Enterprise Planning Transformations Often Fail, Board International Survey Reveals
New research shows 90% of businesses attempting planning transformations since 2020 have experienced some degree of failure. Outdated practices are also hindering progress.
Nearly all global businesses (97%) have tried to initiate some form of planning transformation since 2020, but 90% report it has failed to some degree, according to Board International's new Global Planning Survey. The findings highlight significant challenges in modernizing enterprise planning processes.
The survey, which polled 2,450 decision-makers worldwide, indicates that 85% of businesses now take planning more seriously following recent economic disruptions. Despite this increased focus, 98% of organizations still rely on spreadsheets like Excel for planning tasks, tools that are decades old.
Common reasons cited for failed transformations include a lack of internal technical capability (26%), insufficient investment in skills (23%), and scarcity of team resources (22%). The research also found that only about a third of businesses feel prepared for continued supply chain disruption, recession, or another pandemic.
"The era of continuous disruption is here. This is a wake-up call for organizations," stated Marco Limena, CEO of Board. He emphasized that continuous planning is imperative, and developing digital capabilities can help businesses navigate change effectively and gain a competitive edge.