Business Tracking Tool LivePlan Now Compatible with Online Accounting Tool Xero

Users of Palo Alto Software’s online business planning and performance tracking tool, LivePlan, can now import accounting data from Xero’s online accounting software to allow business owners to better plan and track their business’ key financials from a single platform.

LivePlan helps small business owners easily develop budgets and forecasts, create business plans and then track their progress. Entrepreneurs now have the ability to import financial information from Xero’s cloud-based accounting software directly into LivePlan to easily track their actual results compared to their budget and forecast. LivePlan is also compatible with QuickBooks desktop accounting data.

“Xero is fast becoming a popular and successful cloud accounting tool, and by integrating with LivePlan, we offer Xero users the ability to better plan and track their business’ financials,” said Sabrina Parsons, CEO of Palo Alto Software. “Simply relying on the accounting data alone isn’t enough. Business owners need to create a budget, and sales forecast, thereby setting goals. They can then manage against those goals with their actual accounting data with the LivePlan Scoreboard. ”

Creating a manageable plan, budget and forecast is crucial to business success. In fact, businesses that plan ahead grow 30 percent faster according to a Cranfield University study. Xero offers business owners the crucial accounting data they need to do this, but LivePlan helps them use the information to stay on track, and make critical business decisions.

"LivePlan is part of a new breed of cloud services that helps business owners better understand the meaning behind their financials,” said Jamie Sutherland, President of Xero's US business. “We’re excited that LivePlan now integrates with Xero, as we believe the organization offers exceptional tools for planning ahead, setting goals, and tracking key financial metrics.”

LivePlan users are able to access their accounts at any time or location with internet access. The tool imports Xero data automatically, and will use the information to complete pre-selected calculations and display results in an easily digestible format. LivePlan is available for $19.95 a month or $139.95 annually.