# EY Transforms Financial Planning with IBM Apptio for Growth

> By adopting IBM Apptio, EY is not just improving internal processes but also setting a standard for client engagements in financial planning and resource management. This transformation exemplifies how technology can drive enterprise-wide efficiency and insight.

**Source**: ey.com | **Published**: 2026-11-13 | **Type**: case_study

## Key Facts

- EY's shift from Excel to IBM Apptio reflects a need for scalable planning, crucial for growth.
- The establishment of the Enterprise Business Office indicates a strategic move towards unified operations.
- Improved visibility into spend data enhances resource allocation, impacting financial performance positively.
- Fragmented processes revealed vulnerabilities; a holistic approach may strengthen competitive positioning.
- Lessons learned from internal transformation can inform client strategies, enhancing EY's market relevance.

## Summary

\## Summary
EY faced challenges in managing planning and budgeting across its global organization due to fragmented processes and reliance on spreadsheets. To address this, they implemented IBM Apptio in 2019, which improved visibility into spend data and streamlined planning. This initiative evolved into an enterprise transformation, enhancing internal performance and providing valuable insights for future client engagements.

\## Background
EY is a large global organization providing professional services, including accounting and consulting. Before the deployment of IBM Apptio, the company struggled with inconsistent planning and budgeting processes across various locations and business functions. This complexity hindered their ability to gain a unified view of costs, budgets, and technology investments.

\## Challenge
The specific problem EY aimed to solve was the inefficiency and lack of clarity in their planning processes, which were heavily reliant on spreadsheets. As the organization expanded, the limitations of this approach became increasingly apparent, prompting the need for a more robust solution.

\## Solution
EY's Technology team began using IBM Apptio in 2019 to enhance technology planning and investment management. The initial implementation focused on improving visibility into spending data and streamlining planning and reporting. In 2024, with the establishment of the Enterprise Business Office, EY expanded the initiative to encompass an enterprise transformation, reshaping processes, governance, and roles across the organization.

\## Results
The implementation of IBM Apptio led to improved visibility into spending and streamlined planning processes. The shift from fragmented approaches to a unified enterprise model not only enhanced internal performance but also provided practical lessons for similar client journeys.

\## Key Insights
Organizations facing similar challenges should consider adopting integrated technology solutions to improve visibility and streamline processes. A holistic approach to transformation can yield significant benefits and insights that can be applied to client engagements.

\## Customer Testimonial
“We realized inside of Technology that we were too big to continue to do all of the planning that we were doing in the firm in Excel.” — Rebecca Jones, EY Enterprise Business Office

## Entities

- **Companies**: EY, IBM
- **Products**: IBM Apptio
- **People**: Rebecca Jones

## Key Concepts

Client Zero model, technology planning, investment management, enterprise transformation, data visibility, budgeting processes, resource allocation, governance

## Definitions

- **Client Zero model**: A model where an organization tests and implements solutions internally before offering them to clients.
- **IBM Apptio**: A technology platform used for IT financial management and investment planning.
- **Enterprise Business Office**: A centralized unit within an organization that oversees multiple functions to improve efficiency and governance.
- **data visibility**: The ability to access and understand data clearly to inform decision-making.
- **enterprise transformation**: A comprehensive change initiative aimed at improving an organization's overall performance and processes.

## Use Cases

- Improving planning processes
- Streamlining budgeting and reporting
- Enhancing visibility into spend data
- Reshaping governance and roles
- Testing technology solutions at scale

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is the purpose of the Client Zero model?**

The Client Zero model allows organizations to test solutions internally before deploying them to clients. This approach helps in refining processes and ensuring effectiveness.

**How does IBM Apptio support EY's operations?**

IBM Apptio supports EY by providing a platform for technology planning and investment management, which enhances data visibility and streamlines budgeting processes.

**What challenges did EY face before implementing IBM Apptio?**

EY faced challenges with fragmented processes and reliance on spreadsheets for budgeting, which limited their ability to manage planning effectively across the organization.

**What was the outcome of establishing the Enterprise Business Office?**

The establishment of the Enterprise Business Office allowed EY to bring multiple functions together under a common operating model, facilitating broader application of lessons learned from initial technology initiatives.

**Why is reliable data important for EY's planning?**

Reliable data is crucial for EY's planning as it provides leaders with a clearer view of costs and budgets, enabling more confident resource allocation and alignment of spending with business priorities.

## Links

- [Read on Welcome.AI](https://welcome.ai/content/ey-transforms-financial-planning-with-ibm-apptio-for-growth)
- [Original source](https://www.ey.com/en_gl/alliances/how-ey-teams-built-a-client-zero-model-with-ibm-apptio)

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Source: Welcome.AI | https://welcome.ai/content/ey-transforms-financial-planning-with-ibm-apptio-for-growth