From complex spreadsheets to implementation in only two months

Eurazeo needed a robust, centralized performance management solution to support the newly created controlling organization during a time of heavy expansion. The goal was to present and analyze investments using a standard set of financial metrics and specific operational indicators for each company in the group. Frequent acquisitions and a growing number of investments made it critical for Eurazeo to have a solution to facilitate easy sharing of financial information externally and internally. Edward Portet, Financial Performance Director at Eurazeo , began looking for a solution that would be fast and simple to use but adaptable enough to accommodate the various additions and disposals in the group’s investments. Portet also wanted an all-in-one tool powered by a database that supports built-in calculations, simulations, and reporting in a collaborative environment. “Previously, the team had relied heavily on Excel,” said Portet. “Excel had begun to show its limits from computing power and file complexity to poor collaboration and traceability. Despite these limitations, we wanted to structure our data without having to change the environment for the management controllers or relying on IT assistance,” continued Portet.

When Edward Portet found Jedox, he knew it would be the perfect fit. “Jedox combines the benefits of web and mobile usage with the adaptability of Excel for budgeting and reporting in one solution,” he said. The aim of the first project to be launched was to create a reporting database for 10 investments. With the help of two consultants, Eurazeo replaced an extremely complex spreadsheet with a powerful database in two months. Capabilities to manage exchange rates, differences in closing dates, and investment rates using different consolidation modes were added a year later. Eurazeo then tailored the solution to support a second group of 10 investments with common parameters and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) . Specific modules were also developed at the same time. To accelerate the transformation in its holdings, Eurazeo also supports the management control activities of the individual finance departments with the help of Jedox. The team has used Jedox to build an independent cloud-based solution that integrates accounting, operational reporting, budgeting, and data warehousing. Another team used Jedox to create a global database to track the business performance of all its Stock Keeping Units (SKUs ). Another modernized its performance management tools. In these very different cases, Eurazeo relied on Jedox to ensure adaptable solutions and agile projects.

With the help of the Jedox solution, Eurazeo simplified the way it shares information with investees, investment teams, and shareholders. It can now compile reliable information for top management, supervisory board members, and partner investors. The solution forms the backbone of corporate performance management at Eurazeo and optimally supports its international growth and ongoing search for new investments. Eurazeo is also using its business expertise and knowledge of Jedox to transform the role of the finance organization across the group.

Jedox combines the benefits of web and mobile usage with the flexibility of Excel for budgeting and reporting in one solution.

Edward Portet, Financial Performance Director at Eurazeo