Exploring the future of Corporate Performance Management in 2025
Corporate Performance Management (CPM) is at a pivotal juncture, evolving from a supporting financial function to an integrated system driving strategic, operational, and financial excellence.
Whether you know it as EPM (Enterprise Performance Management) or FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis), CPM now stands as a cornerstone of value and data-driven insights to support growth in today's volatile business environment.
The BARC x BPM Partners Global CPM Trends and Priorities Report 2025 provides a comprehensive view of the latest market dynamics, trends, and priorities in CPM.
This unique report combines insights from two premier analyst research studies—the BARC Planning Survey 24 and the 2024 BPM Pulse Study—to offer actionable data and analysis for organizations and vendors alike.
Key findings and why they matter
1. Predictive planning and forecasting take center stage
Predictive planning and forecasting have emerged as top priorities, with 53% of organizations planning to adopt these capabilities.
While the technology has been available for several years, adoption has lagged due to a lack of understanding and readiness. However, shifting economic conditions are driving a renewed focus as businesses require more frequent, accurate forecasting to navigate uncertainty.
This trend reflects a maturing mindset: organizations now recognize that predictive tools powered by machine learning and automation can deliver proactive insights rather than reactive adjustments.
2. Cloud-based CPM solutions dominate
The transition to the Cloud has been the most significant shift in CPM from 2016 to 2024. By 2025, 79% of implementations are expected to occur in the Cloud. Cloud technology offers unparalleled benefits:
- Collaboration: Teams can work seamlessly across geographies.
- Accessibility: Decentralized work environments thrive with Cloud-based tools.
- Innovation: Vendors can deliver updates and new features more frequently.
Yet, regional differences persist. While North America and Asia boast adoption rates of 62% and 68%, Europe lags at just 42%, highlighting that the potential move from on-premises systems will grow in coming years. This disparity highlights opportunities for education on the benefits and adoption of cloud technology in underpenetrated markets.
3. The rise of self-service planning
A critical finding is the widespread adoption of self-service planning tools, with 68% of users already leveraging such functionality. This approach reduces dependency on IT and external consultants, empowering finance teams to drive faster decision-making.
Self-service functionality underscores a shift towards democratizing data and analysis within organizations, making it easier for users to update plans, generate reports, run scenarios, and analyze performance without external bottlenecks.
Why integration is the ultimate CPM goal
One of the biggest challenges highlighted in the report is the integration of strategic, operational, and financial planning—a priority for 41% of organizations. Why does this matter? Integration ensures that operational plans align with strategic objectives and that financial forecasts reflect real-world constraints and opportunities.
This alignment leads to a more holistic understanding of business performance, enabling what the report calls financial and operational signaling. For instance, monitoring operational plans can provide early warnings of potential financial impacts, allowing businesses to pivot proactively when they are required to respond to change.
CPM trends driving market transformation
1. Scenario simulation and analysis
With 40% of organizations prioritizing scenario simulation, CPM tools are evolving to help businesses anticipate and prepare for multiple outcomes. This capability is particularly crucial in uncertain economic climates, where flexibility and foresight are key.
2. Predefined planning content
Prebuilt solutions and models are gaining traction as they accelerate time-to-value. These solutions enable companies to implement best practices quickly, expand into new use cases, and reduce the learning curve for new users.
3. AI and Machine Learning
Leaders in CPM adoption are embracing AI and machine learning to optimize forecasting accuracy, automate anomaly detection, and streamline workflows through robotic process automation (RPA).
While the laggards hesitate, leaders leverage these technologies to stay competitive, reducing cycle times and improving decision-making.
What sets leaders apart?
The report divides organizations into leaders (top 10%) and laggards (bottom 10%) based on their success in achieving business benefits through CPM. Leaders distinguish themselves in several ways:
- Advanced Integration: Leaders are far ahead in unifying strategic, operational, and financial planning.
- Scenario Analysis: Leaders excel in leveraging scenario simulation to anticipate and respond to market shifts.
- AI Adoption: Leaders are integrating AI-driven capabilities, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
The gap between leaders and laggards underscores the importance of a strategic approach to CPM adoption, where both technology and organizational readiness play vital roles.
Recommendations for CPM success
The report outlines clear steps for organizations aiming to modernize their CPM approach:
1. Adopt Cloud-based solutions
Transitioning to Cloud platforms should be a priority for those still relying on legacy systems. The Cloud enables real-time collaboration, reduces infrastructure costs, and ensures scalability.
2. Focus on integration
Break down silos by integrating strategic, financial, and operational planning. This creates a unified framework that improves visibility and ensures all plans are aligned.
3. Leverage AI and automation
Evaluate the AI capabilities of your current CPM tools and explore how features like anomaly detection, machine learning, and natural language processing can enhance efficiency.
4. Embrace self-service planning
Equip business users with self-service tools to accelerate planning cycles and foster innovation.
5. Invest in training and best practices
Success with CPM is not just about the software. Ensure your team understands how to maximize the tools, focusing on maturity in planning approaches and performance management.
Conclusion
The BARC x BPM Partners Global CPM Trends and Priorities Report 2025 is a must-read guide for organizations aiming to refine their performance management strategies.
From Cloud adoption and AI integration to self-service planning and scenario simulation, the report provides a roadmap for leveraging CPM tools to drive resilience and growth.
Whether you are an end-user seeking benchmarking data or a vendor looking to sharpen your offerings, the insights in this report can help you navigate the evolving dynamics of CPM effectively.
For more information, you can check out the Unit4 integrated suite of solutions here, and you can download the full report for a deeper exploration of CPM trends, insights, and innovations here.
