FRx Consulting
I’ve been working with FRx since 1995. It’s just about all I do.
Many companies certainly have the talent on board to work with this software, but they just don’t have the time to implement FRx to its fullest advantage. Most of my engagements fall into one of four categories:
- New implementations: The biggest advantage to initial report development services, from Excel or not, is getting FRx set up right the first time (thus avoiding the ‘revamp existing reports’ category!).
- New reports: Adding new reports to existing FRx reports. Usually these consist of more advanced reports or charts.
- Revamp existing reports: Financial managers often inherit FRx implementations and want to clean them up. I use a separate ’spec set’ so that you will always have access to your old reports.
- FRx Training: I can train your users either after the fact or during new or revamp report development.
Engagement Length
Most of my engagements run from two days to two to three weeks.
Client Profile
My clients run a variety of ERP systems and most have revenues from about $30 million to $150 million, although I do see some smaller companies and some much larger publicly held companies.
My Job
Unless you tell me otherwise, my job is to get you up and running on FRx and independent of outside consulting help.
Quite often financials live in Excel, usually in a complicated model based on a trial balance, and need to be created in FRx. (For more information, see the post Recreating Your Excel Financials in FRx.)
My services complement those of your VAR. Many VARs just don’t have the staff to dedicate to an FRx specialist. When I recommend an optional FRx module like Report Server or Report Manager, if you decide to purchase it, you’ll buy it from your VAR.
I have a lot of experience with unusual reporting requirements. Every industry is different. It’s my job to determine how to successfully present the stats and ratios you want, and I’ve done just that many times.
Over the years, I’ve developed my own FRx Best Practices, techniques that give consistent and successful results when implemented. Things like using a separate area for new reports (so your existing reports aren’t touched) and printed documentation for each report. I don’t want to give away all my trade secrets, so suffice to say I have a checklist and use these techniques on every engagement.
On every engagement, I give focused attention. I work only on a handful of clients at a time. And unless it’s an emergency, I don’t talk to other clients while onsite with you. Same holds true while working remotely.
I know a lot of tips and tricks that streamline engagements, and I know quite a few traps to avoid as well. I believe in simple, practical, elegant designs: each report is as simple as possible within the constraints of the job it has to do. So your maintenance is simplified as much as possible.
My letter agreement has a confidentiality section, but I’m happy to execute any agreement you may have. I maintain and use a commercial shredder. I’m serious about confidentiality. Enough said.
If you want to talk about working together, you can email me at jlh@jharrigan.com, but sooner or later I’ll need the following information:
1. The answers to the FRx Questionnaire.
2. Your spec set if you have existing reports: see Send Me Your Spec Set.
3. Examples of the reports you want to create, if applicable: see Send Example Reports.
You will normally hear back from me very quickly. If you don’t, the spam filters probably got one of us, so please call 214-827-3787.
We’ll use email to set up a time to talk live about your project without any obligation whatsoever: your project needs, what can be accomplished and what can’t, timing, etc.
If you decide to proceed, I have a Letter Agreement that specifies the roles and responsibilities of both parties. Nice to have things spelled out in advance.
For a few short engagement case studies and client comments, see FRx References.
My job is to make your life easier, and I look forward to hearing about your project.