Sal Auditore is a senior Adeptyx consultant with extensive experience in advising investment firms on SimCorp Dimension’s investment management software solutions.  He recently agreed to share his experiences and lessons learned given his involvement in numerous engagements.

1. Sal, can you tell us the kinds of SimCorp Dimension engagements you’ve worked on?

I have worked on 6 SimCorp implementations at asset management firms and pension plan sponsors both in the US and Canada.  These engagements covered most of SimCorp’s modules.  The implementations involved complex account structures and all security types including OTC derivatives, bank loans, and alternative investments.

2.  Can you share the key factors for technology and operations executives who may be considering a systems conversion, and are there unique considerations for SimCorp?

The first key factor is to identify where your operations and technology is deficient, taking into account both your current and anticipated future state requirements.  A gap analysis, which should encompass all areas of the firm, from portfolio managers and traders to back office personnel, is essential.  This holistic approach eliminates the possibility that something critical is missed.  Many firms over the years have cobbled together disparate technologies, taking a best of breed approach.  While this distributed systems architecture was often necessary or preferred, it has almost always led to data synchronization issues.  Multiple systems lead to data discrepancies, increased risk, high cost, and at times, lost investment opportunities as data issues can impede trading and lead to costly errors.

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