A: TFM offers full flexibility in this respect - make TFM look how you need it. And if you want to set up different structures because you wish to provide smaller group subsidiaries with a reduced forecast structure - no problem at all.
Q: What degree of flexibility is offered by TFM regarding the organization of lists (e.g. the list of bank accounts) according to my needs?
A: The flexibility of the TFM user interface allows users to arrange tables, for example, according to their needs by simply dragging and dropping the respective table headers.
Q: Is it possible to group information, e.g. a list of banks grouped by countries, without having to export data to a spreadsheet or report generator?
A: Just drag and drop the criteria (table header) you want to use for grouping data to the respective area; TFM will then show data grouped by this or even multiple criteria.
Q: As a subsidiary-level user, I will use TFM maybe just once per month - how will TFM support me in terms of user guidance without me needing to browse through complex menu structures?
A: TFM's user menu is different to what you are used to from other applications. What you see is what you need, what you need is workflow-oriented guidance. For example, to update your cash flow forecast you don't need to see more than two menu items - and these are what TFM provides.
Q: Can I keep more than just one window open in order to be able to quickly switch between contents if necessary?
A: Generally speaking TFM runs in just one window. TFM offers tabbed windows, which can be undocked or organized according to your specific needs. You can keep as many tabs open as you want.
Q: As a TFM user, I want to be able to quickly identify where I can find the information I am looking for.
A: TFM offers a color-coded menu, color-coded tabs, lists and forms in order to help the user to always know where he or she can find master data, account information, cash flows, etc. - nothing new, but organized in a useful and helpful way. Furthermore, users will find hyperlinks in lists and forms in order to quickly access additional information if needed.
Q: Is TFM available in other languages besides English?
A: No, not for the time being. Using just one language in the application helps users and developers to keep things clear and simple. Where necessary, users will find supporting documents containing e.g. descriptions of workflows in other languages as well.
Q: Why can I not find full documentation of the application as it comes with other software packages?
A: TFM is designed to provide solutions for clearly defined workflows and processes. TFM's user interface is intuitive and descriptive, supporting the user by providing hints and self-explanatory error messages. TFM does not come with full documentation because users won't need this to be able to work with TFM. If the worst comes to the worst, users will find a comprehensive list of user cases and Q&As in the support area of tfm-now.com. And if a user still cannot find the answer on the website, our support team will always be happy to assist.
Q: Does TFM offer interfaces to import data from third-party applications, i.e. spreadsheets, files provided by electronic banking systems, etc.?
A: Yes. But importing data is not the real challenge. TFM provides configurable interfaces that also allow the user to define the general behavior of TFM when receiving data from external sources. Should TFM simply overwrite data in the case of records which already exist? Should TFM provide the user with a protocol highlighting those records that are somehow doubtful? It's just a matter of configuration and not rocket science at all.
Q: Can I protect imported data from being overwritten by users?
A: Yes. Again, just a matter of configuration at the click of a mouse.
Q: Can users be protected against losing data due to the unintentional closing of a browser window?
A: We know this problem well and have solved it in TFM by simply tracking the user's entries and asking the user whether he or she really wants to leave the browser without saving recently captured data. This way we can make sure that users never lose data unintentionally.
Q: We don't use sophisticated BI tools but need to export data to spreadsheets, for example - is this supported by TFM?
A: TFM contains an export interface that allows the export of lists and reports to EXCEL, for example, by creating *.xls-files. These files always contain pre-formatted tables so that the user does not have to format numbers, dates etc. and can just continue working with these spreadsheets. Alternatively, EXCEL's PowerPivot Add-in can be used for the creation of more frequently used reports, for example, by connecting PowerPivot directly with the TFM's database.
Q: We would like to use a BI tool for the creation of reports - which tools are supported by TFM?
A: TFM supports all tools that support OData (Open Data Protocol).