Navigating crisis with confidence: The strategic power of EPM
What Is EPM?
Enterprise performance management (EPM) refers to the tools, processes, and methodologies that help organisations plan, monitor, and analyse business performance. Over the decades, EPM has evolved from manual, spreadsheet-based processes into integrated, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platforms that provide real-time insights and analytics.
In the 1970s and early 1980s, EPM was managed manually through meetings, phone calls, and basic spreadsheets. The release of Lotus 1-2-3 in 1983 marked a milestone by introducing basic automation to financial reporting and budgeting. The 1990s brought further evolution, with email transforming how financial data and reports were shared. By the 2000s, EPM had become a globally recognised enterprise solution, driven by innovations in communication, automation, and data integration.
Today, modern EPM systems like Infor™ EPM have revolutionised performance management. They provide real-time data visibility, scenario modelling, automated workflows, and seamless integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, enabling business users to make smarter, faster decisions.
EPM during times of crisis
When the 2008 global financial crisis hit, many organisations found themselves unprepared. Credit markets froze, companies struggled to maintain cash flow, and the US government stepped in with $635 billion in bailout funding. The COVID-19 pandemic mirrored this instability on a global scale, disrupting supply chains, halting operations, and forcing companies to adapt or shut down.
In both scenarios, organisations relying solely on spreadsheets and disconnected systems were at a disadvantage. Without advanced planning tools or real-time data, they were unable to respond quickly or effectively. Chief financial officers (CFOs) lacked the visibility and agility needed to model financial outcomes or plan for uncertainty.
However, companies with mature EPM systems fared much better. EPM enabled them to:
- Run “what-if” scenario modelling to simulate potential outcomes and assess financial impacts
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and cash flow in real time
- Generate accurate, automated forecasts and reports for leadership decision-making
- Align finance, operations, and strategy across departments
This ability to act swiftly based on reliable data gave EPM-enabled organisations a clear competitive advantage.
Let's review a use case of one of Infor's clients who decided to implement Infor EPM during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotel group faced five key challenges during the lockdown. The company leadership sought insight into real-time goals, scenario analysis by region and location, visual data access for finance teams, consolidated performance reporting, and the flexibility to make ongoing adjustments.
According to Kempinski Hoteliers, after migrating to Infor EPM, they were able to standardise reporting on a global scale. The strategic move was vital for business continuity at a time when accuracy and data consolidation were crucial. It allowed the company to focus on immediate needs, rallying all locations to concentrate on the basics while always maximising resource utilisation. With so much uncertainty throughout the year, Kempinski's partnership with Infor and the use of Infor EPM enabled the company to create a path to continued success.
The role of Infor EPM in 2025 and beyond
Fast-forward to 2025. Global economies are once again under pressure. Trade uncertainty, rising inflation, high interest rates, and increasing geopolitical tension have created a new wave of challenges. The US Federal Reserve has even warned of the growing risk of stagflation.
For businesses, this environment demands more than reactive decision-making. It requires a proactive, data-driven strategy. According to Nucleus Research—a global provider of ROI-focused technology insights—Infor EPM is designed to meet customer needs and is positioned as a leader during complex times.
Here’s how Infor EPM empowers organisations to navigate today’s complexities:
- Real-time scenario modelling
CFOs and finance leaders can run multiple financial scenarios—such as the impact of new tariffs or shifts in supply chain costs—within seconds. This allows organisations to model risks and opportunities in real time and make confident, informed decisions. - Business-user-driven insights
Infor EPM is built for business users, not just IT teams. Finance teams can build models, run forecasts, and analyse data without needing technical support. This self-service capability boosts agility and reduces reliance on IT resources. - Automated controls and forecast accuracy
Businesses can establish threshold rules in forecasts and budgets. For example, departments that exceed spending limits must submit justifications and get approval before proceeding. These built-in checks improve financial discipline and control. - Drill-back to source systems
With ERP integration, users can drill back into the general ledger, invoices, and transaction-level details. This helps finance leaders quickly validate numbers and understand variances without delays. - AI-powered insights with GenAI
Infor EPM leverages generative AI (GenAI) to allow users to ask natural-language questions, generate summary financial reports, and perform data analysis. This dramatically increases productivity and reduces manual effort.
EPM as a strategic imperative
The world has changed, and so has the way businesses must operate. Crises are no longer rare, once-in-a-decade events. They are happening with increasing frequency and complexity. Organisations that want to survive and thrive must shift from reactive to proactive strategy.
Infor EPM gives organisations the tools they need to:
- Monitor business health in real time
- Plan for uncertainty with scenario modelling
- Align decision-makers with accurate, up-to-date information
- Reduce operational costs and human error through automation
- Make confident strategic decisions even in high-pressure situations
Why EPM matters now more than ever
EPM has come a long way from the days of spreadsheets and manual reporting. Today, solutions like Infor EPM are essential for navigating uncertainty, managing risk, and driving performance. In times of crisis, having the ability to model outcomes, automate planning, and make data-driven decisions can mean the difference between surviving and thriving.
As we face an unpredictable future, Infor EPM offers the clarity, speed, and strategic foresight organisations need to stay resilient and competitive.