We know that significant changes in a company, such as the introduction of a new tool and all the change management that come with it, is a tough decision that requires substantial consideration from all board members. We have prepared the most important differences between widely available spreadsheets and ICM tools to avoid spending countless hours on meetings and demos. Check the pros and cons of both solutions and if you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us!
While spreadsheets can track changes made to formulas or data, they may not offer the same level of detailed audit trails as dedicated ICM solutions. This can make it challenging to track and review changes made to compensation calculations and decisions over time.
Spreadsheets are more susceptible to human error due to manual data entry, formula mistakes, or accidental changes. These errors can impact the transparency of compensation calculations and create confusion or disputes.
Spreadsheets may have limitations in terms of data security and access controls. If not properly managed, there is a risk of unauthorized access or accidental sharing of sensitive compensation data, compromising transparency and confidentiality.
ICM solutions provide a higher level of transparency compared to spreadsheets. They offer built-in reporting and analytics capabilities that allow stakeholders to access real-time data on compensation calculations, performance metrics, and payout details. This transparency helps build employee and managerial trust and ensures that compensation decisions are based on accurate and objective information.
ICM solutions maintain detailed audit trails that track changes, approvals, and modifications made to compensation plans and calculations. This audit trail provides a clear record of actions taken, making it easier to investigate discrepancies or address any concerns about transparency.
ICM solutions allow organizations to define clear and standardized rules for incentive compensation calculations. These rules are typically configurable within the software, ensuring consistency and transparency across the organization. Additionally, participants have visibility into their individual performance metrics, goals, and how their compensation is calculated.
ICM solutions often offer role-based access controls, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive compensation data. This helps maintain data integrity and protects confidential information while allowing relevant stakeholders to view compensation information within their designated roles.
