Dresner Advisory Reveals EPM's Critical Role in 2025 Market Study Results

The Growing Importance of Enterprise Performance Management in 2025

In a recent study by Dresner Advisory Services, the emphasis on Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) has surged to unprecedented levels. With nearly 89% of surveyed participants recognizing EPM as either critical, very important, or important, its relevance in organizational strategies is stronger than ever, particularly compared to previous years. This finding comes from the 2025 edition of the Wisdom of Crowds® EPM Market Study, showcasing a significant departure from trends observed in 2024, where the awareness and perceived value of EPM were notably lower.

Dresner's annual assessment not only tracks the importance of EPM but provides exhaustive insights into how organizations are utilizing EPM systems. These systems assist businesses in forecasting the impact of various internal and external factors, a critical component in optimizing future performance and achieving favorable business outcomes. The study's scope includes a thorough investigation of usage patterns, deployment intentions, software longevity, implementation successes, and sourcing strategies that surround EPM.

Increased Versatility of EPM Systems

A noteworthy revelation from the study is the expanded applicability of EPM systems beyond just the finance departments. According to John Van Decker, a distinguished analyst at Dresner Advisory, all roles within organizations are increasingly leveraging EPM tools. While finance continues to be the primary user of such software, its adoption across various functionalities underscores a growing recognition of its importance in diverse operational contexts.

Divided Opinions on AI's Impact

The study also highlighted a shift in attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) within EPM practices. About 60% of respondents expressed a favorable outlook concerning AI's influence on EPM, showcasing optimism about technological advancements. However, it is intriguing to note that 40% remain skeptical about these impacts—a reversal from the prior year's sentiment, indicating a dynamic and evolving perspective on AI’s role.

Evolving EPM Practices

John Hagerty, another distinguished analyst at Dresner, emphasized the subtle yet critical changes reshaping the EPM landscape. The increasing adoption of AI capabilities along with a gradual transition away from traditional annual budgeting methods towards rolling forecasts are emblematic of an organization-wide evolution in thought. This shift suggests that businesses are increasingly prepared to embrace innovative methodologies to enhance their EPM processes, paving the way for improved effectiveness and efficiency.

Comprehensive Vendor Analysis

The 2025 EPM Market Study further delves into the competitive landscape of EPM solutions. It reviews 15 leading suppliers in the EPM realm, applying Dresner’s proprietary 33-measure evaluation criteria. This includes detailed radar chart ratings which allow for year-over-year performance comparisons. Vendors are collectively assessed across several models, such as Value/Total Cost of Ownership, providing invaluable insights for organizations when evaluating their EPM options.

Conclusion

Dresner Advisory's Wisdom of Crowds® research initiative thrives on aggregating real-world data from users across industries, lending a voice to diverse experiences and perceptions towards EPM systems. The insights gathered not only paint a vivid picture of current trends but also help organizations strategize for future adoption and implementation of EPM technologies.

For those interested in exploring the full findings and nuances of this study, more information is available at Dresner Advisory Services.

As organizations gear up for increasingly complex challenges, EPM will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in navigating and optimizing business performance in the years to come.