Organizational management is a vast and complex field, and the diversity of software available to support operations is remarkable. Each type of software plays a unique role, serving specific needs. Therefore, MyABCM stands out as a specialized solution that excels in addressing specific challenges of cost and profitability management in companies, not as a substitute for BI tools, despite having embedded BI to benefit companies without a BI solution.
While BI generates dashboards that merely compile and display information obtained from other software and data sources, MyABCM processes and transforms information cubes, cross-referencing and calculating from various sources to then generate new data that can serve as a basis for cost and profitability management, providing vital reports for decision-making. Thus, it plays a more strategic role, offering features that enable understanding the actual costs of the business across different dimensions, such as channels, customers, activities, and specific products, etc.
In other words, the goal here is to minimize the use of cost allocations throughout the organization and, consequently, eliminate the terrible distortions linked to these allocations that can be very dangerous for companies, impacting various managerial decisions on pricing, sales commissions, discounts, etc.
A BI, on the other hand, seeks existing data in the organization such as Accounting Accounts, Production and Billing Volumes, periods, and others, and presents this information in an organized and didactic way. However, note that here there is no transformation of information, and therefore, the allocations continue to occur. For this reason, Prof. Bala Balachandran from Kellogg University in the United States often comments that “these increasingly sophisticated BI systems allow extremely misguided decisions to be made very simply and quickly!” which is a danger!
Let’s see an example:
Imagine a factory that produces various products from the same raw material: plastic. The ERP records data such as the value of input purchases, payroll, accounting entries, production and billing volumes by product and customer. Potentially, we have here a flawed cost model, since allocations were used for the costs of support areas and, although we know precisely the billing customer by customer, this information is of little use when we want to understand the result customer by customer, after all, we do not have information on the “costs of serving”, we did not allocate marketing and sales expenses for these customers and channels and we do not even know to which areas the IT expenses are being allocated in the organization.
MyABCM, in turn, allows for a sophisticated modeling of costs and profitability, which essentially consists of designing a structure where the various accounting accounts of the company are allocated using allocation criteria that make sense and respect a cause-and-effect relationship through multiple levels until reaching the dimensions necessary for the client to manage their company. These dimensions may include Products, Customers, Channels, Markets, Projects, Businesses, Segments, etc., and also include the costs of support areas. In this way, we have a complete snapshot of costs with full traceability that allows managers to make the best business decisions based on facts.
And if you already have or intend to use a BI, do not worry. MyABCM integrates with all of them.
MyABCM stands out for its ease in the process of construction and data loading in the cost modeling structure. While BI software generally requires complex and extensive configurations, MyABCM is a ready-made calculation engine that requires only parameterization, without the need for development, simplifying implementation.
MyABCM has a robust calculation engine, optimized specifically for the requirements of cost and profitability management. Designed with a specialized distribution mechanism, it is capable of in-memory calculations, optimizing appraisal time.
The scenario-building function allows users to create and explore various hypotheses, providing a broader view of the financial implications of different situations.
Within the scope of scenario simulations, we have another important differentiator of MyABCM: push and pull simulations. The push simulation involves the sequential propagation of changes in variables throughout the model, to understand what the final result would be if some variables were changed. The pull simulation, on the other hand, goes back to identify the initial conditions necessary to achieve specific results, identifying bottlenecks and capacity constraints, and acting as a true sophisticated planning component in organizations.
This approach provides a deeper insight into the financial implications of different scenarios, allowing not only to anticipate changes but also to retroactively understand the factors that led to certain outcomes. This capability goes beyond the possibilities of BI’s, which do not perform such detailed and sophisticated analyses.
MyABCM offers detailed cost monitoring in different contexts, including Actual, Budgeted, Standard, and Goal, providing a holistic view of financial performance.
MyABCM is the only solution on the market that manages reciprocal costs in all modules and with optimized performance at the computer processor instruction level, an essential resource in interdependent organizational environments. By allowing allocations between sectors that share services and resources, MyABCM offers a more accurate and realistic view of costs.
As an example, imagine here that the IT area works for HR and also for Production; already the HR area also works for IT and for Production; note that between HR and IT we have a simultaneous cost allocation that must be calculated in order to avoid distortions in costs – MyABCM deals with this transparently and with extreme agility.
This process goes beyond the cost calculation tools offered by BI’s. The ability to handle interdependencies between sectors, essential for the financial health of the business, is not contemplated in BI’s, precisely because it does not align with their objectives.
BI software is powerful in generating reports. However, they depend on other tools to generate advanced calculations for cost management. MyABCM, on the other hand, offers the ability to create specific reports, tailored to the needs of cost and profitability management of the organization. This allows for a more in-depth and targeted analysis, optimizing the decision-making process.
Moreover, MyABCM offers integrations with other systems, such as ERPs and BI’s themselves, facilitating use in conjunction with various tools employed in the organization.
Ultimately, when choosing between BI software and a specialized solution like MyABCM, organizations should consider their specific needs for cost and profitability management. With its focused approach, advanced functionalities, and ability to provide precise insights, MyABCM stands out as a strategic choice for companies seeking more accurate and efficient financial management.
Learn more about how MyABCM can help your organization. Fill out the form below and talk to our experts!
There are various system options for cost calculation in SAP, varying in value and features.
In this article, we will introduce a Brazilian alternative that not only integrates seamlessly with SAP but also specializes in cost and profitability calculation, offering numerous advantages for your organization.
For companies looking to optimize cost calculation in SAP, MyABCM stands out as a specialized option with many attractive features. Available on the SAP Store, the system integrates smoothly with SAP and offers a series of functionalities that allow companies to get a snapshot of their cost structures, simulate scenarios, and make more confident decisions.
MyABCM offers a series of advantages for companies wanting to efficiently calculate costs and profitability:
While many available solutions may represent a significant cost, MyABCM is more affordable, delivering valuable and efficient features. This makes it an attractive option for companies of various sizes, enhancing the return on investment.
MyABCM is notable for its ability to provide a high degree of cost traceability. This is essential for companies that want to understand the origin of their expenses, optimize pricing, comprehend the role of each product, service, and customer to the organization, and make informed decisions based on accurate data.
The ability to gain insights in less time is invaluable for companies that need to make agile decisions in a dynamic business environment. One of the major benefits of MyABCM is the speed of implementation, calculations, and information availability, combined with smooth data integration between SAP and its system.
MyABCM is used by large companies in more than 50 countries to calculate costs in SAP, covering a wide variety of sectors, including banking, industrial, governmental, healthcare, and many more. This global adoption is a confirmation of its effectiveness in meeting the needs of organizations of all sizes and in different segments, with flexible tools that adapt to the specifics of each business.
For companies looking for specialized solutions to enable integrated cost management within the SAP ecosystem, MyABCM stands out for being accessible and offering functionalities specifically developed to optimize the identification and calculation of costs, with excellent cost-effectiveness. Make this strategic decision: fill out the form below and speak with our experts.
In case you’ve just stumbled in here, read our full article that explains how the ABC costing method works by clicking here.
Let’s recapitulate some trivial points that underlie “Activity-Based Costing”.
If you are already familiar with the term, let’s go ahead and discuss why ABC (activity-based costing) has the power to increase your profitability.
Let’s get right to the point.
The focus of the ABC method is to have maximum control over the indirect costs (also called overhead) as well as the direct costs associated with a product, service, customer, or channel.
Through a costing system using drivers that respect a cause-and-effect relationship and aiming to bring an advanced analysis of the costs per activity within the operation.
And with this dense range of data, intelligently filter the numbers and transform them into strategic decisions.
The first step comes from what we call “data-driven culture”.
This is the natural habit of ALWAYS making decisions based on collected data and not on a gut feeling.
It all starts by identifying the main KPIs (key performance indicators), which are our key performance indicators.
If you intend to make decisions based on data and not just intuition, yes.
Performance indicators make it possible to measure how much a strategy is generating the expected result or not.
It is important to mention that KPIs are always measurable and concrete.
Analyzing data is something automatic in large companies, however, not always creating strategies and defining next steps is provided by a study on top of what has already been collected and digested.
The ABC costing method is useful for companies that already have this data-driven culture and are looking for optimizations through detailed data analysis.
The more knowledge you have about how much and where your resources are being spent, the more precise your improvements associated with cost management will be.
And that is what we at MyABCM offer.
The ABC method results in an advanced costing analysis based on each activity involved in producing some product, providing some service, or serving some customer or channel.
This is where pricing comes in.
One of the biggest challenges within a business can be made easier by applying the ABC method.
Keep in mind that failing to calculate your total costs can result in sub-optimal pricing, resulting in an unfavorable profit margin for the company.
With all the control of segmented expenses in the palm of your hand, pricing becomes clearer and effectively correct. The consequence of this is the real impact on negotiations with customers, discount policies and commissioning of salespeople, resulting in the end in greater profit for the company!
The option of being able to precisely manage all the organization’s costs. This opens up the possibility of making more assertive decisions about where to act to reduce costs, invest, and even serve the best channels and customers from a profitability standpoint.
2. Associate overhead costs with the products, services, channels, and clients that actually consume it
Instead of associating the same cost to all products, services, customers, and channels, you can allocate the fair value consumed by each.
This also helps identify costs that apply to more than one segment, making this feature more valuable because it potentially eliminates distortions in cost calculations.
3. Evaluate production efficiency and apply improvements
The ABC method makes it possible to assign value to overhead costs by working the data as if it were direct costs. By breaking down overhead costs and assigning them by activity, we can look for breakthroughs with precision.
In the same way, we can make processes more efficient and correctly monitor the key KPIs for each activity in the organization.
4. Accurate data to obtain the desired profit margin
Having accurate data will directly impact a leader’s decision making. It opens up the possibility to reduce or shift production costs and apply effective pricing strategies to obtain an adequate profit margin.
5. Unique Benefits
Other methods cannot cover what the ABC costing method provides.
Directly related to the particularity of activity-based costing, it can measure expenses related to activities, however small they may be.
All the questions below must be answered with a yes.
Then you are prepared.
To be clear, there are not only advantages.
But it is the solution to a number of complex problems for those seeking cost optimization through a robust system.
After you have finished reading this post, you certainly have the clear answers as to how ABC cost management can increase your profits.
In a competitive market, many companies need to invest in competitive advantages in order to increase profitability and improve efficiency. (more…)
Understanding how to calculate the rate of return and profitability of a business is critical for managers to clearly visualize the company’s financial situation. Managers commonly confuse these two terminologies, but they represent distinct aspects of the company. You need to know how to increase both if you want to ensure your business success.
If you have any questions about this subject, keep reading this publication. We will explain the concepts of these terms, their importance to the company, how to calculate them, and finally, which techniques are most effective in applying them. Check it out!
What is the difference between the two concepts?
First, it is important to understand that both are indexes that relate to the company’s net income. For this reason, they are constantly confused.
However, the result shows gains from different perspectives. Check out below what each of these concepts aims to achieve.
Rate of return
Rate of return is a percentage value that relates an initial investment and the speed at which a business gets its financial return.
Thus, if the rate of return is low, it means that the project invested is dispensable for the company; if its value is negative, it is causing losses, and finally, if its number is high, it is very beneficial to the company’s finances.
Profitability
This measure, also given as a percentage, shows how much a business effectively received in relation to the overall enterprise’s gains.
While the rate of return shows the return on investment, profitability shows all that has been achieved, taking into account projects, savings, sales, revenues, and other elements of the enterprise.
How important is it to understand the difference between the concepts?
Evaluating just one of these aspects will bring a poor overview of the business, giving a false impression that it is successful. That way, the controller will not have actual data on the enterprise’s gains, resulting in losses and even bankruptcy.
For example, it is possible that you have high profitability, but due to factors other than an investment. That way, you will not know if the project is profitable or not; it may be causing losses that you don’t know about, and that is a waste of capital.
Knowing how to calculate these indexes ensures the correct profit determination. This has a positive impact on the enterprise’s decision-making, since they will effectively provide the healthy growth of the company.
How to calculate rate of return and profitability?
Rate of return
Rate of return considers time as a fundamental variable. Usually it is calculated by relating the month and its corresponding cash flow. Another variable involved is the initial investment, and the formula is given as follows:
Rate of return = (net income in the period / initial investment) x 100%
Thus, let’s consider a business that required an initial investment of $400 million. Currently its monthly cash flow is about $25 million. In this instance, the monthly rate of return is given by:
Rate of return = (25/400) x 100%
Rate of return = 6.25%
A business is not profitable when this index is null or negative, which indicates that the investment has led to losses. On the other hand, the higher a business’s rate of return, the faster there will be a return on investment.
Profitability
In turn, to find a business’s profitability, you need to think in terms of turnover and net income for the period being analyzed. The relation is given by:
Profitability = (net income / total turnover) x 100%
Imagine, for example, that in one year a company had a turnover of $500 million. The gross income was $300 million and the net income $200 million. In this instance, the profitability would be:
Profitability = (200 / 500) x 100%
Profitability = 40%
This means that profitability depends much more on net income than on turnover, given that a very high turnover associated with low income lowers this index.
To better understand it, imagine the same situation, but in this case the income was just $100 million. Profitability would decrease to a half, even though the turnover remains the same.
How do you increase these indexes?
It is possible to act on these indexes so that they are increased or are more in keeping with management’s expectations.
Increasing profitability
These measures consist of making new investments whose returns can be measured. Here are some examples.
Segment the audience
Customers are the focus of any business, given that the revenue to sustain it comes from them. Markets are currently very crowded. In order to ensure that a particular audience will always acquire your brand’s products, you can develop goods and prepare a marketing action for a very specific consumer profile.
Create techniques to increase productivity
There is always room for maximizing employee productivity, whether by changing materials, exchanging staff, automating process, among other methods.
Negotiate prices with suppliers
Good negotiation can be exceptionally beneficial to the company. If you have a good relationship with a trusted supplier, try to negotiate lower prices with them. For example, you can offer a loyalty scheme to always acquire your raw material with them in exchange for a reduced price.
Maximizing profitability
Here we will show the main methodologies that increase the overall net income of the company; check it out.
Reduce operating costs
This strategy increases both the rate of return and profitability. Operating costs are those needed to keep the enterprise active, such as wages, electricity, etc. Reducing these expenses will result in an increase in the company’s profitability, not an increase in revenue.
Implement continuous improvements
There are numerous strategies and technologies that can be applied in the company: the biggest mistake a manager can make is to not continually seek improvements. These can be a better structural organization, computerization of the enterprise, use of new indexes that aid in decision-making, etc.
By using financial software, processes become faster, simpler and more accurate. With less time lost, there is more productivity, leading to gains in both rate of return and profitability.
Review sales prices
Customers’ taste, product values, and tax rates go through constant changes. Thus, the price of your goods or services should also be updated to keep up with the market.
Depending on the scenario, your products’ values could be higher, which would generate more profits, but it would also be feasible to reduce your prices in order to expand your customer network. This study will maximize profitability.
You can see that understanding how to calculate the rate of return and profitability allows you to have a real and transparent view of the business, and also ensures a more accurate and concrete decision-making. After reading this publication, you will know exactly how to use this knowledge to foster the company’s growth.
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