CaseWare IDEA vs. IBM SPSS Modeler

One example of specific scenario in [CaseWare] IDEA is the ability to run samples separately and then based off of the results, compare and contrast the values recorded and easily discern if there are any variables or discrepancies within the data itself. Also, we can test journal entries with certain parameters to check the audit for any issues that may arise pertaining to the criteria. By testing, we are able to make sure the data is accurate and sufficient.

Incentivized

Fast NLP analytics are very easy in SPSS Modeler because there is a built-in interface for classifying concepts and themes and several pre-built models to match the incoming text source. The visualizations all match and help present NLP information without substantial coding, typically required for word clouds and such. SPSS Modeler is good at attaining results faster in general, and the visual nature of the code makes a good tool to have in the data science team's repository. For younger data scientists, and those just interested, it is a good tool to allow for exploring data science techniques.

Incentivized

• Easy to understand and easy to use.
• Can use on large quantities of data and quickly analyze them.
• Uses logic that can be followed if one is an auditor. I, for example, could understand the logic in a number of samples, i.e how the number of samples thrown changes when risk changes from low to moderate in proportion taking in consideration the materiality.
• Other audit firms are using 2 software for the process that IDEA alone can do. So IDEA has a definite advantage here.
• Customizable by the company.

• Combine text and data
• Provide facilities for all phases of the data mining process.
• Use a node and stream paradigm to easily and quickly create models.

Incentivized

• Bit of a learning curve for the advanced features as a beginner.

Incentivized

• Has very old style graphs, with lots of limitations.
• Some advanced statistical functions cannot be done through the menu.
• The data connectivity is not that extensive.
• It's an expensive tool.

Incentivized

It is fairly user friendly, with limited practice. Similar to many statistical programs it requires a little time to get comfortable with, but once you use if for a project, the second time around is much easier.

Incentivized

I would rate it a 9 because I never really needed support on this but if I did, there was the necessary support given promptly.

The online support board is helpful and the free add ons are incredibly appreciated.

Incentivized

I have used Microstart and would definitely vote for IDEA because IDEA combines what Microstart does with the help of one/more softwares. Where Microstart just gives a number of samples, IDEA selects the number of samples based on materiality, risk, and other factors. It selects those samples from the population leaving out line items that are invalid/ zero. I would prefer using IDEA any day.

When it comes to investigation and descriptive we have found SPSS Statistics to be the tool of choice, but when it comes to projects with large and several datasets SPSS Modeler has been picked from our customers.

Incentivized

• We were able to save time by over 200 billable hours over our last busy season cycle
• We saved roughly 12% on costs compared to the last program we used.

Incentivized

• Positive - Ease of decision making and reduction in product life cycle time.
• Positive - Gives entirely new perspective with the help of right team. Helps expanding the portfolio.
• Negative - Needs to have good understanding about mathematical modelling, of which talent is rare and expensive. Hence, increase the costs for R&D and manpower.

Incentivized