The Future Of Forecasting AppsThe Future Of Forecasting Apps

SRC Software Inc. is expanding its financial-planning products with corporate performance-management applications, including software for long-range strategic planning and forecasting tools for developing long-term and rolling budgets based on strategic plans.

Other new applications include tools for financial and performance reporting and ad hoc analysis, capital asset management, sales and demand forecasting, financial consolidation, and labor productivity analysis.

New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc. uses SRC software to consolidate two-year sales forecasts by retail accounts, such as Foot Locker Inc. and L.L. Bean Inc., and by shoe style. That information is used to develop production and marketing plans and for corporate budgeting, says Teresa Holland, New Balance sales planning manager. The forecasting software will help her give feedback to sales representatives on their forecasts, she says.

The applications use Microsoft Excel as a front-end application and work with leading business-intelligence tools. They are available now, sold individually and as a suite. Pricing, including user licenses and consulting and training fees, starts at around $75,000 and can exceed $500,000.