The application works on desktops, phones, and tablets with no loss of features

Description

Cross-platform compatibility in budgeting, forecasting, consolidation and financial reporting software involves ensuring that the application works effectively on various devices, like desktops, phones, and tablets, without any loss of features. This is especially important with mobile workforces who may only be able to access a laptop at certain times of the day.

Example Use Case

Scenario: A retail company has its corporate offices and various stores spread across different regions. They utilize Corporate Performance Management Software to manage and track financial performance. Corporate managers and store managers on the move need to access this data on their mobile devices as well as on their desktops in the office.

Solution: The company adopts CPM software that runs seamlessly on desktops, tablets, and phones, therefore providing consistent access to the necessary data and features. This capability enables enhanced decision making - whether a manager is on the shop floor using a tablet or in a board meeting using a desktop, the information required is always at their fingertips.

Considerations

Planning, forecasting, and consolidation activities are predominantly done on a desktop computer or laptop due to the large data grids (sheets) needed to complete the tasks. There is not a tool available that we know of that, feasibly, allows a finance or accounting professional to complete the process on a phone.

This requirement geared toward delivering reporting, allowing department heads to submit budgets, and delivering notifications to phones and tablets. That could come in the form of a native phone app (ideal) or a responsive interface that can be used on a phone or tablet web browser.

Questions to Ask a Vendor

• Device Compatibility: Which functionality is available on a phone or tablet? What is missing from the desktop version?
• Connection: How does the system handle data synchronization across devices? Is the data updated in real-time?
• Interface: Is there a dedicated mobile interface, such as an iOS or Android app, or do we use the browser on the device?