Likelihood to Recommend 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.
Read full review Wdesk is best suited for companies with demanding SEC filings and documents, with multiple revisions due to auditor/counsel review, and where financial reporting is extremely manual. Wdesk really helps take out the potential errors out of extremely manual processes, and helps automate regular financial reporting by allowing companies to link financial information and build customized flows of their information into financial statements and other documents (such as presentations or other internal reporting).
Read full review Pros 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. Read full review The biggest strength of the program for our team is that multiple users can work in the document at the same time. Multiple users can be in the program updating financial statements, footnotes, MD&A - all without stepping on each other's toes. Rolling forward the documents from one period to the next is pretty simple. Links to source documents are maintained and new ones can be added without much hassle. Edits and changes can be made right up until the last minute before filing. There is no waiting period or pencils-down period unless we enforce one ourselves - the Financial Reporting team is in control of the timing of our filings. Read full review Cons Bit of a learning curve for the advanced features as a beginner. Read full review The automation could be better. A lot of mass updates are done manually. Sometimes the system has connection issues and certain functions are down. The customer service could be more proactive to provide regular training and sharing updates on the software. Customer service could be better to help process the mass updates in a timely fashion. Read full review Usability Overall it's a good-to-go product because of its features. It's easy to set up, meets requirements, has quality support, etc. So far, it has been working quite well for me, and I wish to continue using it for as long as it meets my requirements.
Read full review Support Rating 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.
Read full review Workiva's technical support is impeccable and undoubtedly one of the best. The times we needed them, they were super quick and willing to help. It works 24 hours a day, and there will always be someone to help with doubts or technical problems regarding the tool.
Read full review Alternatives Considered 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.
Read full review We moved from a third party filer to doing it in house. Have seen demos of products like Active Disclosure, which has come a long way from the beta version I saw and but we are not too far gone with Wdesk for us to evaluate other products. When we first signed up with Webfilings, (former name of Workiva), there were no viable products in the market. I had seen an Oracle product and a beta version of Active Disclosure. It was not hard to see the ease and intuitive-screens, to guide one through the filing process. The excel-like spreadsheets were an added bonus.
Read full review Return on Investment 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. Read full review We spend less than we used to with a traditional printer. We have been able to do turn-on-a-dime equity offerings with last minute changes and still file on time. Inviting external legal into the platform has helped with communication but we actually suspect they spend MORE time (and billing) on our documents than they used to just simply because it's so easy to get at them anytime they want. Read full review ScreenShots