MCI Consultants, the leading distributor for Applix`s TM1 product in SA, today announced that the latter has expanded its TM1 suite for more complex analysis and larger Web-based budgeting, forecasting and reporting applications for BPM.
The new features and components include dynamic slicing for better analysis and charting capabilities, a pre-built financial database for faster deployment of BPM applications and enhanced Web-based financial task management for global collaboration on BPM initiatives.
"Many businesses use TM1 for highly complex, real-time analysis and monitoring of large volumes of financial, operational and ERP data," commented David Menninger, vice-president, worldwide marketing and product management, Applix, Inc.
"As companies expand their use of BPM applications, they require more power behind the applications. The new features and financial components were developed with significant input from the Applix Customer Advisory Board, addressing real needs in today`s corporate environments."
As defined by the worldwide BPM Standards Group, BPM enables a business to define, measure and manage its performance against strategic goals. The core financial and operational processes of BPM include planning, consolidation and reporting, analysis and the deployment of linked key performance indicators (KPIs) throughout an organisation.
The new TM1 capabilities include:
* Dynamic views added to Excel`s reporting capabilities for more sophisticated `dashboarding` and complex analysis.
* Expanded TM1 cubes from 16 dimensions to 256 dimensions for more complex information sets.
* A pre-built, out-of-the-box financial database for rapid development and deployment of budgeting, forecasting and reporting applications.
* Planning process management, including tasks and review structures, directly in Microsoft Excel over the Web.
These components are the first in a series of new features to give users more financial and operational capabilities within the TM1 suite and through strategic technology partners.
Applix expects rapid adoption and deployment of the enhanced TM1 due to its use of the ubiquitous Microsoft Excel as its front-end for desktop and Web applications, its business modelling flexibility, and its minimal requirements for additional IT resources.
"The new `dynamic slice` capability allows users to expand cells of TM1 data in Excel to view greater detail and thus have more complex analysis right at their fingertips for better, faster business decision-making," added Bruce Garvin, Business Intelligence and Software Application Analyst, Novar Controls.
"Additionally, when the business model changes - for example, new line items are added - reports and charts are dynamically updated."
"Version 8.4 will revolutionise the reporting capabilities for corporate organisations," continued James Wakefield, Senior Consultant, Cortell New Zealand Ltd (Wellington), an Applix partner. "In particular, the dynamic slice functionality will enhance the user`s capabilities to provide an enterprise reporting solution leveraging on the seamless integration with Microsoft Excel. This is a huge benefit for non-IT users, allowing for the power of analysis to be handled by the business managers themselves - for business as usual."
For further information, please contact Aliki Droussiotis, MCI: telephone (011) 454 3420, fax (011) 454 3417, e-mail aliki@mci.co.za.
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Applix is a global provider of business intelligence and business performance management solutions. These solutions enable the continuous management and monitoring of performance across the financial, operational, customer and organisational functions within the enterprise.
More than 1 700 customers worldwide use Applix`s adaptable, scalable and real-time solutions, delivered by Applix and a global network of partners, to manage their business performance and respond to the marketplace in real-time. Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, USA, Applix maintains offices in four countries in Europe, North America and the Pacific Rim. For more information about Applix, please visit www.applix.com.
MCI Consultants
MCI Consultants is a South African-based business information systems consulting firm specialising in providing software solutions to the business community, specifically to the financial services and personnel recruitment industries.
It offers a complete solution, which can include project management, consulting services, installation, training and support, packaged software implementations, product development including e-commerce solutions, hardware supply, installation and design services.
The company`s approach is to continuously provide solutions to meet clients` changing requirements. It takes pride in delivering excellent customer service and building long-lasting partnerships with clients.
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