Planning teams are under pressure to respond faster to changing business conditions. BARC’s research argues that the emerging constraint is not simply data availability or processing power, but how quickly planning models, assumptions and scenarios can be adapted—with control.

This BARC Spotlight report examines how modeling agents could shorten model-change cycles, where they differ from conversational planning assistants, and why trusted data, governance and human accountability remain essential.

Inside the report, you'll find:

• Why data management is the top EPM priority for 2026 in BARC’s CPM Trend Monitor
• A readiness checklist covering data consistency, model agility and governance for FP&A leaders
• What buyers should validate before adopting modeling agents and conversational planning assistants
• How SAP's approach to continuous planning balances automation with human oversight

The full BARC Spotlight brings the data and the readiness questions together in one place.

Download report