What is Modern Planning?

Daniel: “Modern Planning aims to provide companies with a more driver- and simulation-based planning approach so they can better understand and prepare for the different scenarios they may encounter. Modern Planning is a more collaborative and integrated way of planning that focuses on strategy and goals, and how this translates into operational targets. This approach is more top-down driven and aims to reduce negotiation rounds and provide better linkage between long-term strategy, mid-term plans and next year’s budget. With that, the plan should be finished quicker, and the company is better able to adapt the plan when circumstances change”

Why is it important to companies?

Daniel: “The pandemic situation and the increased volatility of the markets that went along with it created a necessity for faster and more flexible planning methods. Traditional bottom-up budgeting processes prove to be too time consuming and often, by the time they are finalized those budgets are based upon outdated market demand expectations. The lack of planning accuracy and quality makes companies rethink their planning processes. Why spend many months on creating a financial plan that no one can relate to anymore once it has been finalized?”

How do you implement it?

Daniel: “First and foremost you need the right CPM technology that supports the concepts behind Modern Planning and collects, processes and reports plan data in a streamlined and efficient way. With this in hand, you can create planning processes that consider macro and microeconomic assumptions and are built upon driver models that simulate the value creation process of an organization, with non-financial drivers such as volume, efficiency and intensity leading to the financial outcomes associated with that. As a consequence, our clients can focus more on planning and simulating strategic initiatives which are closing the gaps to their future financial ambitions. Once these targets are set, so-called planning corridors (materiality thresholds) can be established to help distributing these targets down to lowest organizational elements, enabling the planners to focus on those income and cost components that are the most relevant for the company’s financial health. From here it is also possible to make the step towards cash flow and balance sheet planning, giving companies the ability to identify liquidity risks and corresponding needs early on.”

What is your general advice to clients who want to embark on a Modern Planning project?

Daniel: “Do not underestimate the change management needed for the organization to adapt to Modern Planning! While conversations with clients generally are about business requirements, process enhancements and technological impacts, the degree at which the people in the organization can digest those changes requires careful attention as well. We support our clients in gradually introducing change, creating an evolutionary journey rather than a single overwhelming, indigestible sprint. Such journey leads to higher acceptance and success of the Modern Planning initiative and allows our clients to establish a strong Center of Excellence around the topic.”