When it comes to finance software, there's a cocktail for every kind of system - and every kind of CFO. From punchy, high-maintenance classics to fresh, fruit-forward blends, the world of finance tech is just as varied as your local cocktail menu.
So, grab a glass and take a seat - because it’s time to match your finance system to your signature serve. Whether you're still sipping on a legacy mix or looking for something a little more modern (like a bluQube spritz), we've rounded up the most popular system styles - and their cocktail counterparts - to help you find your perfect flavour.
The martini is a classic cocktail - sleek, traditional, and loved by those who like things just so. And that's your classic monolithic ERP system.
It’s all-in-one. It’s powerful. But let’s face it: it’s not for everyone.
Like the martini, ERP systems can be intimidating. They take time to master, often require a highly trained bartender (or IT team), and can come with a serious price tag. One wrong twist (or customisation) and the balance is off. You may end up sipping on something that doesn’t quite suit your palate or your business.
And while some swear by their ERP martini, others find it a little too much: strong, inflexible, and in need of a rethink.
Ideal for: Large corporates with deep pockets, strict processes, and an appetite for complexity.
Ah, the mojito. Crisp, cool, and endlessly customisable. It’s a crowd-pleaser that adapts to your taste. Want it sweeter? Less mint? More lime? No problem.
That’s the best-of-breed finance system. A refreshing, modern mix where you choose only what you need — a sparkling reporting tool here, a robust ledger there - all stirred into a system that works for you, not the other way around.
Best-of-breed gives you agility without dilution. You can scale it. You can integrate it. You can tailor it. And best of all, you’re not forced to drink the whole bar when you only wanted a rum and soda.
Ideal for: Ambitious mid-sized businesses and finance leaders who want flexibility and flavour.
Some say you can’t go wrong with an Old Fashioned. It's familiar. It's reliable. And it’s been around forever.
Just like your legacy finance system.
It’s comforting in a way — everyone knows how it works (even if it's a bit of a faff to make). You’ve got custom scripts, decades of tweaks, and just enough knowledge floating around to keep things going.
But… is it still right for today? The Old Fashioned might have charm, but it doesn’t exactly scream innovation. It’s slow to update, heavy on manual processes, and sometimes you wonder why you’re still drinking it when there’s so much else on the menu.
Ideal for: Organisations stuck in the past - or too nervous to try something new.
There’s a new wave of cloud-native systems shaking up the menu, and the Pisco Sour is leading the charge.
It’s bold. It’s bright. It’s got all the flavour and finesse of a high-end system but without the complicated setup or price tag. Served on demand, this one’s made for modern palates — finance teams who want instant access, beautiful design, and stress-free scalability.
Fully cloud-based platforms are like your go-to cocktail at a busy bar: fast to serve, consistently good, and easily shared. You don’t need specialist knowledge to enjoy one. You just need a taste for modern simplicity.
Ideal for: Growing businesses looking for smooth, scalable solutions without the overhead.
It’s always there. At every party. In every cupboard. A glass of red wine — often the accountant’s go-to drink.
That’s Excel. Not technically finance software… but try telling that to the hundreds of teams still using it for budgeting, reporting, and reconciliation.
Yes, Excel is useful. It’s versatile. And sure, it’s helped you through some tough deadlines. But let’s be honest - it’s messy, error-prone, and if your whole finance function relies on it… you might need to rethink your drinks list.
Ideal for: Small teams, startups - or anyone still budgeting with Ctrl+C and crossed fingers.
Looking for something light, modern, and easy to enjoy? Meet the Passionfruit Spritz of the finance world — the system that feels like a breath of fresh air after a long day of clunky interfaces and rigid workflows.
This is the finance solution designed for the real world: not too heavy, not too light, and just the right amount of fizz. It’s got all the essential ingredients - powerful core features, smart integrations, and a user-friendly design - but served up in a way that’s genuinely enjoyable to use.
Spritz-style systems often:
They’re flexible without being flaky, structured without being stiff. The kind of system that makes you wonder why finance software ever had to be so bitter in the first place.
Let’s just say - if we had to pick our favourite flavour, this would be it.
Ideal for: Modern finance teams who want clean workflows, collaborative features, and a system that gets out of the way and lets them get on with the job.
A few more software "cocktails" we just couldn’t leave off the list:
Choosing a finance system is a bit like ordering a cocktail - the right choice depends on your taste, your tolerance, and what kind of night (or project) you’re planning.
So next time someone asks what finance system you’re using, maybe ask them right back:
“What’s your flavour?”
Want a taste of bluQube? We don’t just serve up good software we make sure it’s the right mix for your business. Get in touch to book a demo or chat to someone who speaks fluent finance and cocktail.
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