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Understanding the 2026 CPM Technology Value Matrix

Nucleus Research recently released its much-anticipated 2026 Corporate Performance Management (CPM) Technology Value Matrix, marking a significant shift in how organizations evaluate these technologies. Gone are the days when the breadth of features dominated the conversation; the focus is now on the actual value that these technologies deliver through effective finance ownership, robust governance, and impressive scalability.

In 2026, organizations seek comprehensive financial planning and analysis (FP&A) capabilities as the baseline expectation.; differentiation now lies in the ability of finance teams to manage their models, hierarchies, and workflows independently of IT support. The growing need for collaboration without falling into the labyrinth of spreadsheet sprawl reflects a change in mindset among CPM customers. They increasingly prioritize user-friendly, governed interactions that reinforce familiarity with Excel, role-based approvals, and controlled write-backs to ensure accuracy and auditability.Kennedy underscores that "CPM buyers are no longer optimizing for the first implementation" — their gaze is now set firmly on minimizing the ongoing costs associated with change while keeping financial departments firmly in control of their models and operational processes.

Another trend that emerges from this year’s report is the practical adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in CPMs. AI is no longer a mere buzzword; its integration into forecasting processes, anomaly detection, and variance analysis is now more measured and effective. Rather than replacing human judgment, AI tools are primarily easing the manual workload. This is particularly evident with generative capabilities, which shine in narrative reporting, natural language queries, and guided analyses, provided they are rooted within well-governed workflows. The value is maximized where AI is intricately linked with finance-owned models, enabling teams to act quickly without incurring unnecessary risks.

The concept of usability has also evolved dramatically. In 2026, it’s defined by sustained participation alongside a reduced cost of change. Platforms now integrate capabilities centered around user-friendly, spreadsheet-like experiences, interactive grids, and dashboard-driven inputs, all designed to streamline input from non-financial participants. Additionally, the rise of no-code and low-code configuration tools has empowered finance teams to frequently refine models and workflows without needing external assistance. This agility allows for shorter planning cycle resets, encourages regular forecasting, and ensures that governance remains intact as participation increases.

As the CPM landscape continues to expand to encompass additional functions like consolidation and adjacent workflows, customers are witnessing a noticeable return on their investments. This manifests in reduced tool fragmentation, accelerated operational cycles, and a stronger synergy between financial strategies and business dynamics.

The leaders in the 2026 Value Matrix have exhibited excellence in both functionality and usability. They offer robust solutions that not only provide a high return on investment but also support expansive adoption across organizations. Notable leaders this year include Board, Infor EPM, Oracle EPM, Prophix, Vena Solutions, and Wolters Kluwer CCH Tagetik.

In addition to these leaders, specialized vendors like Anaplan, insightsoftware, Jedox, OneStream, SAP Analytics Cloud, and Workday Adaptive Planning bring deeper, specialized functionalities tailored for complex needs. Meanwhile, a selection of Accelerators, such as Acterys, LucaNet, Pigment, Planful, Sage, and Unit4 FPA, prioritize usability and simplified deployment, allowing organizations to adopt solutions efficiently without excessive complications.

For companies with basic needs, Core Providers offer essential functionalities essential for dependable CPM processes. Among these providers are Centage, Limelight, Solver, Strata Decision, Syft Analytics, and Una Software.

To access the complete 2026 CPM Technology Value Matrix, follow the link to download.

About Nucleus Research

Nucleus Research stands as a global authority in ROI technology research, utilizing a case-based methodology to facilitate insightful research streams and advisory services aimed at helping vendors and users alike maximize the returns from their tech investments. For further details, visit NucleusResearch.com or catch their latest updates on LinkedIn.