Collect the actuals
Read balances or transactions through a configured BAS interface, SQL query or agreed file. Use an authorised Agent connection when the source is inside a private network.
Illustrative use case
Compare plans with actual results
Bring income and expenses from your accounting systems into a profit and loss report. Data Bridge checks the data and prepares it for comparison with your plan in IBM Planning Analytics or another system.
BASSQLIBM Planning AnalyticsUBC Analytics
HOW THE WORKFLOW RUNS
BASSQLIBM Planning AnalyticsUBC Analytics
01Collect the actuals
02Align the structure
03Review before writing
04Update the model
THE CHALLENGE
What slows the work down
Actuals arrive from different accounting systems, account structures do not match management reporting, and the plan lives elsewhere. Analysts repeatedly assemble files, check periods and rebuild mappings. A changed account or missing cost centre may remain unnoticed until the report is nearly ready.
Finance directors, controllers and analysts across business units.A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE
Illustrative scenario: a manufacturing group prepares a monthly P&L for several legal entities. The analyst selects an entity and reporting period, reviews prepared actuals, then loads the relevant cube in IBM Planning Analytics or UBC Analytics.
HOW THE WORKFLOW RUNS
From the first step to the right action.
Align the structure
Map accounts, cost centres and entities to management reporting categories. Add the selected period and apply agreed calculation rules consistently to every incoming row.
Review before writing
Run a simulation and inspect totals and exceptions. Resolve unknown categories or incomplete records before the prepared dataset is written to the planning system.
Update the model
Send the result to the appropriate cube using a defined write method. Review the run history and reconcile the loaded totals with the source.
VALUE FOR THE TEAM
Make the work repeatable.
- Reuse a maintained preparation process instead of rebuilding formulas across multiple reporting workbooks.
- Make the origin of a management reporting category visible so finance and accounting can review it together.
- Use period and entity parameters to apply the same controlled workflow during the next close.
Keep control of the result.
- Restrict source access, available entities and target cube permissions to the operator’s responsibilities.
- Define how missing mappings, empty values and a repeated load of the same period are handled.
- Reconcile control totals and investigate partially completed writes before attempting another load.
THE WORKFLOW OUTCOME
Finance gains a repeatable route from accounting actuals to its planning model, with consistent categories and a traceable load history.
Capabilities behind this workflowFROM IDEA TO WORKING FLOW
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