Connect with us

Technology

AI ADOPTION IN FP&A SAVES PROFESSIONALS UP TO 200 HOURS AND £100,000 ANNUALLY

Published

on

AI Revolution in FP&A is Set to Offer One of the Most Impactful Transformations in Finance

LONDON, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ICit Business Intelligence, a leading Workday Adaptive Planning Solution Provider, has today released new research showing that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) will reshape the future of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), empowering finance professionals to become more trusted, strategic partners to their organisations. According to the latest ICit-commissioned report: Harnessing AI for enhanced Financial Planning & Analysis, FP&A teams are already experiencing substantial financial and time-saving benefits by utilising AI.

AI’s potential for savings and efficiency gains is transforming the role of teams

The independent study*, conducted with 300 UK FP&A professionals, revealed that 85% of organisations are already using AI-powered FP&A software. Two thirds (66%) of finance professionals reported that AI is set to save between 50 and 200 hours of work annually, enabling them to focus on more value-added activities like strategic planning. From a cost saving point of view, these same companies are seeing financial savings of £50,000–£100,000 annually due to AI-powered FP&A software.

According to ICit’s Director, Mark Bodger, “AI’s ability to streamline complex data processes and deliver real-time insights allows finance teams to step into more strategic roles, enabling them to focus on strategic decision-making rather than manual tasks.”

AI is Elevating FP&A Teams into Strategic Leaders

As AI increasingly becomes a standard in financial operations, finance teams are evolving beyond their traditional roles of managing budgets and forecasts. With AI’s ability to analyse vast datasets and predict future trends, FP&A professionals are moving closer to the heart of business strategy, offering critical guidance to senior leadership. ICit’s report highlighted the importance of AI in helping finance teams become strategic advisors, with 59% of respondents to the study noting that AI enhances financial decision-making through more accurate forecasts and real-time scenario analysis. AI adoption is also boosting trust in finance teams, with 67% of finance professionals citing AI’s critical role in providing senior executives with reliable, data-driven insights.

Bodger continued: “AI is enabling faster, more precise forecasting and insights, allowing finance teams to make better decisions and drive business success.”

AI as a Driver of Trust and Competitiveness

The ICit study also showed that AI is becoming essential for finance teams looking to build greater trust with their C-suite executives. Over two-thirds (67%) of finance professionals believe AI will play a pivotal role in establishing confidence in their insights and decisions. As AI evolves, finance teams will be able to quickly adapt to market changes, reducing errors and providing more accurate financial forecasts.

Tim Wakeford, Vice President, Financial Product Strategy, Workday commented: “From tackling manual work to responding to economic instability, the challenges finance professionals face are diverse and growing. In the AI-era, a lack of agility will see slow movers quickly fall behind. The main barrier to achieving this, however, is trust – which is why finance leaders need to seize the opportunity and take action. Leaders must also advocate for AI, cultivate a responsible culture and showcase how it overcomes the daily challenges finance teams face. This isn’t always easy – it may call for tough choices on budgets, or receive initial push back from other leaders. However, with the right steps, a more productive, strategic and high-performing finance department is in reach.”

Mark Bodger concluded: “There is no doubt that AI is giving companies a competitive edge and our latest research indicates that organisations adopting AI in FP&A are outperforming their peers in operational efficiency, cost management, and strategic execution. As a result, these companies are better positioned to navigate financial uncertainty and seize new opportunities.”

*The findings presented in this report are based on a study of 300 UK financial decision-makers, commissioned by ICit. The survey focused on AI/ML adoption in FP&A software between 9th-14th August, 2024.

About ICit Business Intelligence:

ICit is a leading provider of managed services and FP&A software solutions, specialising in Workday Adaptive Planning. We help finance teams leverage advanced technologies like AI and ML to drive performance, improve decision-making, and enhance strategic leadership.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ai-adoption-in-fpa-saves-professionals-up-to-200-hours-and-100-000-annually-302297384.html

Continue Reading

Technology

LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

Published

on

By

Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

Continue Reading

Technology

STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

Continue Reading

Technology

Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

Published

on

By

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending