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Author Archives: Darren Olson

Customize Your Tech Stack with the Right Integrations for Your Business

As COVID19 continues to impact our daily lives and many of us take on additional responsibilities—from homeschool teacher to workout coach, and even part-time IT person—one thing remains constant: the need to serve your clients and run your firm.

That’s why even in these uncertain times, we’re staying true to our promise to help advisors manage their business and investors thrive as much as possible.

And with roughly 100 integrations from leading financial partners—including some recent enhancements such as Schwab Advisor Services, Salesforce, factorE, Riskalyze, and Benjamin™—you can build the tech stack that your firm needs to run smoothly in any market environment.

Read on as we take a look at how you can find, research, and set up an integration in order to build the tech stack your firm needs right now.

Accessing the Integrations Center

If you don’t see the Integrations app in Orion Connect, navigate to the Manage Users app and select “Roles.” From there, you can enable the Integrations app for any advisor-level users in your firm who you want to have access to integrations. Next, open the Integrations app by navigating back to the main dashboard and clicking on the app tile.

Orion Connect Integrations App Tile

Browsing Orion Integrations

Now that you have access to the Integrations Center app, you can start exploring the 70-plus integrations we offer within Orion Connect. New and featured integrations are located at the top of the screen. The rest are arranged alphabetically. You can either scroll or use the search feature on the right side of the screen to find the integration you’re looking for.

Orion Connect Integrations Center

Each integration is presented as a tile with the name of the integration partner, their logo, a short summary of what the integration can do for your tech stack, and a “Learn More” link, which opens a new window that includes additional information about the integration.

factorE integration tile within Orion Connect

The dedicated page contains a summary of the partner company along with more information about the integration, including screenshots, tutorial videos, and pricing, as well as “Support Details” that will help you set up the integration.

factorE integration details within Orion Connect

Setting Up an Integration

Depending on what integration you want to set up, you  can either make the connection on your own or work with our Integrations Team to complete the process.

Set-up Wizard

About 15 percent of our integrations are enabled with a user setup wizard. These can be identified by the blue “Add” button in the bottom right corner of the screen. (You might also see a green “Edit” button, which indicates the integration setup has already been completed.)

Orion Connect Integrations Center

For these integrations, simply click the blue “Add” button to open the setup wizard, You can then follow the on-screen instructions. 

Support Details

The majority of our integrations will provide installation instructions or quick setup guides, such as the one shown below for Hidden Levers.

How to set up an integration within Orion Connect

Orion Integrations Team Setup

From time to time, you may encounter an integration that does not have a setup wizard or setup instructions. In such an instance, you will need to contact the Orion Integrations Team to complete the setup.

Need help building your tech stack by having an integration configured in Orion Connect? Contact the Orion Integrations Team via the online chat in Orion Connect. You can also email integrations@orionadvisor.com or call 888.695.0523.

 

Orion does not endorse any particular third-party product or service. Our clients should undertake their own assessments to determine whether these parties meet their business and due diligence requirements.

 

0815-OAS-3/31/2020

Monthly Maintenance: A Look at the Asset Comparison Report

Whether the market is volatile or times are uncertain (or both), Orion is here to help you continue running your advisory business. And that starts with providing robust data reconciliation services to make sure you have clean, reliable data at all times.

Unlike a lot of other solutions out there, Orion conducts the data services for our advisors. Our Data Recon Team reconciles asset positions, prices, and values six days a week to ensure your data is accurate and available anytime. In addition to our daily reconciliation, we also conduct weekly and monthly audits.

As it nears the end of the month, you will be receiving from us a notification to review your monthly audit called the Asset Comparison Report. Let’s take an in-depth look at this report for this week’s Tech Tip.

What is the Asset Comparison Report?

The Asset Comparison Report contains a list of accounts/assets that have value in Orion but have dropped off the custodial data feed and are not downloading to Orion.

This can happen for a number of reasons:

  • The account was canceled at the custodian but not canceled in Orion.
  • The representative changed at the custodian.
  • The download source or download coding changed.

While Orion tries to help make the process as smooth as possible, we are not able to contact the custodian to determine the reason because we are not the owner of the data. This means that we are not contracted to speak on behalf of, or make decisions, regarding your clients’ accounts in any capacity.

Why Do You Receive a Monthly Notification?

When we have completed the monthly reconciliation of your accounts, we send a notification to let you know that your Asset Comparison Report is ready to view.

For security reasons, the Asset Comparison Report is not attached to the notification. Instead, it contains a link that directs you to the report within Orion Connect.

Any user that has access to the Reconciliation Status App in Orion Connect will receive a notification. If you need to grant a person in your advisory firm access to the Reconciliation Status App, you can do so by editing or assigning roles in the Manage Users App.

How to Read the Asset Comparison Report

To review the Asset Comparison Report, click on the link at the bottom of the notification you received. If you are not already logged into Orion Connect, you will be prompted to login when clicking the link.

The results represent accounts/assets that have a value in Orion but are not receiving data files from the custodian as of the last business day of the month.

As you review the report, it is recommended that you look for a couple key things:

  • Determine whether accounts marked “Normal Downloading” can be canceled in Orion or if the accounts should still be active. If it should still be active, contact the custodian and request that they re-establish the data feed to Orion.
  • Verify whether the accounts marked “Manually Managed” (or “Advisory Only”), “Non-Downloading,” or “Demo” are marked appropriately and that the account should not be downloading to Orion directly from a custodian as a “Normal Downloading” account.

Keep in mind that the longer an account is left on the Asset Comparison Report, the larger the gap of historical data will need to be provided in order to balance the account. Every day an active account is not downloading is a day we miss the ability to get transactions applied via the download.

For more information, contact the Orion Data Recon Team through the Orion Connect chat.

 

0698-OAS-3/20/2020

Top 10 Blogs of 2018

Before all of the fireworks, bubbly toasting and of course, the big countdown begins, we thought we’d end 2018 with a countdown of our own. See what you and all of the other Orion followers read most this year with the 10 most popular blogs from 2018!

#10 Know What You’re Getting Before Your Technology Conversion

Converting to a new technology system doesn’t have to be difficult.  Get the inside knowledge on which type of technology conversion is best for your firm, and learn how Orion supports new advisors who convert to its award-winning portfolio management platform in one of our most popular blogs from 2018.

#9 5 Tips for Breakaways Evaluating the Advisor Tech Landscape

As a breakaway advisor, one of the biggest decisions you’re likely facing is evaluating and choosing the best advisor technology to suit your needs. So it’s easy to see why our 5 tips blog for getting started so you make the right decision the first time was one of our most popular blogs this year.

#8 5 Ways Orion can Support Your Growth in Becoming a Billion-Dollar Firm

As your firm grows, so do your technology demands; but not every technology partner is equipped to meet your highly-specialized needs. #8 in our countdown shows you how Orion’s technology can support your growing needs to help you reach your goals.

#7 Optimizing SMA Portfolios with ASTRO

In #7, we check out how to simplify custom portfolio construction including building tax-efficient SMA portfolios with Orion’s ASTRO tool – saving you time without compromising your clients’ service experience.

#6 Here’s How to Introduce the Orion Client Portal to Your Clients

Identifying and communicating the benefits of a client portal is critical if you want them to use your new software tool. Discover how to prepare both your staff and clients to reap the benefits of Orion’s Client Portal in our #6 top blog of 2018!

#5 Are You Billing Average Daily Balance?

There are a lot of ways for advisory firms to collect fees from clients. You can withdraw fees automatically from a chosen account, or allow clients to pay by credit card, check, or invoice. But before an advisor can collect, you must first determine how to calculate fees. Find out how to create less stress for employees, and calculate more accurate bills with an Average Daily Balance billing method in this top blog post from 2018.

#4 The Advantage of Having Your Trading System as Part of Your Portfolio Accounting Platform

Our #4 blog is all about saving you time. With Orion Connect and Eclipse™, your firm can utilize a completely integrated portfolio accounting and trading system that keeps your entire team in sync and save time in the process. Check out the top reasons why it’s an advantage to have your trading system be part of your portfolio accounting platform.

#3 Your Top 9 Alternative Investment Questions Answered

Alternative investments are a growing part of investors’ portfolios so it makes sense that our #3 top blog of 2018 is all about getting those alternative questions answered! Check out our blog and learn how simple it can be to track and report on alternatives in Orion.

#2 12 Things That Should be on Every RIAs Holiday Wish List

In all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, readers found time to check out our #2 blog, 12 Things That Should be on Every RIAs Wish List to make shopping for their business simple this year!

#1 5 New Customization Features to Try in Report Builder 3.0

2018 was the year of personalization – so it’s no wonder why our #1 blog of 2018 shows how Orion’s new Report Builder makes reporting easy with customizable reports and features to meet your clients’ unique needs. Check out the top five features to help create custom client experiences.

We’re already hard at work coming up with new blog topics to help grow your business and share the latest innovations from Orion. Subscribe to our blog updates to see what we’re talking about in 2019!

Not working with Orion yet? Click here to get in touch with us.

 

0703-OAS-12/31/2018

12 Things That Should be on Every RIA’s Holiday Wish List

Tis’ the season! This time of year means lots of different things to different people, but one thing is for certain: it gets busy! There are parties to attend, presents to buy, and of course, a business to wrap up at year-end. So in all of that hustle and bustle, it’s easy to see how you may forget about that extra-special someone on your holiday gift list: your business!

But don’t worry. We’re helping you simplify this holiday season with Orion’s holiday wish list!

The Latest from Santa’s Workshop

Report Builder 3.0

Looking for something personal this holiday season? Report Builder 3.0 brings you all-out customization so that you can build client reports that are as festive as your clients using our drag-and-drop functionality, dynamic chart creation and more! Click here to see how you can start creating custom reports today.

No Holiday Magic Required

Digital Account Opening Tools with Schwab and TD Ameritrade

No, it’s not magic, but it’s close! You can now open accounts digitally in as little as 5 minutes with Schwab and TD Ameritrade’s Digital Account Opening tools! Starting from the New Accounts Center app in Orion Connect, you can push relevant Orion data right into your custodial new account forms — giving yourself the gift of time this holiday season!

Don’t worry, we’re launching similar digital account opening tools in early 2019! Stay tuned for more information.

Ring-a-Ling, Hear Them Ring

Events Based Notifications

Just because the holidays must come to an end, doesn’t mean the bells have to stop too. With Events Based Notifications (set to launch in early 2019), you’ll be able to send clients notifications regarding RMD requirements, account transactions, and so much more!

But it’s not just for your clients; you too can receive alerts regarding advisor approvals, trade notifications, third-party integrations, and more. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon!

Your Very Own “Elf on the Shelf”

Compass

Not everyone makes the “nice list”. With Orion’s Compass app, you’ll have access to a suite of capabilities necessary to implement and execute a robust compliance program. Powered by data that is already available within Orion, we’re making it easy for you this holiday season to make the most knowledgeable decisions and effectively execute your regulatory program. Check out our Compass whitepaper to learn more.

More Exciting Than Spiked Eggnog

Orion Enterprise

As exciting as the holidays can be, we’re even more amped up for one of our latest announcements, Orion Enterprise – a better full-service technology and asset management platform solution! With  Orion Enterprise, you’ll have access to industry-leading strategists and turnkey asset management, powered by best-in-class portfolio management technology so that you can grow and scale while empowering your advisors to better serve their clients.

Want to learn more? Check out our press release or contact us to set up a demo and see how we can help accelerate your firm’s growth!

There’ll be Parties for Hosting, Marshmallows for Toasting and Businesses Set to Grow

Best-in-Class Portfolio Management Technology

Grow more than just your waistline this holiday season with Orion’s industry-leading portfolio management software! We offer firms like yours a modern and innovative platform to streamline inefficiencies so you can spend more time growing your business and better serving your clients. In fact, nearly one-third of Orion advisors increased staff efficiency by 50-75% or more and roughly half saw a return on their technology investment within the first 12 months of using Orion*!

Click here to see how Orion can help you keep pace with your rapid growth and the technology needs that seem to be growing faster than that pile of presents underneath the tree!

Santa Eats More Than Just Cookies

AIP

You need more than just cookies and milk for a diversified diet. The same idea goes for investing, which is why we now offer a way to easily capture investment opportunities beyond the standard stocks, bonds, and model portfolio strategies with our Alternative Investment Platform (AIP). AIP enhances your ability to report on alternative investments in Orion and enables your firm to easily create comprehensive wealth reporting for your clients, no matter the type of invested assets.

Every Time a Bell Rings, an RIA Gets its Pay

Bill Pay

Your business is as unique as a snowflake – and so, you need a way to bill beyond traditional AUM to easily and accurately bill your clients for the full scope of capabilities you provide like financial planning, tax planning, accounting, and more! Whether it is a one-time event or an ongoing fee, our enhanced Bill Pay Feature creates and maintains various fee types so your business can continue to be uniquely yours. Check out our whitepaper or set up a demo here.

Did You Know? Orion integrates with BluePay’s payment processing platform to help your firm get paid faster! Find out more here.

But the Prettiest Sight You’ll See is the Trading That Will Be

Eclipse™

Santa has plenty of help; shouldn’t you too? Our Eclipse™ trading platform creates a fully customizable trading and rebalancing platform to help you create a more efficient trading process and ultimately a better business! Leverage daily dashboards to take quick action right when it’s needed, easily monitor your portfolios for tax-loss harvesting opportunities, gain time back in your day with our FIX integration, and lots more! Check out our Eclipse™ page to schedule a demo today!

Oh, the Tax Consequences are Frightful, but the Technology is so Delightful

ASTRO

The holidays don’t have to be scary…and neither do tax-efficient portfolios. With ASTRO, you can use direct indexing to outperform ETFs after taxes, take care of the old and the new by managing legacy positions while transitioning clients to a new strategy, cater to high net worth clients by replicating mutual fund models tax efficiently, align portfolios with your clients’ values including ESG considerations, and so much more! Click here to download our ASTRO whitepaper or chat with an Orion expert!

Even Rudolph Went to Reindeer School

Ascent Online Training

Everyone needs a little guidance once in a while (just ask Santa about that one foggy night). At Orion, we offer powerful, learner-led training to help you and your team maximize your understanding of Orion Connect. Click here to see how your firm can follow its own unique learning “trail” to maximize the Orion platform and even achieve Ascent certifications!

Over the River and Through the Woods to Ascent 2019 We Go

Ascent 2019

Next year, we’re the ones that will be traveling over rivers, through woods and anywhere else that we need to in order to bring Ascent 2019 to you! We’re breaking down our acclaimed user event into personal regional events and bringing it to a city near you. Sign up now to receive more personalized product training from our Subject Matter Experts, meet with other influential professionals in your area, and hear how the latest innovations from Orion and Orion’s many integration partners can help grow your business. See you there!

Of course, the nicest gift is the one that you’ve given to us: the opportunity to support you and your business. Whether you’re a long-term Orion client or you’ve just started to look at all of the ways that Orion can help you grow your business, thank you! We wish you a happy holiday season and look forward to a fantastic new year together!

If you have additional questions about what was featured on our wish list, please log into Orion Support and start up a chat with our Reporting SME Team.

Not an Orion client yet? Get in touch with us here to schedule a demo. Happy Holidays!

0686-OAS-12/20/2018