IBM Controller is IBM’s consolidation and financial management solution that helps group organizations automate their accounting and reporting processes. IBM Controller is available in two editions: Web and Classic. We often get asked by customers what the key differences are between the two, and what each tool is most suited for.

In this article, we’ll give an overview of each tool, what they are used for and a comparison of available features. Please note, this article applies to both Cloud and on-premise installations.

IBM Controller Web #

IBM Controller Web is a browser-based application that provides a modern, user-friendly interface. It is designed to be easy to use and navigate for users. IBM Controller Web is predominantly used by those submitting dataand by users who are responsible for the submissions of more than one company. IBM Controller Web is designed for user rather than administrator roles.

IBM Controller Web offers  features that are not available in IBM Controller Classic, including:

• Mobile access.
• Data upload, account and intercompany reconciliation and  journal entry in an interactive workflow
• Intercompany reconciliation in the reporting company currency.
• A reporting status window that fully integrates with the submission workflow and consolidation function
• Timeline and submission deadlines

IBM Controller Classic #

IBM Controller Classic is a rich client desktop application that is designed for users who need to perform more complex tasks including intercompany and investment eliminations, other group adjustments andgroup cashflow. It offers a wider range of features and functionality than IBM Controller Web, including:

• System maintenance such as company, account and form structure amendments.
• Consolidation tasks including intercompany elimination, investment elimination, cash flow and group adjustments.
•  Advanced business rules and advanced formula calculations
• User and Data Security maintenance.
• Integration with IBM Planning Analytics for Financial Planning and Analysis on data in IBM Cognos Controller.

Which tool is right for your users? #

IBM Controller Classic is a necessity for the maintenance of the Controller database and consolidation tasks and therefore users with access to such functionality need access to Controller Classic.  Users maintaining the database need access to Controller Web too, so that any structure changes affecting Controller Web can be tested.

Users reporting data into Controller benefit from using Controller Web because of its ease of use and because its workflow guides them through to a reconciled and complete submission.

Users responsible for Consolidation tasks also benefit from using Controller Web as they see what the users reporting their data see and they can use the Group status window to keep up to date with the state of completion of the reporting submission.Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between IBM Controller Web and IBM Controller Classic: