Dear colleagues,

Greetings from beautiful Maine, USA, where I am enjoying a vacation with my family. I hope that all of you have had a chance to savour the joys of summer as well.

In this digest issue, we aim to shed light on the essence of Corporate Performance Management (CPM). Back in December 1999, Gartner introduced CPM as a comprehensive set of “… processes, methodologies, metrics, and systems used to monitor and manage an enterprise's business performance”. Since then, the concept has become widely adopted by major software vendors, often referred to using various acronyms like BPM, EPM and so on. However, amidst its popularity, there has been some confusion about what CPM truly entails.

The purpose of this newsletter edition is to dispel any ambiguity. We selected content from seasoned finance practitioners, thought leaders and technology providers to ensure a clear understanding of CPM's significance and how to accurately evaluate its implementation within your organisation.

Today, Corporate Performance Management is evolving beyond a static, one-dimensional, and time-limited approach to a more dynamic, continuous, and adaptable state – one that we can confidently describe as futureproof.

Let's unlock the true potential of CPM and pave the way for a successful and adaptive future.

Best regards,

Larysa Melnychuk, CEO and Founder
FP&A Trends Group & International FP&A Board

As SAP BPC approaches its End of Life in 2027, corporate finance teams are faced with the challenge of replacing this critical financial management software. Software replacement is a major investment – and seamless continuity is difficult. But with the right Finance Transformation strategy, the phase-out of SAP BPC offers a vital opportunity for Finance teams to optimise processes and expand system functionality.

As you embark on the journey to assess your options and develop a strategy for software replacement, there are four crucial questions you should consider. Download this white paper to learn about these questions and how to build a futureproof Corporate Performance Management system.

By Michael Coveney

CPM is like the finely tuned mechanism of a car, synchronising an company's overall performance. In this article, our Head of Research explores the four essential areas of the CPM framework: Business Model, Strategy, Resources, and Management Processes. Just as the engine powers a car, the Business Model drives the organisation forward. Fueling this engine is the Strategy, providing direction and purpose. The Resources act as the pedals, ensuring smooth operation by allocating the right resources at the right time. Lastly, the Management Processes serve as the steering wheel, guiding the course and keeping everything on track.

Read this article to learn more about these four components and understand how they work together to achieve sustained success.

By Gary Cokins

In the world of Corporate Performance Management, executives often boast about the effectiveness of their systems, while anonymous surveys tell a different story - one of clear room for improvement. But what truly makes an exceptional EPM/CPM system? In this article, the author unravels the mystery, revealing that greatness lies not in isolated metrics but in the seamless integration of multiple managerial methods and analytics across the organisation.

Read this article to learn more about how to transform exceptional EPM/CPM systems from a rarity into the new standard of success.

By Michael Huthwaite

Why do organisations still heavily rely on spreadsheets despite investing in Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) solutions? The answer lies in understanding the relationship between Core and Edge. Core data represents widely leveraged information, while Edge data holds the key to high-growth opportunities. The secret to optimising the overall network is to harmonise both Core and Edge.

Read this article to learn how this holistic approach can help to unlock creativity, enhance planning efficiency, and finally break free from the limitations of spreadsheet dependence, ushering in a new era of business planning and analytics. Director of Product Management, Intelligent Reporting at Walmart navigates through real-world examples, identifies the challenges faced, and presents thought-provoking solutions.

FP&A Trends digital events are vendor-agnostic and complimentary. If you are not able to join the live session, you can register to receive the recording later.

28 September 2023

To meet the challenges of an unpredictable future and enhance planning capabilities, organisations are turning to a game-changing approach of Predictive Planning and Forecasting, boostering it with AI/ML technologies. This practice empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions, enabling them to stay ahead of the competition.

Register for this webinar, where senior finance practitioners and thought leaders from Adobe, Dell and CCH Tagetik will share practical insights and real-world experiences on how AI/ML revolutionise the Predictive Planning and Forecasting processes.

10 October 2023

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the traditional budgeting process is becoming increasingly obsolete. However, what if your organization is not yet prepared to fully abandon it? Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) offers a fresh perspective on routine budgeting procedures and proves to be a valuable exercise for your entire FP&A team. It provides insights into key business drivers, fosters a culture of collaboration and value creation, and supports agile FP&A practices.

Register for this webinar to stay informed about the latest trends and advancements in successful ZBB implementation.

Over the last 8 years, the International FP&A Board has developed the FP&A Maturity Model, which aims to help you intelligently map the path to success. Today, it stands as a result of the invaluable contributions and insights from thousands of senior finance practitioners in 30 Board chapters across 16 countries on four continents.

FP&A Trends Maturity Model Assessment is a tool based on the FP&A Trends Maturity Model. It is an interactive questionnaire that allows organisations of any size, industry, and geography to identify the stage of their FP&A maturity compared to the leading stage and create their own transformation journey.

To start assessment, please, click here.

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