In many companies, planning and data analysis go hand in hand. In order to successfully manage a company, decision-makers must always keep an eye on the comparison between actual and planned values - in areas such as sales planning, budget planning, forecasts, sales, liquidity and price planning. Well thought-out planning is crucial not only to manage departments internally, but also to ensure strategic alignment across the board.
Without reliable planning processes and corresponding reports, a company is often on shaky ground. It therefore makes sense to integrate planning and reporting in a single tool. This is where Acterys comes into play - a plugin for Power BI that enables users to design and customize planning processes directly in Power BI and also in Excel.
What is Acterys?
Acterys is an all-in-one platform solution that provides the ability to enter and edit planning data directly into Power BI and Excel and immediately see the impact of that planning on the business. The seamless integration ensures that planning does not just remain static, but can be dynamically adjusted and reviewed in real time. This allows users to plan in a way that allows them to pursue their business goals flexibly and efficiently.
Practical example: Sales planning for an automotive supplier
A practical scenario shows how Acterys can be used for sales planning: In this example, an automotive supplier sells components for small and compact cars. In Power BI, the actual and planned values for the year 2024 are clearly displayed graphically. Acterys extends Power BI with the option of changing and saving the planning data directly in the report. A changed figure is saved with a click and transferred to the underlying data model - so the updated values are immediately visible in the Power BI reports.
Real-time planning and immediate tracking of effects
A major advantage of Acterys is the ability to adjust prices and plan values in real time and see their impact on the overall results immediately. Take price planning as an example: when price inputs are updated, the impact on annual sales can be simulated directly. This makes planning much more efficient and helps to make informed decisions without inadvertently creating unwanted effects.
Integration in Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Navision and Business Central
Acterys is particularly interesting in combination with ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV (formerly Navision), Dynamics 365 Business Central and other solutions. Companies that use Acterys have the option of linking planning data directly with their familiar Microsoft Dynamics environment, thus creating deep integration between planning, reporting and the ERP system.
Use of an SQL database for central data storage
Acterys offers the option of storing all planning data in an SQL server database. This creates a centralized data source that can be accessed by Power BI, Dynamics NAV, Navision and Business Central. Acterys uses a web API connected to a SQL database so that data can be synchronized directly into the ERP system. For companies with Microsoft Dynamics, this can be an exciting opportunity to store all planning data centrally and use it company-wide in all reports and analyses.
Flexibility for controllers: Acterys and Excel
Another plus point for Acterys is its flexibility for users who prefer to work in Excel. Controllers and planners can connect to the models in Power BI via pivot tables and edit the planning data directly in Excel. Acterys immediately synchronizes the changes in the data model, so no additional steps or separate tools are required.
Interested in integration with Acterys and Microsoft Dynamics?
Acterys offers a comprehensive solution for companies that want to optimize their planning processes in Power BI and Dynamics NAV, Navision or Business Central. The simple integration and the possibility of real-time editing make Acterys an ideal tool for dynamic planning and control.
If you are interested in implementing a similar solution at your company, we will be happy to assist you. Contact us - our team looks forward to working with you to establish this innovative solution in your company and take your planning and reporting processes to the next level.
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