Leveraging alternative data: transforming FP&A with non-traditional insights
This article explores how financial planning and analysis (FP&A) professionals can leverage alternative data sources — such as social media sentiment, satellite imagery, web scraping, and geolocation data — to enhance traditional financial metrics and gain competitive advantages. Through a retail case study, technological enablers like AI and real-time analytics, and practical implementation strategies, the article demonstrates how non-traditional insights can transform financial forecasting, improve decision-making agility, and help organisations navigate market uncertainties despite integration challenges.
Big data: Opportunities and Challenges for FP&A
Imagine stepping into an immense, ever-evolving digital library where every piece of data is a book waiting to reveal a hidden secret about your business. In the realm of financial planning and analysis (FP&A), big data is that library — a vast, intricate repository that can transform routine forecasts into dynamic, actionable insights. Yet, with […]
Financial Health Check: How to prepare your Q1 diagnosis
We are now well into Q1 of the new year and as such, it’s the perfect time to conduct an annual financial health check – much like a routine physical examination that ensures your body is running at peak performance. Just as you shouldn’t skip your yearly check-up, neglecting a comprehensive review of your organisation’s […]
Variance Analysis — Its art and science
Variance analysis is both a technical discipline and a nuanced craft. In the world of FP&A, it is the process of comparing planned outcomes with actual results, identifying discrepancies, and uncovering the underlying causes. While the scientific aspect involves quantitative methods and precise calculations, the art lies in interpreting these figures in context and making […]
Data security — Essential strategies to Fortify FP&A
In any organisation, the FP&A team is going to be responsible for handling vast amounts of sensitive financial data. From revenue forecasts to strategic planning metrics, these insights are critical to an organisation’s success. However, a single data breach or security lapse can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties – thus making […]
FP&A software – How to customise it to fit your business needs
Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) software has become an essential tool for modern businesses, offering robust capabilities to forecast, budget, and analyse financial performance. However, many organisations struggle to fully leverage these sophisticated systems, often underutilising key features or adapting their processes to fit the software rather than customising the software to fit their unique […]
Enhancing collaboration between finance and operations through FP&A software
Collaboration between finance and operations teams is crucial for an organisation’s success, but too often they simply don’t speak the same language. Finance teams tend to focus on financial accuracy, budgeting, and forecasting, while operations teams are driven by efficiency, productivity, and execution. Despite their different priorities, these teams must work together to ensure the […]
9 ways that FP&A can drive sustainable growth
Sustainable growth is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Companies are under increasing pressure to meet financial targets while also addressing their environmental and social responsibilities. This delicate balancing act requires more than just intuition; it demands a strategic, data-driven approach. We’re firm believers that FP&A can be the unsung hero here that […]
4 ways FP&A software can enhance investor communications
The world of investor communications has changed dramatically over the past decade with investors of all kinds demanding more transparency, better forecast accuracy, and real-time insights that can be used to make smarter investment decisions. This is placing increasing pressure on companies that have to split their focus between improving internal operations and strategies that […]
What makes for a successful FP&A team
Here at Apliqo, we’ve had the chance to interact with some incredible companies who have transformed their FP&A capabilities through a combination of powerful software and highly skilled personnel – and we’ve seen a lot of different strategies in terms of building an agile team that can thrive in all the different scenarios that they […]
