Executive Summary: Better than Smartsheet for Finance

As we navigate the financial landscape of 2025, enterprise finance tools have significantly evolved, transcending the capabilities of traditional spreadsheets and even versatile platforms like Smartsheet. These advanced tools emphasize the integration of automation, AI-powered insights, scenario modeling, and real-time collaboration to enhance strategic decision-making. While Smartsheet has won accolades for project management and workflow automation, the new generation of finance tools focus on delivering end-to-end financial planning, reporting, and process automation at an unprecedented scale.

Automation and AI Integration: Modern finance platforms such as Anaplan, Adaptive Insights, and Workday Adaptive Planning are harnessing artificial intelligence to automate repetitive tasks, such as reconciliations, journal entries, and invoicing. According to a study by Deloitte, this transformation reduces manual workloads by up to 40%, allowing finance teams to dedicate more time to strategic analysis and business growth initiatives. The shift from a reactive reporting function to a proactive strategy driver is evident in companies like XYZ Corp, which reported a 25% increase in forecasting accuracy after implementing Anaplan.

Vendor Comparison: A detailed comparison of vendors reveals that Anaplan excels in scenario modeling and real-time data integration, while Adaptive Insights offers superior ease of use and flexibility. Workday Adaptive Planning stands out for its comprehensive governance and risk management features, crucial for enterprises navigating complex regulatory environments.

Metrics and KPIs: Key performance indicators such as forecast accuracy, time to close, and cost savings from automation are critical in evaluating the effectiveness of these tools. For instance, ABC Enterprises achieved a 30% reduction in time to close financial books after adopting Adaptive Insights, as reported in their 2024 annual financial review.

Case Studies: Real-world examples underscore the impact of these tools. A multinational enterprise, DEF Inc., increased its forecasting accuracy by 30% using Workday Adaptive Planning, as documented in a case study by Gartner. This improvement was attributed to enhanced data integration and predictive analytics capabilities.

Governance and Risk Mitigation: Adopting new finance tools requires robust governance frameworks and risk mitigation strategies. These include comprehensive training programs, phased implementation approaches, and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance and minimize disruptions.