Written by Heather Cole, March 25th 2025
Are You Stuck in an Endless Cycle of Inefficiency?
If your organization is battling outdated processes, manual workflows, and forecasting headaches, you’re not alone. Many companies struggle to keep pace with the rapid changes in global markets, tariffs, tax regulations, and supply chain disruptions.
But what if you could break free from the chaos and build a forecasting system that practically runs itself?
IBM did just that—and the results were nothing short of transformative.
The Game-Changing Approach That Revolutionized IBM’s Finance Operations
IBM adopted what they call the Flywheel Approach to completely overhaul their forecasting, budgeting, and operational processes. By applying their own IBM Planning Analytics technology internally, they unlocked a powerful cycle of productivity, innovation, and growth.
The results?
30% productivity improvement across all operations Over $3.5 billion in savings due to increased efficiency Finance-specific productivity gains of over 40% Freed-up resources that increased IBM’s R&D investments by greater than 50%
If you’re wondering how they achieved these incredible results—the answer lies in their Flywheel Approach.
What is the Flywheel Approach?
Imagine a cycle that builds momentum with every turn, generating continuous improvement in your forecasting process. The Flywheel Approach creates a self-reinforcing loop of efficiency, insight, and innovation.
Here’s how it works:
- Client Zero Strategy: IBM started by testing their own solutions on themselves. They became their own first customer, applying IBM Planning Analytics to their internal finance processes. This enabled them to identify weaknesses and refine the technology to deliver even greater value.
- Driving Productivity: With improved workflows powered by automation and AI, IBM eliminated manual handoffs, reduced data silos, and improved data accuracy. This drastically reduced time spent on data wrangling, freeing finance teams to focus on strategic insights.
- Freeing Up Capital and Talent: By automating repetitive tasks and improving operational efficiency, IBM reduced labor costs and IT expenses. The freed-up resources were redirected into new innovations that further enhanced the cycle.
- Innovation and Growth: With more resources available, IBM increased R&D investments by greater than 50%, expanding their software capabilities and improving their tools. This innovation loop continued to feed back into their internal operations, improving processes even further.
Why This Approach is a Game-Changer for Businesses Like Yours
If you’ve ever felt trapped in a never-ending cycle of:
Constantly fixing broken forecasts Wrestling with manual data entry and unreliable spreadsheets Spending more time assembling reports than analyzing them
...then the Flywheel Approach may be your answer.
Here’s what adopting this strategy can unlock for your organization:
Increased Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks, eliminate manual handoffs, and improve forecasting accuracy. Improved Forecasting: Align your data with standardized metrics for a clear, trustworthy picture of performance. Stronger Collaboration: Break down silos by aligning finance, IT, and data teams with shared insights and streamlined workflows. More Strategic Focus: Free your finance team to focus on guiding the business with actionable insights rather than chasing data.
But Here’s the Real Question...
What’s it costing you to stay stuck in outdated processes?
Every day spent relying on inefficient workflows drains time, talent, and money that could be fueling growth. Just like IBM, you have the opportunity to disrupt the cycle and embrace forecasting that empowers faster, smarter decisions.
Are you ready to take that step?
Discover How IBM Finance Achieved These Results!
On Thursday, April 24th 2025 at 1:00 PM Eastern, members of IBM Finance revealed the exact steps they took to unlock massive productivity gains with touchless forecasting powered by IBM Planning Analytics.
In this exclusive webinar Touchless Forecasting: How IBM Finance Achieved Significant Productivity Gains Implementing IBM Planning Analytics, you'll learn:
- How IBM’s Flywheel Approach transformed their finance function
- How AI and automation revolutionized their forecasting process
- How to identify opportunities for productivity gains in your own organization
Get the replay Now. https://www.fpa-future.com/touchless-forecasting
Don’t let fear of change keep you stuck in inefficient processes. Take the first step toward transforming your business today.
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