Unit4 FP&A

Basic Information

Unit4 FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis), formerly known as Prevero, is a comprehensive Corporate Performance Management (CPM) and analytics platform. It is designed for planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, analysis, and financial consolidation.

• Model: Unit4 FP&A (formerly Prevero)
• Version: Continuous Release (CR) for cloud-based versions.
• Release Date: Continuous updates for cloud versions. Specific release dates for on-premise versions vary, e.g., V14 Release 19 in December 2022, V13 SP23 in September 2019.
• Minimum Requirements: As a cloud-based SaaS solution, specific end-user hardware requirements are minimal, primarily requiring a compatible web browser and internet connection. Unit4 manages the underlying infrastructure.
• Supported Operating Systems: Access is via web client, supporting various operating systems through standard web browsers.
• Latest Stable Version: Continuous Release for SaaS.
• End of Support Date: On-premise versions of Unit4 FP&A will no longer be supported or maintained after December 31, 2024. Cloud versions receive continuous support and updates.
• End of Life Date: On-premise versions reach end of life for support and maintenance on December 31, 2024.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable for SaaS, as updates are continuous. On-premise versions cease to receive updates after their end of support date.
• License Type: Proprietary, typically subscription-based for SaaS. Pricing is based on user types (Modelling, Planning, Analytics) and modules.
• Deployment Model: Primarily Software as a Service (SaaS) deployed on Microsoft Azure. Available in shared and dedicated deployment models. On-premise deployments are being phased out, with support ending December 31, 2024.

Technical Requirements

Unit4 FP&A is a cloud-native application, primarily accessed via a web client. The technical requirements for end-users are minimal, focusing on internet connectivity and compatible devices. Unit4 manages the infrastructure, hardware, system software, monitoring, and maintenance.

• RAM: Not specified for end-user devices, depends on browser and OS.
• Processor: Not specified for end-user devices, depends on browser and OS.
• Storage: Minimal local storage required for browser cache. Data storage is managed by Unit4 in the cloud.
• Display: Standard display resolution compatible with modern web browsers.
• Ports: Standard network ports for internet access (e.g., HTTPS).
• Operating System: Any operating system supporting a modern web browser.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The shift to a cloud-only model significantly reduces the technical burden on end-user organizations. Hardware and infrastructure management are handled by Unit4, leveraging Microsoft Azure's robust environment. This approach ensures scalability, high availability, and reduced IT overhead for customers. The primary technical requirement for users is a stable internet connection and a compatible web browser.

Support & Compatibility

Unit4 FP&A offers comprehensive support and compatibility, particularly for its cloud-based SaaS offering.

• Latest Version: Continuous Release for SaaS.
• OS Support: Supports various operating systems through web browser access. Mobile platforms are also supported.
• End of Support Date: On-premise versions will not be supported after December 31, 2024. Cloud versions receive continuous support and updates.
• Localization: Supports multiple languages, including English, German, French, Dutch, Norwegian, and Finnish.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable as it is a SaaS solution accessed via web browser.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Unit4 FP&A demonstrates strong support and compatibility, especially with its cloud-first strategy. The continuous release cycle for SaaS ensures users always have access to the latest features and security updates. The end of support for on-premise versions by December 31, 2024, mandates migration to the cloud for continued support and access to innovations. Integration with Unit4 ERP and other systems is a key compatibility feature.

Security Status

Unit4 places a high emphasis on security for its FP&A solutions, leveraging Microsoft Azure's infrastructure.

• Security Features: Application access controls, user/role-level permissions, granular data-level permissions, data segregation, threat monitoring, and secure traffic protocols (SSL/TLS, HTTPS).
• Known Vulnerabilities: Unit4 maintains a secure framework and uses monitoring tools to detect and prevent malicious events. Customers can conduct annual external security vulnerability scans.
• Blacklist Status: No information indicates a blacklist status.
• Certifications: Leverages Microsoft Azure's adherence to industry standards such as ISO 27001, SOC 1 & 2, and PCI DSS. Unit4 also maintains its own compliance standards.
• Encryption Support: Customer data in transit and at rest is protected by encryption.
• Authentication Methods: Supports authentication via Unit4 Identity Services (IDS), which is a federated authentication gateway supporting WS-Federation, SAML-P, and OpenID Connect. Single Sign-On (SSO) is available.
• General Recommendations: Unit4 recommends adherence to its Acceptable Use Policy and customer responsibility for managing user accounts and disabling access when no longer required.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Unit4 FP&A exhibits a strong overall security posture. By deploying on Microsoft Azure, it benefits from enterprise-grade physical and electronic security, along with adherence to major compliance standards. Features like data encryption, granular permissions, and robust authentication methods provide a secure environment for financial data. Continuous monitoring and the option for customers to perform vulnerability scans further enhance security.

Performance & Benchmarks

Unit4 FP&A focuses on efficiency, real-time insights, and automation to enhance performance in financial planning.

• Benchmark Scores: Unit4 FP&A has an Overall BPM Pulse Rating of 4.33 (Excellent) and an 83% customer recommendation rate in BPM's Vendor Landscape Matrix. It excels in financial planning functionality, operational planning, integration with source systems, finance self-sufficiency, and ease of implementation.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Users report faster budgeting and forecasting processes (e.g., 33% faster), significant time savings (reducing 1 week of effort on 100 Excel files to 30 minutes), and elimination of 50-80% of manual financial consolidation work.
• Power Consumption: Not directly applicable to end-user software; managed by Unit4's cloud infrastructure.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly applicable to end-user software; managed by Unit4's cloud infrastructure, which leverages Microsoft Azure's sustainability initiatives.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Competitors include Anaplan, Planful, Vena, Board, and SAP Analytics Cloud. Unit4 FP&A is noted for its price/value per user, often being significantly less costly than alternatives like Anaplan and Oracle. While Anaplan often scores higher in overall budgeting, forecasting, and collaboration, Unit4 FP&A excels in budget creation features like formulas and budget periods.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Unit4 FP&A demonstrates strong performance, particularly in streamlining financial processes and providing real-time insights. Its cloud-native architecture and AI-powered features contribute to faster budgeting, forecasting, and reporting cycles. While some competitors may offer slightly higher scores in specific areas like collaboration or ease of setup, Unit4 FP&A provides a robust and cost-effective solution, especially for mid-market and people-centric organizations. Its ability to integrate with ERP systems and automate tasks significantly improves efficiency.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews highlight several strengths and weaknesses of Unit4 FP&A.

• Strengths:
  • Integrated and feature-rich platform for planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, analysis, and financial consolidation.
  • Flexible, no-code development environment for business power users.
  • Strong integration with existing systems, particularly Unit4 ERP.
  • High usability and fast creation of budgets.
  • Reliable database and short decision processes.
  • Provides a single source of truth for data, reducing reliance on manual spreadsheets.
  • Offers advanced forecasting, scenario modeling, and AI-powered features.
  • Good for mid-sized to large enterprises, especially those with distributed teams.
  • Excellent price/value per user compared to some competitors.
  • Robust cash flow management and budget creation features.
• Weaknesses:
  • Initial customization can be extensive, potentially extending deployment timelines.
  • Pricing might be a concern for smaller teams or organizations.
  • Learning curve for advanced features.
  • Dashboard design can appear crowded to some users.
  • On-premise versions are losing support, requiring migration to cloud.
  • Some users find ease of setup challenging compared to alternatives.
  • Collaboration tools may be less robust than some competitors.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Organizations seeking to streamline budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
  • Businesses aiming to move away from spreadsheet-heavy processes to a unified, integrated platform.
  • Mid-sized to large enterprises, particularly people-centric organizations, looking for agile and scalable FP&A solutions.
  • Companies requiring strong integration with Unit4 ERP systems.
  • Organizations needing advanced scenario planning, multidimensional analysis, and financial consolidation.

Summary

Unit4 FP&A is a robust, cloud-native Financial Planning & Analysis solution, primarily delivered as Software as a Service (SaaS) on Microsoft Azure. It offers a comprehensive suite of capabilities for budgeting, forecasting, reporting, analysis, and financial consolidation, designed to provide a single source of truth for financial data. The platform is highly integrated, especially with Unit4's ERP systems, and features a flexible, no-code environment that empowers business users.

Strengths: The asset excels in automating and streamlining financial processes, leading to significant time savings in budgeting and consolidation. Its cloud deployment ensures scalability, high availability, and reduced IT overhead. Strong security features, leveraging Azure's compliance standards, protect sensitive financial data. The platform's AI capabilities enhance forecasting and data analysis. Unit4 FP&A also offers a competitive price/value proposition compared to some market leaders.

Weaknesses: While powerful, the initial customization and learning curve for advanced features can be considerable. Some users find the dashboard design busy, and its collaboration tools may not be as advanced as those offered by certain competitors. A critical point is the cessation of support for on-premise versions by December 31, 2024, necessitating migration for existing on-premise customers.

Recommendations: Unit4 FP&A is highly recommended for mid-sized to large, people-centric organizations seeking to modernize their financial planning and analysis. It is particularly suitable for those looking to integrate seamlessly with Unit4 ERP or transition from legacy, spreadsheet-based systems to a unified, cloud-based solution. Prospective users should be prepared for initial customization efforts and leverage the available training for advanced features. Organizations currently on on-premise versions must plan their migration to the cloud to ensure continued support and access to the latest innovations.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.