loved having Thomas and Cody on the show! We dove right into it, exploring real-time financial planning and analysis, how it can be supercharged with AI and the many solutions on offer from the insightsoftware team. Finance teams are often the last to embrace change, but there's no excuse anymore, it's past time to adapt. Tune in to learn more, and let us know what you think / if you have any follow up questions!