A 1% forecasting error can cost you millions. But a better tool can help you see it coming, and steer.
Forecasting isn’t just about accuracy. It’s about momentum. It’s about knowing what to do next, and getting everyone on the same page fast. But most teams are stuck doing it the old way.
96% still rely entirely on spreadsheets for forecasting.
80% of sales teams miss their forecast by more than 10%.
And even the best analysts spend more time checking data than testing ideas.
That’s the cost of outdated tools.
But there’s a better way.
What modern forecasting software does differently
It doesn’t just clean up your spreadsheet.
It connects directly to your source systems — to your ERP, CRM, HR tools — and keeps your model up to date automatically. It lets you see the effect of one change across your entire business. And it turns forecasting into something collaborative, continuous, and clear.
No more stale assumptions. No more last-minute fire drills. Just faster cycles, tighter decisions, and forecasts you can actually trust.
What to look for in a forecasting tool
- Live data integration
Your forecasts should reflect reality, automatically. Look for tools that sync with your stack: Salesforce, NetSuite, QuickBooks, Workday, HubSpot, and more. - Driver-based modeling
Spreadsheets force you to hide logic in formulas. Good tools surface the logic, so everyone can understand how the numbers work. - Built-in scenario planning
You should be able to spin up new cases in minutes. Conservative, baseline, aggressive — all side by side, with ripple effects modeled automatically. - Real-time collaboration
The best tools work like Google Docs. Finance, sales, and ops can build and review plans together, with notes, version history, and audit trails built in. - Instant reporting
Dashboards and board decks should stay in sync with the model. One update, everywhere. - Data security and scale
Look for SOC 2 compliance, audit logs, and support for multi-entity planning. Your tool should scale as your team and complexity grow.
Best forecasting tools
Let’s look at some of the top options, and how they compare:
Runway
Runway is built for teams that want to move fast, model clearly, and plan together.
It’s a full financial modeling platform that replaces spreadsheet chaos with structure, clarity, and speed. You get live integrations with over 750 systems (including NetSuite, Salesforce, QuickBooks, and HubSpot), driver-based modeling without code, and real-time dashboards that reflect every change.
Scenario planning is built in. You can branch off your base case with one click.
And collaboration feels like Google Docs: multiple teammates editing the same model, with notes, version history, and role-based access.
What it’s best for:
- High-growth teams
- Board-ready forecasting
- Real-time collaboration across finance, ops, and leadership
- Planning for fundraising and headcount
Try it if: You want a modern modeling platform that blends flexibility, speed, and shared understanding.
Planful
Planful is built for accuracy and control. It offers structured workflows, prebuilt templates, and powerful financial reporting. It’s a good fit for mid-sized teams with established processes and clear FP&A ownership.
You’ll need time to set it up, but once you do, it’s reliable and structured.
What it’s best for:
- Finance-led planning
- Budgeting and variance reporting
- Teams looking for tight controls and workflows
Try it if: You want a centralized planning environment and don’t mind a steeper learning curve.
Anaplan
Anaplan is the heavy hitter. It’s built for scale — multi-dimensional modeling, real-time updates, and cross-functional planning at massive enterprises.
It’s also complex: setup and maintenance often require a dedicated team.
What it’s best for:
- Enterprises with complex needs
- Multi-entity, cross-functional modeling
- Teams with in-house model builders
Try it if: You’re a large enterprise with the budget and resources to match.
Pigment
Pigment is spreadsheet-inspired, but sleeker. It focuses on visual modeling, fast scenario planning, and user-friendly dashboards.
It’s great for companies that want a lighter-weight Anaplan alternative, with strong visualizations and strong collaboration tools.
What it’s best for:
- Scenario planning
- Sales and finance collaboration
- Teams with some modeling sophistication
Try it if: You like spreadsheets but want something more structured and visual.
Workday Adaptive Planning
If you’re already using Workday, Adaptive Planning can be a natural fit. It connects directly to HR and financial data and uses AI to generate forecasts.
That said, it’s best for companies already deep in the Workday ecosystem.
What it’s best for:
- HR-heavy planning
- Workday-native orgs
- AI-assisted forecasts
Try it if: You’re a Workday customer looking for tighter integration.
How to choose the right tool
There’s no one-size-fits-all. But there is a best fit for your size, stage, and priorities.
Here’s what to ask:
- What systems do we already use?
Make sure your tool integrates natively. Manual imports = manual errors. - What’s our biggest pain point?
Is it speed? Accuracy? Version control? Executive reporting? Solve your biggest problem first. - How many teams need to use it?
If planning spans finance, ops, sales, and HR — pick a tool that supports real collaboration, not just spreadsheet sharing. - Can this scale with us?
Your headcount will grow. So will your complexity. Choose a tool that won’t break when that happens. - Do people like using it?
If your team hates the UX, they won’t use it. And then it won’t matter how powerful it is.
Stop guessing. Start leading.
Most forecasts miss, but they don’t have to. The right tool can turn uncertainty into clarity, and firefighting into foresight.
You don’t need another spreadsheet. You just need a system you can trust. One that updates itself, adapts fast, and lets your whole team plan together.