Everyone talks about impact. Few can prove it.

In business planning, success too often hides behind assumptions and anecdotes. Teams feel the progress, but they struggle to show it. The result? Great work that never gets the recognition or momentum it deserves. 

That’s why every project should start with one simple question: How will we measure success? When you link every decision to a tangible business case, you don’t just improve processes, you make progress visible. You give teams proof of the value they create and stories worth sharing, inside and outside the company. 

Because real impact doesn’t whisper. It shows up in data, in results, and in the confidence to say: this is what good looks like. 

The foundation for successful business planning

Every successful project begins with a clear baseline measurement. Why? Because it creates focus. By actively measuring key KPIs at the start, such as service level, inventory turns, or cost-to-serve. We set a reference point that guides every discussion, from solution design to training and change management. 

This baseline isn’t just a snapshot; it’s the foundation for value tracking. It allows us to objectively assess progress. Ensuring that the project’s goal isn’t just to implement a tool, but to achieve tangible improvements. Like increasing service level from 98% to 99%. It’s about making impact measurable and real. 

What does baseline measurement involve? 

Baseline measurement starts with a collaborative review of the client’s business case. Together, we identify the most relevant KPIs. Often a mix of financial and operational metrics, such as forecast accuracy, inventory turns, and working capital efficiency. These KPIs are then mapped to the project’s objectives, ensuring that every improvement is tied to real business value. 

Most of the required data is already available through planning systems, but we extend our data collection to capture the full picture. Using our Data Orchestration Platform, we configure the necessary formulas and start tracking these KPIs from day one. 

From baseline to value tracking 

Once the baseline is set, the real work begins with value tracking. This means continuously reporting on the KPIs, comparing current performance to the baseline, and assessing whether targets are being met. The process is tailored to each client, reflecting their unique business case and industry context. Typical metrics include service level, forecast accuracy, inventory turns, waste reduction, and planning efficiency (see overview below). 

While financial KPIs are central to each business case, we also measure qualitative improvements (example: how much easier life becomes for planners). These are often captured through surveys at go-live and again six months or a year later. 

Beyond implementation 

For us, the true ROI of business planning isn’t just about implementing a solution. It’s about delivering measurable impact: improving service, reducing costs, and increasing asset productivity. “Impact through smarter business planning.”

We don’t shy away from accountability. If the impact isn’t realized, we’re the first to re-examine our approach and propose new solutions. We commit to the business case together with our clients, ensuring that success is shared and celebrated. 

Looking ahead 

As we continue to refine our approach, we aim to become even more proactive. Using our experience and industry benchmarks to help clients set ambitious, yet realistic, targets. Baseline measurement is just the beginning; it’s our commitment to delivering true, lasting value through smarter business planning.