Top 15 Budgeting and Planning Software Solutions for 2024
Finance leaders overwhelmingly agree – accurate forecasting significantly impacts their success, with 85% highlighting its importance. Many companies still rely on manual financial planning processes that drain time and resources.
Budgeting and planning software has transformed into a vital tool for today’s businesses. These tools help teams save 60% of their time previously spent on repetitive tasks. They also streamline processes and enhance strategic decisions throughout the organization.
The market offers various options to consider. Workday Adaptive Planning maintains a strong 4.3/5 rating, while other budget-conscious solutions start at $825 per month. We’ve put together a detailed list of the top 15 budgeting and planning software solutions for 2024 to help you choose the right fit for your organization.
Workday Adaptive Planning
Image Source: Workday
Workday Adaptive Planning is a cloud-based budgeting and planning software that blends AI-powered insights with detailed financial management tools.
Workday Adaptive Planning Features
The platform’s Elastic Hypercube Technology makes it stand out by delivering exceptional scalability for complex business modeling. Financial analytics, workforce planning, and operational forecasting tools enable live data visualization. AI and machine learning capabilities help automate variance reporting and create predictive forecasts.Workday Adaptive Planning Pricing
A subscription-based model determines the pricing with base price plus user seats. Organizations with 200 employees pay between $18,000 to $31,200 per year. Larger enterprises that have 1,000+ employees should expect costs from $47,500 to $82,400. Businesses can test core planning capabilities with a 30-day free trial before making a decision.Workday Adaptive Planning Implementation Guide
The setup takes 8 to 16 weeks based on model complexity and integration needs. Teams start by configuring company calendars and chart of accounts. They then establish level structures and dimensions. The system connects with existing business software and imports financial and headcount data. Clients join weekly consulting sessions to ensure proper system configuration and model creation.Oracle NetSuite Planning
Image Source: NetSuite
NetSuite Planning and Budgeting uses AI-powered capabilities to automate time-consuming financial processes that substantially cut down planning cycles.
Oracle NetSuite Planning Features
The platform’s Intelligent Performance Management system tracks plans and forecasts to detect trends and anomalies. The software provides driver-based revenue planning that arranges sales forecasts with company goals. The workforce planning module makes headcount and compensation planning more efficient.Oracle NetSuite Planning Pricing
Users pay an annual subscription starting at USD 20,000 per year. Monthly plans start at USD 999 plus USD 120 per user. The platform comes in two editions:- Standard Edition (for businesses with USD 5M-20M revenue)
- Premium Edition (for enterprises with revenue over USD 20M)
Oracle NetSuite Planning Integration Capabilities
The platform syncs data with NetSuite ERP automatically to keep financial and operational data current. Smart View works smoothly with Microsoft Office tools, so users can run what-if scenarios in Excel and build custom data grids. The system connects to NetSuite’s general ledger and adapts to changes in accounting segments automatically. The platform uses embedded artificial intelligence to automate data analysis and speed up decision-making. The system’s predictive algorithms examine large data sets to spot hidden patterns and biases, which helps finance teams make better decisions.SAP Analytics Cloud
Image Source: SAP
SAP Analytics Cloud combines business intelligence and collaborative planning into a single cloud-based solution.
SAP Analytics Cloud Features
The platform focuses on Joule copilot, an AI-powered assistant that streamlines reporting and finds hidden insights. Users can analyze data through natural language queries instead of complex technical commands. The software therefore creates scripts to enhance stories and enriches data models with customized calculations. The platform simulates best, worst, and realistic outcomes for key business drivers during scenario planning.SAP Analytics Cloud Pricing
Users can choose from three distinct subscription options. The Business Intelligence edition has self-service analytics and augmented analytics capabilities. The Planning Professional edition adds scenario simulation and automated forecasting features. Both editions use a user-based annual pricing model with contract durations from 3 to 60 months.SAP Analytics Cloud Security
This platform’s security framework has complete user management and authentication controls. System administrators create and modify users, organize them into teams, and manage role-based permissions. Data protection comes through encryption both in transit and at rest. Access control extends to specific dimensions where administrators can assign read or write permissions at granular levels. Security-related activities get logged in audit trails that track changes to user records and successful logins.Anaplan
Image Source: Anaplan
Anaplan provides a unified cloud environment that optimizes business planning activities.
Anaplan Platform Capabilities
The platform’s Hyperblock calculation engine lets users create multi-dimensional scenario models without constraints. Two distinct engines power the system – the Classic Engine and Polaris Calculation Engine. These handle complex business scenarios at scale. The Polaris engine builds models with more than 10 quintillion cells and allows users to modify what-if scenarios instantly.Anaplan Pricing Structure
Users can choose from three editions:- Essential: Small and mid-market companies benefit from self-service connections and classic engine features
- Standard: Mid-market to enterprise users get management reporting and mobile view capabilities
- Advanced: Enterprise customers receive optimizer and predictive insights
Anaplan Enterprise Integration
The platform connects through multiple channels. It has connectors for leading ETL tools like Informatica, MuleSoft, Dell Boomi, and SnapLogic. Purpose-built integrations create uninterrupted connections with enterprise systems such as Tableau, Workiva, and DocuSign. Data security stays intact through encryption at rest and in transit. Users can also opt for bring-your-own-key (BYOK) and single sign-on support.Planful
Image Source: planful.com
Planful stands out as a leading financial planning and analysis cloud platform that serves more than 800 customers in industries of all types.
Planful Core Features
The platform helps teams speed up their end-to-end FP&A processes through Continuous Planning. Teams can create financial statements for business units and SG&A departments with ease. The AI Anomaly Detection system allows automated role-based report distribution and creates dynamic dashboards.Planful Pricing Options
Organizations of all sizes can use this platform, from small businesses to enterprises. Statistics show that 47.8% of users are from mid-market companies with 51-1000 employees, which makes it a great fit for growing organizations.Planful Implementation Process
A typical implementation takes about 8 weeks and follows these well-laid-out phases:- Original Setup
- Company calendars setup
- Chart accounts setup
- Data source integration
- Core Development
- Template creation
- Report design
- Security role setup
- Testing and Deployment
- Data validation
- User acceptance testing
- System optimization
Vena Solutions
Image Source: Vena Solutions
Vena Solutions stands out with its unique Excel-native interface. Finance teams prefer it because they can use familiar tools for their complex planning processes.
Vena Solutions Features
The platform excels at driver-based and zero-based budgeting. Vena’s powerful cloud database automatically unites data from source systems of all types. Users can create budgets using both top-down and bottom-up approaches that line up with their organization’s goals. The platform can scale to thousands of users without doubt and still deliver consistent performance.Vena Solutions Pricing
The platform comes with two pricing tiers:- Professional: Has the Vena Platform with 24/7 support and product documentation
- Complete: Has everything in Professional, plus Vena Insights with AI-powered coverage
Vena Solutions Excel Integration
The platform’s native Excel interface keeps all formatting and custom formulas intact. Excel serves as the foundation of Vena’s Complete Planning platform, letting users exploit their existing spreadsheets and templates. Teams can work together through the Excel interface and add comments and file uploads simultaneously. The platform keeps Excel’s flexibility while adding automated integrations with ERPs like Sage Intacct, NetSuite, and Microsoft Dynamics. The software changes Excel into a detailed forecasting solution by adding data integrations, drill-throughs, and advanced modeling capabilities.Board International
Image Source: Board
Board International gives organizations a unified platform that naturally combines planning, analytics, and business intelligence capabilities.
Board International Features
The platform’s Hybrid Business Memory Processing technology offers exceptional planning speed with full read/write capabilities. We designed the platform for flexibility, and Board offers multiple deployment options including on-premise, cloud, and hybrid setups. The system protects data at the cell level through a detailed security model that adapts to individual users and roles. The platform now supports multiple languages based on user security profiles.Board International Pricing
Board uses a pay-per-user subscription model with contracts lasting 1 to 3 years. The original plan starts at USD 1,250 per user annually, while the premium plan costs up to USD 2,500 per user annually. Organizations with larger deployments can qualify for volume discounts.Board International Analytics
The platform’s BEAM technology converts historical data into business predictions through automated predictive modeling. Board’s statistical capabilities cover traditional metrics like min/max and average, among business-specific algorithms for frequency and recency analysis. The system groups similar objects automatically using k-means methodology and creates reports and graphs based on these clusters. The platform’s search-based data discovery and personal mash-ups make it easy to access applicable information.Prophix
Image Source: Prophix
Prophix One stands out as a detailed Financial Performance Platform that simplifies budgeting and planning processes through centralized data management.
Prophix Platform Features
The platform’s Data Integration capability consolidates data into a central staging database, which ensures all applications access consistent information. Prophix One provides shared account reconciliation and automated intercompany eliminations. We used Excel add-in functionality to excel in personnel planning and financial consolidation.Prophix Pricing Model
Vendr’s transaction data shows annual investment ranges from USD 50,000 to USD 500,000, with an average cost of USD 205,000. Many organizations choose Prophix because its pricing stays more competitive than rival solutions.Prophix Implementation Guide
The implementation process follows these strategic phases:- Original Setup
- Define clear business objectives
- Involve key stakeholders early
- Create detailed implementation roadmap
- Core Development
- Configure data integrations
- Establish workflow automation
- Set up security protocols
- Deployment
- Provide user training
- Make shared workflows
- Monitor system performance
OneStream
Image Source: SC&H Group
OneStream serves over 1,300 customers in 45 countries and provides a unified platform that removes the need for multiple financial management tools.
OneStream Platform Features
The platform’s Financial Data Management system blends data from multiple sources and improves management efficiency by over 70%. We focused on financial intelligence as OneStream automates intercompany activities and makes the close process more efficient. The Solution Exchange marketplace has more than 90 solution extensions that range from transaction matching to automotive factory planning.OneStream Platform Pricing
The platform runs on a subscription model that adapts to each organization’s needs. Large enterprises are the main target market, with prices that change based on company size, number of users, and feature requirements. The platform’s cost matches its rich feature set and works well for companies that need complete financial management solutions.OneStream Enterprise Capabilities
The platform’s Enterprise-Grade Security system uses a single-tenant, multi-instance architecture that adheres to SOC1, SOC2, HIPAA, and FedRAMP protocols. The system blends with ERP systems like Oracle, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics through pre-built connectors. The platform’s Extensible Dimensionality feature lets companies manage metadata at different levels and supports various reporting needs across business units. OneStream’s AI-powered services automate data validation and improve scenario analysis without the need for data scientists.IBM Planning Analytics
Image Source: IBM
IBM Planning Analytics changes financial data through its powerful in-memory TM1 database. This system lets you run unlimited what-if scenarios and analyze profitability.
IBM Planning Analytics Features
The platform’s Turbo Integrator makes data integration smooth between multiple sources. We designed the software with flexibility in mind. You can deploy it on-premises, use cloud-based solutions on AWS, or now on Azure. The system automates routine tasks and keeps Excel and web interfaces accessible for users.IBM Planning Analytics Pricing
The platform comes in three pricing editions:- Essentials: USD 825 monthly for 5 users
- Standard: USD 1,650 monthly for 10 users
- Premium: Customized pricing for 20 users with advanced features
IBM Planning Analytics AI Capabilities
The software’s AI Forecasting system uses nine algorithms to pick the best fit and shows confidence intervals with accuracy details. The platform excels at multivariate forecasting by studying past trends and how multiple variables interact. It spots and adjusts outliers in historical data to improve accuracy without changing actual data points. IBM watsonx integration adds natural language processing that lets users retrieve data through simple voice commands like “Show me last year’s revenue for mobile phones”.Workiva
Image Source: Workiva
Workiva leads the SEC reporting software market today. More than 5,800 organizations use its platform to manage their complex financial processes.
Workiva Platform Features
The platform’s Professional Services team provides more XBRL and iXBRL consulting services than all other leading SEC filing software vendors combined. Workiva uses machine learning to deliver quick and accurate iXBRL tagging that keeps data integrity intact. The system handles over 350 different SEC form types and focuses on U.S. Securities Act filings and foreign private issuer requirements.Workiva Pricing Plans
According to Vendr’s transaction data, the platform’s costs are structured this way:- Entry costs vary based on specific needs
- Annual investment can reach up to USD 7,362,095
- Yearly costs average around USD 228,024
Workiva Compliance Tools
The platform stands out in SEC compliance with its granular permission settings that safeguard non-public information. The system keeps detailed audit trails and provides round-the-clock customer support. Workiva’s security framework covers SOC 1, SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001, and FedRAMP compliance. Users can access generative AI features through a built-in prompt library in a secure environment. This setup protects data while making compliance processes more efficient.Cube
Image Source: Cube Software
Cube transforms budgeting processes as a spreadsheet-native financial planning platform. Teams can keep their existing models and add cloud capabilities.
Cube Platform Features
The platform’s AI-powered automation takes care of heavy lifting tasks. This allows finance teams to concentrate on strategic insights. The software excels at syncing data between Excel, Google Sheets, and Cube’s native interface. The system protects sensitive financial information through automated data validation and detailed permission settings.Cube Pricing Options
The platform has several pricing tiers based on deployment needs:- Essentials: Starting at USD 1,500 monthly with QuickBooks and Xero integrations
- Professional: Beginning at USD 2,800 monthly with expanded features
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for advanced requirements
Cube Integration Capabilities
The platform’s API-first design creates smooth connections with various data sources. We focused on flexibility, and Cube works with ERPs, CRMs, HRIS, and business intelligence tools. The system maintains SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance standards and offers deployment options on AWS, GCP, and Azure. Cube’s semantic layer technology delivers consistent metrics across different applications, which ended up improving data accuracy and decision-making capabilities.Mosaic
Image Source: www.mosaic.tech
Finance veterans created Mosaic to deliver a strategic finance platform that makes budgeting processes smoother through automated data integration.
Mosaic Core Features
The platform’s Budget Collaboration helps departments arrange hiring plans with budgets. Teams can model different scenarios with immediate visibility into financial metrics. The platform’s Arc technology identifies performance drivers and presents trends in board-ready formats. We excelled at vendor-level forecasting and ended up reducing analysis time by creating automated monthly and quarterly reports.Mosaic Pricing Structure
Mosaic has a clear pricing model starting at USD 10,000. Users can pick from three distinct tiers:- Professional Plan: USD 9.99 per user monthly with task management capabilities
- Business Plan: USD 14.99 per user monthly with financial software integration
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing with dedicated support and advanced features
Mosaic Implementation Guide
Making project and resource management standards is central to implementation. Teams can control work quality and avoid getting pricey mistakes through Project Templates. Activity tracking keeps detailed meeting minutes and records all edits and updates. Users get help from in-house Mosaic Advisors who are trained in project and business management. They also have access to a detailed library of help documentation and how-to videos. The platform costs less than 1.5 Financial Analysts while helping organizations find major cost savings – one client cut technology spending by USD 1.20 million.Datarails
Image Source: Datarails
Datarails has created an AI-powered FP&A platform that optimizes financial planning for Excel users and lets them work with familiar spreadsheet tools.
Datarails Platform Features
The platform’s FinanceOS system lets teams keep their Excel models while it automates repetitive tasks. Users get conversational insights about their live data through its AI-powered FP&A Genius. The software stands out in consolidation, financial reporting, monthly close, budgeting, and scenario modeling.Datarails Pricing Plans
Datarails offers custom pricing packages that match each business’s needs. The platform works best for small to medium-sized businesses, with yearly contracts starting at USD 24,000. The final price depends on user count, integrations, and specific use cases.Datarails Excel Integration
The Datarails Connect feature merges with Microsoft Excel and lets users run live data queries from enterprise systems. Stakeholders can check important KPIs instantly using its built-in visualization tool. Datarails Flex, the platform’s Excel add-in, keeps data safe in the cloud while users retain spreadsheet flexibility. Teams can create unlimited custom reports, dashboards, and PowerPoint presentations that update by themselves.Limelight
Image Source: Limelight Software
Limelight stands out as a cloud-based FP&A platform that helps finance teams complete budgets and reports 75% faster with total accuracy.
Limelight Key Features
The platform’s Measurable Ease of Use system helps users become skilled at the software in just one day. Finance teams can build new models and hierarchies with their existing skills through self-serve modeling capabilities. The software excels at automated consolidation and provides instant analysis through direct ERP system integration. Teams can create forecasts and metric reports to guide their business decisions.Limelight Pricing Options
Monthly subscriptions begin at USD 1,400. Organizations get these benefits through flexible pricing packages:- Cloud-based products and services customized to specific goals
- Custom solutions based on unique needs
- Value-driven pricing that matches business objectives
Limelight Analytics Capabilities
The platform’s Interactive Dashboard system gives quick insights into key financial metrics. The software features customizable widgets that highlight essential data points, from cash flow to budget versus actuals. Users can analyze specific areas of interest through dynamic filters and explore data deeply. Teams can break down detailed categories, time periods, and accounts with the system’s drill-down functionality to get a complete financial analysis.Comparison Table
| Software Solution | Key Features | Pricing (Annual) | Integration/Implementation | Notable Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workday Adaptive Planning | Financial analytics, workforce planning, operational forecasting | $18,000-$82,400 | 8-16 weeks implementation | Elastic Hypercube Technology, AI-powered insights |
| Oracle NetSuite Planning | Driver-based revenue planning, workforce planning | Starting $20,000 | Prebuilt NetSuite ERP sync | Intelligent Performance Management system |
| SAP Analytics Cloud | Business intelligence, collaborative planning | Contract-based (3-60 months) | Multiple edition options | Joule copilot (AI assistant) |
| Anaplan | Multi-dimensional scenario modeling | $30,000-$1,150,000 | Multiple ETL connectors | Hyperblock & Polaris Calculation Engine |
| Planful | Continuous Planning, financial statements | Not mentioned | 8 weeks implementation | AI Anomaly Detection |
| Vena Solutions | Driver-based & zero-based budgeting | $5,000-$140,000 | Excel-native interface | Native Excel integration |
| Board International | Planning, analytics, BI combined | $1,250-$2,500 per user | Multiple deployment options | Hybrid Business Memory Processing |
| Prophix | Financial consolidation, personnel planning | $50,000-$500,000 | 3-phase implementation | Data Integration technology |
| OneStream | Financial data management, intercompany activities | Subscription-based | Single-tenant architecture | Extensible Dimensionality |
| IBM Planning Analytics | Unlimited what-if scenarios | $825-$1,650 monthly | Cloud, on-premise options | TM1 database, AI Forecasting |
| Workiva | SEC reporting, XBRL services | $228,024 average | 350+ SEC form types | Machine learning for iXBRL |
| Cube | Spreadsheet-native planning | $1,500-$2,800 monthly | API-first design | AI-powered automation |
| Mosaic | Budget collaboration, vendor forecasting | Starting $10,000 | Arc technology integration | Arc trend analysis |
| Datarails | Financial consolidation, reporting | Starting $24,000 | Excel integration | FinanceOS, FP&A Genius |
| Limelight | Automated consolidation | $1,400 monthly | ERP integration | Measurable Ease of Use system |
Conclusion
Your organization’s specific needs, team size, and available resources are key factors to pick the right budgeting and planning software. Large enterprise solutions like Workday Adaptive Planning and OneStream give you detailed features. Smaller organizations might find Cube or Datarails a better fit at $1,500 per month. The price tag isn’t everything when choosing software. You should assess how complex it is to implement, how well it connects with other tools, and what it takes for your team to adopt it. Companies that rely on Excel might lean towards Vena Solutions or Datarails. Organizations that just need advanced AI capabilities could do well with SAP Analytics Cloud or IBM Planning Analytics. Your budgeting and planning software’s success ended up depending on how well you implement it and how your team embraces it. Most vendors give you plenty of training resources and support to help you move smoothly from your old systems. AI and automation are now standard in the ever-changing budgeting software market. Data security, flexibility, and integration with your current business systems matter most. Smart organizations take time to get a full picture of their processes, growth plans, and technical requirements before they make their choice. Contact Us today to learn more about how our CFO services can help your business achieve success.
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