Cloud xP&A is a platform-centric enterprise planning strategy to extend financial planning and analysis (FP&A) with multidiscipline planning capabilities that are packaged, marketed and sold as an integrated operational planning solution. xP&A solutions must include a cohesive, composable, data-harmonized vendor platform that can accommodate emerging technologies, horizontal functional and vertical-specific solutions for their target market(s)
Gartner defines financial planning software (FPS) as the key tool that enables data-driven financial resource allocation, investment and spending decisions by supporting effective planning, budgeting and forecasting processes. FPS enables organizations to link their strategies to financial and operational plans through cloud-based software. It facilitates the creation and management of financial plans, budgets and forecasts by breaking down information silos and integrating operational KPIs. FPS analytics and reporting features offer a holistic performance view, connecting both operational (nonfinancial) and financial metrics, enabling stakeholders to make data-driven decisions.
Gartner defines sales performance management (SPM) as a suite of applications that enable the implementation and administration of commission-based incentive plans for sellers and other revenue producers, with variable short-term incentives. Vendors typically offer seat-based platform access for sales operations leaders, frontline sales leaders, territory managers and finance roles. Clients may integrate SPM applications with their customer relationship management toolset for workflow and data connectivity, and for opportunity estimation to drive seller behavior.