Microsoft Dynamics (GP and AX) is a rapidly evolving product. As a result of these ongoing changes, some of its longtime features and built-in tools that finance teams have grown accustomed to get retired from time to time. Forecaster, Management Reporter and FRx are all cases in point.
"The end of Forecaster is a challenging transition for SMBs."
Drawing up a transition strategy: From Forecaster to cloud
FRx was the first to go several years ago, and a large chunk of its users migrated to Management Reporter, which itself was being discontinued alongside Forecaster in a pair of 2016 announcements. So what happens next?
When any business app is removed from sale and dropped from mainstream support, it can create a challenging transition for an SMB. You have to weigh the risk of continued use (despite no new patches or updates being issued) against the potential difficulties of finding a new solution. With the pattern of discontinued Microsoft budgeting and forecasting software, it is time to ask:
- Do I want to set up yet another Microsoft dependency as a replacement, such as one of the various third-party report writers that are all essentially Excel add-ons?
- What data sources do I normally use to create my budgets and forecasts? Do I struggle to navigate and reconcile all of them with my current tools?
- To what extent does my financial software take advantage of the cloud's scalability and flexibility? If I don't migrate my solution to the cloud, am I making a financially sound choice?
Why cloud-based CPM software makes such a difference
A SaaS application such as Adaptive Insights is the perfect replacement for an outgoing product like Forecaster. With cloud corporate performance management software, you get regularly scheduled product updates, as well as centralized data, intuitive reporting and straightforward integration with many other applications.
Integrations
Indeed, this eases the transition away from a mostly Microsoft-oriented product ecosystem. Too often, aging and unsupported platforms (for example, Windows XP or legacy versions of Android) stick around because the prospect of moving on is too daunting. Adaptive Insights lets you connect your new system with your old Dynamics implementation so this is not an issue. Plus, it offers an Excel interface so you can continue using a familiar application even as you begin tapping into the fresh benefits of cloud automation and centralization.
Cloud CPM software is a versatile replacement for Microsoft Forecaster.
Self-service usability
Self-service – i.e., the ability to get what you need without having to go through the IT department – is a hallmark of cloud computing. Cloud CPM software simplifies the way you obtain and work with data, giving you plans, models and workflows that anyone in the organization could use. It makes self-service possible by supporting straight data extraction from customer relationship management and enterprise resource software, such as Microsoft Dynamics, without having to know complex script. This "click not code" approach means reports are easy to create, share with stakeholders and use with any Adaptive Insights app.
Visibility
While Forecaster was a big improvement over strictly spreadsheet-based processes thanks to its database design, it cannot match the data visibility provided by a platform like Adaptive Insights. Dashboards provide a window into metrics, analytics and business intelligence. You get the ability to react in real time to changes and dynamically update your forecasts for these new conditions and requirements so you are always ahead of the curve on managing your organization's performance.
Make the practical choice when picking a Forecaster replacement
All users of Forecaster have important decisions ahead of them in the coming months as they search for a successor. Adaptive Insights is an ideal solution since it provides the unique power of the cloud along with deep integrations with the Microsoft Dynamics product line. When implemented with the help of an experienced partner such as RKL, you also get additional benefits from having a long-term plan tailored to your particular requirements.
