Customers often ask whether IBM Controller can support weekly reporting alongside monthly or periodic close. The short answer is yes, but how you design it depends on the purpose of the data and how it will be used alongside period-end reporting.
This article outlines the main approaches and considerations when introducing weekly reporting in IBM Controller.
Weekly vs periodic reporting in IBM Controller #
IBM Controller supports capturing both weekly and periodic data.
The term periodic is intentionally flexible, as organisations close in different ways, for example:
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Calendar month-end reporting
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4–4–5 or 4–5–4 retail calendars
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13-period financial years
A weekly structure can provide continuity between operational performance and formal period close, but it also introduces some design choices.
Aligning weekly and period-end reporting #
Where both calendar and weekly reporting are used, there is often a small misalignment between week-end and period-end results. In practice, some organisations address this through the use of a simple sales or profit bridge. This allows timing differences to be explained without introducing unnecessary complexity.
We’d typically recommend usage of a limited number of description lines that are aligned to variance categories reflecting the nature of the business. The aim being clarity and continuity between weekly and period-end disclosure. However, more detailed reconciliation analysis can be sought, the direction taken being the subjective choice of the business.
What should weekly reporting capture? #
When considering weekly reporting, it is important to step back and reflect on the quality and purpose of the data being captured. The level of scrutiny applied to accruals and cost management at period close is naturally greater than that applied to figures reported every Friday.
As such, weekly reporting is often positioned as headline information, acting as an early highlights view ahead of the formal period close. In many cases, this leads organisations to focus weekly reporting on sales or gross margin rather than full profit, particularly where the information is intended to be treated as “flash” in nature.
A useful consideration is whether weekly data is intended to inform decision-making or to reconcile to published reporting, either internal or external to the business, as this distinction will influence both structure and level of detail.
Using weekly reporting to add insight #
Weekly reporting can also be used in the opposite direction, by capturing additional detail rather than simply summarising results. For example, weekly sales captured by product line can be used to build a profile across the year, particularly where this detail is supplementary to that captured from the current design of period end close reporting.
This approach allows weekly information to sit alongside monthly or periodic group accounts, providing additional insight without overloading the period close process.
Summary #
IBM Controller supports both weekly and periodic reporting structures. While alignment between the two is important, perfect alignment is not always necessary. Weekly reporting is most effective when treated as headline or “flash” information, with any bridge reporting kept simple and focused. When designed thoughtfully, weekly data can enhance insight rather than create additional reconciliation effort.
Want to discuss further? #
Weekly reporting will look different for every organisation. If you would like to discuss how this could work best for you, please get in touch. We are always happy to catch up.
