{"id":81998,"date":"2025-03-03T17:07:43","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T17:07:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.board.com\/?post_type=guide&#038;p=81998"},"modified":"2025-04-03T15:04:20","modified_gmt":"2025-04-03T15:04:20","slug":"2025-trends-in-enterprise-planning","status":"publish","type":"guide","link":"https:\/\/www.board.com\/guide\/2025-trends-in-enterprise-planning","title":{"rendered":"2025 Trends in Enterprise Planning"},"content":{"rendered":"\t<section id=\"block_ad6101dfb06b0316ed9c9e0cc15013b0-\" class=\"block columns-block block-hero-bubble hero-post bg-web-gradient-light \">\n\t\t<div class=\"breadcrumb-bar bg-brand-pearl\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"hero-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"columns-block-row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"column-content d-flex align-items-center post-hero-content-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hero-grad-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hero-grad-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/resources\" class=\"btn-link btn-link--primary hero-grad-cat\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Guide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hero-grad-copy\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"display-2\">2025 Trends in Enterprise Planning<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"column-content text-start align-self-start post-hero-content-right\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hero-grad-right\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"hero-bubbles-feature\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/440x275_2025-Trends-in-Enterprise-Planning.jpg\" alt=\"\" height=\"200\" width=\"300\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\t<section id=\"block_8d73b05565feca11192a59ca0bd938b2-6\" class=\"block block--spc single-page__post block-margin-bottom\">\n\t\t\n\t<div class=\"in-page-nav in-page-nav--mob d-lg-none dropdown\">\n\t\t<button class=\"dropdown-toggle\" data-bs-toggle=\"dropdown\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"dropdown-current\">On this page:<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t<span class=\"ico icon-chevron-down\"><\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t<ul class=\"list-unstyled dropdown-menu\">\n\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#introduction\" class=\"dropdown-item\">On the Horizon<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#trend1\" class=\"dropdown-item\">TREND 1: AI Leads the Way<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#trend2\" class=\"dropdown-item\">TREND 2: Predictive Forecasting Is Widening the Gap<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#trend3\" class=\"dropdown-item\">TREND 3: Change Happens Fast\u2014Don\u2019t Leave People Behind<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#conclusion\" class=\"dropdown-item\">Conclusion: The Businesses That Plan Beyond<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#contributors\" class=\"dropdown-item\">Contributing Experts<\/a><\/li>\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-lg-7 position-relative\">\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>AI, predictive forecasting, and enhanced collaboration are firmly in the spotlight.<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"introduction\">On the Horizon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We are only a few months into 2025\u2014but this year is already shaping up to be a real turning point for enterprises. Considering events such as sweeping tariff proposals or the sudden reduction of the US federal workforce, your Monday-morning market outlook might look strikingly different by week\u2019s end. And as economic uncertainty and potential supply chain disruptions come onto the radar, organizations are now challenged to rethink how they plan for the future of their business\u2014not only to survive the next disruption, but to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this environment, proactive scenario planning is more critical than ever. Companies need clear answers to pressing questions: <em>&#8216;What is the course of action if tariffs are enacted at 10%? Or 20%? How will that impact supply chains, pricing strategies, and overall financial resilience?&#8217; <\/em>The reality is that planning for the future isn\u2019t just about reacting to change\u2014it\u2019s about anticipating and preparing for what comes next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For answers and insights on these challenges, Board spoke with a group of experts\u2014including an economist, a customer, and implementation partners. Collectively, their insights underscored three overarching macro trends:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>AI is firmly moving from hype to reality<\/strong> as it integrates directly into planning workflows, forecasts, and decision-making.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advanced forecasting is widening the gap<\/strong> between orgs that leverage external data and those that don\u2019t.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Managing change is now make-or-break<\/strong>\u2014aligning teams, pivoting quickly, and fostering trust is as important as technology itself.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what the experts see coming later this year and how businesses can stay ahead&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" id=\"trend1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V2.jpg 746w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V2-480x97.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V2-215x43.jpg 215w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V2-572x115.jpg 572w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"trend1\"><strong>TREND 1: AI Leads the Way <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No surprise here. AI is already enriching how organizations strategize, analyze, and execute their plans. Today, however, we are starting to see a significant shift from experimentation to execution as businesses look to make AI a tangible tool\u2014embedding it into financial planning, forecasting, and scenario modeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<section class=\"block block--spc columns-block wp-block-acf-testimonial-single\" id=\"block_62cd593b3ca9fd45cf4877b87a2d2d77\"\t\tclass=\"\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"card card--testimonial\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-info-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/400x400_Martin-Horrocks-214x203.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"testimonial-name\">Martin Horrocks<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-job-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"testimonial-role\">VP Global Commercial Excellence<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"testimonial-company\">BASF<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-quote\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-quote__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The goal is not perfection; the goal is to do it better than I can do it as a human.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Early adopters are poised to gain new insights into market trends and customer behaviors. As data complexity continues to grow, integrating AI into planning processes not only enhances agility but enables leaders to make more confident decisions around resource allocation and forecasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A year ago, Board surveyed 1,500 experts to benchmark AI adoption in enterprise planning. The findings? Organizations were investing in AI across a range of use cases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1920x800_numbers-Global-Planning-Survey-24.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1920x800_numbers-Global-Planning-Survey-24.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1920x800_numbers-Global-Planning-Survey-24-768x320.png 768w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1920x800_numbers-Global-Planning-Survey-24-1600x667.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1920x800_numbers-Global-Planning-Survey-24-1536x640.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1920x800_numbers-Global-Planning-Survey-24-480x200.png 480w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1920x800_numbers-Global-Planning-Survey-24-215x90.png 215w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1920x800_numbers-Global-Planning-Survey-24-572x238.png 572w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">*Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/en\/global-planning-survey-2024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Global Planning Survey 2024<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>12 months later, the conversation has shifted from aspiration to action. And this year, experts are weighing in directly\u2014here\u2019s where they see AI making the biggest impact in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SUPERCHARGED WORKFLOWS ARE COMING ONLINE&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2024, companies were still figuring out how to use generative AI (GenAI). Many were focused on security, ethics, and initial test cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<em>2024 was a year for people to adjust to the idea of GenAI,<\/em>\u201d shares Charles Wilson of Wipro. \u201c<em>In 2025, organizations will fully embrace GenAI, prioritizing solutions that seamlessly integrate its capabilities to drive efficiency, innovation, and smarter decision-making.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t<section class=\"block block--spc columns-block wp-block-acf-testimonial-single\" id=\"block_07ad2a46efcbf14818425c9af1673439\"\t\tclass=\"\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"card card--testimonial\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-info-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Headshot-Rob-Kugel-ISG-214x203.png\" alt=\"\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"testimonial-name\">Robert Kugel<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-job-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"testimonial-role\">Executive Director, Information Services Group<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-quote\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-quote__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The 6 most expensive words for managing a finance organization are &quot;We&#039;ve always done it this way.&quot;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Wilson notes that the ownership of enterprise performance management (EPM) tools has historically sat within the office of the CFO. But given the pace of change\u2014and the need for real-time financial and operational data\u2014every department in an enterprise should expect to benefit from AI-powered EPM and planning solutions in the near term. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cGenAI solutions need to be embedded into daily workflows\u2014not siloed with data scientists,\u201d says Wilson. \u201cAI exists to handle the overwhelming data and complexity that surpass human capacity. It must be seamlessly integrated into everyday operations, supporting every decision we make.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Glen Wedel of EY agrees\u2014predicting a rise in real-world AI experimentation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cGenAI will start emerging within FP&amp;A processes as leading organizations experiment with its potential to improve productivity and generate real-time insights. Given the pace at which AI is advancing in capability, I expect leading organizations will be strongly utilizing GenAI throughout 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>AI USE CASES: GOING BEYOND AUTOMATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The early adopters are now going beyond automation and leveraging AI for predictive analytics, scenario planning, and strategic decision support.<br>\u201c<em>Businesses higher up the planning maturity scale will augment planning with AI tools to refine forecasting, detect anomalies, and automate manual processes. This frees up financial teams for more strategic initiatives,<\/em>\u201d shares Wedel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even simple AI applications can drive massive efficiency gains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<em>The most important trend for enterprise planning isn\u2019t flashy AI\u2014it\u2019s the \u2018brain-dead simple, you-don\u2019t-even-have-to-think-about-it stuff\u2019 that AI can do, like flagging errors and empowering teams through natural language processing,<\/em>\u201d notes Robert Kugel of ISG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where do the experts see the most advanced organizations farther along on the adoption curve taking AI in 2025? Wedel notes that as AI models improve, they will increasingly act as autonomous agents, making recommendations\u2014or even decisions\u2014on behalf of employees. He adds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cEmerging AI use cases include <em>agentic AI<\/em>, which can enhance customer engagement by providing personalized experiences and resolve inquiries without human intervention.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, capabilities stemming from agentic AI will be able to crunch vast amounts of data to improve efficiencies, reduce operational costs given real-time indicators, and mitigate potential risks before they become problematic. But as Kugel points out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not about features and functions; it\u2019s about customer success. The bottom line? 2025 is the year of make it real.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V3.jpg 746w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V3-480x97.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V3-215x43.jpg 215w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V3-572x115.jpg 572w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>&nbsp;<br><strong>MOVE FAST<\/strong>\u2014<strong>WITH TRANSPARENCY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite AI\u2019s obvious potential, there\u2019s one challenge organizations cannot ignore: trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cAI helps bring order to complexity, but it can\u2019t operate as a black box,\u201d says Wilson. \u201cWe need transparency\u2014an understanding of where insights come from, how the reasoning works, and how we can verify the results.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<em>The other thing is being honest. The biggest mistake is rushing into AI before you have the data suitable to support it,<\/em>\u201d warns Martin Horrocks of BASF. \u201c<em>If you build a model too soon, you risk undermining confidence in the whole initiative and could end up shooting yourself in the foot.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>THE TAKEAWAY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2025 is the year AI moves beyond the hype. But success depends on transparent, explainable AI that teams trust\u2014and use. As Wilson astutely observes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re experiencing a fundamental shift in mindset. Instead of simply generating reports for the CEO, we\u2019re now leveraging AI to conduct broad analyses that drive more informed decision-making. This represents a new approach to problem-solving\u2014one that requires a higher level of maturity and trust than ever before.\u201d<br><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" id=\"trend2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/board-ai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Try-Board-AI_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82077\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Try-Board-AI_2.jpg 746w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Try-Board-AI_2-480x97.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Try-Board-AI_2-215x43.jpg 215w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Try-Board-AI_2-572x115.jpg 572w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"trend2\"><strong>TREND 2: Predictive Forecasting Is Widening the Gap&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Forward-looking organizations are prioritizing advanced scenario planning capabilities\u2014and 2025 is poised to intensify this shift. Heightened uncertainty surrounding external (uncontrollable) factors such as government policies or potential new tariffs affecting global trade and supply chains underscore the need for greater agility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Principal Economist Natalie Gallagher notes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;With the US Department of Health and Human Services urging food companies and CPGs to address artificial dyes, companies need to consider how to adapt quickly. This could involve being prepared to secure new suppliers, reformulate products, and evaluate logistics. In a dynamic and uncertain market, businesses benefit from continuously modeling various scenarios to manage pricing and inventory effectively.&#8221;<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\t<section class=\"block block--spc columns-block wp-block-acf-testimonial-single\" id=\"block_4da3d364a74df70d77495c0d6dff272c\"\t\tclass=\"\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"card card--testimonial\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-info-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Natalie-Gallagher-214x203.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"testimonial-name\">Natalie Gallagher<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-job-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"testimonial-role\">Principal Economist<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"testimonial-company\">Board<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-quote\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-quote__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>2025 is about fundamentally elevating the sophistication of your organization\u2019s planning processes. That means integrating AI, advanced analytics, and machine learning directly into your planning processes.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Having the capability to quickly model, plan, and act with confidence will likely amplify the divide. Organizations that embrace external data and scenario planning will pull ahead\u2014while those relying solely on internal data risk falling behind,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<em>Predictive analytics are practically useless if they are only based on internal data<\/em>,\u201d emphasizes Kugel. \u201c<em>If you don\u2019t factor in external market signals that tell you what\u2019s going on in the economy at large you\u2019re not seeing the full picture. Simply relying on internal data is just fancy extrapolation.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>WHY SCENARIO PLANNING MATTERS MORE THAN EVER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Economic uncertainty is making agility the defining competitive advantage. Businesses need to model multiple outcomes and adjust strategies accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<em>What happens if tariffs rise to 10%? Or 20%? How does that impact your supply chain and pricing?<\/em>\u201d asks Natalie Gallagher, Board. \u201c<em>Having the answers ahead of time gives you the ability to pivot operational strategies without hesitation.<\/em>\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Incorporating external variables into scenario modeling is essential for accurately predicting business performance. Factors such as market and industry trends, economic indicators, and competitive dynamics provide a radically broader context that internal data alone can\u2019t capture. Wedel adds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cOrganizations that focus on their internal structured data first are often missing a huge opportunity. In our experience, the biggest gains in reducing forecast error come when external and\/or unstructured data is added to the mix. External data is often available pre-cleansed. Sure, it&#8217;s important to have quality internal data, but it should not be the showstopper.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>By integrating both sides of the equation, businesses can create more realistic and agile forecasts, better anticipate disruptions, and make confident decisions to stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment. And AI can help make sense of the vast data sets, as Gallagher notes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cInstead of manually sifting through millions of data points, AI can surface the most relevant external factors and generate theoretical forecasts.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\t<section class=\"block block--spc columns-block wp-block-acf-testimonial-single\" id=\"block_9f8218852dc0650592c45f2db93c9bed\"\t\tclass=\"\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"card card--testimonial\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-info-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1729503505228-1-214x203.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"testimonial-name\">Charles Wilson<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-job-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"testimonial-role\">Thought Leader, Analytics, AI, EPM<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"testimonial-company\">Wipro Limited<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-quote\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-quote__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When I started in finance, I spent most my time writing Excel formulas, cleaning data, and figuring out how to have meaningful conversations. With GenAI, I can now take a picture of a spreadsheet or an unstructured PDF, drop it into a tool, and run an analysis. This changes everything!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TAMING THE PRODUCTION PENDULUM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the year that predictive forecasting models will become even more prevalent as companies navigate the complexities of supply and demand with greater accuracy. Yet, forecasting is an imperfect science by nature\u2014and humans rarely, if ever, get it 100% right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, many organizations swing between under-forecasting one year (leading to lost sales, dissatisfied customers, and increased churn) and over-forecasting&nbsp;the next (tying up available capital in excess inventory and triggering concerns of inefficiency from the board and investors). A vicious (and costly) cycle!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<em>Striking the right balance is part art and part science,<\/em>\u201d explains Martin Horrocks. \u201c<em>Using the models we\u2019ve built helps reduce these pendulum swings and makes forecasting more accurate across cycles.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AI can help stabilize this. Horrocks continues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cAI takes human emotion out of the equation and helps us gain new perspectives. We\u2019ll still see forecasting swings, but AI can reduce their amplitude on these patterns\u2014so companies face fewer penalties in lost sales or excess inventory.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>BEWARE THE BIAS OF PERSONAL DISBELIF<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Forecasting economic trends is never simple, but the greatest challenge might not be coming from the data\u2014it could be overcoming the bias of objectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<em>As humans, we get wrapped up in our personal perspectives,<\/em>\u201d shares Gallagher. \u201c<em>We say things like \u2018that can\u2019t be right\u2019 as we miss important details or discount ideas.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Success hinges on having the right infrastructure for real-time data integration, a single source of truth, and continuously updated insights. Done right, these practices ensure accurate, explainable, and defensible forecasts. Gallagher adds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cIf an organization uses data to challenge its perspective\u2014or even rely on the data to inform subjective analysis\u2014it\u2019s going to achieve better results, even if that\u2019s just in the form of increased explainability.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>THE TAKEAWAY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The forecasting leaders of 2025 will be those that integrate external data, run continuous scenario modeling, and use AI to cut through complexity. Horrocks summarizes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cWe tell ourselves agriculture is difficult to forecast because of weather and commodity prices. But I\u2019ve seen the fantastic work we\u2019ve done looking at statistical forecast modeling and using machine learning to take the emotion out of those decisions. People are skeptical about whether it could work, but I think for the first time we have provable models\u2014maybe not for the entirety of our portfolio\u2014but definitely for large portions of it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/product\/foresight\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/product\/foresight noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Board-Scenario-Planning_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Board-Scenario-Planning_2.jpg 746w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Board-Scenario-Planning_2-480x97.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Board-Scenario-Planning_2-215x43.jpg 215w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Board-Scenario-Planning_2-572x115.jpg 572w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\t<section class=\"block block--spc columns-block wp-block-acf-testimonial-single\" id=\"block_d62a912950fcbc7417cb34e4b54893e8\"\t\tclass=\"\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"card card--testimonial\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-info-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Glen-Wedel.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"testimonial-name\">Glen Wedel<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-job-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"testimonial-role\">EPM Solution Leader<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"testimonial-company\">EY<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-quote\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"testimonial-quote__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>With a full view of customer preferences and behaviors, businesses can tailor their products and services to meet customer needs better, optimize inventory, and reduce waste. EPM tools help simulate different market scenarios, ensuring companies are prepared for various outcomes and can make informed decisions.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" id=\"trend3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-1.jpg 746w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-1-480x97.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-1-215x43.jpg 215w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-1-572x115.jpg 572w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>TREND 3: Change Happens Fast\u2014Don\u2019t Leave People Behind&nbsp; <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finance, operations, and supply chain leaders are under serious pressure to deliver faster insights, manage complexity, and quickly pivot in a landscape where change is constant. But success isn\u2019t necessarily about having the best tools and technology; it\u2019s about bringing people together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as AI and automation reshape enterprise planning, organizations must bring teams along for the journey\u2014aligning to a shared vision, promoting continuous collaboration, and empowering people to do what they do best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<em>If you don\u2019t have buy-in, you can have the best forecast in the world\u2014and no one will use it,<\/em>\u201d warns Gallagher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2018SHOW, DON\u2019T TELL\u2019 BUILDS TRUST IN AI INITIATIVES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting people to trust AI-generated forecasts takes time. Horrocks recommends letting the work speak for itself to successfully bring colleagues along in the journey:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cAt first, no one trusted the AI-generated model in our supply chain meetings. But over time, as the AI model kept outperforming manual forecasts, people started paying attention. Sometimes, it\u2019s better to just let the results speak for themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FOSTERING CROSS-DEPARTMENT, CONTINUOUS COLLABORATION&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AI is breaking down traditional silos, making planning more of a company-wide process rather than just a key function of the finance department.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cBreaking down organizational silos and fostering enterprise-wide collaboration has long been a challenge\u2014largely due to the limitations of tools like Excel and email,\u201d says Wilson. <\/em>He adds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Now, planning is no longer just a financial exercise; it\u2019s about seeing the bigger picture. HR, for example, can seamlessly collaborate with finance while also leveraging the same tools to gain critical insights\u2014such as understanding workforce skills or measuring employee satisfaction. And this extends across all departments, enabling a more connected and strategic approach to decision-making.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>THE TAKEAWAY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most advanced planning systems won\u2019t succeed without human adoption. And 2025 places a premium on the need for organizations to actively build trust, foster collaboration, and promote a culture of continuous learning. This will allow their teams to focus on higher value work, and transform their planning processes into continuous, predictive planning, so they can respond to operational disruptions and regulatory shifts quickly\u2014even before they impact the bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Robert Kugel points out\u2014bringing people along from a change management perspective starts at the top:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cIn the midst of increased global turmoil or evolving regulatory challenges, we need to ask ourselves&nbsp;<em>how do I get my staff to adapt to new technology<\/em>? And I would say tone at the top is essential to building trust across teams and departments\u2014that we\u2019re all in this together\u2014and we\u2019re going to find new ways of accomplishing great results.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" id=\"conclusion\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-1.jpg 746w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-1-480x97.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-1-215x43.jpg 215w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-1-572x115.jpg 572w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion: The Businesses That Plan Beyond<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We can see that 2025 will be a defining year for enterprise planning. Those who embrace AI, refine forecasting, and foster collaboration position themselves to finish the year in a better spot than their competitors. Those that don\u2019t risk getting left behind in an environment that continues to perpetually evolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AI is moving from hype to reality, scenario planning is no longer a luxury, and success depends on people embracing change as much as (if not more than) the technology itself. But these shifts are not just about adopting new tools or solutions; they are core to how businesses now need to think, plan, and act. Tomorrow\u2019s leaders will be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Embedding AI into everyday decision-making:<\/strong> No longer a buzzword or a \u2018nice to have,\u2019 AI positions itself as an intelligent partner that enriches strategic planning and execution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Broadening their forecasting lens:<\/strong> Only through combining internal and external data can businesses navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Breaking down silos in the enterprise:<\/strong> A connected organization, where finance, operations, and strategic teams work together as one, is one that moves forward with clarity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At Board, we\u2019ve seen firsthand how businesses that plan beyond conventional methods are driving better decisions, stronger performance, and long-term resilience. There\u2019s a new chapter in enterprise planning that not only looks to better predict the future\u2014it looks to reshape it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beyond.board.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"746\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x746_Board-Beyond-2025-copy.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x746_Board-Beyond-2025-copy.jpg 746w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x746_Board-Beyond-2025-copy-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x746_Board-Beyond-2025-copy-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x746_Board-Beyond-2025-copy-203x203.jpg 203w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x746_Board-Beyond-2025-copy-572x572.jpg 572w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\" id=\"contributors\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-82151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1.jpg 746w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-480x97.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-215x43.jpg 215w, https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/746x150_Corporate-background_V1-572x115.jpg 572w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contributing Experts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Natalie Gallagher<\/strong> | <strong>Principal Economist, Board<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Natalie Gallagher leads macroeconomic research efforts and provides in-depth analysis and forecasting to support strategic decision-making for Board\u2019s customers. Through specialized industry research in areas like Retail, Food and Beverage, and Manufacturing, she leads a team of economists in uncovering key trends and insights that help leading companies navigate complex market dynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Martin Horrocks<\/strong> | <strong>Vice President Global Commercial Excellence, BASF<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Martin Horrocks is a seasoned business executive with deep expertise in the chemical, coatings, polymer, and agricultural markets. With extensive leadership experience across complex multinational organizations, he has successfully managed full P&amp;L responsibilities while driving operational and strategic growth. His career spans leadership roles in both specialty markets and more commoditized segments, demonstrating his versatility in navigating diverse business landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Robert Kugel<\/strong> | <strong>Executive Director, Information Services Group<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Robert Kugel leads&nbsp;and&nbsp;manages the&nbsp;business&nbsp;software&nbsp;research&nbsp;and advisory&nbsp;team&nbsp;focusing on the intersection of information technology&nbsp;and applications&nbsp;across front and&nbsp;back-office&nbsp;areas of enterprises.&nbsp;He leads the Office of Finance practice and&nbsp;the AI for Business&nbsp;efforts&nbsp;and&nbsp;is a book author&nbsp;and thought leader on&nbsp;integrated business planning&nbsp;(IBP).&nbsp;Before&nbsp;ISG and two decades at&nbsp;Ventana Research,&nbsp;he was an equity research analyst at several firms including Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, and Drexel Burnham, and a consultant with McKinsey and Company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Charles Wilson<\/strong> | <strong>Thought Leader, Analytics, AI, EPM at Wipro Limited<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Charles Wilson is a seasoned executive with 25 years of expertise in business process analysis, risk assessment, and enterprise-wide solution implementation. Specializing in financial modeling and operations, he has a proven track record of driving efficiency, optimizing performance, and executing strategic growth initiatives. His extensive industry experience spans Banking, Insurance, Capital Markets, Manufacturing, Distribution, Retail, Consumer Electronics, Healthcare, Life Sciences, CPG, Grocery\/Food, and Higher Education\u2014positioning him as a versatile leader adept at delivering results across diverse sectors.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Glen Wedel<\/strong> | <strong>EPM Solution Leader, EY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Glen Wedel is a results-driven leader with over 20 years of experience in transforming businesses and improving performance. Recognized for his expertise in finance, analytics, and operational strategy, he has been a sought-after speaker at conferences across North America, covering topics such as the evolution of the finance function, outsourcing, shared services, and driver-based planning. His insights have also been featured in leading business publications. A builder at heart, Glen has played a key role in growing consulting practices at Ernst &amp; Young, KPMG, and Bluespark, contributing to business development, marketing, recruitment, project execution, and overall practice management.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-lg-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"desktop-sticky-column\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"in-page-nav in-page-nav--desk d-none d-lg-block anchor-list\">\n\t\t<ul class=\"list-unstyled\">\n\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"anchor-list__item\">On this page:<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t<li><a href=\"#introduction\" class=\"anchor-list__item\">On the Horizon<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#trend1\" class=\"anchor-list__item\">TREND 1: AI Leads the Way<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#trend2\" class=\"anchor-list__item\">TREND 2: Predictive Forecasting Is Widening the Gap<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#trend3\" class=\"anchor-list__item\">TREND 3: Change Happens Fast\u2014Don\u2019t Leave People Behind<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#conclusion\" class=\"anchor-list__item\">Conclusion: The Businesses That Plan Beyond<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#contributors\" class=\"anchor-list__item\">Contributing Experts<\/a><\/li>\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-none d-lg-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"d-lg-none\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\t<section id=\"block_89f5d7790c5231ff34f27b75ad27fb4a-7\" class=\"block block--spc columns-block spacing-md footer-cta bg-violet-700\">\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pre-footersvg.svg\" class=\"shape-bg-image shape-bg-image-left\" alt=\"Background image shape - left\" height=\"510\" width=\"930\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"overlay-gradient\"><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"container position-relative columns-70-30\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"columns-block-row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"column-content \">\n\t\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let&#8217;s see what Board can do for you.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Get a tour of the Enterprise Planning Platform in action.<\/p>\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t<div class=\"column-content \">\n\t\t\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.board.com\/request-demo\" class=\"btn-link btn-link--white\"  target=\"\"\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span>Talk to an expert<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\t","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":81999,"template":"","guide-category":[],"class_list":["post-81998","guide","type-guide","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>2025 Trends in Enterprise Planning | Board<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get a detailed look at the business 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