Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) processes in the Federal government are markedly different from the corporate performance management processes (CPM), which are standard in the private sector. Agencies’ varied organizational structures, reporting obligations, and legal requirements create unique challenges for implementing PBBE tools and platforms.
These challenges are present regardless of whether one is considering BFEM, OneStream, Jira, or Oracle for all or part of the Federal budget process. Copying and pasting solutions from the private sector does not work. Through our extensive experience in PPBE, TCG has developed some best practices for any type of PPBE implementation. These best practices will prevent some pain points from ever occurring or nip them in the bud before they become full blown weeds that prevent a successful implementation.
Don’t reinvent the wheel. Learn from other agencies.
Every agency needs to do PPBE, and many of the reporting needs, basic processes, and other requirements are the same across agencies. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, when you can talk to an agency that has already implemented a Budget formulation tool.
Being able to see and learn how other agencies resolved specific problems will make implementing your own PPBE system easier and quicker.
Map the end-to-end process before you start.
Even the best PPBE system cannot make a broken process better. It will only reinforce what you already do. Expecting a system to fix a broken process on its own will result in a failed implementation. Take the time to fully map out your process and understand exactly what your requirements for the system are.
Prioritize capabilities necessary for executive decision-making.
Before selecting a PPBE tool or system, senior leadership’s requirements should be utilized as drivers for data outputs. This will ensure the system has the necessary ability to efficiently present the data in dashboards and other tools. To create buy-in on the ground level, allow users to see how the chosen system will help them create the reports and dashboards that senior leadership requires.
For more information on PPBE systems, watch our webinar comparing BFEM, Oracle, and OneStream.