The World's Elite EPM & xP&A Consultants 

Enterprise Performance Management [EPM] has become a must-have for competitive organizations that seek to outperform their peers in the global marketplace. Extended Planning & Analysis [xP&A] builds on EPM principles to deliver the latest in AI-driven Analytics for enterprises that demand high returns from technology and business process investments. The evidence is clear in every industry sector; the agility, transparency, and efficiency derived from EPM  & xP&A strategies simply can't be realized by cobbling together legacy systems and protocols, approaching EPM tasks without alignment around a vision for xP&A, or without the guidance of an experienced partner who specializes in implementing EPM technology aimed at delivering an exclusive competitive advantage.

While the value of an effective Performance Management capability is undisputed, Gartner believes "…more than half the investments in Business Analytics will be wasted." This somber prediction was recently updated when Gartner stated that “…on the order of 5% of projects attempting to align operational and financial plans succeed…” – these red flags underscore the criticality of partnering decisions for companies seeking to embrace an improved performance management capability. Every company with initiatives designed to advance the maturity of their performance management process will want to ensure all potential value is realized from those investments.

Enter Column5, the world's elite consulting firm dedicated to providing visionary and pragmatic solutions leveraging  SAP Analytics technology. The company was founded in 2005, by key players from the team that made OutlookSoft an international success, with the sole goal of properly enabling high-value solutions to an elite list of global clients.

In subsequent years, the Column5 team has partnered with SAP to create tailored solutions that address performance management needs across a wide range of industries and client types. Column5 combines prepackaged solutions unique knowledge-sharing experiences, esteemed thought leadership, and an unparalleled team that is accessible worldwide to deliver creative and high-value solutions for any size client in any industry.

The Column5 Difference

The ultimate goal in any competitive business is to achieve peak performance relative to one’s peers—and in the enterprise performance management world, that means reaching "column five" in the EPM Maturity Model. Column5 is that elite stage in which the EPM process marries strategic, operational, and financial plans to enable company leadership to execute strategic goals, immediately address changes in the market, and strengthen the organization. Gartner and other software vendors label such a state of nimble business management efficiency ‘xP&A’. Our team says this advanced state is realizedColumn5 Maturity Chart when business insights are updated in near real-time for rapid and frequent analysis and on-the-go decision making. Most important, it's the point when your EPM  & xP&A effectiveness transforms into an elite competitive advantage that enables your business to stand out among competitors and investors.  Column5 recognizes that organizational change is challenging – it is our job to provide the vision, talent, and tools that make the journey up the mountain of EPM enlightenment as painless as possible.

One unique way we support clients’ journeys is via our EPM Summit Network. A base-level membership to participate in our forums is complimentary, and premium content and vital services to advance your solution’s capabilities are offered at affordable pricing.

We pride ourselves on an approachable, friendly style, and unwavering commitment to sharing our deep expertise in business process design and execution. In transitioning your organization from where it is today to achieving "column five", we start with a comprehensive understanding of your organization's culture, management style, and appetite for change. Throughout the process, we ensure that your organization gets the most from its EPM investment by transforming your process, technology, and team's capabilities into an integrated solution that delivers outstanding enterprise performance while positioning your company to achieve:

  • Prompt return on investment

  • The lowest possible total cost of ownership

  • Long-term independence