The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has rolled out a new Financial Forecasting Tool (FFT)—a streamlined, user-friendly system that replaces outdated, manual processes with seamless forecasting powered by Oracle data. It’s already saving time, cutting costs, and smoothing out month-end reporting across the board.
Historically, forecasting varied from team to team, with inefficient tools and a reliance on manual workarounds. The Month-End Project has brought a structured, integrated approach, thanks to close collaboration between DBT’s Finance and Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) teams.
Built using Agile methods, the FFT was designed through continuous user engagement. From mapping requirements to running regular demos, feedback guided the development from day one—making sure the final tool worked for real users from the outset.
Launched in April, the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Colleagues appreciate the modern feel, improved search functions, and faster ways to check pay and vacancy details.
We’re not stopping here. The next steps include expanding forecasting to cover multiple years, improving Oracle integration, and refining the tool based on live feedback. Collaboration will remain at the heart of it all.
The FFT story shows that when Finance and Digital pull together, we don’t just improve processes—we transform them.
By Weylan Kiam-Laine & Carly Moran
