Frequently Asked Questions

The answers you need to the questions you may have

How long is FutureView's Platform implementation process?

Depending on your ERP, we can have you up and running fully with staged data and direct integrations into our Platform in a couple of weeks, not months. Our software solutions are cloud and web-based, with a secure sign-on process. There is no on-premise hardware required, so you can use our platform immediately after implementation to realize its benefits.

Who will benefit most from FutureView’s software solutions?

Our established methodologies, our technology platform and our deep expertise across all of these functions provide a plug & play solution in these areas. The requirements of the controller and FP&A functions lend themselves to our scalable approach. For more information on this, check out our white paper, “How to Build a Mature Finance Function.” Due to the collaborative nature of our platform and direct integration with your ERP and other systems, all budget owners, decision makers, investors and board members alike, will also benefit from FutureView, not just finance teams.

Why can’t we just use Excel Spreadsheets?

Excel is a wonderful tool, but it’s not scalable on a standalone basis. There’s no way for Excel to extract your ERP or other system and automatically organize it for analysis. Maintaining your data in Excel introduces a high potential for error and there are always version control issues. Financial insights come from integrating systems in a replicable way – so that the emphasis is on analyzing trusted data, rather than on amalgamating spreadsheets. See why Excel does a poor job of efficiently handling large datasets.

Can I do monthly and/or quarterly forecasting?

Yes, our Platform is configurable to meet any of your forecasting cadences. We do however, recommend a monthly forecasting process, which we refer to as an integrated “Accountability-Based Forecasting Process.” This method tracks actual progress against the targets established by an annual budget. Learn more about our preferred forecasting process.

Can I restrict what certain users can view in the FutureView Platform?

Yes, FutureView Admins can determine access levels for any user from their admin account settings. You can restrict access to certain information or reports and make changes to access levels at any time.

We have our own developers and software engineers, can’t they create this for us?

If they have the capacity, engineers can build the pipes and move data around, but the issues of methodology and maintaining everything in a timely fashion remains. When faced with a choice between resolving an internal data issue or a newly-discovered bug in the platform, the platform bug (appropriately) takes priority. In addition, engineers typically don’t understand the nuances of the data in each system in a way that allows them to help strategically leverage the data for financial purposes. There are also ongoing bug fixes and updates that can be costly for internal teams to manage. Besides, you want your best engineers focused on building and maintaining your product, not on internal business operations. Developers don't necessarily build software and technology in a way that is applicable and understood by finance professionals. FutureView’s cross section of financial and technical expertise makes our solutions unique.

Does FutureView provide any services or support?

Yes, FutureView offers a variety of service options to fit your financial needs. From implementation services that can help accelerate your use of the Platform to proven financial strategies and board management from our decades of battle-tested expertise. Pricing is dependent on the extent of the services required by your Company. For more information contact us at info@futureviewsystems.com.

What is the difference between the Foundation and Platform products?

FutureView Foundation is a cloud-based direct integration that extracts all of the data from your G/L and other systems at the transactional level, and automatically structures it for analysis via our Excel Add-in or third-party viewer. The FutureView Platform is a comprehensive application of Foundation, paired with an OLAP tool (Jedox), which enables you to easily create and iterate on detailed reports, develop detailed forecasts and annual budgets. Most OLAP tools offer limited out-of-the box solutions, making implementation and adoption a difficult and lengthy process. Our finance experts’ proven methodologies are baked into the OLAP technologies for full-realization of its potential.