They include the ability to build a custom function for users who are comfortable with the Visual Basic-like function description scripting. The software also includes the ability to forecast future performance from past results. This is not currently well-documented, nor is it flexible in this beta. Users looking for serious forecasting will probably want to incorporate a forecasting package such as Decisioneering Inc.'s Crystal Ball. Since a lot of analysts manage by exception, many users will appreciate Aristotle's exception highlighting, which is flexible and fairly usable.
Basic navigation is good.
Though this product is not very easy to learn, at least it's very easy to use once you've learned it. Navigating from the status bar is quick, and a good way to see what views and binders are available. From an administrative angle, you can prebuild and lock views, organize them into binders and domains and either distribute them or make them available from a shared server. There is also a logical upgrade path to Cognos' PowerPlay OLAP product. PowerPlay is very expensive, but it will give a Plato back end a more powerful front end.