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IDEA
IDEA is used in over 90 countries in 12 languages, by major accounting firms,
federal, state, provincial and local government, corporations in all industry
sectors and by universities as a teaching tool. The power and functionality of
IDEA have attracted users who are financial and internal auditors, forensic
accountants and fraud investigators, financial managers, general and systems
consultants, educators, statisticians and information systems professionals.
Put the power of IDEA to
work for you!
Now you can:
- lower your cost of analysis
- add more quality to your work and
- take on new roles
With IDEA , you can read, display, analyze, manipulate, sample or extract from
data files from almost any sources – mainframe to PC, including reports printed
to a file.
IDEA has functions and features not found in any other product, to help you work
more efficiently and effectively and with more value to your organizations.
Voorbeelden van het gebruik van IDEA
Examples of how you can use
IDEA:
Satisfy financial statement (external) auditing
objectives
- Accuracy – checking totals and calculations
- Analytical Review – comparisons, profiling, stratifying
- Validity – duplicates, exceptions, statistical samples
- Completeness – gaps and matches
- Cut-off – date and number sequence analysis
- Valuation – A/R and inventory provisions
Internal auditing
- Policy compliance
- Value for money
- Exception testing
- Analysis
- Matches and comparisons
Fraud investigation
- Purchases and payments – supplier validity, account
analysis
- Payroll – cross-matching, calculations
- Money laundering – large values, round amounts, frequent
movement
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Management reports and analysis
- Ratio calculation and analysis
- Summarization and ranking (such as customers, products,
sales force, and regions)
- Performance measures (response times for order
processing, for example)
- Profiling
- Inventory analysis
- Cash flow analysis
Security reviews
- System logs
- Access rights
- Telephone logs
- Firewalls
File transfers
- Import data from legacy system, export it to a new
system in a more suitable format
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Examples of how IDEA
can be applied in specific sectors:
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Banking and financial services
- Re-perform interest calculations
- Identify dormant accounts
- Analyze loans by risk rating
- Test loan loss provisions
- Analyze insurance claims
Manufacturing
- Re-perform inventory costing
- Analyze inventory movement
- Test differences between ledger and inventory counts
- Analyze and age work in progress
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Retail
- Gross profit analysis
- Analysis by location, department, product lines
- Pricing analysis
Government Benefits and Grants
- Prove calculations
- Accumulate and analyze payment statistics
- Look for duplicates – cross-match names, addresses,
banking information
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Files, File Management and File Manipulation
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Import
Import almost any file type from almost any source, using IDEA's
ImportAssistant to guide you. For more complex files, variable
length records or multiple record types, IDEA provides a
companion product, Record Definition Editor (RDE). RDE can also
be used to modify record definitions created and saved by the
ImportAssistant. IDEA will also seamlessly import XML (including
XBRL) files, specific accounting packages via downloadable
import plug-ins and reports printed to files (see Report Reader
below). New enhancements include the ability to add a record
number field and calculated fields at the time of import
Report Reader (new)
This new IDEA component offers powerful tools for importing data
from complex systems. Rather than attempt to describe the raw
data, the auditor creates a report using system tools, saves the
report to a file, then uses Report Reader to describe and
capture the data in IDEA. You can view the entire report on
screen, preview the IDEA database before importing and use
simple "point and choose" tools to identify the data you need.
Export (enhanced)
IDEA databases can be exported in all common formats for word
processors and spreadsheets, plus HTML and XML. IDEA can also
create PDF and RTF files for databases, reports and results.
File and Client Management
IDEA uses a File Explorer window to provide easy,
industry-standard file management. This window is movable,
dockable and resizable and displays information about all IDEA
files in the current folder, in either a hierarchical or sorted
list. IDEA uses the concept of Client Folders to provide
additional assistance to users in managing their files. A client
or project name and time period can be associated with a Client
Folder; this information is printed on all reports within that
folder. The File Explorer toolbar gives easy access to file
management functions, including the ability to flag a file.
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Visual Connector
The Visual Connector allows you to generate a single database
from several other databases that share common or "key" fields.
To create a visual connection between databases, you select a
primary database, and then connect databases that contain
matching records. The relationship that the visual connector
creates between the databases is one to many, meaning that the
primary database can have several matches in connected
databases. All records in the connected databases that match
records in the primary database as well as all other records in
the primary database can be included in the output database.
Join
The Join Database option is used to combine fields from two
databases into a single database for testing or test for data
which matches or does not match across files. Files can be
joined or matched if they contain a common link (referred to as
the "key") e.g. part number if joining the pricing and inventory
files.
Append
The Append Databases option is used to append or concatenate two
or more files into a single database for audit testing. For
example, you may append 12 monthly payroll files to produce a
database of all payroll transactions for the year. The database
could then be summarized by Employee to produce year-to-date
gross, net, tax, deductions, etc. Up to 32,768 files can be
appended into a single database.
Compare
The Compare option is used to identify differences in a numeric
field within two files for a common key. Files could be compared
at two points in time, e.g. the payroll at the beginning and end
of the month to identify changes in salary for each employee.
You can also compare a numeric field from different systems,
e.g. the quantity of inventory on the inventory master file
versus the quantity of inventory on the inventory count file.
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Extraction
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Extract
Extraction, or exception testing, is the most frequently used
function in IDEA, used to identify items which satisfy a
specific characteristic, such as payments more than $10,000 or
transactions before a given date. The extraction criteria are
entered using the Equation Editor and all records satisfying the
specified criteria are output to a new database. You can perform
a single extraction on a database, or up to 50 separate
extractions with a single pass through the database.
Equation Editor (enhanced)
The IDEA Equation Editor allows you to create simple or very
complex extractions; ease of use enhancements include integrated
on-screen help, "intelli-sense" for function and field names,
pop-up Fields window and built-in interactive equation tester.
Indexed Extraction
This extraction option allows you to limit the scope of data for
which IDEA searches in the database. An indexed extraction saves
time when reviewing large databases. You can select and index
for the search, rather than have IDEA search through the entire
database.
Key Value Extraction
This extraction option allows you to generate a series of
secondary databases quickly from common values found in a main
database. Key value extraction does not require you to create
equations to perform the extraction. A key is an index created
for information in a database. A key value is a piece of
information indexed by the key. |
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@Functions
@Functions are used to perform more complex calculations and
exception testing. IDEA provides almost 100 functions which can
be used for date arithmetic, text manipulation and conversion
and numerical, financial and statistical calculations. IDEA
functions begin with the '@' symbol, very similar in style and
operation to functions found in Microsoft Excel.
Search (new)
You can search for text or numeric values across selected fields
in multiple databases, using standard search functionality like
case sensitivity and whole word plus advanced techniques such as
using Boolean expressions, wildcards, multiple characters and
proximity. Search is a powerful tool for fraud detection.
Sampling
IDEA offers five sampling methods together with the ability to
calculate sample sizes based on parameters entered and evaluate
the results of sampling tests. The sampling methods available
are systematic (e.g. every 1000th record), random (number of
items chosen purely at random), stratified random (a specified
number of items selected randomly from within range bands), and
monetary unit (e.g. every 1000th dollar or other monetary unit).
New for 2004 is support for Classical Variables Sampling.
Classical Variables Sampling techniques are appropriate when
several errors are expected in the sample database. It can also
be used for accounting estimates such as obsolete inventory.
IDEA also provides an Attribute Planning and Evaluation option
which can be used to calculate sample sizes, confidence levels,
error limits and number of sample errors. These calculations are
used to plan and then evaluate the results of the samples. |
Analysis
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Field Statistics (enhanced)
Statistics can be generated for all numeric and date fields
within a database. For each numeric field, values such as net,
maximum, minimum and average values as well as numbers of debit,
credit and zero value items are provided. For each date field,
statistics provide information such as the earliest and latest
dates and daily and monthly analyses of numbers of transactions.
Field statistics can be exported to Excel, HTML and CaseWare
Working Papers.
Duplicates
IDEA can identify duplicate items within a database where up to
8 fields of information are the same e.g. duplicate account
numbers, duplicate addresses or duplicate insurance or benefit
claims.
Gaps
You can search a file for gaps in numeric or date sequence, or
alphanumeric sequences with a user defined mask. For date gaps,
you can choose to ignore weekends or user specified holidays.
Like many other IDEA functions, you can apply criteria before
your search, e.g. look for gaps in check numbers, where the
check amount is greater than $1,000. You can also modify the
increment - look for gaps in multiples of 10, for instance.
Sort
The Sort option is used to create a new database physically
sorted in the specified order. Sorting can significantly improve
performance of certain functions.
Chart (enhanced)
The Chart Data option can be used to graph data files or test
results, in bar, stacking bar, pie, plot or area charts. The
Charting Assistant will guide you through the steps for creating
a chart. Chart options include titles, 3D effects, legends,
colors and patterns, and grid styles. Charts can be printed,
saved to as a Bitmap file or copied into any other windows
application via the clipboard. You can also choose to base your
chart on "live" or snapshot data.
Benford's Law
Applying Benford's Law to digital analysis can identify possible
errors, potential fraud or other irregularities. The Law states
that digits and digit sequences in a dataset follow a
predictable pattern. The analysis counts digit occurrences of
values in the database and compares the totals to the predicted
result according to Benford's Law. |
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Stratification
Numeric Stratification, Character Stratification and Date
Stratification are powerful tools used to total the number and
value of records within specified bands. Examples of use include
analyzing items by postal code or alphanumeric product code or
fixed assets by date of acquisition.
Summarization
The Quick Summarization function is used to accumulate the
values of numeric fields for each unique key where there is a
single field in the key. The Key Field Summarization function is
used where there is a one or more fields in the key.
Summarization results can be graphed and users can drill down on
each unique key.
Aging
The Aging function is used to age a file from a specified date
for up to 6 user defined intervals. For example, the outstanding
accounts could be aged at the year-end in order to determine
provisions required against bad debts. The Aging function
produces an Age Analysis report and two optional databases -
Detailed Aging and Key Summary.
Pivot Table
A Pivot Table allows users to create multidimensional,
multi-variable analysis of large data files. When creating a
pivot table in IDEA, the user drags and drops the required data
fields onto the location on the pivot table where the user wants
the information to appear. The position on the pivot table
defines how the data is organized and summarized.
Add fields
Data imported into IDEA is protected and cannot be modified.
However, additional editable fields can be appended to the
database for comments, for checking off items or for correcting
data. In addition, you can add virtual (calculated) fields to
prove calculations in a database, perform new calculations and
ratios from fields within the database or to convert data from
one type into another. Editable fields may be "empty" for
entering comments/data or based on an expression as with virtual
fields. Tristate and Boolean fields let users create manual
tagging for 2 or 3 status states.
Action Fields (new)
This field type allows you to set up relationships across
multiple files; for example, create an action field on "Customer
Number" in a customer database to link to related invoices.
Action fields can also be used to run IDEAScripts or other
applications. |
Productivity
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Database View
IDEA provides multiple display options for viewing and
formatting data as well as zoom, powerful right mouse functions
and "find all records like...".
Process Stacker
If a user performs a number of IDEA tasks on the active
database, each task requires a pass through the database.
Process Stacker analyzes the required tasks, and performs
multiple tasks on a single pass through the database, where
possible. The Process Stacker runs each task independently, and
creates a separate output for each process. |
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History
The History View of the Database Window maintains an audit trail
or log of all operations carried out on a database, presented in
an easy to- use expandable list. Each test or function performed
automatically generates IDEAScript code, which can be copied to
the IDEAScript editor. IDEAScript is a Visual Basic compatible
programming language - see below for more information.
IDEAScript
IDEAScript is an object oriented programming language,
compatible with Microsoft's Visual Basic for Applications™.
IDEAScripts, which are often called macros, can be created
either by recording a series of steps, by copying from other
scripts, by copying from the History, or by typing into a Macro
Window or a combination of these. Scripts can be attached to the
Tools menu or to a Toolbar Macro Button or run simply from the
Tools - Macro menu. IDEAScript has a number of supplied tools:
the Language Browser, the Dialog Editor and the Debug Tools to
help create and complete a script. |
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Differences between IDEA and IDEA Express
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Key Functions |
IDEA |
IDEA Express |
Import
- Report Reader
- Downloadable imports
- Record Definition Editor
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Export |
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Client Management |
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File Join, Append and Compare |
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Visual Connector |
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Link to CaseWare Working Papers |
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History |
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Field Statistics |
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To Do List |
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Extraction
- Direct
- Indexed
- Key Value |
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Duplicates - Detection and Exclusion |
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Gaps - Numeric, Date and Character |
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Insert Virtual Field |
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Insert Action Field |
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Insert Editable Field |
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Chart Data |
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Stratification - Numeric, Date and Character |
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Summarization |
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Aging |
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Pivot Table |
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Benford's Law Analysis |
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Process Stacker |
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Full Text Search |
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Sampling
- Random
- Systematic
- Attribute
- Monetary Unit
- Classical |
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IDEAScript
- Macro Playback
- Macro Record and Editing |
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File Size |
4 Billion Records |
100,000 Records |
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SmartAnalyzer
IDEA Smart Analyzer is a collection of basic audit tests and reports that
can be run by any auditor with a minimum amount of training.
Easy to Use, Easy to Implement
This IDEA component saves you time and trouble in creating your own standard
test routines. IDEA Smart Analyzer is installed within IDEA with full online
help and easy to follow dialog boxes, making it a simple task to deploy
within your firm or audit department. IDEA Smart Analyzer can be used on
every audit engagement to improve audit quality and consistency and will
help you meet today’s audit standards, including standards related to fraud
such as SAS 99.
PragmaTools offers IDEA only in Belgium in
together with:
CaseWare IDEA B.V.
Postbus 60172 ; 1320 AE Almere.
Telefoon:
(+31) (0)36 - 5371160
Fax:(+31)
(0)36 - 5367443
Web: www.caseware-idea.nl
E-mail: supportbv@caseware.com
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Pragma Tools B.V.