Reducing EPM Implementation Risks with Expert Consultants

Enterprise Performance Management implementations carry inherent risks that can derail even well-funded projects. From scope creep to inadequate change management, the path from vendor selection to successful deployment is littered with potential obstacles. Understanding these risks-and knowing how to mitigate them-is essential for finance leaders embarking on an EPM journey.

The statistics are sobering. Industry research consistently shows that a significant proportion of EPM implementations fail to deliver their promised benefits. Some never reach completion at all. Yet organisations continue to invest in these platforms because, when implemented correctly, the returns are substantial.

Common Implementation Pitfalls

The most frequent cause of EPM implementation failure isn't technology-it's people and process. Organisations often underestimate the change management required to shift from spreadsheet-based planning to a centralised platform. Users accustomed to their personal Excel models resist adoption, and without proper training and engagement, the new system becomes an expensive repository that nobody trusts.

Scope creep presents another persistent challenge. What begins as a focused financial planning implementation gradually expands to encompass workforce planning, sales forecasting, and operational budgeting. Each addition seems logical in isolation, but collectively they transform a manageable project into an unwieldy programme that exceeds both timeline and budget.

Data quality issues frequently surface mid-implementation, causing delays and rework. The assumption that source systems contain clean, consistent data rarely survives contact with reality. Master data discrepancies, historical gaps, and integration complexities all demand attention that wasn't factored into original project plans.

The Value of Experienced Guidance

Expert EPM consultants bring pattern recognition that internal teams simply cannot possess. Having navigated dozens of implementations across different industries and platforms, they recognise warning signs early and know which battles are worth fighting.

This experience translates into practical benefits. Consultants can accurately scope projects based on comparable engagements, reducing the risk of unrealistic timelines. They understand which platform capabilities deliver genuine value versus those that sound impressive in demonstrations but rarely get used in practice.

Perhaps most importantly, experienced consultants know how to sequence implementation phases for maximum impact. Quick wins build organisational momentum and executive confidence, creating the political capital needed to tackle more challenging aspects of the transformation.

Platform-Agnostic Expertise

The EPM market offers multiple capable platforms: Anaplan, Pigment, Planful, IBM Planning Analytics, and others each have their strengths. Consultants who work across these platforms can provide genuinely unbiased recommendations based on your specific requirements rather than their commercial relationships.

This objectivity matters because platform selection has long-term implications. The right choice depends on factors including your technical environment, user sophistication, budget constraints, and strategic priorities. A consultant wedded to a single platform cannot provide the balanced assessment that such a significant decision deserves.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Effective risk mitigation begins before implementation starts. A thorough discovery phase identifies potential obstacles and allows for realistic planning. This investment in upfront analysis consistently pays dividends through smoother execution.

Phased delivery reduces risk by limiting the scope of any single release. Rather than attempting a comprehensive transformation in one deployment, breaking the programme into manageable phases allows for learning and adjustment. Each phase builds capability while generating feedback that improves subsequent releases.

Strong governance provides the framework for managing inevitable challenges. Clear decision-making authority, regular steering committee engagement, and transparent progress reporting create accountability and enable rapid response when issues arise.

Building Internal Capability

The most successful implementations don't just deliver a working system-they build lasting internal capability. Knowledge transfer throughout the project ensures that your team can maintain and enhance the platform after consultants depart.

This transfer requires deliberate effort. Joint development sessions, comprehensive documentation, and hands-on training all contribute to building the expertise your organisation needs for long-term success. Consultants who prioritise this transfer demonstrate commitment to your success rather than ongoing dependency.

Choosing the Right Partner

Not all EPM consultants are equal. When evaluating potential partners, look beyond certifications to examine actual implementation experience. Ask for references from comparable organisations and speak candidly with those references about both successes and challenges.

Consider cultural fit alongside technical capability. Implementation projects involve intensive collaboration over extended periods. Partners who align with your organisation's values and working style will integrate more effectively with your teams.

Finally, assess the consultant's approach to knowledge transfer. Partners genuinely invested in your success will have structured methodologies for building your internal capability rather than creating ongoing dependency.