XPLAN New User Information Sheet Overview

This information sheet is for all those new to RetireInvest who are unfamiliar with XPLAN.

What is XPLAN?

XPLAN is the RetireInvest Financial Planning Software. It is the tool where we store all the client data, prepare advice documents (SoA’s, RoA’s), model client portfolio’s, prepare insurance recommendations, run marketing campaigns, and finally, it is used to manage in office workflows.

XPLAN is the market leading software for our industry and RetireInvest have invested heavily to ensure that our Intellectual Property is reflected in the version of XPLAN used by our Authorised Representatives.

The software is used on a Modular basis, that is, the capabilities you have depend on the modules you subscribe to.  Software charges are monthly on a module by module basis.

RetireInvest makes all the modules released by XPLAN available to the franchises. We also offer all users full advice on the combination of modules that best meets their business needs. 

What Modules are Available in XPLAN?

Client Focus: Client Focus is a comprehensive Fact Find and Client Relationship Module (CRM). It is an easy to use data collection model that is flexible and powerful. Client Focus facilitates the capture of relevant financial and risk-related information required for the preparation of financial plans, as well as data for the ongoing management of client expectations.

• Client Focus includes: Key Details: Personal information including relevant contact details Service: Other professional advisers and other data required to effectively service clients Risk Management: Insurance requirements and currently held policies Analysis: Cashflow analysis and personal balance sheets Administration: File notes and outstanding tasks for the client. The Fact Finding process in XPLAN reflects the hard copy Fact Find used by our Authorised Representatives.
• The Client Focus data collection and CRM tool incorporates Task Management and Workflow functionality, allowing advisors and support staff to stay on top of all scheduled tasks - both client and non-client related.

XTOOLS: XTOOLS is a collection of sophisticated projection and analysis tools, which are customisable to local legislative environments and deal with current issues.

XTOOLS+: XTOOLS+ is an extension module for XTOOLS, providing strategy-based generic modelling.

Investment Portfolio System (IPS): Investment Portfolio System (IPS) delivers a scalable solution for advisory firms to manage and provide portfolio reporting. Your clients can choose to have printed reports or Internet access to their portfolio. This module also allows for data to  be fed directly from subscribing fund managers to the software to ensure clients portfolio balances are updated daily.

Insurance Quotation Module Plus: XPLAN's Insurance Quotation Module Plus (IQM+) is a fully interactive risk insurance system built for Financial Advisers. This web-based insurance system provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of personal risk insurance products. It is a complete product range for financial planning professionals. It delivers a web based standardised system for managing client data, investment projections, portfolios, risk and reporting.

SuperSolver: This is a new module providing analysis tools for superannuation comparisons. It provides a list of 300 superannuation funds (including industry funds) to compare to provide your clients with the best advice, and also provide fee comparisons.

Hosting: Hosting, whilst not a module, is a requisite for each license.

How does XPLAN fit in to the Advice Process?

Below is a graphical illustration of how each module fits in to the RetireInvest advice process.

They key colour codes each module, this aligns with the colouring of each task forming part of the process. i.e. the first part of the process is the initial appointment, under this is the “add client” function, you will notice that this box is coloured green. Green aligns with the “Client Focus” module in the Key, therefore you require the client focus module to add a client.

You will also notice that each box, or task, has a number next to it. This number aligns with the page that follows titled “Xplan Modules”. I.e. using the example of the Initial Appointment again, note that “Add Client” refers to 1a or 8a. Go to the Xplan Modules page and look up 1a, this refers to Key Details and provides a brief explanation of what this is. 8a refers to the PFP (Personal and Financial Profile) and gives a brief explanation of what this is.

Do you have an XPLAN License?

An XPLAN license is required to access the software and required modules. If you have yet to establish an XPLAN license, please ensure that the “Staff Details Change” form. This is an online form found on Adviser Services. To access, please log in to Adviser Services (RetireInvest’s intranet), Select ‘Forms’ on the right hand tab, select ‘S’, it is the last form.    

In this form, ensure you have selected the required modules. You will receive an email the following day advising you of your username and password.

What Modules do I Need?  

The modules required depends on your position and what tasks you are required to undertake as a part of your position.

Below are some examples of tasks and what modules are required to action:

• Reception: If reception involves answering calls alone, you may not require an XPLAN license. However, if you use the file note system in the office, the Client Focus module is recommended.
• Client Services: It is recommended that a Client Services Officer have access to Client Focus and IPS (Investment Portfolio Service). You are not able to run client portfolio reports without access to the IPS module.
• Paraplanners: It is advisable that Paraplanners have access to Client Focus, Xtools+ and IPS as a minimum. Naturally this would depend on the nature of the advice documents generated within the office. If advisers do not generally require in depth projections to accompany advice documents, you may use the Xtools module instead of Xtools+ noting that Xtools are short form calculators, whilst Xtools+ is a scenario modeling tool. Additionally, if you are writing Risk advice, the IQM+ module is also advisable.
• Advisers: If, as an adviser, you are involved in sales only and rely on admin staff for the above functions, you may not need a license. However, if you write your own advice documents, you may require the modules of a Paraplanner. If you wish to view clients only however, you may opt for a Client Focus and IPS license.

It is advisable that you speak to your in-office XPLAN Champion prior to requesting licenses. Alternatively, if you require further advice on what modules to select, please do not hesitate to contact the Business Applications team to discuss. Further information and costing of each license can be found on page 3 of this document. 

What Training is Available?

RetireInvest offers a range of training methods for new users and users who have a general understanding of the software. It is strongly recommended that no matter what your experience with the software, that you undertake all available training to ensure you gain the most from XPLAN.

The available training methods are the RetireInvest XPLAN Training Manual, Online Webinar’s, FAQ’s, XPLAN based training in each capital city, remote training sessions within RetireInvest.   

XPLAN Training Manual

The XPLAN training manual is written by RetireInvest specific to the RetireInvest website. It provides a step by step illustration of how to use each module in the advice generation process. We advise you read this to develop and understanding of the software. To access this, please log in to the Adviser Services website, select XPLAN > XPLAN Training Material > Training Manual

XPLAN Module Training

These are training sessions organised by XPLAN providing training on each module in each capital city. Although you need to book in advance, these are free of charge, a $50 fee however is applicable if you do not attend a session you have enrolled in.

It is important to note that these sessions are not RetireInvest specific, however provide a very broad understanding of how to use each module.

To browse available training sessions in your capital city, please log in to Adviser Services, XPLAN>Training Workshops. Under the ‘New Users’ heading there is a paragraph stating “Click here for a list of available workshops”. This will take you to the XPLAN link advising of available training days in your closest capital city.

To book, please email your preferred sessions to XplanRI@syd.retireinvest.com.au.

RetireInvest remote training session:

Training with business applications is through an internet portal allowing the Business Application Analyst to view and control the movements on your screen. This training session will go for approximately 2 hours and can be on any topic you believe you require more XPLAN training in. These training sessions are available on Wednesdays.

To book, please email XplanRI@syd.retireinvest.com.au indicating what module you would like training on, what time, your name and office. 

If you have any further questions on XPLAN, you may contact the business applications team at any time on 02 9373 4744.

Where do I get Additional Support?

The RetireInvest XPLAN Support Model is listed below. For support on any queries you may have, please contact one of the below support desks

Site Preview

If you wish to preview the site prior to receiving a license, go to http://www.iress.com.au and follow the links to XPLAN. Note that the difference between the information displayed on this site and the RetireInvest specific site is merely Intellectual Property and Branding. The tools and functionality however are identical.   

Need more Info?

For additional information on anything contained in this document or relating to XPLAN, please do not hesitate to contact the RetireInvest Business Applications team on 02 9373 4768 or alternatively email Business.Applications@retireinvest.com.au.

IRESS Wealth Management | XPLAN Transitions | Conversion guide - XPLAN New User Information Sheet