Requirements

Even though many of the problems mentioned are not completely new, no integrated software solution that can be implemented on a company-wide or group-wide basis has been available up to now. To ensure fast and consistent data transfer and retrieval, information systems require both horizontal and vertical integration. The requirements for this new integrated solution can be outlined as follows:

1.      1. Information integration: Integration of metadata (such as definitions of data fields), master data (such as organizational structures), and transaction data (such as planned and actual values for key figures) for the whole company is a basic requirement. Added to this is the requirement for linking financial and non-financial, as well as quantitative and qualitative facts.

2.   2. Function integration: Integration of functions is also essential, for example, to be able to go from a Balanced Scorecard directly to a Performance Measurement or Panning System.

3.     3. Module integration: Identical functions are used in different components. For example, the same currency translation function is used in planning, consolidation, and reporting.

4.   4.  Process integration: The following needs to be coordinated: complex event chains when converting strategic objectives into operational standards, cooperative planning within the framework of enterprise networks, and data collection in decentralized organizational structures. Achieving this requires monitoring and control functions in the sense of a control station or workflow management system.

5.     5. Global access via the Internet: Particularly for companies that act internationally, data and functions have to be consistent around the world. Here, Internet technologies in conjunction with enterprise portals offer a cost-effective solution.

6.   6. Multidimensional structure: The accounting data has to be displayed in views tailored to all criteria relevant to the organization (OLAP dimensions).

7.    7. Easy to learn and operate: Considering the target group – managers and cost accountants – user-   friendliness is an especially important factor.

8.  8. Interpretation models and visualization methods: Suitable interpretation and visualization methods provide important assistance in making the interdependencies among value drivers and their effects transparent.

9. 9. Business Content: Business templates represent a considerable added value, such as alternative key figure definitions and systems in the context of value-based business management.

10. Personalization: Individual filter mechanisms, navigation assistance, and instruments for targeted, active information delivery (push technologies) are means of fighting information overload. The basis for this is Business Content (methods and information) that is structured based on typical employee roles.