ENG: "Operation Efficiency Radar 2018": In a booming economy, controlling becomes an important lever of efficiency

Munich, February 1, 2018 – CFOs and heads of controlling expect a further economic upturn in 2018, they plan to use more efficiency levers than in previous years, while they are switching to the classic efficiency issues in production and purchasing. They focus more on the task area "controlling and finance" because they want to compensate for the inefficiencies of growth. Two-thirds see Robot Process Optimization and Artificial Intelligence as a chance for their companies. In the area of "controlling and finance", 55% see long-term benefits of using Robot Process Automation and Artifical Intelligence (second place behind the "production" with 60%); classic efficiency themes show great potential in particular.

These are essential findings of the new "Operation Efficiency Radar 2018" developed by Roland Berger and the International Association of Controllers (ICV). The radar, which now appears for the ninth time, supports primarily CFOs and heads of controlling in planning the 2018 corporate agenda.

Controlling again in the focus area

The "Operation Efficiency Radar 2018" shows the positive economic environment and increasing activities in the surveyed companies. More than 80% of the study participants expect further upturn or a boom phase for 2018. The number of levers planned for 2018 is rising in all sectors and value-added stages almost without exception. The focus of the planned levers for 2018 shifts to classic efficiency issues in "production" and "purchasing". Thus, the value-added area “production” ranks this year on the first place among all levers, after a few years replacing as the leader the "product portfolio" (second place). "Purchasing" establishes in the top 3, followed by "controlling and finance" (4th place).

Prof. Dr. Heimo Losbichler, Deputy Chairman of the International Association of Controllers (ICV) and co-author of the study: "Controlling stands more and more in the focus and the topic of production efficiency will be above all others this year. Companies have to compensate for inefficiencies that always accompany them when they grow", says Prof. Losbichler.

Special Evaluation: Robot Process Optimization and Artificial Intelligence

In 2018, the "Operations Efficiency Radar" presents for the first time a special evaluation on the Robot Process Optimization (RPA: Robot Process Automation: automation applications for standardized tasks by imitating manual activities) and Artificial Intelligence (AI: Artificial Intelligence: automation solutions for complex, non-standardized processes through forecasting and analysis of unstructured data).

"Almost two-thirds of the respondents see RPA and AI as important opportunities for their company," explains Roland Berger partner Oliver Knapp. "At the same time, they see greater benefits, above all in production, in the product portfolio and in logistics. This is where innovative applications enable higher process efficiency and a significant reduction of costs. "Almost a half of the surveyed companies plan a concrete use of robot process optimization and artificial intelligence in the next three years. However, companies should carefully analyze in which fields besides production such applications can be useful.

The "Operation Efficiency Radar"

The Operational Efficiency Radar, presented annually by Roland Berger and the International Association of Controllers (ICV), supports CFOs, heads of controlling and CEOs in identifying the key levers for the new year. In the radar, the authors determine the most important success factors for profitable company growth, thus providing decision support for the annual planning. Around 150 participants from management positions took part in the current survey in November 2017.

The International Association of Controllers (ICV) has in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland and 12 other countries in Central and Eastern Europe around 6,500 in practical Controlling active members. The key objective of ICV controlling philosophy is reaching permanent economic success. With its honorary chairman Dr. Albrecht Deyhle the association, founded in 1975 has shaped the Controlling in German speaking countries placed and influenced. The ICV merges controllers, CFOs, managers and scientists and it is strictly oriented its members’ benefit. Experience, communication and being focused on future-oriented trends are foundations of ICV. ICV combines practical experience with the latest research results and prepares its knowledge for practical implementation. The ICV is makes personal contribution to the success of its members and to the sustainable performance of companies. Siegfried Gänßlen is the chairman of ICV, CEO of Hansgrohe SE, Schiltach, Vice-Chairman of ICV is Prof. Dr. Heimo Losbichler, FH Steyr.

Roland Berger, founded in 1967, is the only one of the world's leading corporate consultancies with German origin and European roots. With around 2 400 employees in 34 countries, the company is successfully active in all globally important markets. The 50 offices of Roland Berger are located at central business locations worldwide. The consulting company is an independent partnership, which is the exclusive property of around 220 partners.

More information:

H.-P. Sander, ICV Press, EASTWESTCOM, Ammersee Denkerhaus - Coworking Space, Sonnenstr. 1, D-86911 Diessen am Ammersee, Phone +49-(0)176-63 722 680, presse@icv-controlling.com
ICV, Main Office, Münchner Str. 8, D-82237 Wörthsee, Phone +49-(0)8153-88 974-20; www.icv-controlling.com

Roland Berger:
Claudia Russo, Head of Marketing & Communications
Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Phone +49 89 9230-8190; e-mail: Claudia.Russo@rolandberger.com
www.rolandberger.com