Returns management in online retail: challenges and solutions

Christmas business – boom and wave of returns: a growing problem

For many online retailers, Christmas sales determine the profit for the entire year. A significant proportion of annual turnover is realised shortly before the end of the year, with December often being the most decisive month.

However, the shopping frenzy is often followed by a wave of returns. Many customers use the right of return to try out alternatives or exchange gifts. Each return incurs an average cost of around seven euros per parcel, depending on the product category and the returns process. These costs are made up of shipping costs, loss of value, customer support and processing.

Returns in figures: Twice around the world


A study of 302 online retailers illustrates the dimensions of the returns problem:

  • 5,774,560 returns were processed during the study period.
  • The retailers achieved a total turnover of 793,808,397 euros.
  • Returns-to-sales ratio: 0.00727 returns per euro transacted.

Extrapolated to the entire German mail order business, this results in an estimate of around 286 million returns per year, based on an annual turnover of 39.3 billion euros. If these returns were lined up in parcels with an edge length of 40 cm, this would result in a distance of around 114,400 kilometres – almost 2.86 circumnavigations of the earth!

A balancing act between customer satisfaction and cost efficiency


Customer-friendly returns management strengthens customer loyalty. However, high returns rates can have a negative impact on profitability. Retailers are therefore faced with a difficult balancing act: a generous returns policy promotes customer satisfaction, but can also lead to excessive costs.

According to EU law, retailers must take back goods within 14 days of receipt without giving a reason. This gives retailers little influence over customers’ decisions. However, they can organise the returns process efficiently and minimise the number of incorrect orders from the outset.

The typical returns process: from the returns note to the refund
A well thought-out returns process comprises several steps:

  1. register the return: The customer registers the return via an online portal and receives a returns label.
  2. goods receipt and inspection: On arrival, the condition of the goods is checked and documented.
  3. further processing: Depending on the condition, the goods are either put back into storage, sold as B-goods or disposed of.
  4. customer support and finalisation: The process ends with a refund or exchange.

Optimising the returns process: a selection of strategies.

  • Efficient processes: Standardise your processes for goods receipt and inspection to save time and costs.
  • Mobile solutions: Equip your employees with mobile devices to carry out inspections directly at the storage location.
  • Data analysis: Use collected data to identify common reasons for returns and adapt your products or processes accordingly.
  • Flexible warehousing: Organise your warehouse so that you can react quickly to returns and process the goods efficiently.
  • B-goods sales: Use platforms for the sale of B-goods to maximise the value of your returns.

Measures to reduce returns

Retailers also have a great interest in minimising returns. There are various approaches to this:

  • Shipping cost regulation: should return shipping be free or partially transferred to the customer? This decision has an influence on customer behaviour.
  • Virtual try-on and augmented reality: Body measurement tools or virtual try-ons can help prevent incorrect purchases, especially in the clothing sector. These technologies are on the rise and can reduce the returns rate in the long term.
  • Clear product information: Precise descriptions, informative photographs and clear size charts enable customers to make informed decisions and reduce bad purchases.

Returns management: a balancing act with future potential

Returns management remains a challenge. If you want to satisfy customers, you cannot limit returns too much, but the associated costs are considerable. The solution lies in the optimisation of processes and targeted investment in digital technologies.

Process optimisation through transparency with CKL software


Efficient returns management relies on precise processes and digital workflows. The cost accounting module from CKL Software, integrated into Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, offers helpful support in process cost analysis, such as the recording of labour and process times, booking of production data and automated inventory adjustments. In addition, CKL’s apps offer functions for greater data transparency on the way to intelligent returns management:

  • Detailed basic returns recording: this function enables accurate data collection as the basis for analysing and precisely optimising processes.
  • Customised workflows: Retailers can have specific workflows for different reasons for returns. This level of detail is important and offers different perspectives on the fields of action as a basis for reducing costs.
  • Comprehensive reporting: Detailed analyses of return rates and costs support strategic decisions and ensure long-term survival in a highly competitive market

Discover these possibilities for yourself and attend one of our next webinars on cost accounting: information and registration can be found on our website.

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Focus on key figures: Successfully introducing and operating Business Central

How to convince your clients and other stakeholders.

Everyone is talking about the “digitalization of the economy”. However, the introduction of an ERP system such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is associated with costs and risks.

What helps you in this situation when communicating with your clients and other stakeholders? How can you gain and stabilize approval?


Here you will learn which key performance indicators (KPIs) are useful for measuring project success, how to select KPIs specifically and what challenges can arise when measuring them.


You will also learn how precise analyses can improve the implementation process and maximize long-term benefits.

Why are key figures important when introducing Business Central?

You can use KPIs to monitor the progress and success of the introduction of Business Central. The following aspects become visible through KPIs:

  • Project status: is the time and budget plan being adhered to?
  • Process efficiency: How do the new processes improve working methods?
  • Financial impact: How is the company’s result developing after implementation?

Key figures are the basis for analysis and optimization. They make it possible to make the success of the project transparent for stakeholders and decision-makers. Ultimately, you need them to justify the investment.

Which key figures are important?

Various categories of key figures are relevant. They can be divided into three areas:

These KPIs measure the progress and quality of the project:

  • Schedule deviation: shows how much the actual progress deviates from the schedule. Minor deviations indicate a smooth process.
  • Budget adherence: Measures whether the project remains within budget.
  • Quality of implementation: Does the implementation meet the requirements? Internal audits or user acceptance tests (UAT) are suitable measuring instruments.

These KPIs show how well the new systems and processes work on a day-to-day basis:

  • Lead time: time required to complete a business process, e.g. from order to invoicing.
  • Error rate: Number of errors after implementation. A low error rate indicates stable processes.
  • Employee satisfaction: Shows how well the workforce is coping with the new tools and processes.

These KPIs measure the direct impact of the ERP implementation on the company’s results:

  • Sales growth: is there a positive change in sales after the implementation?
  • Customer satisfaction: Shows whether the ERP implementation has improved the customer experience.
  • Profitability: Does profitability increase due to more efficient processes and less waste?
  • Employee productivity: Expressed in faster task completion or higher quality.

Individual key figures: Why is a customized selection crucial?

The right KPIs depend on a company’s goals and challenges. A manufacturing company will choose different KPIs than a service provider. Standard KPIs are helpful as a first approximation, but customization is necessary to identify the company’s greatest potential.

Practical examples of targeted KPI use

Different industries use different KPIs:

  • Manufacturing companies: Key performance indicators such as throughput time, reject rate and machine availability increase production efficiency.
  • Trading companies: Delivery reliability, customer loyalty and returns rate help to increase customer satisfaction.
  • Service companies: Successful projects, customer satisfaction and employee turnover are key performance indicators here

Long-term success monitoring and adjustment of KPIs

KPIs are not only relevant for the introduction phase. They are also used for ongoing optimization. A one-off look at the KPIs is therefore not enough. Rather, regular analysis and adjustment of the KPIs is necessary, as company goals and the environment are constantly changing.

Best practices for the introduction of KPI systems

The successful introduction and use of KPIs requires careful planning. Here are some best practices:

  • Clear goal definition: set clear goals and communicate them to all stakeholders.
  • Data quality: Data should be complete, accurate and up-to-date.
  • Visualization: Use easy-to-understand graphics to illustrate the KPIs.
  • Automation: Automate data collection and analysis to save time.
  • Integration with Business Central: Use the possibilities of Business Central to record and evaluate KPIs directly in the system.

The connection to cost Accounting

Key figures such as lead time, error rate and productivity are closely related to cost accounting. A shorter throughput time, for example, reduces storage costs and improves capital commitment. A low error rate reduces costs for rework and complaints.

Find out more?

Key figures are the backbone of a successful introduction of Business Central. Through targeted selection, regular monitoring and a close link to cost accounting, companies can optimize their processes, increase efficiency and achieve long-term success.


Would you like to know how you can make the most of the benefits of CKL cost accounting in your company? In our webinars, we present our solutions and answer your questions. Just visit us and see for yourself: CKL webinars.

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How controlling helps, companies navigate through natural disasters and other crises.

In recent years, we have learned how quickly seemingly certain things can change. For example: by June 2024, three severe weather events had already led to flooding in Germany – around Christmas, in May and now again in June.

In each of these events, both private individuals and companies suffer considerable damage. They have to clean up and look for solutions, because life must go on.

Important tasks of controlling in crisis situations

Controlling plays a crucial role in these challenging times. It supports companies in assessing damage and quickly resuming operations. Controlling performs the following tasks:

Damage management and documentation

After every storm, the damage caused must be assessed and documented. This is essential for insurance claims and the financing of reconstruction. This is a major challenge, especially in the case of extensive damage.

Liquidity management in times of crisis

One of the biggest challenges for companies during and after natural disasters is maintaining liquidity. Creating updated liquidity plans and securing emergency credit lines are key here.

Cost control and budget adjustments

Companies must review their budgets and adapt them to the new circumstances. This often means cutting expenditure and reprioritizing resources.

Communication with stakeholders

Transparent and regular communication is of great importance. It is important that all parties involved (employees, customers, suppliers, investors) are kept up to date in order to promote trust and cooperation.

Risk management and future planning

Based on the experience of current emergencies, controlling should develop measures to minimize risks for future crises. This includes analyzing how risks can be better managed, for example through insurance cover, infrastructural improvements or a more flexible supply chain.

Support with reopening and strategic realignment

Controlling should support the planning of the reopening of damaged business premises and warehouses, including the reassessment of the required personnel and operational resources. In the long term, a strategic realignment may also be necessary to make the company more resilient.

Prerequisites for effective controlling

In order to provide these services effectively, controlling must be well positioned. This requires

– Having correct and complete figures available in a timely manner

– Employees’ analytical skills

– Data quality and integrity: The integration of data sources plays a key role in providing a coherent picture of the business situation.

Managers must be aware of the critical aspects and prepare for them. In practice, data complexity is often underestimated, contingency plans are lacking or risk management is neglected.

Support from Cost Accounting 365

Cost Accounting 365″ is also there to help you with unusual challenges. When it comes down to it, the module offers:

Detailed cost unit and cost center accounting, which is helpful when assessing damages and documenting for insurance claims.

Comprehensive analysis and reporting functions that help companies keep a close eye on their finances and update liquidity plans.

Cost and activity accounting functions that help to reprioritize budgets and optimize costs.

Want to learn more? Attend one of our upcoming webcasts.

You can find more information and register here: Cost Accounting 365.

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How to react skillfully to market changes: optimal prices at all times.

Pricing in retail companies has always been a complex task. It requires precise analysis and strategic planning. Traditional approaches such as focusing on costs, competitors and demand have long been the norm. However, with the advent of modern technologies and data-based decision-making, the playing field has changed.

This article looks at the importance of dynamic pricing strategies and how they help companies to react quickly and flexibly to market changes and increase their profitability.

Traditional pricing models

Cost-oriented pricing
Cost-oriented pricing is based on the company’s internal costs. A mark-up is added to the internal costs in order to achieve an appropriate profit.
However, this approach can ignore customers’ actual willingness to pay and lead to inappropriately high or low prices.

Competitive pricing strategies
In this strategy, companies base their prices on those of their competitors and adjust their prices accordingly.
However, this can lead to a price war in which a sales price prevails that does not correspond to the actual value of the product.

Demand-oriented pricing
In demand-oriented pricing, companies are guided by the demand of their customers and adjust their prices accordingly.
However, predicting demand is difficult and can lead to price fluctuations.

Modern approaches to pricing


The introduction of data-based decisions has initiated a change in pricing. Today, companies can implement dynamic pricing strategies and adapt to changing market conditions, changes in demand and other factors at short notice.
To do this, they need advanced data analysis and big data technologies. Thanks to these, they receive comprehensive information about market conditions, customer behavior and competitive activities in real time. On this basis, they are able to make informed pricing decisions and continuously optimize pricing in combination with cost accounting solutions. The goal is maximum profitability.

Dynamically into the future


In a constantly changing business world, dynamic pricing strategies are a cornerstone for the long-term success of retail companies. CKL Cost Accounting 365 offers a wide range of functions that support companies in successfully implementing dynamic pricing strategies:

Cost transparency:
By analyzing cost components in detail, companies can understand their true costs and set appropriate prices.
Cost management:
The software allows costs to be recorded and allocated to different cost types and locations, helping companies to optimize their cost structure.
Profitability analysis:
Companies can use the software to analyze the profitability of individual products or customers and adjust their pricing accordingly.
Would you like to find out more about the benefits of CKL cost accounting?

Then we cordially invite you to our next webinar, where we will give you a detailed insight and answer your questions. Register today!

Click here for information and to register!

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Uncovering hidden treasures: How cost accounting data spurs innovation

Tapping into new innovation potential with cost accounting data.

Whether in retail or the service sector, new and innovative ideas are always in demand to stay ahead of the competition. When looking for inspiration, very few people think about their cost accounting data.

Cost accounting is often perceived as a dry subject. In our article, we show you that your cost accounting can do more than just record costs. By analyzing your cost accounting data, you can identify trends, customer needs and unusual correlations.

We have put together five examples for you.

Product range and pricing

“Happy hour” sounds like cocktails and a party. Too bad, actually. Online stores can also take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere on Friday evenings to organize a “happy hour” for selected products. Such a “flash sale” invites customers to stop by regularly to secure a bargain.

When are your customers in your store anyway? What are they looking at? How can you get them to stay longer? With the help of flash sales, you can exploit the potential of existing sales peaks, iron out sales lulls or reduce excess stock. Your cost calculation will tell you whether your campaign is worthwhile.

Omnichannel strategy and customer experience

“How can the conversion rate be reduced?” may have been the initial question of an experiment conducted by a New York fashion store. The operators had set up an interactive mirror in their store. With its help, customers were able to try on various outfits virtually and receive advice from an AI-supported style expert. Various combinations were then suggested to them (source).

Complaints increase costs. Acquiring new customers is expensive. A better customer experience, higher repurchase rates and stronger customer loyalty also make sense from a cost accounting perspective.

Market analysis and customer understanding

Barbecue sausages and coal, ice cream and sun cream, school bags and stationery: Customers who are interested in one are also open to the other. Product combinations like these are obvious.

But what about beer and diapers? This unexpected combination has caused a sensation and is often quoted on the Internet (source). Rumor has it that chocolate consumption also increases when petrol prices fall. It is conceivable that consumers reward themselves and reduce stress.

Bundling offers helps to reduce costs. For interesting and unusual combinations, you need solid figures to recognize correlations in your company. This is the only way to fulfill new wishes and preferences of your customers. 

Sustainability and corporate social responsibility

In recent years, the topic of sustainability has increasingly come into focus. The cost of fossil fuels is rising. What if you could convert the kinetic energy of your footfall in your store into electricity?

Sounds crazy? The technology is likely to take some time to become widely used. But it already exists today (source 1, source 2).

Is it worthwhile for you too? Perhaps on a limited scale – the entrance area that your customers reliably pass through?

If such a project is to be more than a PR stunt, it must be accompanied by cost accounting. Likewise: The example shows that cost accounting data can be used to expand sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

“Cost Accounting 365” from CKL Software

Would you like to take a closer look at your company’s innovation potential? With Cost Accounting 365, you can keep a close eye on your finances and quickly and clearly obtain information on revenues and costs.

Be inspired by one of our upcoming webinars. To the dates and to register: Cost Accounting 365. We look forward to seeing you!

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Warehouse management: uncompromisingly efficient.

Warehouse management that gives your success a boost.

No business without a warehouse: In retail companies, the warehouse plays a central but often underestimated role. It is the invisible pillar that holds everything together. But what happens if the warehouse does not function optimally?

A missing warehouse – fatal consequences

Warehouses must be well managed in order to serve customers quickly and deliver goods.

Too much stock is just as bad as too little. Too much stock ties up valuable capital. Products become obsolete, suffer damage and may have to be written off.

Effective inventory management – the key to success

It is therefore important to find a balance. Complete and correct inventory management is essential for this. Errors must be identified and rectified quickly.

Correct inventory management not only has a positive impact on customer satisfaction. It also improves:

Transparency:

  • The service team can competently inform customers about order processing and delivery dates.
  • Reliable information gives the customer a good feeling. The image and customer loyalty increase.

Efficient decisions:

  • Thanks to correct and seamless inventory management, the purchasing department gains an overview of stocks, even across branches.
  • They can optimize orders in terms of timing and delivery conditions.

A feel for trends and profitability:

  • Some industries experience constantly changing trends. The fashion industry is a well-known example.
  • Precise inventory management helps to recognize and react to changing customer behaviour at an early stage.
  • In this way, sales opportunities can be exploited and customer wishes fulfilled.

Speed and efficiency:

  • Correct inventory management helps to optimize processes.
  • Accepting an order, searching for products, putting missing goods on hold – all this takes time and increases the error rate.
  • Teams that know what is in the warehouse can improve the order sequence.

Software from a single source – the optimal solution

The demands on inventory management are high. This is why medium-sized companies today use ERP systems almost without exception. They also often use supplementary software or Excel sheets. This combination can lead to errors and time-consuming data evaluation.

Integrated systems, on the other hand, have an advantage:

  • They enable standardized data preparation and evaluation.
  • They make it easier for employees to familiarize themselves with the system logic.
  • The cost of introducing supplementary systems is low.
  • Data migrations can be avoided.

Inventory 365: The perfect complement for Microsoft Dynamics Business Central

Inventory 365 is one such system. It integrates seamlessly into Microsoft Dynamics Business Central. The solution enables simple and convenient reconciliation between the item movements in the warehouse and the G/L account postings for current assets in financial accounting. The system recognizes the differences automatically. This allows errors to be rectified quickly. An extended posting matrix provides additional transparency in the income statement and balance sheet.

With Inventory 365, you can optimize your inventory management and create the basis for efficient processes, satisfied customers and sustainable success.

Find out more about efficient warehouse management and attend one of our upcoming webinars to learn more about our solution.

Click here for information and to register.

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Valuation of inventories in retail: How to manage risks and optimize your balance sheet

Uncover hidden potential and minimize risks – with the correct valuation of your products and goods. The balance sheet shows a company’s assets and liabilities as at a specific reporting date. It is part of the annual financial statements and serves to inform internal and external interest groups. The balance sheet can be used to assess the financial situation and development of the company.

The balance sheets of trading and service companies differ considerably. This is mainly due to the inventories that trading companies hold in their salesrooms and warehouses. Goods in transit (“floating goods”) must also be included in the annual financial statements.

In practice, the valuation of inventories proves to be extremely complex. Below you can see the most important valuation categories that have a direct influence on the valuation.

Categories at a glance: How to value your inventories

Limited shelf life
Whether food or products from perfumery and cosmetics: many goods and products only have a limited shelf life. At the time of accounting, they must therefore be written down to their expected selling price. The loss in value is recognized as a write-down on inventories in the income statement.

Fluctuating prices
Fluctuating energy prices are a recurring topic of discussion. Food prices also fluctuate, depending on weather conditions, harvest volumes and demand.

In accordance with the lower of cost or market principle, goods with strongly fluctuating purchase prices must be recognized at their lowest possible value on the balance sheet date. There is a choice between the purchase price and the current market price. Depending on the price development, there is a devaluation and value adjustment. This is recognized as an expense in the income statement.

Degree of realizability
Whether household goods, books or clothing: Products can be damaged during transportation, storage or presentation. This reduces their value.

In retail, goods are generally categorized into A, B and C goods:

  • A goods are fully functional and marketable. They are recognized at full value.
  • B goods have slight defects. However, they are still marketable and are recognized at a discount corresponding to the reduction in value.
  • C goods have significant defects or damage. They can only be sold at a discount or as spare parts. They are recognized at their residual value.

Storage period
“Slow-moving items” are products that remain in stock for a long time. They represent a risk for retailers, as they tie up capital and run the risk of being damaged. In this case, they can no longer be sold at their full value.

On the other hand, there are “fast-moving items” that only need to be stored for a short time thanks to high demand. The risk of loss of value is low. They represent a low financial risk.

Sales risk
Specialty items have a high sales risk. Demand fluctuates, which is why they are difficult to sell.

Ventilators, for example, were in high demand during the pandemic. In the meantime, many facilities have covered their needs for years. Goods like these may have to be devalued.

In contrast, standard items have a low sales risk. They are easy to procure and sell and can therefore be recognized at their full value.

Additional categories:

Seasonal items
Christmas, Easter or carnival items are valued at their market value on the balance sheet date. If they are difficult to sell after the season, they must be written down.

Trend articles
They are particularly well known in the fashion industry: trend items that are often only on sale for a short period of time. A hype is followed by a sharp drop in demand.

As long as the trend continues, trend items can be recognized at their full value. If the trend subsides, they must be devalued.

As you can see: According to the lower of cost or market principle, goods and products must be recognized at the lower fair value. This initially simple-sounding rule proves to be complicated and extremely complex in practice.

Warehouse valuation with “Valuation 365”

Our “Valuation 365” app for Microsoft Dynamics Business Central makes life much easier for retail companies. The advantages:

  • Automation of the valuation
  • Reliable compliance with the lowest value principle
  • Flexible adaptation to individual needs
  • Improved transparency
  • Increased accuracy
  • Reduced risk of errors
  • Improved decision making

Visit one of our upcoming webcasts and see for yourself how “Valuation 365” can simplify, accelerate and refine the valuation process in your company. To the information and registration.

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Valuation: How it affects financial reporting

Inventory valuation has a major impact on financial reporting in retail companies. It affects the balance sheet, the profit and loss account and other key financial figures.

In this article, you will learn how to ensure accurate inventory valuation.

Inventory valuation: effects on the balance sheet

The balance sheet profit is calculated from the difference between assets and liabilities. The items in the warehouse count as assets. If they are valued as high as legally possible, the total amount of assets and therefore the profit increases.

A high asset value is an indication of a financially stable situation in the company.

Example

A trading company estimates the value of its goods in stock at EUR 12,000. However, a precise valuation leads to a correction. The total value is EUR 14,000. The company’s financial situation is therefore better than expected.

Stock valuation: effects on the profit and loss account

Stock valuation also has an impact on the profit generated from sales. Low costs on the goods side cause profits to soar. Correspondingly, the profit decreases when costs are low.

Example

A trading company sells goods worth EUR 20,000. It estimates the cost of goods sold at EUR 10,000. The profit is EUR 10,000.

An audit reveals that the cost of goods sold is actually only EUR 8,000. The profit therefore increases to EUR 12,000.

Further effects of stock valuation

Stock valuation affects other key figures and information in financial reporting, including the following:

Creditworthiness

Before funds flow, investors check the financial situation of a company. Stable finances are a sign of security. An accurate inventory valuation can help improve creditworthiness and investor confidence.

Compliance with accounting standards

Inventory valuation must comply with applicable accounting standards. Traceable accuracy contributes to compliance.

Identification of obsolete stock

Obsolete stock must be written down or even written off completely. If they are included in the balance sheet at their full amount, the profit is unjustifiably high. Accurate stock valuation also helps to identify obsolete stock.

Example

A trading company has goods worth EUR 1,000 in stock. However, the goods have expired and can no longer be sold. The exact stock valuation means that the goods have to be written off as worthless. The company’s profit decreases. At the same time, the tax burden is reduced.

Software support for stock valuation

Software supports retail companies in ensuring accurate stock valuation at all times.

The functions that software can offer include the following:

  • An optimal devaluation of assets in stock. This leads to a reduction in the tax burden.
  • Valuation according to the strict lowest value principle with a view to the criteria of marketability, age structure, expiration date or range. Individual value adjustments are also possible.
  • Efficient and robust valuation of stock values without Excel, and thus: Error avoidance and acceleration.
  • Meaningful documentation on the valuation of stock levels over time.

Tips for carrying out an accurate stock valuation

For an accurate stock valuation, we recommend that you

Use valuation methods that are as consistent as possible

In order to be able to compare the results over the years, you should always use the same methods to value your inventories. If you deviate from your valuation method, you should have good reasons for doing so (see also: Changing the stock issue method).

Make sure your stock is up to date

Take all relevant factors, such as the purchase price or current market value, into account when valuing your stock.

Use software support

The average discounter already stocks 2,000 items or more (Statista). Without software support, it is practically impossible to keep track of the best-before date, for example. To optimize stock valuation and avoid errors, you should therefore use software.

Valuation with CKL-Software


Valuation plays a pivotal role in the financial reporting of retail companies, ensuring accurate representation of their assets and performance. In this regard, Valuation 365 emerges as a vital tool. Seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, this app facilitates the assessment of item movements, empowering businesses to derive pertinent values for their annual inventory.

Not only does Valuation 365 streamline the valuation process, but it also aids in aligning asset values with statutory regulations, ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial statements. By leveraging this app, retail companies can confidently prepare and assess their current assets, bolstering transparency and reliability in their financial reporting practices.

Curious about how Valuation 365 can enhance your financial reporting? Join us for an upcoming webcast where we delve into its features and benefits. Gain firsthand insights and explore the potential of Valuation 365 in optimizing your valuation processes. Secure your spot today by registering for our Valuation 365 Webcast and unlock the power of accurate valuation in retail financial reporting.

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From phantom to reality: Finance in the digital world

Everyone is talking about digitalisation. But in practice, many processes are still handled manually. Paperwork and piles of paper are often the rule rather than the exception.

Deloitte conducted a study on digitalisation in finance together with ima The Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals. Between November 2019 and January 2020, the study team surveyed 800 employees in companies. The result: just under 76 per cent of respondents confirmed that the proportion of manual processes is still high.

Increasing demand for analyses and up-to-date evaluations

At the same time, requirements are changing. The business world is moving faster than ever, so the need for analyses and information on the current status of the company is increasing. This is the only way to make the right decisions and course corrections.

This changes both the role and the area of responsibility for finance employees. Comprehensive skills in business analysis, general accounting competences and technological skills form the skillset that is currently in demand. In the digital world, finance employees are thus asserting their relevance for their companies.

This development has long since arrived in practice. The study participants report concrete adjustments in their companies. According to the survey

  • 36.2 per cent cloud-based solutions for accounting,
  • 42.1 per cent Budgeting, forecasting and reporting tools and
  • 39.7 percent data analysis and visualisation.

Data evaluations and visualisations in particular are the pillars of well-founded decisions. Whether finances, operating processes or costs: with the help of tools, the desire for up-to-date status information can be put into practice.

At least in theory. This is because a lack of equipment and the overworking of employees are a hurdle. In many cases, they hinder the ability to provide management with the desired information quickly and in optimum quality.

From this perspective, there are good reasons to reduce manual processes and digitalise them.

Expertise in demand beyond technology

Technology plays a major role in this transformation process. At the same time, technology only ever delivers as much performance as the person operating it allows.

Employee training and development is therefore an important part of digitalisation. 61.7 per cent of respondents were of the opinion that critical thinking/problem-solving skills would advance their teams. Core technological skills were in second place with 40.4 per cent.

The self-assessment regarding the need for further training is therefore hardly surprising: respondents saw the greatest need in the areas of budgeting, forecasting and reporting tools (52.3%), cloud-based accounting solutions (45.8%) and data analysis and visualisation (44.3%).

Skills and competences are important. However, the organisational aspect should not be forgotten: Even in a fully digitalised world, there are only 24 hours in a day. The working time of employees in companies remains valuable, so priorities must be set with regard to the analyses and evaluations requested.

The change from a reactive, transactional function to a proactive, analytical one can only be good for employees in the finance department. In future, they will be able to focus on more interesting activities and thus strengthen their position as a strategic business partner.

There is still a long way to go for many companies. Successful digitalisation requires a resilient and consistent data infrastructure. The first step is therefore often data cleansing, especially if companies have been operating outdated ERP systems for a long period of time. This is followed by new processes and administrative revisions. This is a major obstacle for many companies.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central:
Up-to-date and comprehensive analyses just a click away

Users of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central have an advantage because they already have a standardised data structure.CKL’s finance apps are seamlessly connected to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, paving the way for up-to-date and detailed evaluations and analyses.
It’s best to see for yourself and attend one of our upcoming webinars.

Sources

From Mirage to Reality: Bringing Finance into Focus in a Digital World, Deloitte / ima The Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals in Business.
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/finance/us-from-mirage-to-reality-bringing-finance-into-focus-in-a-digital-world.pdf

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When classic process thinking does more harm than good

Since the 1990s, companies have increasingly organised themselves into processes. In the meantime, they have done well with this, as regulated processes guarantee an optimal use of resources with the best possible results. Thinking in terms of processes has become the norm. Many companies still adhere to this model today. However, they are increasingly coming up against limits, even more so: process thinking sometimes does more harm than good.

Process thinking as dogma – outdated

Fixed processes fit well in a stable world with slowly changing markets. However, these times are over: coronavirus, the war in Ukraine, shortages of raw materials, staff shortages, digitalisation and many other developments show us what it means to work in dynamic markets.

The speed of change has taken on such dimensions that target processes defined yesterday may already be outdated tomorrow. Companies therefore invest a lot of time in updating their processes. According to Jens Ropers, Partner at the CA Academy, however, this is like trying to “force dynamism into standard processes”. The processes remain inefficient in the long term. There are no viable solutions for dynamic requirements. This weakens the company.

Different types of tasks require their own solutions

In view of this, companies are invited to rethink the requirement for self-organisation in processes: are they really the means of choice in every situation?

Standardised processes are still important. However, those responsible in companies should realise when it is better to focus on dynamics.

  • Where knowledge and experience lead to the best possible result; where knowledge and experience can be translated into processes and even automated, a process organisation is the obvious choice.
  • In other places, a “jointly supported target state” (Ropers) takes the place of a defined process.

If you are involved with agility, you will be familiar with this idea: the agreed target state serves as a guide along which employees make their own decisions. They choose their tools independently.

Flexible working: time-consuming, but unavoidable

In der Gegenwart werden die Unternehmen ihren Aufgaben nicht mehr damit Herr, dass die Mitarbeitenden Prozesse möglichst rational abarbeiten. Vielmehr treffen sie auf neue, bis zu dem Zeitpunkt ungelöste Probleme, die die Aufmerksamkeit binden und neue Lösungen fordern.
Die Unternehmen gehen deshalb vermehrt dazu über, die besten Köpfe ihres Unternehmens für eine Aufgabe zusammenzuziehen. Häufig ziehen sie Externe hinzu.

Controllers therefore have a new task: they are called upon to put together these teams and prepare their employees for the changed requirements of the working world. All of this is unavoidable, but it takes time.

Cost accounting by CKL Software

Flexible working requires freedom. Our apps from CKL Software support you in streamlining standard processes so that you have more time for other tasks – above all “Cost Accounting 365”. Why not attend one of our upcoming webinars and find out how you can generate up-to-date reports and analyses at the touch of a button.

Sources

Jens Ropers, Modernes Controlling ist „beidhändig“, Controller Magazin, Ausgabe 3/22

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