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Resources

Practical guides, playbooks, interactive tools, and platform comparisons to help you navigate EPM, FP&A, and data challenges.

Featured Resource

The CFO Playbook: Q4 FY25 & Q1 FY26

A practical guide for finance leaders navigating year-end close and planning season. Based on real challenges we've seen CFOs face during the busiest quarters of the finance calendar.

What's inside:

Year-end close checklist – Key tasks and timelines to keep your close on track

FY26 planning frameworks – Structured approaches to building realistic, achievable plans

Board reporting templates – Clear formats that executives actually want to see

Common pitfalls – What typically goes wrong and how to avoid it

Technology decisions – When to invest in new tools vs. improving what you have

Download CFO Playbook (PDF)

No registration required. Direct download.

CFO Playbook Cover

Platform comparisons

EPM Platform Guides

We work with multiple planning platforms and regularly help clients evaluate their options. These guides share what we've learned from real implementations.

Tier 1: Anaplan, Pigment, Planful & IBM Planning Analytics

Anaplan vs Pigment

Enterprise standard vs modern challenger. When each platform makes sense.

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Anaplan vs Planful

Connected planning vs consolidation focus. Different strengths for different needs.

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Anaplan vs IBM Planning Analytics

Cloud-native vs enterprise incumbent. Architecture and heritage differences.

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Pigment vs Planful

Modern UX vs accounting heritage. Both serve growing companies differently.

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Pigment vs IBM Planning Analytics

New generation vs proven depth. Speed vs flexibility trade-offs.

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Planful vs IBM Planning Analytics

Consolidation focus vs complex modelling. Simpler deployment vs maximum flexibility.

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Workday Adaptive Planning comparisons

Workday Adaptive vs Anaplan

Workday ecosystem vs standalone flexibility. Integration depth vs breadth.

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Workday Adaptive vs Pigment

ERP-embedded planning vs independent modern platform. Different approaches to FP&A.

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Workday Adaptive vs Planful

Two mid-market favourites with different heritage. HR-led vs finance-led planning.

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Workday Adaptive vs IBM Planning Analytics

SaaS simplicity vs TM1 power. Ease of use vs modelling depth.

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Workday Adaptive vs Vena

Full EPM suite vs Excel-native planning. Different philosophies for the same problem.

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Vena Solutions comparisons

Vena vs Anaplan

Excel-native planning vs purpose-built modelling. Familiarity vs power.

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Vena vs Pigment

Excel overlay vs clean-sheet design. Two paths to modern planning.

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Vena vs Planful

Mid-market rivals with Excel heritage. Consolidation vs flexibility focus.

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Vena vs IBM Planning Analytics

Excel-first vs multidimensional engine. Accessibility vs analytical depth.

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Abacum comparisons

Abacum vs Anaplan

Startup-friendly FP&A vs enterprise modelling. Speed to value vs scale.

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Abacum vs Pigment

Two modern challengers with different ambitions. Core FP&A vs full EPM.

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Abacum vs Planful

Lean FP&A tool vs established mid-market suite. Simplicity vs breadth.

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Abacum vs IBM Planning Analytics

Modern SaaS vs enterprise OLAP. Different generations solving the same problem.

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Abacum vs Workday Adaptive

Lightweight FP&A vs ERP-integrated planning. Agility vs ecosystem depth.

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Abacum vs Vena

API-first vs Excel-first. Two approaches to making planning accessible.

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Interactive tools

Free Planning Tools

Self-service tools to help you assess your current state, evaluate platforms, and build the business case for change.

Platform Selector

Answer 10 questions about your requirements and get a shortlist of EPM platforms that fit.

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ROI Calculator

Model the financial return of an EPM implementation based on your team size, processes, and goals.

Calculate ROI →

FP&A Maturity Assessment

Benchmark your finance function against best practices. See where you stand and where to improve.

Take the assessment →

Readiness Assessment

Find out if your organisation is ready for an EPM transformation. Identify gaps before you commit.

Check readiness →

Budget Planner

Estimate the total cost of an EPM project including licensing, implementation, and ongoing support.

Plan your budget →

EPM Health Check

Already have an EPM platform? Score its health across performance, adoption, and architecture.

Run health check →

Vendor Prep Checklist

Preparing for vendor demos? Make sure you're asking the right questions and comparing fairly.

Get the checklist →

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Guides & insights

In-Depth Articles

Practical guides based on the work we do with clients. No theory, no fluff – just what we've seen work.

Best EPM Platform for UK Companies

Our take on which platforms suit UK mid-market firms, based on real implementation experience.

Excel vs EPM: When Spreadsheets Stop Serving You

The signs it's time to move beyond Excel and what to consider before you do.

Pigment Implementation Guide (UK)

What to expect from a Pigment rollout in a UK mid-market environment.

What Does Anaplan Admin Actually Cost?

The real cost of maintaining Anaplan in-house vs outsourcing. Numbers from UK engagements.

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Your Anaplan Model Builder Just Left

What to do when your key Anaplan person walks out. Damage control and long-term fixes.

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Anaplan Managed Services Guide

When does outsourcing Anaplan admin make sense? What to look for in a provider.

Anaplan: In-House vs Outsource

The trade-offs of building an internal team vs using an external partner for Anaplan.

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Anaplan Model Audit Warning Signs

Red flags that your Anaplan model needs attention before it becomes a bigger problem.

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Private Equity FP&A Planning

Why PE-backed companies need a different approach to financial planning and reporting.

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View all blog posts →

Client work

Case Studies

Real projects, real outcomes. How we've helped clients across financial services, insurance, SaaS, manufacturing, and the public sector solve specific FP&A and data challenges.

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Not sure where to start?

The Bolt Blueprint is a two-week independent assessment that gives you a clear picture of where you are, what needs to change, and which platform fits. From £5,000, credited against implementation.

Learn about the Bolt Blueprint Talk to us