10 Questions You Need to Ask About Treasury Management Systems

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Treasury management systems (TMS) have become essential tools for companies aiming to streamline financial operations, optimize cash flow, and manage risk. These systems allow businesses to automate tasks such as cash management, payments, liquidity planning, and investment monitoring. With the growth in demand for digital financial tools, many companies now offer sophisticated TMS platforms.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the top companies that provide treasury management systems and the critical questions to ask before selecting one.

Treasury Management System portal

Top Treasury Management System Providers

Kyriba

Kyriba is a leading cloud-based TMS provider with a focus on risk management, cash visibility, payments, and working capital optimization. Their system is known for its integration capabilities, especially with other enterprise systems like ERP solutions.

Key Features:

  • Cash and liquidity management
  • Payment automation and fraud detection
  • FX and risk management
  • Integration with ERPs and banks
  • Working capital solutions

FIS Global

FIS Global offers a comprehensive suite of treasury management solutions, particularly strong in bank connectivity and payments. Their Quantum TMS solution serves both large and mid-sized businesses, offering robust capabilities for cash, liquidity, and risk management.

Key Features:

  • Extensive bank connectivity
  • Payment solutions and financial risk management
  • Cash and liquidity management
  • Hedge accounting

ION Treasury

ION provides several TMS solutions, including Wallstreet Suite, Openlink, and City Financials, targeting different market segments from small businesses to large multinational corporations. It is known for offering customizable systems suited to specific industry needs.

Key Features:

  • Broad treasury and risk management functions
  • FX management and hedge accounting
  • Debt and investment management
  • Highly customizable solutions

SAP Treasury and Risk Management

SAP’s treasury management module is part of its broader ERP solution, SAP S/4HANA. Companies already using SAP often favor this system because of its seamless integration with other SAP modules, such as finance and accounting.

Key Features:

  • Integration with SAP ERP for financial processes
  • Cash, liquidity, and risk management
  • Debt, investment, and FX management
  • Real-time data and reporting

Oracle Treasury

Oracle Treasury is part of the Oracle Financials suite, offering advanced treasury functions tailored to large organizations. Like SAP, its TMS works well within the broader Oracle ecosystem, providing end-to-end solutions for corporate finance.

Key Features:

  • Real-time liquidity and risk management
  • FX management and hedging
  • Debt and investment management
  • Extensive integration with Oracle Financials

GTreasury

GTreasury is a modern cloud-based platform known for its flexibility and ease of use. It focuses on cash management, payments, and risk, making it a suitable choice for businesses looking for an adaptable and scalable solution.

Key Features:

  • Cash management and forecasting
  • Payments and bank connectivity
  • Risk management and hedge accounting
  • Reporting and analytics

TreasuryXpress

TreasuryXpress offers a user-friendly, modular treasury management system that is quick to deploy. Its appeal lies in its affordability and flexibility, making it ideal for mid-sized businesses or companies looking for a lighter, cost-effective solution.

Key Features:

  • Cash management and forecasting
  • Payment hub and bank reconciliation
  • Risk management
  • Easy deployment and integration

Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a TMS

Choosing the right TMS requires more than comparing features. Here are some crucial questions to ask before committing to a platform:

1. What are the specific needs of our treasury function?

Understanding your company’s specific treasury needs is critical. Are you primarily focused on cash management, or do you require more comprehensive solutions for FX management, payments, and risk management? Clarifying these needs will help you avoid overpaying for features you don’t need or choosing a system that lacks essential capabilities.

2. How well does the TMS integrate with our existing systems?

Integration is key for efficiency. Ensure that the TMS integrates smoothly with your existing ERP, accounting software, and bank partners. Consider whether the system supports APIs or other mechanisms for seamless data exchange.

3. Is the TMS cloud-based or on-premise?

Cloud-based systems offer flexibility, scalability, and remote access, while on-premise solutions might provide more control but require significant IT resources for maintenance and updates. Determine which deployment method aligns with your company’s IT strategy and security preferences.

4. What is the level of customization required?

Some companies require highly tailored treasury solutions that align with specific industry needs, while others can benefit from out-of-the-box features. Assess how much customization the TMS provider offers and whether the solution can evolve with your business.

5. What is the total cost of ownership (TCO)?

The cost of a TMS is more than just the licensing fee. Consider ongoing costs such as implementation, integration, user training, maintenance, and upgrades. Ensure the provider offers a clear understanding of both upfront and long-term costs.

6. How strong is the system’s reporting and analytics?

Treasury departments rely on real-time data to make informed decisions. Evaluate how comprehensive the system’s reporting capabilities are and whether it offers customizable dashboards, predictive analytics, and real-time visibility into cash positions and liquidity.

7. How scalable is the solution?

As your business grows, your treasury needs will evolve. Ensure that the TMS you select is scalable and can support increased volumes, new geographies, and expanded services without significant disruptions or expensive upgrades.

8. What level of customer support and training is provided?

No matter how robust a system is, strong customer support is vital, especially during the implementation phase. Investigate the level of support, training options, and whether the provider offers 24/7 assistance for critical issues.

9. What are the security measures and compliance standards?

Treasury management involves handling sensitive financial data. Ensure the system adheres to the highest security standards, including data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with relevant regulations like GDPR, SOX, or PSD2.

10. Can the system handle multi-currency and global operations?

If your business operates across borders, you’ll need a TMS that can handle multi-currency transactions, regional regulations, and local banking requirements. Confirm that the system can manage global operations without unnecessary complexity.

Choosing a treasury management system is a significant investment for any company, and it’s essential to ensure that the chosen system meets the unique needs of your organization. By thoroughly evaluating key providers like Kyriba, FIS Global, SAP, and others, and asking the right questions, your company can find a TMS that enhances efficiency, manages risk effectively, and provides real-time financial visibility. The future of treasury management is digital, and selecting the right TMS can give your company a competitive edge by driving financial performance and supporting strategic decision-making. If you are interested in treasury management and want to pursue a Certified Treasury Professional designation, please visit our shop.

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Matt D.

One response to “10 Questions You Need to Ask About Treasury Management Systems”

  1. […] real-time solution for managing cash, liquidity, investments, payments, and risk. SaaS-based Treasury Management Systems (TMS) offer treasury departments the tools they need to automate processes, gain greater visibility over […]

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