DataRails
28 Reviews 5/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★A FP&A software for budgeting, planning, forecasting and consolidation.
Product Overview
Datarails is an Excel-based FP&A (Financial Planning and Analysis) tool designed to automate financial planning, reporting, analysis, and data gathering. It is particularly celebrated for its ability to transform Excel into a more efficient tool for financial processes, automating repetitive tasks and integrating data from various sources into a single, coherent platform.Pros
- User-friendly interface, easy navigation and setup
- Maintains existing Excel worksheets while speeding up processes
- Strong support options
Cons
- Performance can slow when dealing with multiple spreadsheets
- Complex features that may require assistance from Datarails team members
- Initial learning curve due to wealth of features
Target Market
Small to medium-sized businesses focusing on streamlining their FP&A and improving budget/forecast accuracy and efficiency.Video Overview
Datarails is a comprehensive FP&A tool that enhances Excel’s capabilities for financial processes. It automates manual processes, aggregates and consolidates data, and enables the creation of accurate reports and models for real-time scenario analysis. The solution primarily aims at small to medium-sized businesses and FP&A teams in medium to large companies. It is particularly beneficial for organizations that heavily rely on Excel for financial planning and analysis, seeking to improve efficiency, accuracy, and the integration of various data sources.
Uncover actionable insights in four simple steps:
- Gather: Centralize scattered financial and operational data from all organizational platforms in one place. Bring together data from any ERP, GL, CRM, or any other transactional system, as well as data from spreadsheets of any structure or template.
- Prepare: Benefit from improved data preparation with automated data transformations, including consolidations, FX conversions, eliminations, hierarchies, financial adjustments, and more.
- Report and Visualize: With a complete set of data and DataRails’ Insights feature, create clear visualizations and reports to help executives see what they need to see within the DataRails visualization tool OR the familiar and powerful environment of Excel.
- Analyze: Perform advanced investigations into data, including variance, horizontal, and vertical analyses. Slice and dice data, drill down, and perform ad-hoc analyses to discover and provide insights to guide business decisions.
DataRails Key Features
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- Planning
- Financial reporting and monthly close
- Dashboard creation
- Predictive analytics
- Analysis and scenario modeling
- Data visualization
- Process automation
- FP&A Genius
- Sales Commission
Product Overview
Developer Overview
Related Products
User Reviews of DataRails
Write a ReviewIt integrates with our ERP easily
It integrates with our ERP easily. I like how we can get through financial close quicker with this solution. It’s easier to collaborate and send Excel based information to one another. Rate of error seems to have gone down, and less time is spend on consolidation. We were initially interested in the product for the close process but as we got accustomed to it realized it could do so much more for us.
Pros
Simplifies reporting, can update reports whenever we want, centralized control for execs
Cons
Can crash if you try to overwork it
automatic consolidation
with DataRails centralizing our numbers, we no longer have to worry about people working on inaccurate figures. We’re able to connect information from different ERPs from different subsidiaries automatically, which is fantastic since prior to DataRails we would manually combine them in order to produce corporate reports. Enjoy working with this software.
Pros
automatic consolidation. This way wedon't waste time.
Cons
Just started using the solution, no problems so far
Reliable consolidation of financial statements from subsidiaries
Use this solution for budgeting and forecasting all financial metrics. Also use it as a BI tool. Well suited for working with data without requiring expertise of data transformation. We rely heavily on the solution for analyses, and its great for consolidating information. All information from different ERPs is imported into DataRails, and having that centralization is a huge plus. Grants you flexibility in reporting and the dashboard capabilities are excellent.
Pros
Reliable consolidation of financial statements from subsidiaries
Cons
People who love Excel love this product, and vice versa.
Drill downs are also very good
We wanted a CPM solution and chose DataRails. Their solution is very customizable, for us the customizable management reporting package was very good. Met our needs well. Drill downs are also very good–the ability to look into a cell-level audit trail is something we didn’t have prior. Also the BI features are useful since they are easy to navigate. Basically, there’s a lot you can do with DataRails and I think the highlight it that once they recognize what your needs are they adapt the product to you.
Pros
highly customizable, for me the customizable management reporting package was the best.
Cons
overall happy with it
work is done faster and more accurately
Was looking for software that could give our finance team a boost since I read all about the advantages of automation platforms and so decided to integrate one in our department. Did some research and decided to choose DataRails due to its innovative offerings–we’ve been able to implement automation without really changing too much in how people work on the ground. It’s been really great for us, digital transformation as they say really can change how we work for the better.
Pros
work is done faster and more accurately. We're able to introduce automation without influencing how people work on the ground.
Cons
Usage issue--sometimes the badge does not appear and I can't sign in
Reporting capabilities top pick for me
I highly recommend using DataRails. The platform gives you all the benefits of connected planning with additional BI-like features which are an added bonus. For me I love the ability to report with true-to-life, exact, numbers that are drawn in real time from our database. If things change last minute or if something seems off or if the numbers had been edited, all of my visualizations can be updated to reflect these changes, and its so easy to do. DataRails is a really dynamic tool.
Pros
Reporting capabilities top pick for me. Easy visualizations and centralized dataset.
Cons
Glitchy from time to time.
All employees can work with this platform easily
I was interested in improving our reporting processes so I looked into many different software that could help with this. This includes BI tools and CPMs etc. I looked into the core features of a few products and decided to go with DataRails. All in all its been good.
Pros
All employees can work with this platform easily, which can't be said for most BI tools. Also really like that we can update our reports with real-time numbers if we need to make last minute updates, very useful. Also customizability is good.
Cons
Was a little bit confusing at first but once you get the hang of it you'll use it all the time.
You get to stay in Excel, that's by far the greatest pro
This solution meets my department’s needs really well. At first we weren’t sure which solution would be best for us as this is a relatively new one in the market. But after we saw what it can do, we knew that DataRails was the choice for us. We were reluctant to move off Excel and in order to use most other solutions available that’s what we were asked to do. With DataRails, there’s virtually no overhead since all our employees work in the same methods as they have for years- on Excel! But what we gain is automatic consolidation, reduced unnecessary work, reliable numbers, excellent visualizations, and the list goes on. Basically, we GAIN, and give up nothing in the process.
Pros
You get to stay in Excel, thats by far the greatest pro. And their Insights option is really good.
Cons
Would like if in future updates it'd be possible to integrate with older systems like Adaxa.
Crazy time saver, reduces errors to a minimum
I can’t even begin to explain the value of DataRails. I never thought it’d be possible to access spreadsheet numbers that are located so remotely, but here I find myself doing just that. We have a branch on the other side of the world that, instead of emailing our finance team multiple excels, just clicks “Save” and our team can see all figures on the Insights function or Excel. AMAZING!
Pros
Crazy time saver, reduces errors to a minimum, automation eliminates unnecessary work
Cons
Sometimes crashes
it changes reporting for the better
My FPA department was facing challenges when it came to reporting. The numbers were constantly changing and we felt that our reporting simply wasn’t as accurate as it should have been. Then we purchased DataRails, and trust me when I say it changes reporting for the better. Our management team loves it because they can pull data from the database to Powerpoint in real time, meaning that at any given moment the figures are up to date. This tool has many uses, but for us specifically what it has done for our reporting function is priceless.
Pros
love the export to Office, easy and quick to update, support team is lovely
Cons
I can't complain, this tool has been so great for us
This is the BEST planning tool you need if you work in finance
DataRails is amazing because it is well suited for all our needs- forecasting, budgeting, planning management, ad-hoc analysis, and data visualization. Whats more, as we are extremely reliant/dependent on Excel, DataRails is just the best since we can keep using it as our interface and at the same time have access to consolidated numbers. I love digging into cell-level breakdowns to show our CEO exactly how we reached our conclusions. This is the BEST planning tool you need if you work in finance. We didn’t want to give up conducting manipulations within Excel, and with DataRails we didn’t have to.
Pros
DataRails lets us work with a familiar user interface (Excel) or use their Insights platform which is easy to learn. Automatic consolidation. The company frequently updates the platform to fit current needs. Theres low maintenance overhead.
Cons
More customizable branding would be good.
Allows you to continue using familiar Excel
DataRails has excellent functionality while allowing you to continue using familiar Excel instead of asking you to learn an entirely new system. It’s an amazing product with super easy implementation. Allows you to easily spot inconsistencies or errors.
Pros
Customer service reps are great and keen to assist. Instant consolidation of budgets is great, and the automation saves us thousands of hours.
Cons
Nothing to dislike my team is satisfied with the product.
We chose DataRails over its competitors and we're very happy
We chose DataRails over its competitors and we’re very happy with our choice. We keep using our Excels but benefit from a system that is in the cloud, it’s customizable, and offered for a great price. It has improved every aspect of the FP&A function within our company. Our budgeting cycles are shorter, our data is more reliable, and analysis and reporting are more real time.
Pros
I like that DataRails is continuously innovating and improving the product over time. Implementation is simple and there is no need for maintenance. Quick results with an intuitive design
Cons
No notable cons. Very happy with DataRails.
A great investment if you're looking to improve processes
With this platform finance brings in data from many sources in little time. This responsivity and accessibility has been essential to the identification of key drivers that used to be produced in 5 times the amount of time. Information is available on a global scale instantly so we can standardize analyses. A great investment if you’re looking to improve processes
Pros
Finance is pleased with the ease of use and accessibility of data
Cons
Would be happy if there were more frequent updates
Using DataRails I can visualize data that I previously didn't have access to
It’s an easy tool to use and train on. Very adaptable, can look at our data in many different and useful ways with the Insights feature. Integrates with our ERP flawlessly. Can make changes in real time so decision makers always know exactly what’s happening and base the organizational direction on fresh data. Model building is straightforward, visualizations are enlightening, integrations are easy.
Pros
Using DataRails I can visualize data that I previously didn't have access to, this is by far the biggest pro-you can tap into data you've always had but previously couldn't work with. Other than that it's really easy to use, implementation is not lengthy, great customer service.
Cons
Occasionally freezes but I figure that happens with any sort of system
Planning with DataRails has streamlined our planning and forecasting
Trying to manage P&L’s for a handful of retail locations and departments, combined with nearly 2,000 employees is a challenge to say the least. Planning with DataRails has streamlined our planning and forecasting cycles and helped us to standardize metrics, reporting and analysis. It makes comparing plans, forecasts and actuals across the organization easy and requires no training or overhead. Who would’ve thought that would ever be possible…
Pros
1- Flexibility allows us to mold portions of the product to our needs 2-Implementation was relatively quick (even though we implemented during our annual planning cycle). 3-Affordable compared to other SAAS alternatives. 4- Customer support is excellent and timely. 5- Ongoing product enhancements continue to improve this product. Updating with current results is a simple refresh button-click.
Cons
There aren't many things specific to the software that I don't like. I would say that the most difficult part about using this software is managing the requests from management so that it doesn't compromise the value of the software.
Great solution for planning across a distributed organization
Great solution for planning across a distributed organization. Can handle multiple systems and locations with ease. It’s flexible, easy to use, and allows for planning at a granular level to improve budgeting and forecasting. Staff is always nice and easy to work with. Integrates well with other systems.
Pros
Allows for the reduction of errors, improves reporting, more time for analysis
Cons
Takes a little bit of getting used to but what system doesn't
DataRails gives us flexibility in reporting financial results
DataRails is used on a daily basis by my finance team as we perform analyses and drive insights. We chose to implement this cloud financial and analysis platform since we desperately needed a consolidation planning tool where we could continue using disparate spreadsheets and at the same time control our processes easier and better. DataRails gives us exactly this in addition to flexibility in reporting financial results.
Pros
1-We started using their Insights feature instead of our BI. Really useful. 2-Made data collection easy and organized 3-Constant access to up-to-date numbers
Cons
would be nice if it had the option of drag and drop for inputs
Seamless integration with Excel
In my organization we use DataRails’ cloud financial and analysis platform for budgeting and forecasting all of our financial metrics. Each department continues to rely on Excel as usual for budgets, and then using DataRails Finance sees real-time updates and compares budgets with actuals. Useful for a variety of processes including workforce management, income statement analysis, forecasting, reporting, etc.
Pros
Seamless integration with Excel User friendly interface Has streamlined our budgeting process
Cons
Occasionally there are glitches in our templates
Very useful tool, allows for accurate analyses
Employees were accustomed to working with spreadsheets, but spreadsheets are not always the most effective tool to use. That’s why we turned to DataRails. Accuracy of reports allows for accurate analyses. All our data is in one place and doesn’t require much effort for processing. With DataRails we can track budgets, labor contributions, and finances. Cumulatively this helps us make better decisions.
Pros
Very useful tool, allows for accurate analyses
Cons
Customer support is great but tutorial videos would be useful
This is how planning should be done
This is how planning should be done. With crisp up-to-date numbers so you can prepare to the best extent as possible. With DataRails my department really feels that we are planning effectively since we are basing conclusions off of all our sources of data. Integrations are phenomenal and let us compare budgets with actuals so we can constantly reassess and make adjustments if need be.
Pros
No need to migrate outside excel, lovely customer support, immediate access to numbers from different departments and branches allows us to stay informed
Cons
Waiting for additional updates
With DataRails, Excel remains as our user interface
With DataRails, Excel remains as our user interface and there is no change in our daily flow, but the way we work is enhanced significantly. No migrating our data, no moving to a new system or lengthy implementation. It is such an advantage to be able to build reports within Excel as we want to and not have to deal with consolidation.
Pros
-no need to migrate data to a new browser -visualizations are great and incredibly useful -customer support is excellent
Cons
A tad buggy but we can deal with it
Quite satisfied with this tool
Quite satisfied with this tool. Very useful, really gave my department a boost.
Pros
By far the greatest pro- ease of access to excel-based information. What was once hard to get your hands on is suddenly instantly accessible.
Cons
Out of the box worksheets would be nice
No more wasting time on something that can be automated
DataRails is really great for automating unnecessary work. Using the system has improved my work significantly since now I don’t have to waste time on copying and pasting info in order to bring it together. This used to take up so much time, and now it takes up no time at all.
Pros
-Insights feature is really useful -No more wasting time on something that can be automated -work better
Cons
Can't think of anything atm
It makes FP&A work so much better
It makes FP&A work so much better. Consolidation is a huge part of the job, but with DataRails automating this process we don’t have to spend time on work that is virtually of no value. With DataRails we’re up to speed on all the current numbers and use their Insights feature to look at it in different ways. All in all it’s a really great tool.
Pros
Automates consolidation, great Insights feature, reliable databasing
Cons
Was a bit disappointed that it doesn't integrate with HeliumV
DataRails has substantially improved the accuracy of our budgeting
DataRails has substantially improved the accuracy of our budgeting and forecasting. I love the ease of it, how accessible it makes our numbers, and how simple it is to follow real-time statuses. With DataRails we know our figures are accurate and up to date, which is precisely what we need from the numbers we base important decisions on.
Pros
-There are many ways to manipulate and look at your data - Drill downs are amazing. Can look at the smallest of variables. - Can work on both Excel and their Insights feature depending on what I want - Easy to use - Easy to connect with our ERP system
Cons
Sometimes it was buggy when logging out. Other than that I can't think of any other notable cons, it really is a great system.
It's just been great
We’ve integrated DataRails within our finance department and it’s just been great. For departments that rely heavily on Excel, this product is a must. All our information is in one place, it’s accurate and reliable, and it boosts our confidence in the conclusions we draw from them. Really great, dependable tool.
Pros
DataRails improves the accuracy and accountability of so many processes such as reporting and budgeting. It saves my department hundreds of hours of previously unnecessarily wasted time. Amazing tool!
Cons
The platform doesn't integrate with Excel 2007 which is a bummer.
Timeliness and accuracy is improved tenfold
Trying to manage many different P&Ls can be challenging, but with DataRails the challenge is significantly reduced. DataRails helps us standardize reporting and analysis. It lets us compare plans and forecast reliably. Since we plan at a granular level, with DataRails we can do so accurately, consistently, reliably, etc. If you work in finance this tool will change your life.
Pros
1. The dashboards are great. Informative and help us visualize the data 2. Saves hours of work every month 3. Timeliness and accuracy is improved tenfold
Cons
I'd be happy for there to be more software updates