Client & Context

The project was implemented in a finance top to bottom planning module and covers many service modules, designing scalable dashboard views, and increasing reliance on data-driven insights.

The individual developed these cube views, designed workflows, built calculation rules, configured data processes, and supported User Acceptance Testing (UAT).

Headline Results:

• Multiple service modules with separate reporting structures
• Need for centralized reporting and consolidation
• Requirement for dynamic and scalable Cube View design
• Increasing dependency on dashboard-driven insights

Role & Contribution:

• Created customized forms and reports to optimize the Month-End Close process and enhance data input efficiency
• Worked on Metadata Update Manually as well as using Metadata upload template given by OneStream.
• Create data load process with Import, Validate and Load workflow type.
• Worked on custom cube calculations using Api.Data.Calculate method.
• Worked on Dashboard, Cube views
• Worked on creating Data Management Steps
• Collaborate with clients to help them design and implement financial Planning and reporting solutions by leveraging the OneStream XF platform

Challenges

before OneStream, typically presents significant challenges related to data management , efficiency , and decision – making .

Key challenges included:

• Data Silos and Fragmentation :– Relying on disparate systems create silos, making it difficult to obtain a holistic view of the company’s financial health.
• Manual, Error-Prone Processes :– Data duplication and the need to manually transfer data between systems increase the risk of errors, consume significant time and resources and hinder collaboration between departments.
• Lack of a Single Source of Truth :– Different systems and manual processes lead to conflicting data and multiple versions of the truth, which can result on inconsistent financial projections and inaccurate internal and external reporting.
• Slow Decision-Making :– The time – consuming nature of consolidation and reconciling data from various sources means that finance teams spend less time on meaningful analysis. This can delay critical business decisions, making the company reactive rather that proactive in response to market conditions.
• Limited Visibility and Auditability :– Without robust, built-in integration and data quality controls, it can be difficult to trace how financial data was derived, which poses compliance risks and limits visibility for key stakeholders.
• Difficulty with Scalability and Adaptability :– Legacy or disconnected systems can be rigid and difficult to adapt to new business models or growth, requiring constant IT support for changes.
• Inefficient Planning and Forecasting :– Disconnected sales and finance systems, for examples, can lead to misaligned goals and make it nearly impossible to link operational plans to financial forecasts effectively.

The client needed a solution that would reduce manual work, standardize the consolidation model, and provide a scalable foundation for future acquisitions, without disrupting ongoing statutory reporting.

Our Approach

A structured and scalable solution was implemented using Cube Views, Dashboards, and Business Rules.

Data Integration & Quality ( 11-12 Weeks ):

• Use Case : Connecting to source systems to bring Actuals, Budgets, or Forecasts into OneStream.
• Data Management Rules : Automates ETL Processes, mapping transactional data to OneStream structure.
• Transformational Rules : Converts source system charts of accounts to the standard corporate chart of accounts, enabling consistent reporting.
• Data Quality Management : Validates data at every stage import, mapping, and providing full audit trails, and reducing manual errors.
• Stage : Provides 100% visibility from the source to the final report, allowing users to see exactly where data discrepancies arise.

Cube & Dimension Management ( 10-12 Weeks ) :

• Use Case : Storing and calculating data in a multidimensional database.
• Cubes : The multidimensional storage structure(e.g. Finance Cube, Workforce Cube, Capex Cube) that manages data for reporting. Scenario, Time, View, Flow, and User Defined (UD1-UD8) dimensions, enabling detailed analysis of products, regions, or cost centers.
• Extensible Dimensionality : A core feature allowing a child entity to have a different Chart of Accounts than the parent, while still rolling up into the parent’s consolidated financial statements.
• Relational Blend : Allows storage of detailed transactional/operational data alongside the aggregated cube data, allowing drill through to transaction-level details.

Workflow & Data Collection (8-9 Weeks) :

• Use Case : Guiding users through the monthly close, budgeting, or forecasting processes.
• Workflow Profile : A customized, step-by-step process that guides end-users through data input, validation, and submission, ensuring accountability and preventing unauthorized changes.
• Forms : Data input templates used to collect manual data, such as headcount projections, supplementary data, or narrative commentary.
• Journals : Used to make adjustments to loaded data, providing a clear audit trail of who made the change.

Reporting & Analysis (21-22 Weeks) :

• Use Case : Providing interactive dashboards and formatted reports to finnance and operational teams.
• Cube Views : The main building block of reports. A grid-based view that allows for data input, ad-hoc analysis, and formatting of rows/columns.
• Dashboards : Interactive interfaces that display Key Performance Indicators, charts, and graphs. Dashboards can integrate multiple Cube Views, parameters, and drill-down functionality.
• Excel Add-In :- Allows users to built reports directly in excel, refresh data in real-time, and perform ad-hoc analysis while maintaining corporate security.
• Report Books : Combines multiple reports and files into a single pack for distributions.

Administration & Security (9-10 Weeks) :

• Business Rules : Custom calculations and scripts created to perform complex logic, such as allocations, custom revenue recognition, or advanced validations.
• Security : Controls user access to objects, entities, and data, ensuring compliance.

Throughout the project, a small joint working group (group finance, IT, and our consultants) met weekly to remove obstacles and make quick decisions on design trade‑offs. This allowed the team to stay on schedule despite the complexity of the multi‑ERP environment.

Results

After go‑live, the client achieved significant improvements in both efficiency and control.

Key Outcomes:

• Unified Reporting Architecture : Created a single source of truth for all reporting needs.
• Automated Data Processing :- Drastically cut down on manual entry and spreadsheet heavy tasks.
• Flexible Data Exploration : Empowered users to pivot and analyse data through dynamic Cube Views.
• Standardized Logic : Locked in business rules centrally to ensure data integrity and eliminate discrepancies.
• Intuitive Interface : Streamlined the user journey with a dashboard-centric navigation system.

Business Impact:

• Improved Efficiency : The solution enables faster report generation, analysis, and standardized reporting across modules
• Enhanced Decision-Making : Insights are provided in real-time, allowing discussions to focus on understanding data rather than fixing numbers.
• Reduced Manual Work : Dependency on manual processes is decreased.

A senior finance stakeholder summarized the impact by noting that group discussions have shifted “from fixing numbers to understanding what the numbers are telling us“.

What’s Next?

With the consolidation and reporting foundation in place, the client has defined a roadmap to extend OneStream into additional areas:

• Periodic Health Checks : Regular audits of the system to identify potential issues, bottlenecks, or technical debt.
• Optimization : Fine-tuning the system to improve performance, enhance user experience, and ensure efficient operation.
• business/System Changes : Adapting the solution to meet new regulatory requirements, company growth, or software upgrades.

This service strategy helps ensure high system availability, security compliance, and return on investment (ROI).