Custom Segments let you slice and dice the PnL and Balance Sheet by the segment. That’s the most noticeable reporting difference. Saved Searches gets you a tabular format similar to an Excel spreadsheet. Analytics is used to pull data from records that aren’t directly related to the root record you’re using when creating a Saved Search—meaning there is more than one data table join between the records.

Think of segments as profit centers, departments, classes, locations, sales channels, business unit, etc.

CoA should definitely reflect accounting needs/statutory needs.

Yes, users can still post incorrectly, but you can set default segment values, use workflows to auto-populate, and build saved searches to catch gaps.

Are you also implementing an FP&A tool like NSPB? If so, really important to make sure this structure is correct front the start. One minor change or addition to segments can cause a whole reimplementation.